Page 26 of 248

6.Auto:To engage automatic
temperature control, press AUTO to
select the desired temperature using
the temperature control. The system will automatically determine fan
speed, airflow location, outside or recirculated air to heat or cool the
vehicle to reach the desired temperature.
7.Fan Speed:Press to manually
increase/decrease fan speed. In
manual mode, the display will
show
with a bar graph to indicate fan speed. When in AUTO mode,
the system will automatically control fan speed to achieve the desired
temperature.
8.Manual override controls:
Allows you to manually determine
where airflow is directed. To return
to full automatic control, press
AUTO.
9.F
:Distributes outside air
through the windshield defroster
ducts. Can be used to clear ice or
fog from the windshield. Outside air and A/C will be automatically
engaged to assist in clearing the windshield.
10.Rear defrost control:Press to
defrost the rear window.
11.
:Distributes air through the windshield defroster ducts and floor
ducts. The system will automatically provide outside air to reduce
window fogging.
12.
:Distributes air through the floor and rear seat floor ducts (if
equipped).
13.
:Distributes air through the instrument panel and center console
registers (if equipped), the front and rear seat floor ducts.
14.
:Distributes air through the instrument panel and center console
registers (if equipped).
Fahrenheit/Celsius temperature:Press A/C and F
controls at the
same time, to toggle between Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature. The
set point temperatures in Celsius will be displayed in one degree
increments.
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Climate Controls
26
Page 27 of 248

OPERATING TIPS
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle: do not drive with the
control in the OFF mode or in recirculation mode without the A/C
engaged.
•Under normal weather conditions, do not leave the air flow selector in
OFF when the vehicle is parked. This allows the vehicle to“breathe”
using the outside air inlet vents.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
The rear defroster control is located
on the instrument panel.
Press the rear defroster control to
clear the rear window of thin ice
and fog.
•A small LED will illuminate when
the rear defroster is activated.
The ignition must be in the ON position to operate the rear window
defroster.
R
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Climate Controls
27
Page 38 of 248

2.Install the bulb retaining ring over the plastic base and lock the ring
by rotating clockwise until it snaps into place.
3. Connect the electrical connector to the bulb.
4. Install the protective dust shield and lock the shield by rotating it
clockwise until it locks into position.
5. Carefully position the headlamp assembly onto the vehicle.
6. Hold the headlamp assembly snugly against the vehicle and install the
retainer pins straight down to lock the lamp into place.
7. Before reinstalling the bolt, make sure the retainer pins are fully
seated, and install bolt on headlamp housing.
8. Turn the headlamps on and make sure they work properly. If the
headlamp was correctly aligned before you changed the bulb, you should
not need to align it again.
Replacing front parking lamp/turn signal/cornering lamp bulbs
1. Make sure the headlamp control
is in the OFF position.
2. Remove the bolt from the
headlamp housing.
3. At the back of the headlamp, pry
up and remove the two retainer pins
to release the headlamp assembly
from the vehicle and pull headlamp
forward.
4. Rotate the bulb socket
counterclockwise and remove it
from the lamp assembly.
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Lights
38
Page 39 of 248

5. Carefully pull bulb straight out of
the socket and push in the new
bulb.
6. Install the bulb socket into the
lamp assembly by rotating it
clockwise.
7. Carefully position the headlamp
assembly onto the vehicle.
8. Hold the headlamp assembly snugly against the vehicle and install the
retainer pins straight down to lock the lamp into place.
9. Before reinstalling the bolt, make sure the retainer pins are fully
seated, and install bolt on headlamp housing.
10. Turn the headlamps on and make sure they work properly. If the
headlamp was correctly aligned before you changed the bulb, you should
not need to align it again.
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.
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Lights
39
Page 66 of 248

