2008 Mercury Sable wipers

HEADLAMP CONTROL
Turns the lamps off.
Turns on the parking lamps,
instrument panel lamps, license
plate lamps and tail lamps.
Turns the headlamps on.
Autolamp control (if equipped)
The autolamp system provides light
sensitive automatic on-off control of
the exterior lights normally
controlled by the headlamp control.
•To turn autolamps on, rotate the
control counterclockwise to
.
•To turn autolamps off, rotate the
control clockwise to
.
The autolamp system also keeps the
lights on for a predetermined
amount of time after the ignition switch is turned to LOCK. You can
change the amount of time the lamps stay on by using the programming
procedure that follows:
Note:If the vehicle is equipped with autolamps it will have the
headlamps on with windshield wipers feature.If the windshield
wipers are turned on (for a fixed period of time) the exterior lamps will
turn on with headlamp control in the Autolamp position.
Autolamps - Programmable exit delay
Programmable exit delay allows the length of the autolamp exit delay to
be changed.
To program the auto lamp exit time delay:
1. Start with the ignition in the LOCK position and the headlamp control
in the autolamp position.
2. Turn the headlamp switch to
.
P
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
82

MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
Windshield wiper:Rotate the end
of the control away from you to
increase the speed of the wipers;
rotate towards you to decrease the
speed of the wipers.
Windshield washer:Push the end
of the stalk:
•briefly: causes a single swipe of
the wipers without washer fluid.
•a quick push and hold: the wipers
will swipe three times with
washer fluid.
•a long push and hold: the wipers
and washer fluid will be activated
for up to ten seconds.
Note:Do not operate the washer when the washer reservoir is empty.
This may cause the washer pump to overheat. Check the washer fluid
level frequently. Do not operate the wipers when the windshield is dry.
This may scratch the glass, damage the wiper blades and cause the wiper
motor to burn out. Before operating the wiper on a dry windshield,
always use the windshield washer. In freezing weather, be sure the wiper
blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers.
Windshield wiper features (if equipped with Autolamp feature)
The exterior lamps will turn on with the ignition on, headlamp control in
the Autolamp position and the windshield wipers are turned on (for a
fixed period of time).
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
92

2. Press and release RESET to pause the timer.
3. Press and hold RESET for 2 seconds in order to reset the timer.
Compass display
The compass heading is displayed in the lower left corner of the message
center next to the odometer.
The compass reading may be affected when you drive near large
buildings, bridges, power lines and powerful broadcast antenna. Magnetic
or metallic objects placed in, on or near the vehicle may also affect
compass accuracy.
Usually, when something affects the compass readings, the compass will
correct itself after a few days of operating your vehicle in normal
conditions. If the compass still appears to be inaccurate, a manual
calibration may be necessary. Refer toCompass zone/calibration
adjustment.
Most geographic areas (zones) have a magnetic north compass point that
varies slightly from the northerly direction on maps. This variation is four
degrees between adjacent zones and will become noticeable as the
vehicle crosses multiple zones. A correct zone setting will eliminate this
error. Refer toCompass zone/calibration adjustment.
Compass zone adjustment
Perform the following steps on an open area free from steel structures
and high voltage lines. For optimum calibration, turn off all electrical
accessories (heater / air conditioning, wipers, etc.) and make sure all
vehicle doors are shut.
1. Turn ignition to the ON position.
2. Start the engine.
3. Determine your magnetic zone by
referring to the zone map.
1 2 3
4
5
6 7 8 9 101112 13 14 15
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
113

4. Press the SETUP control
repeatedly until the message center
says “RESET FOR ZONE SETTING”.
5. Press the RESET control to enter
Zone Setting mode.
6. Press RESET repeatedly until the
desired zone setting is displayed.
The message center will
automatically exit zone setting mode
if enough time passes without
pressing a button.
Compass calibration adjustment
Perform the following steps on an open area free from steel structures
and high voltage lines. For optimum calibration, turn off all electrical
accessories (heater / air conditioning, wipers, etc.) and make sure all
vehicle doors are shut.
1. Turn ignition to the ON position.
2. Start the engine.
3. Press the SETUP button
repeatedly until the message center
displays “RESET FOR
CALIBRATION”.
4. Press RESET to enter compass
calibration mode which will display
“CIRCLE SLOWLY TO CALIBRATE”.
5. Drive the vehicle in circles up to
three times until the message

CALIBRATION COMPLETED

appears and one of the 8 valid
headings (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W,
NW) is displayed.
6. Verify that the calibration process has taken place by driving the
vehicle in at least one circle, confirming that the heading changes
accordingly. If this happens, the compass has been calibrated
successfully. Otherwise, if the display shows only one heading as the
vehicle is being driven around, repeat the procedure from Step 3.
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
114

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
36 5A PATS module
37 10A Climate control
38 20A Subwoofer (Audiophile radio)
39 20A Radio
40 20A Spare
41 15A Mic mirror, Moon roof, Front lock
switches, Radio
42 10A Spare
43 10A Spare
44 10A Spare
45 5A Relay coils: PDB, Auxiliary A/C, Front
and rear wipers, Front blower motor
46 7.5A Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS),
Passenger Airbag Deactivation
Indicator (PADI)
47 30A Circuit
BreakerPower windows
48 — Delayed accessory relay
Power distribution box
The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. The
power distribution box contains high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle’s main electrical systems from overloads.
Always disconnect the battery before servicing high current
fuses.
To reduce risk of electrical shock, always replace the cover to
the Power Distribution Box before reconnecting the battery or
refilling fluid reservoirs.
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, refer to the
Batterysection of theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
250

The high-current fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
1 80A* SPDJB power
2 80A* SPDJB power
3 30A* Front wipers
4 — Not used
5 20A Spare
6 — Not used
7 50A* Engine cooling fan
8 — Not used
9 40A* Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS)/AdvanceTrac pump
10 30A* Starter
11 50A* Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
relay
12 20A* ABS/AdvanceTrac valve
13 20A** Power point (instrument panel)
14 20A** Power point (2nd row)
15 20A Spare
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
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•For routine cleaning, use Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3-A).
•If tar or grease spots are present, use Motorcraft Bug and Tar
Remover (ZC-42).
•For plastic headlamp lenses, use Motorcraft Ultra Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner (ZC-23).
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, water repellent
coatings, tree sap, or other organic contamination; these contaminants
may cause squeaking or chatter noise from the blades, and streaking and
smearing of the windshield. To clean these items, 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 authorized dealer.
•The wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate (ZC-32-A),
available from your authorized dealer. This washer fluid contains
special solution in addition to alcohol which helps to remove the hot
wax deposited on the wiper blade and windshield from automated car
wash facilities. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they appear
worn or do not function properly.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
If you cannot remove those streaks after cleaning with the glass cleaner
or if the wipers chatter and move in a jerky motion, clean the outer
surface of the windshield and the wiper blades using a sponge or soft
cloth with a neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with clean water. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse the windshield
with water.
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.
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cleaning
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CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
1. Pull the wiper blade and arm
away from the glass. Turn the blade
at a right angle to the arm.
2. Squeeze the locking tabs to
release the blade from the arm and
pull the blade away from the arm to
remove it.
3. Attach the new blade to the arm and snap it into place.
Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.
Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield, refer toWindows and wiper bladesin theCleaning
chapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
2008 Sable(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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