Mercury 1996 Sable Manual

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Summary of Contents for Mercury 1996 Sable

Page 3: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Introductory Information ... 1 Safety Restraints ... 9 Starting Your Sable ... 61 Warning Lights and Gauges ... 73 Instrument Panel Controls ... 91 Steering Column Controls ... 115 Features ... 125 Electronic Sound Systems ... 169 Driving Your Sable ...
Page 4: Introductory Information
Introductory Information Ford’s Commitment to You At Ford Motor Company, excellence is the continuous commitment to achieve the best result possible. It is dedication to learning what you want, determination to develop the right concept, and execution of that concept with care, precision, and attention to detail.
Page 5 Dealers and suppliers are our partners. We must maintain mutually beneficial relationships with dealers, suppliers, and our other business associates. Integrity is never compromised. Our conduct worldwide must be pursued in a manner that is socially responsible and commands respect for its integrity and for its positive contributions to society.
Page 6 Finding Information in This Guide After you have read this guide once, you will probably return to it when you have a specific question or need additional information. To help you find specific information quickly, you can use the Quick Index or the Index. The Quick Index at the end of the book provides a page number following each item which indicates where detailed information can...
Page 7 If you lose your Warranty Information Booklet, you can get a new one free of charge. Contact any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer, or refer to the addresses and phone numbers on the first page of this owner guide.
Page 8 Buying a Ford Extended Service Plan If you bought your vehicle in the U.S., you can buy a Ford Extended Service Plan for your vehicle. This optional contract provides service protection for a longer period of time than the basic warranty that comes with your vehicle. You do not have to buy this option when you buy your vehicle.
Page 9: Safety Labels
Use only the type of engine oil that Ford recommends. See Engine oil recommendations in the Index. Do not use special “break-in” oils. Safety Labels There are labels, decals and tags on your vehicle to alert you about possible hazards. The signal word on the label tells you the degree of hazard and is used in the following ways: DANGER: Used to indicate the presence of a...
Page 10 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle Pollen, bird droppings and tree sap can damage the paint, especially in hot weather. Wash your vehicle as often as necessary to keep it clean. Take similar precautions if your vehicle is exposed to chemical industrial fallout. Paint damage resulting from fallout is not related to a defect in paint materials or workmanship and therefore is not covered by...
Page 11 Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts Wash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild detergent. Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, fuel or strong detergents. Cleaning Plastic Parts Some of your vehicle’s exterior trim parts are plastic. Clean with a tar and road oil remover if necessary.
Page 12 Safety Restraints Important Safety Belt Information The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and your passengers in case of a collision. In most states and in Canada the law requires their use. Safety belts provide best restraint when: the seatback is upright the occupant is sitting upright (not slouched) the lap belt is snug and low on the hips...
Page 13 Make sure that you and your passengers, including pregnant women, wear safety belts. Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt portion of your safety belt snug and low across the hips. This will reduce the risk of serious injury to the abdomen or neck that could be caused by sliding under the safety belts in a collision.
Page 14 Never drive or ride with a twisted or jammed safety belt. If you cannot untwist or unjam the safety belt, see the nearest qualified technician immediately. Children should always ride with the seatback in the fully upright position. When the seatback is not fully upright, there is a greater risk that the child will slide under the safety belt and be seriously injured...
Page 15 After you get into your vehicle, close the door and lock it. Then adjust the seat to the position that suits you best. Pull the combination lap/shoulder belt from the retractor so that the shoulder portion of the belt crosses your shoulder and chest. Be sure the belt is not twisted.
Page 16 While the belt retracts, guide the tongue to its original position to prevent it from striking you or the vehicle. Safety Belts for Front Outboard Passenger and Rear Outboard Seating Positions (Except Wagon Rear-Facing Seat) Your vehicle is equipped with a dual locking mode retractor on the shoulder belt portion of the combination lap/shoulder safety belt for the front seat outboard passenger and rear outboard...
Page 17 This mode must be used when installing a child safety seat on the front passenger seat and rear outboard seats where dual locking retractors are provided. To switch the retractor from the emergency locking mode to the automatic locking mode, perform the following steps: 1.
Page 18 Make sure the adjuster is firmly in one of the five positions. The belt should be adjusted up or down until the belt rests on your shoulder near your neck. The shoulder belt height adjuster Position the shoulder belt height adjuster so that the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder.
Page 19 Your vehicle is equipped with safety seat belts containing a cinch tongue at the rear-facing seating positions. The locking cinch tongue will slide up and down the belt webbing when the belt is in the stowed position or while putting seat belts on. When the locking cinch tongue of the lap/shoulder combination seat belt is latched into the buckle, the cinch tongue will allow the...
Page 20 Make sure that the lap belt is as low around your hips as possible. Do not wear the lap belt around your waist. If you do not use the lap belts properly, the risk of being injured in a collision greatly increases. All front and rear seat outboard occupants (including pregnant women) should wear lap and...
Page 21 the safety belt will become locked and help reduce your forward movement. To unfasten the belt, push the red release button on the end of the buckle. This allows the tongue to unlatch from the buckle. While the belt retracts, guide the tongue to its original position to prevent it from striking you or the vehicle.
Page 22 The reverse side of the lap belt and the detachable shoulder belt The reverse side of the shoulder belt attached to the lap belt...
Page 23: Lap Belts
The rear center lap belt must be tightened separately from the shoulder strap. The lap belt must fit snugly, and as low as possible around the hips. Do not wear around your waist. For information about adjusting the belt, see “LAP BELTS” in this chapter.
Page 24 If you need to shorten the belt, pull on the loose end of the webbing until the belt fits snugly. Unfastening the lap belts for the center front and center rear seating positions To unfasten the belt, push the release button on the end of the buckle.
Page 25 The use of the safety belt extension assembly, in the wagon rear-facing seat will affect the performance of the safety belts and increase the risk of personal injury. Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the safety belt. Manufacturer identification is located at the end of the webbing on the label.
Page 26 was minor and a qualified technician finds that the belts do not show damage and continue to operate properly, they do not need to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.
Page 27 All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always wear their safety belts, whether or not an air bag Supplemental Restraint System is also provided at their seating position. Failure to do so may increase the risk of severe injury or death in the event of a collision.
Page 28 If a passenger is not properly seated and restrained, an inflating air bag could cause serious injury. Rear-facing infant seats should never be placed in the front seat. In rear-facing infant seats, the infant’s head is closer to the air bag. The force of the rapidly inflating air bag could push the top of the rear-facing seat against the vehicle seatback or center armrests (if so equipped), or center...
Page 29 RWARNING Your vehicle is equipped with a right front passenger air bag. Front passengers, especially children and small adults, should never sit on the edge of the seat, stand near the glove compartment of the instrument panel, or lean over with their faces near the glove compartment when the vehicle is moving.
Page 30 Do not place objects or mount equipment on or near the air bag module covers (identified by the letters “SRS”) on the steering wheel and instrument panel, or in front seat areas that may come in contact with a deploying air bag, because any such objects could cause harm if the vehicle is in a collision severe enough to cause the air bag to...
