Customer Assistance 268
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 274
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 275
Cleaning 276
Maintenance and Specifications 283
Engine compartment 285
Engine oil 287
Battery 290
Engine coolant 292
Fuel information 297
Air filter(s) 311
Part numbers 312
Maintenance product specifications and capacities 313
Engine data 316
Accessories 319
Index 321
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Table of Contents
3
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Service Engine SoonEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check Fuel CapLow Tire Pressure
Warning
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
9
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.5L V6 ENGINE
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Battery
5. Power distribution box
6. Air filter assembly
7. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
285
•Do not overfill the engine
with oil. Oil levels above this
mark may cause engine
damage.If the engine is
overfilled, some oil must be
removed from the engine by an
authorized dealer.
7. Put the dipstick back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal operating range, add
only certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the
engine oil filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the
opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
normal operating range on the engine oil level dipstick.
4. Install the dipstick and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
until it stops.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level dipstick and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil
Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
289
to the current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee (ILSAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.
To protect your engine’s warranty use Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 or an
equivalent SAE 5W-20 oil meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A.
SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel economy and durability
performance meeting all requirements for your vehicle’s engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed inscheduled maintenance information.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter or
another with equivalent performance for your engine application.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
290
6. Replace the air filter housing
cover and secure the clamps. Be
sure that the air cleaner cover tabs
are engaged into the slots of the air
cleaner housing.
Note:Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage. The customer warranty may be void for any damage to
the engine if the correct air filter element is not used.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 3.5L V6 Engine
Engine air filter element FA-1884
Battery BXT-59
Oil filter FL-400-SB12
PCV valve
1
Spark plugs2
1
The PCV valve is a critical emission component. It is one of the items
listed in thescheduled maintenance informationand is essential to
the life and performance of your vehicle and to its emissions system.
For PCV valve replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor 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.
2For spark plug replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor 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.
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
312
plastic parts ............................278
washing ....................................276
waxing .....................................277
wheels ......................................277
wiper blades ............................279
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......76, 78
Clock ............................................94
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................29
AM/FM/CD .................................21
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment ...............113
Console
overhead ....................................94
Controls
power seat ...............................145
steering column ......................104
Coolant
checking and adding ..............292
refill capacities ................296, 313
specifications ..........................313
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................101
Cupholder(s) .............................150
Customer Assistance ................244
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................272
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................273
Getting roadside assistance ...244
Getting the service you
need .........................................268
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................274
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................272D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................84
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................309
engine oil .................................287
Driving under special
conditions ..........................239, 241
sand .........................................240
snow and ice ...........................242
through water .................240, 243
DVD system .................................44
E
Electronic message center .......111
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................261
Emission control system ..........305
Engine ........................................316
cleaning ...................................278
coolant .....................................292
idle speed control ...................290
lubrication specifications .......313
refill capacities ........................313
service points ..........................285
starting after a collision .........246
Engine block heater .................224
Engine oil ..................................287
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................287
checking and adding ..............287
dipstick ....................................287
filter, specifications ........289, 312
recommendations ...................289
refill capacities ........................313
specifications ..........................313
Event data recording ....................6
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
322