2000 Mercury Sable ABS

ABS warning lampABS
TheABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the
ABS needs to be serviced.
With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake
released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately.)
Using ABS
²In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is
required, apply continuous force on the brake. The ABS will be
activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control
of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you
to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
²The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time necessary to apply
the brakes or always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough
room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop.
²We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
P!
BRAKE
Driving
113

Pull the release lever to release the
brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
TRACTION CONTROLY(IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with the optional Traction Controly
system. This system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of
your vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery and/or hilly road surfaces.
The system operates by detecting and controlling wheel spin. The system
borrows many of the electronic and mechanical elements already present
in the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Wheel-speed sensors allow excess front wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Controlyportion of the ABS computer. Any excessive wheel
spin is controlled by automatically applying and releasing the front
brakes in conjunction with engine torque reductions. Engine torque
reduction is realized via the fully electronic spark and fuel injection
systems. This process is very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast
acting. The front wheels ªsearchº for optimum traction several times a
second and adjustments are made accordingly.
The Traction Controlysystem will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces. The system is a driver aid
which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow, ice covered
and gravel roads.
Driving
115

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment
Fuse Panel Description
13 20A Cigar Lighter, Auxiliary Power Point
14 Ð Not Used
15 30A Front Wiper Motor
16 15A Flasher and GEM Power, Integrated Control
Panel (ICP) Power, RCC Memory, Cluster
17 15A Stop Lamp, Speed Control Deactivating
Switch
18 Ð Not Used
19 Ð Not Used
20 Ð Not Used
21 Ð Not Used
22 20A Deck Lid Release Solenoid, Lock/Unlock
Relays
23 10A Air Bag Module, PATS Transceiver
24 15A Foglamps, Transit Relay
25 2A PCM Relay
26 10A Mirrors, Power Antenna, Pulse Stretcher
Module, Deck Lid Lamp, Battery Saver
27 10A Gauges and Warning Lamps, Integrated
Control Panel (ICP), FFV Sender, GEM
28 10A Blower Motor Relay Coil, EATC Logic
29 15A Autolamps, Headlamp Switch
30 15A Horns and Horn Switch, OBD II Connector
31 Ð Not Used
32 10A ABS, DRL Relay Coil, Speed Control
Actuator, Traction Control Switch, AC
Heater Selector Switch, Blend Door
Actuator, Brake Shift Interlock
33 Ð Not Used
34 Ð Not Used
35 Ð Not Used
36 15A Turn Signals, Back-up Lamps
Roadside emergencies
134

Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or
mishandled.
Gasoline may contain benzene, which is a cancer-causing agent.
Observe the following guidelines when handling automotive fuel:
²Extinguish all smoking materials
and any open flames before
fueling your vehicle.
²Always turn off the vehicle before
fueling.
²Automotive fuels can be harmful
or fatal if swallowed. Fuel such as
gasoline is highly toxic and if
swallowed can cause death or
permanent injury. If fuel is
swallowed, call a physician immediately, even if no symptoms are
immediately apparent. The toxic effects of fuel may not be visible for
hours.
²Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling too much fuel vapor of any kind
can lead to eye and respiratory tract irritation. In severe cases,
excessive or prolonged breathing of fuel vapor can cause serious
illness and permanent injury.
²Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If fuel is splashed in the eyes,
remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15 minutes and
seek medical attention. Failure to seek proper medical attention could
lead to permanent injury.
²Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If fuel is
splashed on the skin and/or clothing, promptly remove contaminated
clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Repeated or
prolonged skin contact with fuel liquid or vapor causes skin irritation.
²Be particularly careful if you are taking ªAntabuseº or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline vapors,
or skin contact could cause an adverse reaction. In sensitive
individuals, serious personal injury or sickness may result. If fuel is
Maintenance and care
178

splashed on the skin, promptly wash skin thoroughly with soap and
water. Consult a physician immediately if you experience an adverse
reaction.
When refueling always shut the engine off and never allow
sparks or open flames near the filler neck. Never smoke while
refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain conditions.
Care should be taken to avoid inhaling excess fumes.
The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can produce static
electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is pumped into an
ungrounded fuel container.
Use the following guidelines to avoid static build-up when filling an
ungrounded fuel container:
²Place approved fuel container on the ground.
²DO NOT fill a fuel container while it is in the vehicle.
²Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while
filling.
²DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill
position.
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/8 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
After refueling, if the
indicator comes on and stays on when you
start the engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly installed. Turn
off the engine, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap properly and
Maintenance and care
179

