ABOUT THIS SUPPLEMENT
This booklet supplements your ªOwner Guideº and is part of the owner's
portfolio. It describes the operation of your flexible fuel vehicle (FFV)
and how it differs from an unleaded gasoline powered vehicle. Therefore
it is very important that you read this guide and thoroughly familiarize
yourself and others operating the vehicle with this information.
Some of the information in this supplement replaces certain instructions in
the ªOwner Guideº. Please read this supplement carefully and completely.
After reading this supplement, for complete vehicle information, also refer
to the ªOwner Guideº which is included with the vehicle.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
Your vehicle is equipped with a 3.0L flexible fuel (FF) engine and fuel
system. The Sable FFV uses fuel ethanol. Unleaded gasoline may also be
used. However, methanol isnotto be used. A decal on the inside of the
fuel filler door shows you the correct alternative fuel for your FFV. See
theRefuelingsection of this supplement for more information on the
fuels which may be used in your FFV.
Your FFV can be identified by checking the eighth character of the
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) located on the forward left corner of
your instrument panel. A ª2º indicates the ethanol/gasoline FFV version.
WARNINGS
Warnings remind you to be especially careful in those areas where
carelessness can cause damage to your vehicle or personal injury to
yourself, your passengers or others. Please read all warnings carefully.
ABOUT THE WARRANTIES
The normal vehicle warranties will apply to your flexible fuel vehicle. For
further information, refer to your ªWarranty Information Booklet.º
Specified maintenance procedures must be followed. Repairs must be
made by trained personnel.
It is important that your flexible fuel vehicle be properly maintained by
Ford flexible fuel trained personnel. If a problem occurs, it is important
that properly trained personnel diagnose the cause. If the problem
relates to the fuel system, proper part replacement is imperative to keep
your vehicle operating at normal performance. Flexible fuel components
and standard fuel components are not interchangeable and if your
vehicle is not serviced in accordance with flexible fuel vehicle
procedures, damage may occur and your warranty may be invalidated.
Introduction
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PREPARING TO START YOUR VEHICLE
Climate conditions and other factors play a large part in deciding how to
start the engine. Read all the starting instructions carefully, so you'll be
aware of these factors when you start the engine.
WARNING: Before turning the key, make sure the parking brake
has been set fully. Place the gearshift in P (Park).
Do not crank the starter continuously for more than 30 seconds at a
time, as starter overheating or other damage could result. If the engine
fails or falters in starting, wait three or four seconds before re-engaging
the starter. If the engine is flooded, or fires intermittently, and fails to
start during a 30±second cranking period, wait two minutes before
attempting to start the engine again.
A computer system controls the engine's idle RPM. When you start your
vehicle, the engine's idling RPM normally runs high. These higher engine
speeds will slow down when the vehicle warms up. If they do not, have
the idle RPM checked.
WARNING: If the engine idling speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle for more than 10
minutes. Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible. Extended
idling at high engine speeds can produce very high temperatures
in the engine, fuel systems and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage to the vehicle and possibly resulting in
personal injury.
If fuel odor is detected inside the vehicle, have the vehicle checked by a
qualified service technician.
WARNING: Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or other
enclosed area. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the engine.
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
1. Make sure you and all your passengers buckle your safety belts.
2. Make sure your headlamps and other accessories are turned off.
3. Make sure the gearshift lever is in P (Park) and the parking brake is
set before you turn the key.
Starting your vehicle
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