2005 Mercury Sable belt

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.
3
4
1 2
5
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Driving
163

3. Connect the negative (-) cable to the negative (-) terminal of the
assisting battery.
4. Make the final connection of the negative (-) cable. Make the
connection to an exposed metal part of the stalled vehicle’s engine, away
from the battery and the carburetor/fuel injection system.Do notuse
fuel lines, engine rocker covers or the intake manifold asgrounding
points.
Do not connect the end of the second cable to the negative (-)
terminal of the battery to be jumped. A spark may cause an
explosion of the gases that surround the battery.
5. Ensure that the cables are clear of fan blades, belts, moving parts of
both engines, or any fuel delivery system parts.
+–+–
+–+–
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Roadside Emergencies
184

WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member of a roadside assistance program, your
roadside assistance service provider.
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not
approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
If your vehicle is to be towed from the rear using wheel lift equipment, it
is recommended that the front wheels (drive wheels) be placed on a
dolly to prevent damage to the transaxle.
If your vehicle must be towed with the drive wheels on the ground:
•Place the transaxle in N (Neutral).
•DO NOT exceed the distance of 50 miles (80 km).
•DO NOT exceed the speed of 35 mph (56 km/h).
If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Ford Motor Company produces a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
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Roadside Emergencies
187

WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear and side windows and the wiper blades should be
cleaned regularly. If the wipers do not wipe properly, substances on the
vehicle’s glass or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree sap, or other
organic contamination. To clean these items, please follow these tips:
•The windshield, rear windows and side windows may be cleaned with
a non-abrasive cleaner such as Motorcraft Ultra Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner (ZC-23), available from your dealer.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
•Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.
Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause
damage to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety belts and seats equipped with side
air bags:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with Motorcraft Extra Strength
Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-41).
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Cleaning
200

•If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first
with Motorcraft Spot and Stain Remover (ZC-14).
•Never saturate the seat covers with cleaning solution.
•Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can
stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of
the seat materials.
Do not use cleaning solvents, bleach or dye on the vehicle’s
safety belts, as these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the seat-mounted side air bag. Such products could contaminate
the side air bag system and affect performance of the side air bag in a
collision.
LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)
Your leather seating surfaces have a clear, protective coating over the
leather.
•To clean, use a soft cloth with Motorcraft Deluxe Leather and Vinyl
Cleaner (ZC-11–A). Dry the area with a soft cloth.
•To help maintain its resiliency and color, use the Motorcraft Deluxe
Leather Care Kit (ZC-11–D), available from your authorized dealer.
•Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions, solvents or
cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl and plastics, or oil/petroleum-based
leather conditioners. These products may cause premature wearing of
the clear, protective coating.
Note:In some instances, color or dye transfer can occur when wet
clothing comes in contact with leather upholstery. If this occurs, the
leather should be cleaned immediately to avoid permanent staining.
INTERIOR TRIM
•Clean the interior trim areas with a damp cloth, then dry by wiping
with a dry, soft, clean cloth.
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish.
UNDERBODY
Flush the complete underside of your vehicle frequently. Keep body and
door drain holes free from packed dirt.
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Cleaning
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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
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Index
Index
243

R
Radio ......................................15, 18
Rear window defroster ...............28
Relays ........................................181
Remote entry system
illuminated entry ......................78
locking/unlocking doors ...........72
opening the trunk .....................76
Roadside assistance ..................173
Roof rack .....................................71
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........108
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ................92, 95–98, 100
Safety defects, reporting ..........196
Safety restraints ............92, 95–101
belt minder .............................103
extension assembly ................107
for adults .............................96–98
for children .....................117–118
lap belt ....................................100
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................93
safety belt maintenance .........108
warning light and
chime ...............................102–103
Safety seats for children ..........121
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............92
Seats ............................................87
child safety seats ....................121
front seats .................................88
Servicing your vehicle ..............203
Setting the clock
AM/FM/CD .................................18AM/FM/Tape ..............................15
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........135
Spark plugs, specifications ......234,
237
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................236–237
Speed control ..............................50
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......163
Starting your
vehicle ........................160–161, 163
jump starting ..........................182
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................47
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................47
Tires ...........................130–131, 135
alignment ................................147
care ..........................................146
changing ..........................135, 137
checking the pressure ............133
inspecting and inflating .........132
label .........................................145
replacing ..................................135
rotating ....................................148
safety practices .......................147
sidewall information ...............141
snow tires and chains ............150
spare tire .................................136
terminology .............................131
tire grades ...............................131
treadwear ........................130, 146
Towing .......................................156
recreational towing .................159
trailer towing ..........................156
wrecker ....................................187
Traction control ........................167
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Index
247