on, contact your dealer for service as soon as possible. For further
information, refer toTraction controlin theDrivingchapter.
DATA ERR.These messages indicate improper operation of the vehicle
network communication between electronic modules.
•Fuel computer
•Charging system
•Coolant system
•Traction control (if equipped)
•Door sensor
•Brake fluid
•Compass (if equipped)
•Outside temperature (if equipped)
•Engine sensor
•Transmission sensor
•Fuel cap sensor
•Seat belt sensor
•Park brake
•Oil pressure sensor
Contact your dealer as soon as possible if these messages occur on a
regular basis.
CENTER CONSOLE
Your vehicle may be equipped with a variety of console features. These
include:
•Utility compartment
•Bin mat (snap-in)
•Cupholders (front and rear)
•Coin holder slots
•Compact disc changer (if equipped)
•Tissue holder
•Rear A/C vent
•Rear ashtray (see your Ford, Lincoln Mercury dealer to obtain rear
ashtray
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
66
Page 67 of 248

Use only soft cups in the cupholder. Hard objects can injure you
in a collision.
If your vehicle is equipped with the column shift and a bench seat, it has
a center console in the center front seating position.
The center console has similar features as the full console. To open the
storage compartment, raise the armrest and pull the strap on the seat up
and toward the front of the vehicle. The rear seat area is provided with
dual cupholders.
CELL PHONE USE
The use of Mobile Communications Equipment has become increasingly
important in the conduct of business and personal affairs. However,
drivers must not compromise their own or others’safety when using
such equipment. Mobile Communications can enhance personal safety
and security when appropriately used, particularly in emergency
situations. Safety must be paramount when using mobile communications
equipment to avoid negating these benefits.
Mobile Communication Equipment includes, but is not limited to cellular
phones, pagers, portable email devices, in vehicle communications
systems, telematics devices and portable two-way radios.
A driver’s first responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle.
The most important thing you can do to prevent a crash is to
avoid distractions and pay attention to the road. Wait until it is safe to
operate Mobile Communications Equipment.
POSITIVE RETENTION FLOOR MAT
Position the driver floor mat so that
the eyelet is over the pointed end of
the retention post and rotate
forward to lock in. Make sure that
the mat does not interfere with the
operation of the accelerator or the
brake pedal. To remove the floor
mat, reverse the installation
procedure.
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
67
Page 77 of 248

2.Do not wipe off any grease on the
battery terminals on the back
surface of the circuit board.
3. Remove the old battery.
4. Insert the new battery. Refer to the diagram inside the remote entry
transmitter for the correct orientation of the battery. Press the battery
down to ensure that the battery is fully seated in the battery housing
cavity.
5. Snap the two halves back together.
Note:Replacement of the battery willnotcause the remote transmitter
to become deprogrammed from your vehicle. The remote transmitter
should operate normally after battery replacement.
Replacing lost remote entry transmitters
If you would like to have your remote entry transmitter reprogrammed
because you lost one, or would like to buy additional remote entry
transmitters, you can either reprogram them yourself, or takeall
remote entry transmittersto your authorized dealer for
reprogramming.
How to reprogram your remote entry transmitters
You must haveall remote entry transmitters(maximum of four)
available before beginning this procedure.
To reprogram the remote entry
transmitters:
1. Ensure the vehicle is
electronically unlocked.
2. Put the key in the ignition.
3. Turn the key from the 2 (LOCK)
position to 3 (OFF).
4. Cycle eight times rapidly (within 10 seconds) between the 3 (OFF)
position and 4 (ON).Note:The eighth turn must end in the 4 (ON)
position.
3
4
1 2
5
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Locks and Security
77
Page 87 of 248
SEATING
Notes:
Reclining the seatback can cause an occupant to slide under the
seat’s safety belt, resulting in severe personal injuries in the
event of a collision.
Do not pile cargo higher than the seatbacks to reduce the risk of
injury in a collision or sudden stop.
Adjustable head restraints (if equipped)
Head restraints help to limit head motion in the event of a rear collision.
The seats in your vehicle may have adjustable head restraints. Adjust
your head restraint so that it is located directly or as close as possible
behind your head.
Raise the head restraint by pulling it
upward.
To lower the head restraint:
•Push the release control.
•Push down on the head restraint.
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
Seating and Safety Restraints
87