Page 31 How the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System Operates The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System consists of the Driver and Passenger air bags, impact sensors, a system diagnostic module, a readiness light and tone, and the electrical wiring which connects the components. The driver air bag is in the center of the steering wheel.
Page 32 similar size and weight) head-on at about 28 mph (45 km/h). Because the system senses the crash severity rather than vehicle speed, some frontal collisions at speeds above 28 mph (45 km/h) will not inflate the air bag. When the sensors activate the system, the air bags inflate rapidly, filling with non-toxic gas mixture in a fraction of a second.
Page 33 Inflated passenger-side air bag The air bag will inflate only once. The system is designed to function on a one-time-only basis. If the air bag is inflated, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT FUNCTION AGAIN AND MUST BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. If the air bag is not replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a collision.
Page 34 If any of these things happen, have the air bag system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System may not function properly in the event of a collision.
Page 35: Safety Restraints For Children
Disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Air bags MUST be disposed of by qualified personnel. Safety Restraints for Children In the U.S. and Canada, you are required by law to use safety restraints for children.
Page 36: Safety Restraints
RWARNING When possible, put children in the rear seat of your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions. RWARNING When using any infant or child restraint system, it is important that you follow the instructions and warnings provided by the...
Page 37 Safety Seats for Children Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight of the child. Always follow the safety seat manufacturer’s instructions when installing and using the safety seat. Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top tether strap.
Page 38 RWARNING All child restraint systems are designed to be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or by the lap portion of a lap-shoulder belt. If you do not properly secure the safety seat to the vehicle, the risk is greater that a child, occupying the seat during a collision or sudden stop, will be injured.
Page 39 Always keep the buckle release button pointing upward and away from the child seat, with the tongue between the child seat and the release button as shown in the following illustration. Failure to follow these instructions could result in accidental unbuckling of the safety belt if the child safety seat hits the release button.
Page 40 Installing Child Safety Seats in the Front Passenger Seat and Outer Rear Seating Positions Your vehicle is equipped with a dual locking mode retractor on the shoulder belt portion of the combination lap/shoulder safety belt for the front passenger seat and rear outer seats. The automatic locking mode must be used when installing a child seat or infant carrier in the front passenger seat or rear outer seats.
Page 41 2. Pull down on shoulder belt, then grasp shoulder belt and lap belt together. Figure 1.
Page 42 3. While holding the shoulder and lap belt portions together, route the tongue through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. See Figure 2. Be sure that the belt webbing is not twisted. Routing the lap/shoulder belt...
Page 43 Buckling the belt...
Page 44 4. Grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull downward until all of the belt is extracted and a click is heard. At this time, the retractor is in the automatic locking mode (child seat restraint mode). Figure 4. Setting the retractor to automatic locking mode...
Page 45 5. Allow the belt to retract. Pull up on the shoulder webbing. A clicking sound will be heard as the belt retracts. This indicates the retractor is in the automatic locking mode. Push down on the child seat while you pull up on the belt to remove any slack in the belt.
Page 47 6. Before placing the child in the child seat, forcibly tilt the seat from side to side, and tug it forward to make sure that the seat is securely held in place, Figure 7. Checking that the seat is secure...
Page 48 7. Double check that the retractor is in the automatic locking mode. Try to pull more belt out of the retractor. If you cannot, the belt is in the automatic locking mode, Figure 8. Checking the retractor 8. Check to make sure that the child seat is properly secured prior to each use.
Page 49 When using any infant or child restraint system, it is important that you follow the instructions and warnings provided by the manufacturer concerning its installation and use. Failure to follow each of the restraint manufacturer’s instructions could increase the risk or severity of an injury in the event of a collision or sudden stop.
Page 50 Kits can be obtained at no charge from any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Be sure to follow the child safety seat manufacturer’s instructions. Tighten the anchor according to specifications.
Page 51 Tether anchorage hardware All wagons have a tether anchor installed for each of the second row seating positions. Finding the tether anchors in the wagon 1. Behind the second seat, find the plastic snap-on covers for the floor anchors. 2. Use a screwdriver or coin to snap the covers off the anchor in a rearward and upward direction.
Page 52 Built-In Child Seat (Wagon — If equipped) The second row seat may include an optional built-in child safety seat on the passenger side. The child restraint is to be used only by children who are at least one year old, weigh between 9 and 27 kilograms (20 and 60 pounds) and whose shoulders (top) are below the shoulder harness slots in the seatback.
Page 53 Always adjust the lap and shoulder harness belts provided with this child seat snugly around your child. Never leave your child unattended in the vehicle. The child seat’s metal and plastic parts can become very hot when left in the sun. These can cause burns to unprotected skin.
Page 54 1. Pull and release flap from top of seatback. See Figure 1. Figure 1: Releasing the flap 2. Grasp the child seat at the top of the seatback and pull the top forward to release the latch. See Figure 2. NOTE: The child seat cannot be opened unless the seatback is latched in the upright position.
Page 55 Figure 3: Opening the built-in child seat 4. Read the information and warnings on the child seat cushion and shoulder safety belt. Refer to Figure 4. Check the child’s size, weight and age to be sure the child is not too small or too large for the child seat.
Page 56 Figure 5: Shoulder safety belt placement on the child NOTE: Read the following steps carefully to become familiar with the indicator windows located on each safety belt tongue and the chest clip. When either of the tongues or the chest clip is unbuckled, the color red appears in the window.
Page 57 Figure 6: Fastening the crotch safety belt buckle...
Page 58 8. Fasten both halves of the chest clip below the child’s shoulders and adjust it to comfortably hold the shoulder belts in place on the child’s chest. The color green must appear in the indicator window when fastened. (The purpose of this clip is to position the shoulder belts correctly on the child’s shoulders.
Page 59 Figure 7: Securing the chest clip...
Page 60 9. Pull the shoulder belts out to ensure that the crotch safety belt buckle is securely fastened and the retractor is locked. Refer to Figure 8. Figure 8: Checking for securely latched buckle and locked retractor 10. If the belts become too tight, unbuckle the crotch safety belt buckle allow belts to retract, then reinsert both belt tongues.
Page 61 To stow the built-in child seat: 1. Return the child seat cushion to the upright position. 2. Press firmly in the center and top of the child seat to place it in the stowed position. 3. Reattach the flap on the child seat to the top of the seatback.
Page 62 buckle and tongue are damaged and/or do not function properly. Cleaning Your built-in child seat may be cleaned with mild soap and water. Do not use household cleaners as they may weaken the webbing or damage the plastic parts. For your convenience, the liner is removable and can be machine-washed and air-dried.
Page 63 To improve the fit of lap and shoulder belts on children who have outgrown child safety seats, Ford recommends use of a belt-positioning booster seat that is labelled as conforming to all Federal motor vehicle safety standards. Belt-positioning booster seats raise the child and provide a shorter, firmer seating cushion that encourages safer seating posture and better fit of lap and shoulder belts on the child.