5. Disconnect the electrical
connector from the bulb by pulling
rearward.
6. Remove the bulb retaining ring by
rotating it counterclockwise.
7. Remove the old bulb from the
lamp assembly by pulling it straight
out of the lamp assembly.
To install the new bulb:
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep out of
children's reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base and do
not touch the glass. The oil from your hand could cause the bulb to
break the next time the headlamps are operated.
1. Install the new bulb in lamp assembly by pushing straight in with the
flat surface of the bulb's plastic base facing upward. You may need to
turn the bulb slightly to align the grooves in the plastic base with the
tabs in the lamp assembly.
Maintenance and care
189

Accessory delay ..........................53
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ................93,94,97
and child safety seats ..............95
description ...........................94,97
disposal ......................................99
driver air bag ..................93,96,98
indicator light ......................12,96
operation .........................93,96,98
passenger air bag ...........93,96,98
side air bag ................................97
Air cleaner filter .......................204
Air conditioning ..........................18
automatic temperature
control system ..........................22
Air filter, cabin ..........................165
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................156
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .......................112,113
Anti-theft system ........................63
arming the system ....................63
disarming a triggered system ..65
warning light .............................11
Audio system (see Radio) .........28
Automatic transaxle .................117
driving with .............................119
fluid, adding ............................162
fluid, checking ........................162
fluid, refill capacities ..............205
fluid, specification ..................207
Auxiliary power point .................28
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........206
Battery .......................................170
acid, treating emergencies .....170
charging system
warning light .............................12
jumping a disabled battery ....141
maintenance-free ....................170
replacement, specifications ...204
servicing ..................................170Belt minder .................................89
Brakes ........................................112
anti-lock ............................112,113
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ..........11,113
brake warning light ..................12
fluid, checking and adding ....154
fluid, refill capacities ..............205
fluid, specifications ..........206,207
lubricant specifications ...206,207
parking ....................................114
pedals (see Power
adjustable foot pedals) ............42
shift interlock ..........................117
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ....205
Cargo area shade ........................58
Cargo cover .................................57
Cargo net .....................................57
CD changer .................................38
Cellular telephone
Wireless Interface Module .......50
Certification Label ....................209
Child safety restraints ..............100
child safety belts ....................100
Child safety seats ......................101
attaching with tether straps ..105
in front seat ............................102
in rear seat .......................102,105
Cleaning your vehicle ...............197
engine compartment ..............200
exterior ....................................199
exterior lamps .........................200
instrument panel ....................202
instrument panel lens ............202
interior ..............................202,203
mirrors .....................................199
plastic parts ............................199
safety belts ..............................203
washing ....................................198
waxing .....................................198
wheels ......................................199
Index
224

anti-lock brakes (ABS) .....11,113
anti-theft ...................................11
brake ..........................................12
charging system ........................12
check coolant ............................11
cruise indicator .........................11
door ajar ......................................9
high beam ...................................8
low coolant ................................10
low fuel ......................................10
oil pressure ...............................12
safety belt ...................................9
service engine soon ....................9
speed control ............................46
traction control active ................8
turn signal indicator ...................8
Load limits .................................122
GAWR ......................................122
GVWR ......................................122
trailer towing ..........................122
Locks
autolock .....................................68
childproof ..................................53
Lubricant specifications ....206,207
Lumbar support, seats ...............75
Mirrors .........................................50
cleaning ...................................199
heated ........................................54
side view mirrors (power) .......54
Moon roof ....................................50
Motorcraft parts .................182,204
Octane rating ............................180
Odometer .....................................15
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................151
Overdrive ...................................118
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................60
Parking brake ............................114
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....204
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................42
Power adjustable foot pedals .....42Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................135
Power door locks ........................53
Power steering ..........................116
fluid, checking and adding ....161
fluid, refill capacity ................205
fluid, specifications ..........206,207
Radio ............................................28
Relays .................................132,137
Remote entry system ............59,60
illuminated entry ......................61
locking/unlocking doors ......59,60
opening the trunk .....................60
panic alarm ...............................60
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................61
replacing the batteries .............62
Roof rack ...................................128
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) .....13,78,80
81,82,83,84,85
Safety defects, reporting ..........223
Safety
restraints ..78,80,81,82,83,84,85,86
belt minder ...............................89
cleaning the safety belts ...92,203
extension assembly ..................88
for adults ....................81,82,83,84
for children ........................99,100
lap belt ......................................86
warning light and chime ..9,13,88
Safety seats for children ..........101
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............78
Seats ............................................73
child safety seats ....................101
cleaning ............................202,203
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ....................69,70
Servicing your vehicle ..............147
Spark plugs,
specifications ......................204,207
Index
227