2003 Mercury Sable brake

Seating and Safety Restraints 73
Seating 73
Safety restraints 77
Air bags 91
Child restraints 97
Driving 109
Starting 109
Brakes 114
Traction control 115
Transmission operation 117
Trailer towing 123
Roadside Emergencies 127
Getting roadside assistance 127
Hazard flasher switch 128
Fuel pump shut-off switch 128
Fuses and relays 130
Changing tires 136
Jump starting 140
Wrecker towing 145
Customer Assistance 147
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 155
Cleaning 156
Table of Contents
2

SPECIAL NOTICES
Emission warranty
The New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes Bumper-to-Bumper
Coverage, Safety Restraint Coverage, Corrosion Coverage, and 7.3L
Power Stroke Diesel Engine Coverage. In addition, your vehicle is eligible
for Emissions Defect and Emissions Performance Warranties. For a
detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered, refer to
theWarranty Guidethat is provided to you along with your Owner’s
Guide.
Data Recording
Computers in your vehicle are capable of recording detailed data
potentially including but not limited to information such as:
•the use of restraint systems including seat belts by the driver and
passengers,
•information about the performance of various systems and modules in
the vehicle, and
•information related to engine, throttle, steering, brake or other system
status.
Any of this information could potentially include information regarding
how the driver operates the vehicle potentially including but not limited
to information regarding vehicle speed, brake or accelerator application
or steering input. This information may be stored during regular
operation or in a crash or near crash event.
This stored information may be read out and used by:
•Ford Motor Company.
•service and repair facilities.
•law enforcement or government agencies.
•others who may assert a right or obtain your consent to know such
information.
Introduction
6

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAir Bag-Front
Air Bag-SideChild Seat
Child Seat Installation
WarningChild Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
AnchorBrake System
Anti-Lock Brake SystemBrake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum Based
Traction ControlAdvanceTrac

Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
Introduction
8

Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
when the engine is not running, or in a position between ON and START,
or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the ON
position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, seek service immediately from your dealership. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately by your servicing dealership.
Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your dealer immediately.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately. Normal
braking is still functional unless the brake warning light also is
illuminated.
Air bag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when ignition is turned
to ON, continues to flash or remains
on, have the system serviced
immediately. A chime will also sound when a malfunction in the
supplemental restraint system has been detected.
Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A chime will also
sound to remind you to fasten your
safety belt.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
Instrument Cluster
11

BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of all the bulbs frequently.
Using the right bulbs
Replacement bulbs are specified in the chart below. Headlamp bulbs
must be marked with an authorized“D.O.T.”for North America and an
“E”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.
Function Number of bulbsTrade
number
Front park/turn lamp 23457 AK
(amber)
Headlamp 29007 QL (9007
LL optional)
Tail lamp/brake/turn lamp 2 3157K
Tail lamp/brake lamp (wagon) 2 3057K
Rear turn lamp 2 3157AK
Rear side marker lamp 2 194
Rear turn lamp (wagon) 2 3456K
Backup lamp 2 3156K
Backup lamp (wagon) 2 3156K
License plate lamp 2 168
High-mount brake lamp
(wagon)2 912
High-mount brake lamp
(sedan)Must replace the hi-mount brake lamp
assembly
Rear side marker lamp
(wagon)2 194
Foglamp (if equipped) 2 899
Cargo lamp (wagon) 1 578
Dome lamp 2 12V10W
Lights
34

Replacing high-mount brakelamp assembly — Sedan only
To change the high-mount brake
lamp assembly:
1. Pry the light assembly away from
its housing and push rearward to
disengage it from the retaining clips.
2. Lift the front of the light
assembly from the parcel shelf.
3. Disconnect the light assembly
wiring and replace the light
assembly.
Replacing high-mount brakelamp bulbs — Wagon only
1. Open liftgate.
2. Remove two screw covers, screws
and handle from liftgate.
3. Remove two screws and the lower
trim panel from the liftgate.
4. Remove the upper trim panel.
5. Remove the rubber plug from the
lower access hole in the upper
portion of the liftgate.
Lights
39

6. Remove four nuts from the lamp
assembly.
7. Carefully lift the lamp assembly
away from the liftgate.
8. Remove the bulb socket by
rotating it counterclockwise and
pulling it out from the lamp
assembly.
9. Carefully pull the bulb straight
out of the socket and push in the
new bulb.
10. To complete installation, follow
the removal procedure in reverse order.
Replacing high-mount brakelamp bulbs—Decklid spoiler
Your vehicle may be equipped with a decklid spoiler with an integral
multiple light emitting diodes (LED) type high mount stop lamp module.
If one or more LEDs burn out, the complete lamp module has to be
replaced. See your dealer for the replacement LED module.
Lights
40

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. Make sure headlamp switch is in
OFF position and 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.
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.
Lights
43