2001 Mercury Sable octane

Theindicator light illuminates when the ignition is first turned to
the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the engine is
started, one of the engine's emission control systems may be
malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern
being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require
towing.
What you should do if thelight illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause your
light to illuminate.
Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely
tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with high quality fuel of the recommended octane and/or properly
installing and securely tightening the gas cap. After three driving cycles
without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the
light should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup
followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is
required.
If the
light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first
available opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter.
You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Instrumentation
10

The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system
components.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based compounds containing MMT.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
ªRegularº unleaded gasoline with
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
We do not recommend the use of
gasolines labeled as ªRegularº that
are sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in high altitude areas.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of ªRegularº unleaded
gasoline. ªPremiumº unleaded gasoline is not recommended (particularly
in the United States) because it may cause these problems to become
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance and care
185

more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world's automakers
issued the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline
specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control
system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide
Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier
about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter. In Canada,
look for fuels that display theAuto Makers' Choiceylogo.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated ªcleaner-burningº gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
²You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
²The
indicator may come on. For more information on the
ªService Engine Soonº indicator, refer to theInstrumentation
chapter.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate
intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Maintenance and care
186

Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fillups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1 600 km (1 000
miles) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3 000 km±5 000 km (2 000 miles-3 000 miles).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill Capacities
section of theCapacities and specificationschapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
²Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
²Use the same filling rate setting (low Ð medium Ð high) each time
the tank is filled.
²Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
²Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
²Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
Maintenance and care
187

ItemsFord Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Engine coolant Ford Premium
Engine Coolant
(green colored)VC-4±A (in
Canada,
Motorcraft
CXC-10)ESE-M97B44-A
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AC ESR-M17P5-A
ENGINE DATA
Engine 3.0L V6 Vulcan
engine3.0L DOHC V6
Duratec engine
Cubic inches 182 183
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-4-2-5-3-6 1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark plug gap 1.07-1.17 mm
(0.042-0.046 inch)1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-00.056 inch)
Ignition system EDIS EDIS
Compression ratio 9.3:1 10.0:1
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Vehicle dimensions Sedan mm (in) Wagon mm (in)
(1) Overall length 5 075 (199.9) 5 069.8 (197.8)
(2) Overall width 1 854 (73.0) 1 854.2 (73.0)
(3) Overall height 1 463 (57.6) 1 468 (57.8)
(4) Wheelbase 2 757 (108.5) 2 757 (108.5)
(5) Track - Front 1 566 (61.6) 1 566 (61.6)
(5) Track - Rear 1 577.0 (62.1) 1 570 (61.8)
Capacities and specifications
213

idle speed control ...................175
lubrication
specifications ..................212±213
refill capacities ........................211
service points ..................155±156
starting after a collision .........136
Engine block heater .................116
Engine oil ..................................157
checking and adding ..............157
dipstick ....................................157
filter, specifications ........159, 210
recommendations ...................159
refill capacities ........................211
specifications ..................212±213
Exhaust fumes ..........................116
F
Floor mats ...................................59
Fluid capacities .........................211
Foglamps .....................................18
Fuel ............................................182
calculating fuel economy .......187
cap .......................................9, 184
capacity ...................................211
choosing the right fuel ...........185
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................190
detergent in fuel .....................186
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................182, 184, 187
filter, specifications ........186, 210
fuel pump shut-off switch .....136
gauge .........................................16
improving fuel economy ........187
low fuel warning light ..............11
octane rating ...................185, 213
quality ......................................185
running out of fuel .................186safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................182
Fuses ..................................138±139
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ........9, 184
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................187
Gauges .........................................14
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................15
fuel gauge ..................................16
odometer ...................................15
speedometer .............................14
tachometer ................................14
trip odometer ............................15
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .....128
definition .................................128
driving with a heavy load ......128
location ....................................128
GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) .............128
calculating ...............................128
definition .................................128
driving with a heavy load ......128
location ....................................128
H
Hazard flashers .........................136
Head restraints ...........................77
Headlamps ...................................17
aiming ..............................202±203
autolamp system .......................18
bulb specifications ..................201
daytime running lights .............17
flash to pass ..............................17
Index
233

GAWR ......................................128
GVWR ......................................128
trailer towing ..........................128
Locks
autolock .....................................71
childproof ..................................57
Lubricant specifications ...212±213
Lumbar support, seats ...............79
M
Mirrors .........................................54
cleaning ...................................206
heated ........................................58
side view mirrors (power) .......58
Moon roof ....................................54
Motorcraft parts ................186, 210
O
Octane rating ............................185
Odometer .....................................15
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................157
Overdrive ...................................124
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................65
Parking brake ............................120
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....210
Pedals (see Power
adjustable foot pedals) ...............46
Power adjustable foot pedals .....46
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................141Power door locks ........................57
Power steering ..........................122
fluid, checking and adding ....167
fluid, refill capacity ................211
fluid, specifications .........212±213
R
Radio ............................................29
Relays ................................138, 143
Remote entry system ...........63, 65
illuminated entry ......................65
locking/unlocking doors ...........64
opening the trunk .....................64
panic alarm ...............................65
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................65
replacing the batteries .............66
Roof rack ...................................134
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ............13, 81, 83±87, 89
Safety defects, reporting ..........230
Safety restraints ..............81, 83±90
belt minder ...............................92
cleaning the safety belts ..95, 209
extension assembly ..................91
for adults .............................84±87
for children .....................103±104
lap belt ......................................89
warning light
and chime ........................9, 13, 92
Safety seats for children ..........105
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............81
Seats ............................................77
Index
235

Item Information
Required fuel Refer to9Octane
recommendations9in the
Maintenance and carechapter.
Fuel tank capacity 68.1L (18 gallons)
Engine oil capacity (including filter
change)-3.0L V6 Vulcan engine4.25L (4.5 quarts) Use Motorcraft
SAE 5W-20 Super Premium Motor
Oil, Ford specification
WSS-M2C153-H.
Engine oil capacity (including filter
change)-3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec
engine5.2L (5.5 quarts) Use Motorcraft
SAE 5W-20 Super Premium Motor
Oil, Ford specification
WSS-M2C153-H.
Tire size and pressure Refer to Certification Label located
on driver's side door panel. Inflate
temporary spare to 414 kPa (60
psi).
Hood release Pull handle under the left side of
the instrument panel.
Coolant capacity (3.0L V6 Vulcan
engine)
111.0L (11.6 quarts)
Coolant capacity (3.0L DOHC V6
Duratec engine)
110.0L (10.6 quarts)
Power steering fluid capacity-3.0L
V6 Vulcan engineKeep in FULL range on dipstick.
Power steering fluid capacity-3.0L
DOHC V6 Duratec engineFill to line on reservoir.
Automatic transaxle capacity
(4F50N)-3.0L V6 Vulcan engine
212.8L (13.5 quarts) Use Motorcraft
MERCONtV ATF.
Automatic transaxle capacity
(4F50N)-3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec
engine
2
12.7L (13.4 quarts) Use Motorcraft
MERCONtV ATF.
Automatic transaxle capacity
(AX4S)-3.0L V6 Vulcan engine
211.6L (12.2. quarts) Use
Motorcraft MERCONtV ATF.
Filling station information
239