7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10°C (50°F).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transaxle failure. An
overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
REVIEW COPY
2005 Sable(sab), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
233
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 3.0L V6 Vulcan
engine3.0L FFV V6
engine3.0L DOHC V6
Duratec engine
Air filter
element
1FA-1683 FA-1683 FA-1683
Fuel filter FG-1060 FG-1060 FG-1060
Battery BXT-36R BXT-36R BXT-36R
Oil filter FL-400-S FL-400-S FL-820-S
PCV valve
2
Spark plugs3
1
Do not use oil-impregnated air filter elements. Failure to use the correct
air filter element may result in severe engine damage. The customer
warranty may be voided for any damage to the engine if the correct air
filter element is not used.
2The PCV valve is a critical emission component. It is one of the items
listed in theScheduled Maintenance Guideand is essential to the life
and performance of your vehicle and to its emissions system.
For PCV valve replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidefor the
appropriate intervals for changing the PCV valve.
Replace the PCV valve with one that meets Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as a Motorcraft or
equivalent replacement part. The customer warranty may be void
for any damage to the emissions system if such a PCV valve is not
used.
3For spark plug replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidefor the
appropriate intervals for changing the spark plugs.
Replace the spark plugs with ones that meet Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as Motorcraft or
equivalent replacement parts. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the engine if such spark plugs are not
used.
Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug gap information.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Sable(sab), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
234
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle
Brake FluidAll Between MAX and
MIN on reservoir
Engine coolant
1Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)3.0L V6 Vulcan
engine11.0L (11.6 quarts)
3.0L V6 Duratec
engine10.0L (10.6 quarts)
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)
2
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor Oil
(Canada)3.0L V6 Vulcan
engine4.25L (4.5 quarts)
3.0L V6 Duratec
engine5.7L (6.0 quarts)
Fuel tank
capacityN/A All vehicles 68.1L (18.0 gallons)
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT F3.0L V6 Vulcan
engineFill to line on
dipstickFill to line
on reservoir
3.0L V6 Duratec
engineFill to line on
reservoir
Automatic
transaxle -
4F50NMotorcraft
MERCONVATF3.0L V6 Vulcan
engine12.8L (13.5 quarts)
3.0L V6 Duratec
engine12.7L (13.4 quarts)
Windshield
washer fluid -
FrontMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateAll 2.8L (94.7 oz.)
Windshield
washer fluid -
RearMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateWagon 1.8L (60.9 oz.)
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.2Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine
oil need only meet the requirements of Ford specification
WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Sable(sab), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
235
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
ItemsFord Part Name
or equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance DOT
3 Motor Vehicle
Brake FluidPM-1 ESA-M6C25-A and
DOT 3
Door latch, hood
latch, auxiliary
hood latch, seat
tracks, trunk and
liftgate latchesMulti-Purpose
GreaseXG-4 or XL-5 ESR-M1C159-A or
ESA-M1C93-B
Lock cylinders Penetrating and
Lock LubricantMotorcraft XL-1 none
Automatic
transaxle
( 4F50N
1)Motorcraft
MERCONVATFXT-5-QM
MERCONV
Engine oil Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor Oil
(Canada)XO-5W20-QSP
(US)
CXO-5W20–LSP12
(Canada)WSS-M2C930-Aand
API Certification
Mark
Constant velocity
jointsCV Joint Grease
(High Temp.)XG-5 WSS-M2C258–A1
Engine coolant Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)VC-7-A (U.S.,
except CA and
OR), VC-7-B (CA
and OR only)WSS -M97B51–A1
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
Windshield washer
fluidMotorcrarft
Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32–A WSB-M8B16–A2
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guideto determine
the correct service interval.
REVIEW COPY
2005 Sable(sab), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
236
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONand MERCONV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONtype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONV type fluid.
