2000 Mercury Sable bulb

Replacing license plate lamp bulbs
The following procedure is for wagons only. For sedans, refer to a
qualified technician.
1. Remove screw and the license
plate lamp assembly from liftgate.
2. Remove bulb socket by turning
counterclockwise.
3. Carefully pull the bulb out from
the socket and push in the new
bulb.
4. Install the lamp assembly on
liftgate with screw.
Replacing tail/brake/turn signal/backup lamp bulbs
Sedan
The tail lamp, brake lamp, turn
signal lamp and backup lamp bulbs
are located in the same portion of
the tail lamp assembly. Follow the
same steps to replace either bulb.
1. Open trunk and remove two
plastic mushroom nuts, three push
pins and the plastic cover from
inside the trunk to access the lamp
assembly.
2. Carefully pull the carpet away to
expose the lamp assembly hardware.
3. Remove four nut and washer
assemblies and the lamp assembly
from the vehicle.
Maintenance and care
192

4. Remove the bulb socket by
rotating it counterclockwise, then
pulling it out of the lamp assembly.
5. Pull the bulb from the socket and
push in the new bulb.
6. Install the bulb socket into the
lamp assembly by rotating it
clockwise.
7. Install the lamp assembly on the
vehicle with four nut and washer
assemblies ensuring the washers on the nuts are flush with the body to
prevent water from entering the trunk.
8. Carefully push the carpet back in to place and install the plastic cover
inside the trunk with three push pins and two plastic mushroom nuts.
Wagon
The tail lamp/turn lamp bulbs are
located in the same portion of the
tail lamp assembly, one just below
the other. Follow the same steps to
replace either bulb:
1. Open the liftgate to expose the
lamp assemblies.
2. Remove the two bolts from the
tail lamp assembly.
3. Carefully pull the lamp assembly
from the tailgate.
4. Twist the bulb socket
counterclockwise and remove from
lamp assembly.
5. Pull the bulb straight out of the
socket and push in the new bulb.
6. Install bulb socket in lamp
assembly by turning clockwise.
7. Carefully install the tail lamp assembly on tailgate and secure with two
bolts.
Maintenance and care
193

Replacing the interior bulbs
Check the operation of the following interior bulbs frequently:
²interior overhead lamp
²map lamp
For bulb replacement, see a dealer or qualified technician.
Using the right bulbs
Replacement bulbs are specified in the chart below. Headlamp bulbs must
be marked with an authorized ªD.O.T.º for North America and an ªEº for
Europe to assure lamp performance, light brightness and pattern and safe
visibility. The correct bulbs will not damage the lamp assembly or void the
lamp assembly warranty and will provide quality bulb burn time.
Maintenance and care
194

FunctionNumber of
bulbsTrade Number
Front park/turn lamp 23457 NAK
(amber)
Headlamp 29007 QL (9007
LL optional)
Tail lamp/brake/turn lamp 2 3157
Tail lamp/brake lamp (wagon) 2 3157
Rear turn lamp (wagon) 2 3156K
Backup lamp 2 921
Backup lamp (wagon) 2 3156K
License plate lamp 2 168
High-mount brake lamp 3 912
Rear side marker lamp (wagon) 2 168
Foglamp (if equipped) 2 899
Cargo lamp (wagon) 1 578
Dome lamp 1 578
Dome/map lamp 3 578
Dome lamp/moon roof 2 578
Visor vanity lamp (passenger/driver) 2 DE 3021
Floor console 2 194
Luggage compartment lamp 1 906
I/P ashtray lamp 1 194
All replacement bulbs are clear in color except where noted.
To replace all instrument panel lights - see your dealer.
Maintenance and care
195

AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
The headlamps on your vehicle are properly aimed at the assembly plant.
If your vehicle has been in an accident the alignment of your headlamps
should be checked by a qualified service technician.
Vertical aim adjustment
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface approximately 7.6 meters (25 feet)
from a vertical wall or screen directly in front of it.
²(A) Eight feet
²(B) Center height of lamp to ground
²(C) Twenty five feet
²(D) Horizontal reference line
1. Measure the height of the headlamp bulb center from the ground and
mark a 2.5 meter (8 foot) horizontal reference line on the vertical wall or
screen at this height (a piece of masking tape works well).
2. Turn on the low beam headlamps to illuminate the wall or screen and
open the hood.
A
D
B
C
Maintenance and care
196

improving fuel economy ........182
low fuel warning light ..............10
octane rating ....................180,207
quality ......................................181
running out of fuel .................181
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................177
Fuses ...................................132,133
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............179
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................182
Gauges .........................................13
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................14
fuel gauge ..................................15
odometer ...................................15
speedometer .............................13
tachometer ................................14
trip odometer ............................15
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .....122
definition .................................122
driving with a heavy load ......122
location ....................................122
GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) .............122
calculating ...............................122
definition .................................122
driving with a heavy load ......122
location ....................................122
Hazard flashers .........................130
Head restraints ...........................73
Headlamps ...................................16
aiming ......................................196
autolamp system .......................17
bulb specifications ..................194
daytime running lights .............16
flash to pass ..............................16
high beam ..............................8,16
replacing bulbs .......................188
turning on and off ....................16
warning chime ..........................13Heating ........................................18
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................18
Hood ..........................................148
Ignition ..................................43,207
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................101
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................186
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................202
cluster ...................................8,202
lighting up
panel and interior .....................17
location of components ..............8
Jump-starting your vehicle ......141
Keyless entry system .................66
autolock .....................................68
keypad .......................................66
locking and unlocking doors ....67
programming entry code .........66
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............13
positions of the ignition ...........43
Lamps
autolamp system .......................17
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................194
cargo lamps ...............................17
daytime running light ...............16
fog lamps ...................................17
headlamps .................................16
headlamps, flash to pass ..........16
instrument panel, dimming .....17
interior lamps ...............48,49,194
replacing
bulbs ............187,188,190,191,192
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................46
Liftgate ...................................56,60
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
air bag ........................................12
Index
226