2008 Mercury Sable tow

Locks and Security 122
Keys 122
Locks 123
Anti-theft system 137
Seating and Safety Restraints 142
Seating 142
Safety restraints 150
Airbags 163
Child restraints 177
Tires, Wheels and Loading 190
Tire information 190
Tire inflation 192
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 205
Vehicle loading 211
Trailer towing 217
Recreational towing 219
Driving 221
Starting 221
Brakes 226
Traction Control™ 230
Transmission operation 232
Roadside Emergencies 244
Getting roadside assistance 244
Hazard flasher switch 246
Fuel pump shut-off switch 246
Fuses and relays 247
Changing tires 253
Lug nut torque 260
Jump starting 261
Wrecker towing 266
Table of Contents
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2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury to yourself or others? In
this guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments
highlighted by the warning triangle symbol. These comments should be
read and observed.
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed frequently in order to give the
moving parts a chance to break in.
Drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 miles (1,600 km) before towing a
trailer. For more detailed information about towing a trailer, refer to
Trailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since
these additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter for more information on oil
usage.
SPECIAL NOTICES
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered by
your vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, refer to theWarranty
Guidethat is provided to you along with yourOwner’s Guide.
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
5

location, such as the center console or the glove box, when the vehicle is
in motion. The audio extension cable must be long enough to allow the
portable music player to be safely stored while the vehicle is in motion.
USB port (if equipped)
Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control,
accident and injury. Ford strongly recommends that drivers use
extreme caution when using any device that may take their focus off
the road. The drivers primary responsibility is the safe operation of
their vehicle. Only use cell phones and other devices not essential to
the driving task when it is safe to do so.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
USB port inside your center console.
This feature allows you to plug in
media playing devices, memory
sticks, and also to charge devices.
For further information on this
feature, refer toUsing your USB
portin theSYNC supplement.
GENERAL AUDIO INFORMATION
Radio frequencies:
AM and FM frequencies are established by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC). Those frequencies are:
AM: 530, 540–1700, 1710 kHz
FM: 87.7, 87.9–107.7, 107.9 MHz
Radio reception factors:
There are three factors that can affect radio reception:
•Distance/strength: The further you travel from an FM station, the
weaker the signal and the weaker the reception.
•Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, power lines, electric fences,
traffic lights and thunderstorms can interfere with your reception.
•Station overload: When you pass a broadcast tower, a stronger signal
may overtake a weaker one and play while the weak station frequency
is displayed.
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
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•Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, bridges, tunnels, freeway
overpasses, parking garages, dense tree foliage and thunderstorms can
interfere with your reception.
•Station overload: When you pass a ground based broadcast repeating
tower, a stronger signal may overtake a weaker one and result in an
audio mute.
Unlike AM/FM audible static, you will hear an audio mute when there is
a satellite radio signal interference. Your radio display may display NO
SIGNAL to indicate the interference.
SIRIUS satellite radio service:SIRIUS Satellite Radio is a subscription
based satellite radio service that broadcasts music, sports, news and
entertainment programming. A service fee is required in order to receive
SIRIUS service. Vehicles that are equipped with a factory installed
SIRIUS Satellite Radio system include:
•Hardware and limited subscription term, which begins on the date of
sale or lease of the vehicle.
•Online media player providing access to all 65 SIRIUS music channels
over the internet (U.S. customers only).
For information on extended subscription terms, contact SIRIUS at
1–888–539–7474.
Note:SIRIUS reserves the unrestricted right to change, rearrange, add
or delete programming including canceling, moving or adding particular
channels, and its prices, at any time, with or without notice to you. Ford
Motor Company shall not be responsible for any such programming
changes.
Satellite Radio Electronic Serial Number (ESN):This 12–digit
Satellite Serial Number is needed to activate, modify or track your
satellite radio account. You will need this number when communicating
with SIRIUS. While in Satellite Radio mode, you can view this number on
the radio display by pressing AUX and Preset 1 control simultaneously.
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
42

Radio Display Condition Action Required
NO TEXT Song title information
not available.Song title information
not available at this
time on this channel.
The system is working
properly.
NO TEXT Category information
not available.Category information
not available at this
time on this channel.
The system is working
properly.
NO SIGNAL Loss of signal from
the SIRIUS satellite or
SIRIUS tower to the
vehicle antenna.You are in a location
that is blocking the
SIRIUS signal (i.e.,
tunnel, under an
overpass, dense foliage,
etc). The system is
working properly. When
you move into an open
area, the signal should
return.
UPDATING Update of channel
programming in
progress.No action required. The
process may take up to
three minutes.
CALL SIRIUS
1–888–539–7474Satellite service has
been deactivated by
SIRIUS Satellite
Radio.Call SIRIUS at
1–888–539–7474 to
re-activate or resolve
subscription issues.
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT DVD SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control,
accident and injury. Ford strongly recommends that drivers use
extreme caution when using any device that may take their focus off
the road. The drivers primary responsibility is the safe operation of
their vehicle. Only use cell phones and other devices not essential to
the driving task when it is safe to do so.
2008 Sable(mgo)
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USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
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Your FES system is equipped with
two sets of battery powered,
infrared wireless headphones. Two
AAA batteries are needed to operate
the headphones. (Batteries are
included.)
Additional infrared wireless
headphones may be purchased for
use with the system. Also, wired
headphones may be purchased and
plugged in where indicated on the
left and right hand sides of the
system. Refer toWired
Headphonesbelow.
2008 Sable(mgo)
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USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
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6.Fan speed adjustment:Controls the volume of air circulated in the
vehicle.
Operating tips
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle: do not drive with the
airflow selector in the O (OFF) or with recirculated air engaged.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•For maximum cooling performance (MAX A/C):
In the MAX A/C mode:
•Move the temperature control selector to the coldest setting.
•Set the fan to the highest speed initially, then adjust to maintain
passenger comfort.
In the
andmodes:
•Move the temperature control selector to the coldest setting.
•Select A/C and recirculated air
. Usewith A/C to provide
colder airflow.
•Set the fan to the highest speed initially, then adjust to maintain
passenger comfort.
In extremely cold temperatures, to maximize overall heater performance
it is suggested to not operate the auxiliary system (if so equipped) until
the engine temperature gauge crosses into the normal operating range.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Set the temperature control to full heat.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
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Operating tips
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle: do not drive with the
system OFF or with recirculated air engaged.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•For maximum cooling performance (MAX A/C):
In AUTO mode, press AUTO control and set to desired temperature.
In manual override mode, select
or, A/C and recirculated
air
and set the temperature to 60°F (16°C). Set the fan to the
highest speed initially, then adjust to maintain passenger comfort.
•To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2–3 minutes after starting the vehicle or until the vehicle has
“aired out.”
In extremely cold temperatures, to maximize overall heater performance
it is suggested to not operate the auxiliary system (if equipped) until the
engine temperature gauge crosses into the normal operating range.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan to the highest speed.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
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