Page 64 Starting Your Sable Ignition Understanding the Positions of the Ignition The positions of the key in the ignition ACCESSORY allows some of your vehicle’s electrical accessories such as the radio and the windshield wipers to operate while the engine is not running.
Page 65 LOCK is the only position that allows you to remove the key. The LOCK feature helps to protect your vehicle from theft. If the key is stuck in the LOCK position, move your steering wheel left or right until the key turns freely.
Page 66 RWARNING Before you leave the driver’s seat, make sure that the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Set the parking brake fully and shut off the engine. Do not park your vehicle in N (Neutral). If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle may move suddenly and injure someone.
Page 67: Starting Your Vehicle
Starting Your Vehicle Preparing to Start Your Vehicle Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or other enclosed area. Exhaust fumes are toxic. Always open the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes in this chapter for more instructions.
Page 68 4. Turn the key to the START position (cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the key to return to the ON position after the engine has started. If you have difficulty in turning the key, rotate the steering wheel slightly because it may be binding.
Page 69 NOTE: Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transaxle and has an interlock that prevents you from shifting out of P (Park) unless your foot is on the brake pedal. If the engine does not start after two attempts: 1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position. 2.
Page 70 If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle checked. Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk of fire or other damage to the vehicle and may possibly result in personal...
Page 71 For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before you start your vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not damage the engine, so you can plug it in at night to start your vehicle the following morning.
Page 72 The right side of the trunk in the sedan Inside the right side service panel in the wagon...
Page 73 If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the switch or try to start your vehicle. You could injure yourself or others. Have all the passengers get out of the vehicle and call the local fire department or a towing service. If your engine cranks but does not start after a collision or substantial jolt: 1.
Page 74 Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects. Never idle the engine in closed areas. Never sit in a parked or stopped vehicle for more than a short period of time with the engine running.
Page 75 If the engine is idling while you are stopped in an open area for long periods of time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm). Also, adjust the heating or air conditioning to bring in outside air. If you use the heater, set the fan speed on either medium or HI with the select knob on either R (floor) or VENT.
Page 76: Instrument Panel Controls
Instrument Panel Controls The main controls for the climate control system, clock, and radio are in the oval Integrated Control Panel on the instrument panel. The controls for the lights and climate control air registers are also on the instrument panel. Clean the instrument panel lens and woodtone trim with a soft cloth and a glass cleaner.
Page 77 Instrument panel...
Page 78 The Climate Control Systems Your vehicle has one of the following climate control systems: Manual Heating and Air Conditioning System Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC) System If you are not sure which system your vehicle has, see the diagrams on the following pages. Manual Heating and Air Conditioning System The knobs that control the manual heating and air...
Page 79 Function selector knob The function selector knob controls airflow to the inside of the vehicle. MAX A/C MAX A/C uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle. It allows for faster cooling but is noisier than A/C. The airflow will be from the instrument panel registers.
Page 80 P (Floor and defrost) This brings in outside air through the floor ducts and the windshield defroster ducts. It can be used for heating or ventilation. V (Defrost) This brings in outside air through the windshield defroster ducts. It can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield.
Page 81 The Electronic Automatic Temperature Control System...
Page 82 To turn your EATC on, press the AUTO button or any of the six manual override buttons along the bottom of the control. To turn your EATC off, press the OFF button. When the system is off, the Display window will be blank (dark).
Page 83 The display window The display window will indicate the selected temperature and the operating function you have chosen: AUTO or one of the six manual overrides. It will also indicate manual control of the fan speed with the word FAN, H , and dots. The display window with all possible displays and their positions are shown here.
Page 84 When in AUTO and weather conditions require heat, air will be sent to the floor. But a feature is included in your EATC to prevent blowing cold air to the floor if the engine coolant is not warm enough to allow heating. The EATC will direct the airflow to the windshield at low fan speed.
Page 85 Fan speed button Your EATC automatically adjusts the fan speed to the existing conditions. You must press AUTO for automatic fan speed operation. To control the fan speed yourself, use the button which will cancel the automatic fan speed control. The button is located at the left side of the EATC control panel.
Page 86 Manual override buttons Your EATC has six buttons which allow you to make special selections. The buttons are located along the bottom edge of the EATC and allow you to determine where the air will be discharged. Pressing any override button changes the air discharge location only.
Page 87 S (Panel and floor) button Push this button to get air from the floor and instrument panel registers at the same time. The display will show the set temperature and S. Depending on the selected temperature, the air will be automatically heated or cooled. R (Floor) Airflow will be to the floor when the R (floor) button is pressed.
Page 88: Starting Your Sable
OUTSIDE TEMP button When this button is pressed, the temperature of the air outside of the vehicle will show in the display window. If the EATC is off, the display will go blank after 4 seconds. If the EATC is on, the outside temperature will be shown until the OUTSIDE Temp button is pressed a second time or another override button is pressed.
Page 89: View Mirrors
Do not put objects under the front seats that interfere with the flow of air to the back seat area. Remove any snow, ice, or leaves from the air intake area of your climate control system which could block the air intake. The intake area is located at the bottom of the windshield, under the hood at the passenger side rear corner.
Page 90 Clear away any snow that is on the rear window and side view mirrors before using the defroster. With the engine running, push the defrost button. After 10 minutes, the defroster will turn off. If the window and mirrors are still not clear, push the defroster button again.
Page 91 The Interior and Exterior Lights Turning On the Exterior Lights To turn on your headlamps, parking lamps, side markers, and tail lamps, use the knob that is to the left of the steering wheel. The knob for the headlamps, parking lamps, and tail lamps To turn on the parking lamps, side markers, and tail lamps, turn the knob to “P”...
Page 92 To change your headlamps from low to high beam, push the turn signal lever away from you. To change them back to low beam, pull the lever toward you. For more information about how the high beam headlamps work, see Steering column controls in the Index.
Page 93 When the Daytime Running Light (DRL) system is active the tail lamps, parking lamps and side markers on your vehicle will not be illuminated. It is necessary to turn on your headlamps at dusk. Failure to do so may result in a collision, possibly injuring yourself and others.
Page 94 The autolamp system on the left side of the instrument panel To set the autolamp: 1. Make sure the headlamp knob is in the OFF position. If the switch for the headlamps is ON, you cancel the autolamp. 2. Turn the ignition key to ON or start your vehicle.
Page 95 You can set the autolamp so the headlamps stay on for up to three minutes after you turn your vehicle off. To keep the lamps on after you leave your vehicle: Turn the thumbwheel as far into the MAX range as you want. The further you move the thumbwheel into the DELAY area (toward the MAX position), the longer the lamps will stay on after you...
Page 96 To dim the instrument panel lights, rotate the thumbwheel down. To turn on the interior lights, turn the thumbwheel all the way up. The interior lights also come on when any side door or the liftgate is opened. Dome Lamps The front dome lamp is located overhead between the driver and front passenger seats.
Page 97 The dome lamp The dome lamp will stay illuminated if the switch is pushed to the ON position. The dome lamp will stay off if the switch is pushed to the OFF position. When the switch is positioned to the door/middle position, the dome lamp will come on when either of the front doors or the liftgate (wagon) is opened.
Page 98 Cleaning the Interior Lamps Your interior dome lamps and map lamps are plastic and should be cleaned with a mild detergent diluted in water. Rinse them with clear water. Battery Saver When the ignition is turned off, the vehicle will turn off battery voltage to the interior lights after 40 minutes.
Page 99 Clock The digital clock 1. To set the hour, press and hold the hour button. When the desired hour appears, release the button. 2. To set the minutes, press and hold the minute button. When the desired minute appears, release the button.
Page 100: Warning Lights And Gauges
Warning Lights and Gauges In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges are grouped together on the instrument panel. We call this grouping a cluster. Your vehicle has one of the following clusters: Standard cluster Optional cluster If you are not sure which cluster your vehicle has, check the diagrams on the following pages.
Page 101 The standard cluster...
Page 102 Indicator Lights and Chimes Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime This warning light and chime remind you to fasten your safety belt. The following conditions will take place: If the driver’s safety belt is not buckled when the key is turned to the ON position, the light will activate for 1 minute and the chime will sound for 4 to 8 seconds.
Page 103 Brake system warning light This light comes on when the parking brake is set, or if it is not set, it comes on briefly when you turn the ignition to the START position. It normally goes off shortly after the engine starts and you release the parking brake.
Page 104 Charging system light This light comes on every time you turn your ignition key to the ON or START position. The light should go off when the engine starts and the alternator begins to charge. If the light stays on or comes on when the engine is running, have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.
Page 105 If you lose engine oil pressure: 1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible. 2. Shut off the engine immediately. If you do not stop the engine as soon as safely possible, severe engine damage could result. 3. Check the engine’s oil level, following the instructions on checking and adding engine oil in this Owner Guide.
Page 106 Door Ajar Light and Chime This light comes on and a single chime sounds if one of the doors or the liftgate or liftgate window (wagon) is not completely shut and the ignition is in the ON position. Door ajar light Chime for Headlamps On This chime sounds if the driver or passenger door is open when the parking lamps or...
Page 107 If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the air bag system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately. Air bag readiness light Service Engine Soon Warning Light The Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II) system consists of the hardware and software necessary to monitor the operation of the powertrain.
Page 108 Service engine soon light This light comes on when you turn the ignition key to ON, but should turn off when the engine starts. If the light does not come on when you turn the ignition to ON or if it comes on and stays on when you are driving, have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
Page 109 warm up cycles without a misfire condition occurring. A warm up cycle consists of engine start from a cold condition (engine at ambient temperature) and running until the engine reaches normal operating temperature. On the fourth engine start up, the Service Engine Soon Warning Light will turn off as soon as the engine begins to crank.
Page 110 Speed Control Indicator Light (If equipped) This light comes on when the speed control ON switch is pressed. It turns off when the speed control OFF switch is pressed or when the ignition is turned to the OFF position. Speed control indicator light Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light (If equipped) This light comes on for a few seconds when you...
Page 111 Gauges Fuel Gauge The fuel gauge displays approximately how much fuel is in the fuel tank only when the ignition is in the ON position. For proper fuel gauge indication after adding fuel, the ignition should be in the OFF position while the vehicle is being refueled.
Page 112 Engine coolant temperature gauge If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves above the Normal band, the engine coolant is overheating and continued operation may cause engine damage. If your engine coolant overheats: 1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible. 2.
Page 113 Trip Odometer The trip odometer tells you how many miles (kilometers) your vehicle has been driven since the last reset. Press the reset button to return the trip odometer to zero. Tachometer The tachometer tells you the approximate engine revolutions per minute (how fast the engine is running).
Page 115 Low Coolant Light and Chime (If equipped) This light indicates that the level of the engine coolant is low inside the coolant reservoir. Low coolant light This light comes on for a few seconds when your ignition key is turned to the ON position, but should turn off when the engine starts.
Page 116 Low Fuel Light (If equipped) This light comes on when your fuel gauge indicates approximately 1/16 of a tank. The ignition must be turned to the ON position for this light to come on. This light will glow steadily. Low fuel light Rear Lamp Out Indicator (If equipped) This light indicates that a rear tail lamp or brakelamp is not functioning.
Page 117 Anti-Theft Alarm Light (If equipped) This light is used when you set the anti-theft alarm system. See Anti-theft system in the Index. Anti-theft alarm light Overdrive Off Indicator (If equipped) This light tells you that the Overdrive Off (O/D OFF) switch on the gearshift lever has been pushed.
Page 118: Instrument Panel Controls
Instrument Panel Controls The main controls for the climate control system, clock, and radio are in the oval Integrated Control Panel on the instrument panel. The controls for the lights and climate control air registers are also on the instrument panel. Clean the instrument panel lens and woodtone trim with a soft cloth and a glass cleaner.
Page 119 Instrument panel...
Page 120 The Climate Control Systems Your vehicle has one of the following climate control systems: Manual Heating and Air Conditioning System Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC) System If you are not sure which system your vehicle has, see the diagrams on the following pages. Manual Heating and Air Conditioning System The knobs that control the manual heating and air...
Page 121 Function selector knob The function selector knob controls airflow to the inside of the vehicle. MAX A/C MAX A/C uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle. It allows for faster cooling but is noisier than A/C. The airflow will be from the instrument panel registers.
Page 122 P (Floor and defrost) This brings in outside air through the floor ducts and the windshield defroster ducts. It can be used for heating or ventilation. V (Defrost) This brings in outside air through the windshield defroster ducts. It can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield.
Page 123 The Electronic Automatic Temperature Control System...
Page 124 To turn your EATC on, press the AUTO button or any of the six manual override buttons along the bottom of the control. To turn your EATC off, press the OFF button. When the system is off, the Display window will be blank (dark).
Page 125 The display window The display window will indicate the selected temperature and the operating function you have chosen: AUTO or one of the six manual overrides. It will also indicate manual control of the fan speed with the word FAN, H , and dots. The display window with all possible displays and their positions are shown here.
Page 126 When in AUTO and weather conditions require heat, air will be sent to the floor. But a feature is included in your EATC to prevent blowing cold air to the floor if the engine coolant is not warm enough to allow heating. The EATC will direct the airflow to the windshield at low fan speed.
Page 127 Fan speed button Your EATC automatically adjusts the fan speed to the existing conditions. You must press AUTO for automatic fan speed operation. To control the fan speed yourself, use the button which will cancel the automatic fan speed control. The button is located at the left side of the EATC control panel.
Page 128 Manual override buttons Your EATC has six buttons which allow you to make special selections. The buttons are located along the bottom edge of the EATC and allow you to determine where the air will be discharged. Pressing any override button changes the air discharge location only.
Page 129 S (Panel and floor) button Push this button to get air from the floor and instrument panel registers at the same time. The display will show the set temperature and S. Depending on the selected temperature, the air will be automatically heated or cooled. R (Floor) Airflow will be to the floor when the R (floor) button is pressed.
Page 130 OUTSIDE TEMP button When this button is pressed, the temperature of the air outside of the vehicle will show in the display window. If the EATC is off, the display will go blank after 4 seconds. If the EATC is on, the outside temperature will be shown until the OUTSIDE Temp button is pressed a second time or another override button is pressed.
Page 131 Do not put objects under the front seats that interfere with the flow of air to the back seat area. Remove any snow, ice, or leaves from the air intake area of your climate control system which could block the air intake. The intake area is located at the bottom of the windshield, under the hood at the passenger side rear corner.
Page 132 Clear away any snow that is on the rear window and side view mirrors before using the defroster. With the engine running, push the defrost button. After 10 minutes, the defroster will turn off. If the window and mirrors are still not clear, push the defroster button again.
Page 133 The Interior and Exterior Lights Turning On the Exterior Lights To turn on your headlamps, parking lamps, side markers, and tail lamps, use the knob that is to the left of the steering wheel. The knob for the headlamps, parking lamps, and tail lamps To turn on the parking lamps, side markers, and tail lamps, turn the knob to “P”...
Page 134 To change your headlamps from low to high beam, push the turn signal lever away from you. To change them back to low beam, pull the lever toward you. For more information about how the high beam headlamps work, see Steering column controls in the Index.
Page 135 When the Daytime Running Light (DRL) system is active the tail lamps, parking lamps and side markers on your vehicle will not be illuminated. It is necessary to turn on your headlamps at dusk. Failure to do so may result in a collision, possibly injuring yourself and others.
Page 136 The autolamp system on the left side of the instrument panel To set the autolamp: 1. Make sure the headlamp knob is in the OFF position. If the switch for the headlamps is ON, you cancel the autolamp. 2. Turn the ignition key to ON or start your vehicle.
Page 137 You can set the autolamp so the headlamps stay on for up to three minutes after you turn your vehicle off. To keep the lamps on after you leave your vehicle: Turn the thumbwheel as far into the MAX range as you want. The further you move the thumbwheel into the DELAY area (toward the MAX position), the longer the lamps will stay on after you...
Page 138 To dim the instrument panel lights, rotate the thumbwheel down. To turn on the interior lights, turn the thumbwheel all the way up. The interior lights also come on when any side door or the liftgate is opened. Dome Lamps The front dome lamp is located overhead between the driver and front passenger seats.
Page 139 The dome lamp The dome lamp will stay illuminated if the switch is pushed to the ON position. The dome lamp will stay off if the switch is pushed to the OFF position. When the switch is positioned to the door/middle position, the dome lamp will come on when either of the front doors or the liftgate (wagon) is opened.
Page 140 Cleaning the Interior Lamps Your interior dome lamps and map lamps are plastic and should be cleaned with a mild detergent diluted in water. Rinse them with clear water. Battery Saver When the ignition is turned off, the vehicle will turn off battery voltage to the interior lights after 40 minutes.
Page 141 Clock The digital clock 1. To set the hour, press and hold the hour button. When the desired hour appears, release the button. 2. To set the minutes, press and hold the minute button. When the desired minute appears, release the button.
Page 142: Steering Column Controls
Steering Column Controls The controls on the steering column and wheel are designed to give you easy access to the controls while you are driving. The Turn Signal Lever You can use the turn signal lever on the left side of the steering column to: operate the turn signals turn the high beams on/off...
Page 143: Windshield Wipers And Washer
To turn off the high beams, pull the lever toward you until it latches. The high beam indicator light turns off. Flashing the Lights To flash the headlamps, pull the lever toward you for a moment and then release it. The headlamps will flash whether the headlamp knob is on or off.
Page 144: Windshield Washer
Variable Interval Wipers In addition to two speed wipers, your vehicle has wipers that you can set to operate at varying intervals. For example, you can set the interval so they wipe less often when it drizzles or more often in heavier rain. The variable interval wiper on the turn signal lever To set the interval wipers, turn the knob at the end of the turn signal lever toward or away...
Page 145 Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Do not try to clean the windshield when the washer fluid container is empty or activate the washers at any time for more than 15 seconds continuously. This could damage the washer pump system.
Page 146 The hazard flasher serves as a warning to other drivers to be careful when approaching or passing your vehicle. The flashers work whether your vehicle is running or not. The flashers work for up to two hours when the battery is fully charged and in good condition without draining the battery excessively.
Page 147: Tilt Steering
Tilt Steering Never adjust the steering column/wheel when the vehicle is moving. You could lose control of the vehicle and injure someone. The lever to tilt the steering wheel To change the position of the steering column/wheel, pull the release lever on the column toward you.
Page 148 malfunction. Therefore, use only properly installed FCC approved radio transmitting equipment in your vehicle. The speed control buttons on the steering wheel To set the speed control: 1. Press and release the ON switch. The CRUISE indicator light in the instrument cluster will illuminate to indicate that speed control is in a standby mode.
Page 149 NOTE: If your speed increases above your set speed while driving in j (Overdrive) on a downhill grade, you may want to shift to D (Drive) to reduce vehicle speed (or, turn j [Overdrive] off by depressing the O/D OFF switch on the gearshift lever).
Page 150 NOTE: When driving uphill, especially with a heavy load, you may notice your speed decreasing even if you have the speed control set. If the speed drops more than 8 to 14 mph (13-23 km/h) it is normal for the automatic speed control feature to be cancelled.
Page 151 To reset the speed control to a higher speed, use one of the following procedures: ACCEL — Press and hold the SET ACCEL switch. Release the switch when the vehicle has accelerated to the desired speed. Depress the accelerator pedal. When the vehicle attains the desired speed, press the SET ACCEL switch and release it immediately.
Page 152: Features
Features Your vehicle has a variety of features designed for your comfort, convenience and safety. Read this chapter to find out about standard and optional features. Doors Childproof Locks In addition to standard or power locks, your vehicle has childproof locks for the rear doors. If you set these locks, the doors cannot be opened from the inside of the vehicle.
Page 153 To set the childproof lock on each rear door, open the rear door. Find the lever inside the label. Move the lever up to the locked symbol. To release the childproof lock, open the rear door from the outside. Move the lever down to the unlocked symbol.
Page 154 Central Locking When you are unlocking the driver or front passenger door with the key, turn it once toward the front of the vehicle to unlock that door only. Turn the key a second time to unlock all doors. Turn the key once toward the rear of the vehicle to lock all doors.
Page 155 Using the Keyless Entry System (If equipped) If your vehicle has the keyless entry system, you can lock or unlock the vehicle doors without using a key. The buttons for the system are near the outside door handle on the driver’s side. See also Remote Entry System which follows this description.
Page 156 Programming your own entry code You can program a personal code to unlock your vehicle with the keypad. This code does not replace the permanent code that the dealership gave you. Use your personal code in the same manner as you would your original code.
Page 157 Unlocking the doors with the keyless entry system You must unlock the driver’s door before you unlock any of the other doors. If you let more than five seconds pass between pressing numbers, the system shuts down, and you have to enter the code again.
Page 158 Arming, disarming and resetting your perimeter anti-theft system (If equipped) from the keyless entry pad If your vehicle is equipped with the optional factory installed anti-theft system, the keyless entry system will arm it when you use the 7/8 and 9/0 keys to lock the doors, and will disarm or reset a triggered anti-theft alarm when you enter in the five digit code to unlock the driver’s door.
Page 159 The doors may not lock automatically at the correct time if the driver: shifts through gears without pressing the brake shifts through gears quickly after starting the vehicle releases their foot from the brake while someone has stepped out of the vehicle for a moment You can deactivate the system by using the buttons for the keyless entry system if you don’t...
Page 160 5. Press the door power unlock button 3 times. 6. Turn the ignition key back to RUN within 30 seconds of step 2. 7. The horn should chirp once. If not, wait 30 seconds and repeat steps 1 through 6. 8.
Page 161 Remote entry transmitter Unlocking the doors with the remote entry system To unlock the driver’s door, press the UNLOCK button. To unlock the other doors and liftgate, press the UNLOCK button a second time, within five seconds after the first UNLOCK. To open the trunk (sedan), press the TRUNK button.
Page 162 lock again, the horn will chirp and the external lamps will flash. If a door or the liftgate is open or ajar, the horn will give two short chirps warning you that a door or the liftgate is open. Remote entry personal alarm If you wish to activate the remote entry system personal alarm, press the PANIC button.
Page 163 Replacement batteries can be purchased at most pharmacies, watch stores or at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. NOTE: The operating range of the remote entry system can also be affected by...
Page 164 Replacing lost transmitters In the event a transmitter is lost, you should take all your vehicle’s transmitters to your dealer to have the remote entry system deprogrammed for the lost transmitter. This is necessary to prevent further unauthorized use of the lost transmitter.
Page 165 Arming the system The system is ready to arm any time the ignition switch is turned OFF and the alarm is not triggered or sounding. Any of the following events will prearm the anti-theft system: Pressing the remote entry transmitter LOCK button to lock the doors (with the doors open or closed).
Page 166 to confirm the doors are locked, two short horn chirps will warn you that the anti-theft system is not arming. The anti-theft system is designed to work with the factory installed remote entry system. It may not work with other remote entry systems. When you get a single horn chirp by pressing the LOCK button twice within 5 seconds on your remote entry transmitter, you can be...
Page 167 Coded Key Anti-Theft System If your vehicle is equipped with the coded key anti-theft system, you can only use an electronically coded key to start the vehicle. During each vehicle start, the coded key is “read” by the anti-theft system. If the key’s ID code matches that in the anti-theft system, the vehicle is enabled to start.
Page 168 If the key has been coded, the anti-theft indicator will come on for two seconds. The key can then be used to start the vehicle. Repeat until all spare keys have been coded. If the key coding failed, the anti-theft indicator will flash and the vehicle cannot be started with the new key.
Page 169 The master controls on the driver’s door Your vehicle is equipped with a “one touch down” feature. This feature allows the driver to fully open the driver’s window by firmly pressing the switch and then releasing. The “one touch down” feature can be stopped by pressing the up or down switch again.
Page 170 Moon Roof (If equipped) You can use the moon roof in your vehicle in two ways. Move it back to open the glass panel, or you can move it up to ventilate the vehicle. The moon roof will only operate when the ignition is in the ON or ACC position or when the key has been removed from the ignition and no doors have been opened.
Page 171 To close from vent position, press and hold the DN portion of the switch. Do not let children play with the moon roof. They may seriously hurt themselves. Occasionally wiping the outside guide rail covers of the moon roof with a clean cloth will help keep the moon roof working properly.
Page 172 Seats Head Restraints If you use them properly, head restraints are intended to help protect your head and neck in a collision. A head restraint helps protect you best if you position it behind your head and not behind your neck. Standard head restraints You can adjust the head restraints for your comfort and protection.
Page 173 Four-way head restraints Your vehicle may have a four-way head restraint. It can be adjusted in four directions. You can raise it about two inches (five cm) from its normal position, and you can move it forward up to 60 degrees until you reach the desired position.
Page 174 The handle to recline the back of the driver’s seat Never adjust the driver’s seat or seatback when the vehicle is moving. You could lose control of the vehicle and injure someone. Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug across the hips to reduce the risk of serious injury to the abdomen or neck that could be caused by...
Page 175 Power Seats (If equipped) If your vehicle has power seats, you can adjust the driver’s seat in several directions. You can raise or lower the whole front seat, move the seat forward or backward and tilt the front and back of the seat up or down. If your vehicle is equipped with power lumbar support, the lumbar switch also lets you inflate a pad on the seatback.
Page 176 Inflating the lumbar support (If equipped) To inflate the pads, press and hold the front of the switch. To deflate the pads, press and hold the back of the switch. The seat controls for the lumbar support on the driver’s seat Using the Split-Folding Rear Seat Your vehicle is equipped with split-folding rear...
Page 177 Folding down the rear seatbacks To raise the seatback: 1. Lift the seatback rearward until it is in the upright position. Push the center of the seat until you hear it latch. 2. Make sure the seatback is locked in position by pushing forward and backward on it.
Page 178 To lower the rear seatback from the trunk: 1. Move the release lever on the back of the rear seatback to the OPEN position. 2. Fold the seatback forward. The seatback release lever in the trunk Cleaning the Seats Leather and vinyl For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth.
Page 179 Positive Retention Driver’s Side Floor Mat (If equipped) Installing the Floor Mat Position the floor mat in the footwell. Place the mat eyelet over the pointed end of the retention post from the rear and rotate forward to install. Adjust the floor mat position to allow proper operation of accelerator pedal, brake pedal and clutch pedal.
Page 180 Mirrors Side View Mirrors Your vehicle comes with electric adjustable and heated side view mirrors. The outside rearview mirror on the right is a convex mirror. This mirror gives you a wider view of the lanes on your right and behind you. Be careful.
Page 181: Sun Visors
3. Move the control knob in the direction you want to move the mirror. 4. Return the selector switch to the middle position to keep the mirror in place. 5. To activate the heated feature of the outside rearview mirror, turn on the rear window defrost by pushing the R-DEF button on the instrument panel.
Page 182 Turning on the Mirror Light on the Sun Visors (If equipped) Your vehicle has two different kinds of lighted mirrors. Your vehicle may have one or both of these lighted mirrors. To turn on the driver’s mirror that is attached to the visor, lift the mirror cover.
Page 183 Console Your vehicle may have a full console. The full console has the following features: Features of the full console The release for opening the utility compartment is on the front of the console, just below the armrest. Press and release at the ridges, near the driver’s seat, to open.
Page 184 To open the cupholder on the full console, press and release the door on the front of the console. The door is spring-loaded and will open automatically. If your vehicle is equipped with the column shift, it has a center seating/stowage console in the center front seating position.
Page 185 Use only soft cups in the cupholder. Hard objects can injure you in a collision. Cellular Phone (If equipped) For information about the cellular phone in your vehicle, refer to the Cellular Phone User’s Manual provided with your phone. For further questions about your cellular phone, contact the Ford Cellular System at 1-800-367-3013 (U.S.).
Page 186 Using the Remote Control for the Trunk Press the remote release on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel to open the trunk. The remote control for the trunk Special Features of Your Wagon Liftgate Your wagon has a two-way liftgate that lets you either open the entire liftgate or just the window.
Page 187 To open the window, make sure the liftgate and window are unlocked, then press the outside lock cylinder. You can only open the window from outside. To prevent any damage, close the liftgate and window before you drive. The liftgate If you drive with the liftgate window open, you will draw dangerous exhaust fumes into your vehicle.
Page 188 The Storage Area Loading the vehicle When you load the back of your vehicle, put the load as far forward in the compartment as possible. This will help distribute the weight more evenly between the front and rear axles. Storage compartments Your wagon comes with a storage compartment in the floor of the cargo area.
Page 189 Cargo Net (If equipped) The cargo net secures lightweight objects in the cargo area of your vehicle. The net attaches to anchors that are already in your trunk. Use all available anchors to restrain the objects or they will not be secured. The cargo net for the wagon Do not put more than 50 pounds (22 kg) in the net.
Page 190 2. Pull the end of the cover toward you and hook it into the rear molded pockets in the side trim panels in the rear, inserting the right side first. The cargo cover Luggage Rack You can move the rear luggage crossbar on top of the vehicle to fit the item you need to carry.
Page 191 3. Slide the rear crossbar forward to hold your luggage securely in place. 4. Clamp the adjusting levers again by pulling them toward the outside of the vehicle. Make sure that the rear crossbar pins are locked in slots by pulling forward and back on each of the outside supports.
Page 192 The Second Seats Your vehicle is equipped with split-folding second seats. One or both second seatbacks can be folded down to provide additional cargo space. To lower the seatback: 1. Lift the seatback release handle on the upper outboard corner of the seatback. 2.
Page 193 The Third Seat The third seat faces the back of the wagon. For height and weight limits, see the label on the seat cushion. When the seat is down, the back part of your wagon has a flat surface for carrying cargo.
Page 194 The third seat in a wagon 3. Remove the cargo cover. The cargo cover must be removed or the seatback cannot be locked in the upright position. 4. Lift the remote latch release on the left side of the well and fold the remaining floor panel toward the front of the car until it latches.
Page 195 To close the seat: 1. Ensure that the third row safety belts are fully stowed, and belts located in notches. 2. Lift the remote latch release and push the seat down until it latches. 3. Pull up on the handle and push the floor panel into place.
Page 199 Stereo and Stereo Cassette Radios Using the Controls on Your New Radio How to turn the radio on and off Press the “VOL PUSH ON” button to turn the radio on. Press again to turn off. How to adjust the volume Turn the “VOL PUSH ON”...
Page 200 Using the “TUNE” function You can change the frequency up or down one increment at a time by pressing and releasing either the right ( a ) or left ( b ) side of the “TUNE” or “TUNE/DISC” button. To change frequencies quickly, press and hold down either the right or left side of the button.
Page 201 Follow the steps below to set these buttons to the desired frequencies: 1. Select a band, then select a frequency. 2. Press one of the memory buttons and hold the button until the sound returns. That station is now held in memory on that button.
Page 202 Increasing or decreasing treble response Press the right ( a ) side of the “TREB” button to increase treble (more “highs”); press the left ( b ) side of the “TREB” button to decrease treble (less “highs”). Adjusting speaker balance Balance control allows you to adjust the sound distribution between the right and left speakers.
Page 203 If your power antenna mast ever becomes damaged, the mast may not extend or retract properly which might limit reception performance. In this case, it is not necessary to replace the entire power antenna assembly. A replacement mast can be obtained from your dealership for a nominal fee.
Page 204 3. Rounded off frequencies Some FM radio stations advertise a “rounded-off” frequency which is not the frequency they actually broadcast on. For example, a radio station that is assigned a frequency of 98.7 MHz may call itself “Radio 99” even though 99.0 MHz is not an allowable FM broadcast frequency.
Page 205 Fast forwarding the tape To fast forward the tape, press the “FF” button. The radio will automatically begin playing until fast forward is manually stopped (by pressing the “TAPE”, “EJ”, “REW” or “FF” button) or the end of the tape is reached. The display will show a flashing X to indicate fast forward.
Page 206 Using the “SCAN” function with your cassette tape player Press the “SCAN” button to begin the forward scan mode on the tape currently playing, stopping on each tape selection for approximately an eight-second sampling (display flashes “SCAN”). To stop the scan mode on the presently sampled tape selection press “SCAN”...
Page 207 Tape error messages Your cassette tape player is equipped to diagnose certain problems you may experience. Error codes are as follows: TD E1 — Possible problem tape cartridge. The cassette player will automatically eject the tape. Insert the tape again. If the same error code appears in the display, try a different tape.
Page 208 If a tape is loose inside the cassette, tighten it before playing by putting your finger or a pencil into one of the holes and turning the hub until the tape is tight. Loose labels on cassette tapes can become lodged in the mechanism.
Page 209 Figure 2 3. Load discs into the disc magazine slots (numbered 1 through 6 on the window) one at a time with labeled surfaces upward, starting with bottom slot number 1 (Figure 3). Figure 3 To remove a compact disc from the disc magazine, slide the corresponding lever on the opposite side of the magazine window.
Page 210 4. Insert loaded disc magazine into changer unit with the arrow on top of the disc magazine pointing toward the changer (Figure 4). Make sure magazine is fully inserted into changer. Figure 4 5. Close unit by sliding changer panel door to the rear (sedan) or front (wagon).
Page 211 Push the “CD” button to begin CD play. If the disc magazine has just been installed, the CD Changer will automatically begin playing the first track (selection) of the first disc loaded in the unit. After that, the CD Changer will start on the disc and track where it was stopped.
Page 212 Using fast forward or reverse To quickly search for a particular point in a selection, press and hold the “FF” or “REW” button. Find the desired point by watching the elapsed playing time in the display or listening to the sound, then release the button. Operating the Shuffle feature The shuffle feature on your CD player allows you to listen to your disc selections in a different...
Page 213 To turn the compression on, press the “COMP” button. When the compression feature is activated, the display will indicate “C”. Press again to deactivate. How to stop CD play While in CD Changer mode, press the “AM” or “FM” button to stop CD play and resume radio play.
Page 214 Do not clean discs with solvents such as benzine, thinner, commercially available cleaners or antistatic spray intended for analog records. Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight or heat sources such as defroster and floor heating ducts. Do not leave any discs in a parked car in direct sunlight where there may be a considerable rise in temperature or damage may result.
Page 215 Common Operating Conditions of Your CD Player The following information is designed to help you recognize typical situations that could be mistakenly interpreted as mechanical malfunctions of the disc player. The disc is inserted with the label surface downward. The disc is dusty or defective. The player’s internal temperature is above 140˚F (60˚C).
Page 216 If play does not begin after the CD button is pushed: The radio is not on. The disc magazine is not fully seated in changer. Moisture may have condensed on the lenses within the unit. If this occurs, remove the CD magazine and wait approximately an hour until the moisture evaporates.
Page 217 Important Warranty and Service Information Warranty Your sound system is warranted for three years or 36,000 miles (60,000 kilometers), whichever comes first. Consult your vehicle warranty booklet for further information. Ask your dealer for a copy of this limited warranty. Service At Ford Electronics, we stand behind our audio systems with a comprehensive service and repair...
Page 218: Driving Your Sable
Driving Your Sable Your vehicle will have one of the following types of transaxles: an automatic overdrive transaxle, or an automatic overdrive transaxle with Overdrive Off (O/D OFF) switch If you are not sure which transaxle your vehicle has, talk to your dealer. Your vehicle is equipped with an Electronic Powertrain Control Module that limits engine and/or vehicle speeds with a cut-out mode to...
Page 219 Putting Your Vehicle in Gear Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift from position to position. If you do not hold the brake pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone. To operate: 1. Start the engine. 2.
Page 220 If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the alternate procedure described above, it is possible that a fuse has blown and that your brakelamps may also not be functional. Please refer to the chapter titled Servicing Your Vehicle in this Owner Guide for instructions on checking and replacing fuses.
Page 221 R (Reverse) With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position, the vehicle will move backward. You should always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R (Reverse). N (Neutral) With the gearshift in the N (Neutral) position, the vehicle can be started and is free to roll.
Page 222 When to use 1 (First) Use 1 (First) when added engine braking is desired when descending steep hills. The automatic transaxle will shift to the proper gear to ascend any grade without any need to shift to 1 (First). Do not go faster than 38 mph (61 km/h) in this gear.
Page 223 Driving with an Automatic Overdrive Transaxle (Column or Console Gearshift with O/D OFF Switch) Your automatic overdrive transaxle provides fully automatic operation in either D (Overdrive) or with the O/D OFF Switch depressed. Driving with the shift selector in D (Overdrive) gives the best fuel economy for normal driving conditions.
Page 224 Your vehicle is equipped with a Brake Shift Interlock safety feature. This feature prevents the gearshift from being moved from the P (Park) position until the brake pedal is depressed. This feature is active when the ignition is in the ON position.
Page 225 Using the gearshift If your gearshift is on the column, you can use any of the following positions: The column-mounted gearshift...
Page 226 If your gearshift is on the console, you can use any of the following positions: The console-mounted gearshift The console-mounted gearshift will lock when you turn the key to the LOCK position. When the gearshift is in any position except P (Park), the ignition key cannot be turned to LOCK or removed from the steering column.
Page 227 N (Neutral) With the gearshift in the N (Neutral) position, the vehicle can be started and is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position. Driving When to use D (Overdrive) D (Overdrive) is the usual driving position for an automatic overdrive transaxle.
Page 228 NOTE: If the O/D OFF indicator light is flashing on and off repeatedly when the vehicle is started or does not come on when the O/D OFF switch is pushed, it means that there is a transaxle electronic system malfunction. You should contact your dealer as soon as possible or damage to the transaxle could occur.
Page 229: Steering Your Vehicle
Do not use the P (Park) position in place of the parking brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). Always turn off the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle. Do not leave your vehicle unattended while the engine is running.
Page 230 Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or left for more than five seconds if the engine is running. This can damage the power steering pump. Brakes Applying the Brakes Your vehicle may have four-wheel power anti-lock disc brakes which adjust automatically through everyday use.
Page 231 Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not affect the function of the brake system and is normal. However, if the squeal becomes louder or more frequent, have your brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified service technician. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) (If equipped) If your vehicle is equipped with the anti-lock...
Page 232 ABS has self-check capabilities. As described above, the system turns on the ABS light each time you start your engine. After the engine is started and the ABS light turns off, the system performs another test the first time the vehicle reaches 4-9 mph (6-15 km/h).
Page 233 The parking brake and parking brake release Do not use the gearshift in place of the parking brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). If the parking brake is fully released, but the Brake Warning Light remains on, have the brakes checked immediately.
Page 234 The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle, but you can use the parking brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if the normal brakes fail. However, since the parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the stopping distance will increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Page 235 Drive slower than you normally would. Give your vehicle more distance to stop. Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to avoid locking your wheels. (Does not apply to vehicles with anti-lock brakes.) Consider using one of the lower gears. To avoid skidding and losing control on slippery roads, do not downshift into 1 (First) when you are moving...
Page 236 By moving the vehicle backward and forward, you may gain enough momentum to move out of the spot. Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. This may overheat the engine, damage the transaxle, or damage the tires.
Page 237 The weight limits of your vehicle’s tires affect the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of replacement tires with higher weight limit than originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR. Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR and GAWR limitations. If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label is exceeded, your...
Page 238 2. Then weigh your vehicle with the driver, passengers and luggage. 3. Subtract the first reading from the second to figure the total weight of the load. After determining this load, you must also make sure that the total weight of your vehicle, plus the load it carries, is less than its GVWR.
Page 239: Trailer Towing
Trailer Towing Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing vehicle. The amount of weight that you can safely tow depends on the type of engine in your vehicle. See the following charts:...
Page 240 Your vehicle does not come from the factory fully equipped to tow. No towing packages are available through Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealers. Because towing a trailer puts extra strain on your vehicle, you must follow certain precautions for your safety and the good of your vehicle: Stay within the load limits when you tow.
Page 241 If you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in the proper manner, see your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Do not use hitches that clamp onto your vehicle’s bumper. The bumper is not designed to bear the load.
Page 242 Connecting the safety chains Always attach the trailer’s safety chains to your vehicle. They help protect your trailer if the hitch breaks. To connect the trailer’s safety chains: 1. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and attach them to your vehicle’s frame or hook retainers.
Page 243 Connecting the trailer’s lights Do not connect a trailer’s lighting system wiring directly to your vehicle’s lighting system wiring. To get the proper equipment for hooking up your trailer’s lights, see your local trailer dealer and your Ford dealer. Be sure to follow their instructions carefully.
Page 244: Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Emergencies If Your Vehicle Needs a Jump-Start Your vehicle’s battery may die if you leave the lights on or any electrical equipment on after you turn the engine off. If this happens, you may be able to jump-start from a booster battery to start your vehicle.
Page 245 Be careful when lifting a battery that is in a plastic case. If you put too much pressure on the ends, you could spill acid from the vent caps, causing serious damage to the vehicle and injury to yourself. Lift the battery with a carrier or with your hands on the opposite corners.
Page 246 2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle. You could damage the vehicle’s electrical system. 3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle. Make sure the vehicles do not touch each other. