2004 Mercury Sable warning

STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
2. LOCK, locks the automatic
transmission gearshift lever and
allows key removal.
3. OFF, shuts off the engine without
locking the steering wheel. This
position also allows the automatic
transmission shift lever to be moved from the P (Park) position without
the brake pedal being depressed.
When the key is in the ignition and in the OFF position, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted
vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.
4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated with
engine off. Key position when driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
1
23
4
5
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
Driving
128

RefertoBrakesystem warning
lightin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s
anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check after you start
the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be
heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS
warning light will come on.
The ABS operates by detecting the onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when the brakes are firmly applied.
Using ABS
•In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four-wheel
ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel
ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain steering
control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will
enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled
stop.
•The anti-lock system does not reduce stopping distance. Always leave
enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to
stop.
•We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
ABS warning lamp
The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.P!
BRAKE
ABS
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
133

Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately.)
Parking brake
To set the parking brake (1), press
the parking brake pedal down until
the pedal stops.
To release, pull the lever (2).
Always set the parking
brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
The BRAKE warning lamp will
illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake
is released.
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Park brake warning chime
Sounds when the parking brake is set, the engine is running, the vehicle
speed is greater than 5 km/h (3 mph), and the transaxle is not in P
(Park) or N (Neutral). The chime will shut off when the parking brake is
disengaged.
TRACTION CONTROL(IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Traction Control
system. This
system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle,
especially on slippery road surfaces such as snow- or ice-covered roads
and gravel roads. The system will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction in these conditions.
P!
BRAKE
2
1
P!
BRAKE
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
134

Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle
Your automatic overdrive transaxle
provides fully automatic operation in
either
(Overdrive) or D (Drive).
Driving with the gearshift lever
in
(Overdrive) gives the best
fuel economy for normal driving
conditions. For manual control, start
in 1 (First) and then shift manually.
If your vehicle is equipped with a
console-mounted gearshift lever, you
must press the thumb button on the
side of the gearshift lever to move
the gearshift lever from P (Park).
To put your vehicle in gear, start the
engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move the gearshift lever out of
P (Park).
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever
from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
137

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with applicable
exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic converter and
other emission control components continue to work properly:
•Use only unleaded fuel (or E85, if equipped with the 3.0L FFV V6
engine).
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed in yourScheduled Maintenance Guide
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in theScheduled Maintenance
Guideare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the
indicator, charging system warning light or the
temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or loss of
engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is not
working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By law,
vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells,
leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent it from working.
Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on the Vehicle
Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the engine. This
decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up specifications.
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). This OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle. When theCheck
engine/Service engine soonlight illuminates, the OBD-II system has
detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause yourCheck
engine/Service engine soonlight 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 securely tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the fuel cap. After three
driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions
present, theCheck engine/Service engine soonlight 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 theCheck engine/Service engine soonlight remains on, have your
vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your
indicator is on, refer to the
description in theWarning lights and chimessection of the
Instrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the
indicator on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a“not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
211

13.Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure:Tire manufactures
maximum permissible pressure and/or the pressure at which the
maximum load can be carried by the tire. This pressure is normally
higher than the manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure
which can be found on either the tire label or certification label which is
located on the structure by the trailing edge of the driver’s door or the
edge of the driver’s door. The cold inflation pressure should never be set
lower than the recommended pressure on the vehicle label.
Note:You may not find this information on all tires because it is not
required by federal law.
The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such
as standard load, radial tubeless, etc.
Additional information contained on the tire sidewall for“LT”type
tires
“LT”type tires have some additional
information than those of“P”type
tires; these differences are
described below:
1.LT:Indicates a tire, designated by
the Tire and Rim Association
(T&RA), that is intended for service
on light trucks.
2.Load Range/Load Inflation
Limits:Indicates the tires
load-carrying capabilities and its
inflation limits.
3.Maximum Load Dual kg (lbs.)
at kPa (psi) cold:Indicates the
maximum load and tire pressure
when the tire is used as a dual; a
dual is defined as when four tires are put on the rear axle (a total of six
or more tires on the vehicle).
4.Maximum Load Single kg (lbs.) at kPa (psi) cold:Indicates the
maximum load and tire pressure when the tire is used as a single; a
single is defined as when two tires (total) are put on the rear axle.
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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A
Accessory delay ..........................48
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................107–108, 113
and child safety seats ............109
description ......................108, 113
disposal ....................................115
driver air bag ..........108, 110, 114
indicator light .........................113
operation .................108, 110, 114
passenger air bag ...108, 110, 114
side air bag ..............................113
Air cleaner filter .......................229
Air conditioning ..........................25
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................196
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................133
Anti-theft system ........................85
arming the system ....................85
disarming a triggered system ..86
Audio system (see Radio) ...15, 18
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................214
fluid, checking ........................214
fluid, refill capacities ..............230
fluid, specification ..................233
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................138
Auxiliary power point .................47
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........231
B
Battery .......................................194acid, treating emergencies .....194
jumping a disabled battery ....162
maintenance-free ....................194
replacement, specifications ...229
servicing ..................................194
BeltMinder .................................102
Brakes ........................................132
anti-lock ...................................133
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................133
fluid, checking and adding ....214
fluid, refill capacities ..............230
fluid, specifications .........231, 233
lubricant specifications ..231, 233
parking ....................................134
shift interlock ..........................136
Bulbs ............................................34
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....230
Cargo area shade ........................69
Cargo cover .................................69
Cargo net ...............................68–69
CD changer .................................20
CD-single premium ...............15, 18
Cell phone use ............................67
Certification Label ....................235
Changing a tire .........................157
Child safety restraints ..............116
child safety belts ....................116
Child safety seats ......................118
attaching with tether straps ..123
in front seat ............................120
in rear seat ......................120, 122
Cigar lighter
Power Point ..............................47
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
Index
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