1999 Mercury Sable coolant temperature

Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates the
temperature of the
engine coolant. At
normal operating
temperature, the
needle remains within
the normal area (the
area between the ªHº
and ªCº). If it enters the red section, the engine is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, switch off the engine immediately and let
the engine cool. Refer toEngine coolantin the
Maintenance and carechapter.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap
while the engine is running or hot.
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine
coolant, not the coolant level. If the coolant is not at
its proper level the gauge indication will not be
accurate.
Odometer
Registers the total
kilometers (miles) of
the vehicle.
Trip odometer
Registers the
kilometers (miles) of
individual journeys. To
reset, depress the
control.
C H
102030405060
70
80
90
100
1202060100
140
180
P R N D 2 1MPH km/h
00
000
00000
110
102030405060
70
80
90
100
1202060100
140
180
P R N D 2 1MPH km/h
00
000
00000
110
Instrumentation
14

Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate briefly.
If a light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle
serviced.
²If the driver's safety belt is fastened, the
light
may not illuminate.
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Turn the key to 5
(START) without
pressing the
accelerator pedal and
release as soon as the
engine starts. The key
will return to 4 (ON).
2. If the temperature is above ±12É C (10É F) and
the engine does not start within five seconds on the
first try, turn the key to OFF, wait ten seconds and
try again.
3. If the temperature is below -12ÉC (10ÉF) and the
engine does not start in fifteen seconds on the first
try, turn the key OFF and wait ten seconds and try
again. If the engine does not start in two attempts,
depress the accelerator and start the engine while
holding the accelerator down to the floor. Release
the accelerator when the engine starts.
4. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake
and release the parking brake.
CRUISE
RPMx1000
0 1234
5
6
7EFC H
FUEL DOOR>
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOONP!
BRAKEABS
+ –
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
THEFT LOW
COOLANTO/D
OFF102030405060
70
80
90
100
1202060100
140
180
P R N D 2 1MPH km/h
00
000
00000
110
1
23
4
5
Starting
98

Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant,
which improves starting, warms up the engine faster
and allows the heater-defroster system to respond
quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly
recommended if you live in a region where
temperatures reach -23ÉC (-10ÉF) or below.
For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before starting the vehicle. Using the heater
for longer than three hours will not harm the engine,
so the heater can be plugged in the night before
starting the vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your
heater with ungrounded electrical systems
or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is
present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind
inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect
and fix your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if
you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful
and could kill you.
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:
²the vehicle is raised for service.
²the sound of the exhaust system changes.
²the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.
Starting
99

Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any
engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. Do not use supplemental coolant
additives in your vehicle. These additives may harm
your engine cooling system. The use of an improper
coolant may void the warranty of your vehicle's
engine cooling system.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers use recycled engine coolant
produced by Ford-approved processes.
Not all coolant recycling processes produce coolant
which meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44±A, and
use of such coolant may harm engine and cooling
system components.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
regulations and standards for recycling and disposing
of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling
system can hold, refer toRefill capacitiesin the
Capacities and specificationschapter.
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system
for leaks if you have to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0
quart) of engine coolant per month.
Severe winter climate
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than
±36ÉC [±34ÉF]), it may be necessary to increase the
coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to the chart
on the coolant container to ensure the coolant
concentration in your vehicle is such that the
coolant will not freeze at the temperature level in
which you drive during winter months. Never
increase the engine coolant concentration above
60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and
water in your vehicle year-round in non-extreme
climates.
Maintenance and care
145

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING
FLUID
Check the power
steering fluid. Refer to
the Scheduled
Maintenance Guide for
the service interval
schedules. If adding
fluid is necessary, use
only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches
normal operating temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be near the center
of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel
left and right several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
Perform steps 4 and 5 following the procedure for
your engine.
3.0L Vulcan engine
4. Check the fluid level
on the dipstick. It
should be between the
arrows in the FULL
HOT range. Do not add
fluid if the level is
within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the
FULL HOT range. Be sure to put the dipstick back
in the reservoir.
FULL HOT
Maintenance and care
146

Accessory delay ........ 49
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........ 83
and child
safety seats ............. 85
description .............. 84
disposal .................... 88
indicator light ......... 87
passenger air bag ... 86
Air conditioning
automatic
temperature control
system . 22,23,24,25,27
Anti-theft system . 60,67
arming the system .. 60
disarming a triggered
system ..................... 62
Automatic transaxle. 105
driving
with .......... 107,108,109
Brakes ...................... 101
anti-lock .......... 101,102
anti-lock brake
system (ABS)
warning light ......... 102
fluid, checking and
adding .................... 141
shift interlock ........ 105
Break-in period ........ 2,3
Cargo area shade ...... 55
Cargo cover ............... 55
Cargo net ................... 54
CD changer. 37,38,39,40
Cellular telephone
(see your Cellular
Phone Guide) ............ 52
Child safety seats
attaching with tether
straps ....................... 94
in rear seat ......... 92,94
tether anchorage
hardware ................. 95
Cleaning
your vehicle
.............. 175
engine
compartment ......... 176
exterior .................. 176
exterior lamps ....... 178
interior ................... 179
plastic parts .......... 178
washing .................. 175
waxing ................... 176
wheels .................... 176
wiper blades .......... 178
Console ...................... 52
Controls
power seat ............... 71
Coolant .................... 145
checking
and adding ............ 143
refill capacities ...... 145
Customer Assistance
Ford accessories
for your
vehicle ..... 198,199,200
Ford Extended
Service Plan .......... 190
Getting assistance
outside the
U.S. and Canada ... 197
Getting roadside
assistance .............. 189
Getting the service
you need ........ 191,192
Ordering additional
owner's literature . 203
The Dispute
Settlement Board . 193
194,195,196
Defrost
rear window ............ 18
Doors
central unlocking .... 50
Index
205

Emission
control system ......... 166
Engine
coolant ................... 143
idle speed control . 149
service points . 137,138
starting after a
collision ................. 118
Engine block heater . 99
Engine oil
checking
and adding ............ 140
dipstick .................. 138
specifications . 138,140
Exhaust fumes .......... 99
Floor mats ................. 52
Fuel
choosing
the right fuel ......... 160
comparisons with
EPA fuel economy
estimates ............... 166
detergent in fuel ... 161
filling your vehicle
with fuel ......... 157,159
quality .................... 161
running out of fuel 162
safety information
relating to
automotive fuels ... 157
Fuses ................. 119,120
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ................. 162
163,164,165
Gauges ....................... 12
engine coolant
temperature gauge . 14
fuel gauge ................ 15
odometer ................. 14
speedometer ........... 12
tachometer .............. 13
trip odometer .......... 14Hazard flashers ....... 118
Head restraints ......... 70
Headlamps
aiming ............. 173,174
bulb specifications. 172
high beam ............ 6,16
Heating ...................... 18
heating and air
conditioning
system ........... 18,19,21
Hood ........................ 136
Ignition ..................... 184
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ............ 168
Instrument panel ........ 6
cleaning ................. 178
Keyless entry system
autolock ................... 65
keypad ..................... 62
locking and
unlocking doors ...... 64
programming entry
code .................... 63,64
Keys
positions of the
ignition .................... 40
Lamps
autolamp system ..... 17
daytime
running light ........... 16
headlamps ............... 16
headlamps, flash to
pass .......................... 17
instrument panel,
dimming ................... 17
interior lamps .. 47,172
replacing
bulbs ........ 169,171,172
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ...... 45
Liftgate ...................... 57
remote release ........ 53
Index
206