MERCONand MERCONV type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCONand MERCONV. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCONand MERCONV) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONmay
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 3.0L V6 Vulcan
engine3.0L FFV V6
engine3.0L DOHC V6
Duratec engine
Cubic inches 182 182 181
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane or
Ethanol (E 85)87 octane
Firing order 1-4-2-5-3-6 1-4-2-5-3-6 1-4-2-5-3-6
Ignition system EDIS EDIS Coil on plug
Spark plug gap 0.042–0.046 inch
(1.1–1.2mm)0.042–0.046 inch
(1.1–1.2mm)0.052–0.056 inch
(1.32–1.42mm)
Compression
ratio9.7:1 9.7:1 10.0:1
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Vehicle dimensions Sedan - Inches
(mm)Wagon - Inches (mm)
(1) Overall length 199.9 (5075) 197.8 (5069.8)
(2) Overall width 73.0 (1854) 73.0 (1854.2)
(3) Overall height 57.6 (1463) 57.8 (1468)
(4) Wheelbase 108.5 (2757) 108.5 (2757)
(5) Track - Front 61.6 (1566) 61.6 (1566)
(5) Track - Rear 62.1 (1577) 61.8 (1570)
REVIEW COPY
2005 Sable(sab), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
237
A
Accessory delay ..........................49
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................108–109, 115
and child safety seats ............111
description ......................109, 115
disposal ....................................117
driver air bag ..........109, 111, 116
indicator light .........................115
operation .................109, 111, 116
passenger air bag ...109, 111, 116
side air bag ..............................115
Air cleaner filter .......................234
Air conditioning ..........................25
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................214
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................165
Anti-theft system ........................85
arming the system ....................85
disarming a triggered system ..86
Audio system (see Radio) ...15, 18
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................232
fluid, checking ........................232
fluid, refill capacities ..............235
fluid, specification ..................237
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................170
Auxiliary power point .................47
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........236
B
Battery .......................................212acid, treating emergencies .....212
jumping a disabled battery ....182
maintenance-free ....................212
replacement, specifications ...234
servicing ..................................212
BeltMinder .................................103
Brakes ........................................164
anti-lock ...................................165
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................166
fluid, checking and adding ....232
fluid, refill capacities ..............235
fluid, specifications .........236–237
lubricant specifications ..236–237
parking ....................................166
shift interlock ..........................168
Bulbs ............................................34
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....235
Cargo area shade ........................70
Cargo cover .................................69
Cargo net .....................................69
CD changer .................................20
CD-single premium ...............15, 18
Cell phone use ............................67
Certification Label ....................239
Changing a tire .........................135
Child safety restraints ..............118
child safety belts ....................118
Child safety seats ......................121
attaching with tether straps ..125
in front seat ............................122
in rear seat ......................122, 125
REVIEW COPY
2005 Sable(sab), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Index
Index
243
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............198
instrument panel ....................200
interior .....................................200
interior trim ............................201
plastic parts ............................199
washing ....................................197
waxing .....................................197
wheels ......................................198
wiper blades ............................200
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............25
Clock adjust
AM/FM/CD .................................18
AM/FM/Tape ..............................15
Compass
zone/calibration adjustment ....60
Compass Display .........................60
Console ........................................66
Controls
power seat .................................89
Coolant
checking and adding ..............214
refill capacities ................218, 235
specifications ..................236–237
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................50
Customer Assistance ................173
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................202
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................194
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................195
Getting roadside assistance ...173
Getting the service you
need .........................................188
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................196The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................191
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................194
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................30
Defrost
rear window ..............................28
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................232
engine oil .................................208
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........236
Driving under special
conditions ..................................172
through water .........................172
E
Electronic message center .........57
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................182
Emergency Flashers .................174
Emission control system ..........228
Engine ........................................237
cleaning ...................................198
coolant .....................................214
idle speed control ...................212
lubrication
specifications ..................236–237
refill capacities ........................235
service points ..................205–206
starting after a collision .........174
Engine block heater .................164
REVIEW COPY
2005 Sable(sab), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Index
244
Engine oil ..................................208
checking and adding ..............208
dipstick ....................................208
filter, specifications ........211, 234
recommendations ...................211
refill capacities ........................235
specifications ..................236–237
Exhaust fumes ..........................164
F
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....219
Floor mats ...................................68
Fluid capacities .........................235
Foglamps .....................................29
Fuel ............................................219
calculating fuel
economy ............................59, 225
cap ...........................................221
capacity ...................................235
choosing the right fuel ...........222
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................227
detergent in fuel .....................224
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................219, 221, 225
filter, specifications ........224, 234
fuel pump shut-off switch .....174
improving fuel economy ........225
octane rating ...................222, 237
quality ......................................223
running out of fuel .................224
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................219
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .................................219, 222
Fuses ..........................................176G
Garage Door Opener (see
Homelink wireless control
system) ........................................53
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............221
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................225
Gauges .........................................13
H
Hazard flashers .........................174
Headlamps ...................................29
aiming ........................................31
autolamp system .......................29
bulb specifications ....................35
daytime running lights .............30
flash to pass ..............................30
high beam .................................30
replacing bulbs .........................36
turning on and off ....................29
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................23, 25
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................53
Hood ..........................................204
I
Ignition ...............................160, 237
Infant seats (see Safety seats)..121
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................229
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................200
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and interior...31
REVIEW COPY
2005 Sable(sab), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Index
245