Page 1 of 328
Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 10
Warning lights and chimes 10
Gauges 14
Entertainment Systems 16
How to get going 16
AM/FM stereo with CD 20
AM/FM stereo with in-dash six CD 28
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) 36
USB port 38
Satellite radio information 41
Family entertainment system 44
Navigation system 73
SYNC 73
Climate Controls 74
Manual heating and air conditioning 74
Automatic temperature control 76
Rear window defroster 81
Lights 82
Headlamps 82
Turn signal control 86
Bulb replacement 87
Driver Controls 92
Windshield wiper/washer control 92
Steering wheel adjustment 93
Power windows 96
Mirrors 98
Speed control 101
Moon roof 106
Message center 111
Table of Contents
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2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Page 10 of 328

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause extensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulbs work. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the
respective system warning light for additional information.
Service engine soon:TheService
engine soonindicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the ON position to check
the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, theService engine soon
light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds theService
engine soonlight blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing. See theReadiness for Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) testingin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board
Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer toOn
board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
2008 Sable(mgo)
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USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Page 12 of 328

Airbag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when the ignition is
turned to ON, continues to flash or
remains on, have the system
serviced immediately by your authorized dealer. A chime will also sound
when a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system has been
detected.
Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A Belt-Minder
chime will also sound to remind you
to fasten your safety belt. Refer to
theSeating and Safety Restraints
chapter to activate/deactivate the Belt-Minderchime feature.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
Engine oil pressure:Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range, refer toEngine oilin
theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
Traction Control™ (if
equipped):Illuminates when the
Traction Control™ is active or has
been disabled (by the driver or as a
result of a system failure). If the
light remains on, it indicates a
Traction Control Fault. Have the system serviced immediately, refer to
theDrivingchapter for more information.
Low tire pressure warning:
Illuminates when your tire pressure
is low. If the light remains ON at
start up or while driving, the tire
pressure should be checked. Refer
toInflating your tiresin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter. When
the ignition is first turned to ON, the light will illuminate for 3 seconds to
ensure the bulb is working. If the light does not turn ON or begins to
flash, have the system inspected by your authorized dealer. For more
information on this system, refer toTire pressure monitoring systemin
theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
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Page 13 of 328

Low fuel (if equipped):
Illuminates when the fuel level in
the fuel tank is at or near empty
(refer toFuel gaugein this
chapter).
Speed control:Illuminates when
the speed control is engaged. Turns
off when the speed control system
is disengaged.
O/D off:Illuminates when the
overdrive function of the
transmission has been turned OFF,
refer to theDrivingchapter. If the
light flashes steadily or does not illuminate, have the transmission
serviced soon, or damage may occur.
Anti-theft system:Flashes when
the SecuriLock™ Passive Anti-theft
System has been activated.
Throttle Control/Transmission:
Illuminates when a powertrain or an
AWD fault has been detected.
Contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACCESSORY position and the driver’s door
is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
O/D
OFF
2008 Sable(mgo)
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Page 85 of 328

AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
The headlamps on your vehicle are properly aimed at the assembly plant.
If your vehicle has been in an accident the alignment of your headlamps
should be checked by your authorized dealer.
Vertical aim adjustment
1. Park the vehicle directly in front of a wall or screen on a level surface,
approximately 25 feet (7.6 meters) away.
•(1) 8 feet (2.4 meters)
•(2) Center height of lamp to
ground
•(3) 25 feet (7.6 meters)
•(4) Horizontal reference line
2. Measure the height of the
headlamp bulb center from the
ground and mark an 8 foot (2.5
meter) horizontal reference line on
the vertical wall or screen at this
height (a piece of masking tape works well).
3. Turn on the low beam headlamps to illuminate the wall or screen and
open the hood.
To see a clearer light pattern for adjusting, you may want to block the
light from one headlamp while adjusting the other.
4. On the wall or screen you will
observe an area of high intensity
light. The top of the high intensity
area should touch the horizontal
reference line, if not, the beam will
need to be adjusted using the next
step.
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Your vehicle may also have reading
lamps within the rear dome lamp(s).
Press the switches on either side of
the dome lamp to turn on the
lamps.
BULB REPLACEMENT
Headlamp Condensation
The headlamps are vented to equalize pressure. When moist air enters
the headlamp(s) through the vents, there is a possibility that
condensation can occur. This condensation is normal and will clear
within 45 minutes of headlamp operation.
Using the right bulbs
Replacement bulbs are specified in the chart below. Headlamp bulbs
must be marked with an authorized “D.O.T.” for North America and an
“E” for Europe to ensure lamp performance, light brightness and pattern
and safe visibility. The correct bulbs will not damage the lamp assembly
or void the lamp assembly warranty and will provide quality bulb burn
time.
Function Number of bulbsTrade
number
Headlamp high beam 2 9005
Headlamp low beam 2 H11
Sidemarker lamp (front) 2 194A
Park/turn signal lamp 23457A or
3457AK
(amber)
* Stop/tail lamp 2 LED
Backup lamp 2 921
Rear turn signal lamp 23157A
(amber)
License plate lamp 2 C5WL
* Sidemarker lamp (rear) 2 LED
2008 Sable(mgo)
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Function Number of bulbsTrade
number
* High-mount brake lamp N/A LED
Fog lamp (if equipped) 2 H11
Map lamp 2 12V6W
Dome/reading lamp 6 578
All replacement bulbs are clear in color except where noted.
To replace all instrument panel lights - see your authorized dealer.
*To replace these lamps - see your authorized dealer.
Replacing the interior bulbs
Check the operation of all bulbs frequently.
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of all the bulbs frequently.
Replacing headlamp (low beam and high beam) bulbs
1. Make sure headlamp switch is in the OFF position, then open the
hood.
2. Reach in behind the headlamp assembly to access the bulbs and
connectors.
3. Locate the outboard (low beam)
or inboard (high beam) electrical
connector and remove it by
releasing the locking tab and pulling
it straight down.
4. Remove the bulb socket by
turning it counterclockwise and
pulling it straight out.
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep out of
children’s reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base and do
not touch the glass. The oil from your hand could cause the bulb to
break the next time the headlamps are operated.
Install the new bulb(s) in reverse order.
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Replacing front parking lamp/turn signal bulbs
1. Make sure headlamp switch is in the OFF position, then open the
hood.
2. Reach in behind the headlamp assembly to access the bulb sockets
and connectors.
3. Locate the electrical connector
and remove it by releasing the
locking tab and pulling it straight
down.
4. Remove the bulb socket by
turning it counterclockwise and
pulling it straight out.
5. To remove the bulb, pull it
straight out of the bulb socket.
Install the new bulb(s) in reverse order.
Replacing front sidemarker bulb
1. Make sure the headlamp control
is in the OFF position.
2. Reach under the side of the front
fascia to access the bulb sockets
and connectors.
3. Remove the bulb socket by
rotating it counterclockwise, then
pulling it out of the lamp assembly.
4. Pull the bulb straight from the
socket.
Install new bulb in reverse order.
Replacing rear stop/tail/turn signal/backup lamp bulbs
The stop/tail/turn signal/backup lamp bulbs are located in the tail lamp
assembly. Follow the same steps to replace either bulb.
Note:Your vehicle is equipped with a stop/tail lamp assembly containing
integral multiple light emitting diodes (LED). If replacement is required,
see your authorized dealer.
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
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