2004 Mercury Sable heater

Outside air temperature (if equipped)
Press and hold the INFO button for
2 seconds to display the outside
temperature. To switch from a blank
display to the temperature display
or to the compass display hold the
INFO button for 2 seconds.
To turn the display off or change the display from English to metric see
your dealer.
Compass display (if equipped)
Select this function from the INFO menu. Press and hold the INFO
button for 2 seconds to select the Compass/Odometer function.
The compass reading may be affected when you drive near large
buildings, bridges, power lines and powerful broadcast antenna. Magnetic
or metallic objects placed in, on or near the vehicle may also affect
compass accuracy.
Usually, when something affects the compass readings, the compass will
correct itself after a few days of operating your vehicle in normal
conditions. If the compass still appears to be inaccurate, a manual
calibration may be necessary. Refer toCompass zone/calibration
adjustment.
Most geographic areas (zones) have a magnetic north compass point that
varies slightly from the northerly direction on maps. This variation is four
degrees between adjacent zones and will become noticeable as the
vehicle crosses multiple zones. A correct zone setting will eliminate this
error. Refer toCompass zone/calibration adjustment.
Compass zone/calibration adjustment
Perform this adjustment in an open area free from steel structures and
high voltage lines.
For optimum calibration, turn off all electrical accessories (heater/air
conditioning, wipers, etc.) and make sure all vehicle doors are shut.
1. Turn ignition to the ON position.
2. Start the engine.
3. Press and hold the INFO button for 2 seconds to select the
Compass/Odometer function. (Do not select Trip, DTE, or AFE. The top
of the message center must be blank).
Note:If the compass displaysCAL 000000.0 miinstead of heading
information, the compass will need to be calibrated. Slowly drive the
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
60

Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate or illuminate briefly. If a
light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.
•If the driver’s safety belt is fastened, the
light may not illuminate.
Starting the engine
1. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without
turning the key to 5(START).
2. Turn the key to 5 (START), then
release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
Note:If the engine does not start
within five seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait 10 seconds
and try again. If the engine still fails to start, press the accelerator to the
floor and try again; this will allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut
off in case the engine is flooded with fuel.
Cold weather starting (flexible fuel vehicles only)
In cold weather, ethanol fuel distributors should supply winter grade
(E
d85) ethanol. If summer grade (Ed85) ethanol is used in cold weather,
you may experience increased cranking times, rough idle or hesitation
until the engine has warmed up. Consult your fuel distributor for the
availability of winter grade (E
d85) ethanol. High-quality blends of winter
grade (E
d85) ethanol will produce satisfactory cold weather starting and
driving results.
Cold starting performance can also be improved by using an engine block
heater. Engine block heaters are available as an option and can be
obtained from your Ford dealer. Consult the engine block heater section
for proper use of the engine block heater.
If you experience cold weather starting problems on (E
d85) ethanol, and
neither an alternative brand of (E
d85) ethanol nor an engine block
heater is available, adding unleaded gasoline to your tank will improve
cold starting performance. Your vehicle is designed to operate on (E
d85)
ethanol, unleaded gasoline alone, or any mixture of the two.
If the engine fails to start using the preceding instructions (flexible
fuel vehicles only)
1. Press and hold down the accelerator 1/3 to 1/2 way to floor, then
crank the engine.
2. When the engine starts, release the key, then gradually release the
accelerator pedal as the engine speeds up. If the engine still fails to start,
repeat Step 1.
3
4
1 2
5
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
131

Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and heater/defroster performance. Use of an engine block heater is
strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-23°C (-10°F) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least
three hours before starting the vehicle. The heater can be plugged in the
night before starting the vehicle.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the Scheduled
Maintenance Guide for maintenance recommendations.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle’s brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a“metal-to-metal,”“continuous grinding”or
“continuous squeal”sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel
while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
132

2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.
Note:In the illustrations,lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
+–+–
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
163

Floor mats
Interior trim kits
Leather wrapped steering wheels
Scuff plates
Speed control
Lifestyle
Bike racks
Cargo organization and management
Engine block heaters and blankets
Peace of mind
Airbag anti-theft locks
First aid and safety kits
Full vehicle covers
Locking gas cap
Navigation systems
Remote start
Vehicle security systems
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
Compliance Certification label). Consult your dealer for specific weight
information.
•The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems—such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service
technician.
•Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use.
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Accessories
240

Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............180
instrument panel ....................182
interior .....................................182
interior trim ............................183
plastic parts ............................181
washing ....................................179
waxing .....................................179
wheels ......................................180
wiper blades ............................182
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............25
Clock adjust
AM/FM/CD .................................18
AM/FM/Tape ..............................15
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................60
Console ........................................66
Controls
power seat .................................89
Coolant
checking and adding ..............196
refill capacities ................200, 230
specifications ..................231, 233
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................50
Customer Assistance ................148
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................184
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................172
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............176
Getting roadside assistance ...148
Getting the service you
need .........................................170
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................177
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................172Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................175
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................29
Defrost
rear window ..............................27
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................214
engine oil .................................190
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........231
Driving under special
conditions ..................................140
through water .........................140
E
Electronic message center .........57
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................162
Emergency Flashers .................149
Emission control system ..........210
Engine ........................................233
cleaning ...................................180
coolant .....................................196
idle speed control ...................194
lubrication
specifications ..................231, 233
refill capacities ........................230
service points ..................187–188
starting after a collision .........149
Engine block heater .................132
Engine oil ..................................190
checking and adding ..............190
2004 Sable(sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
242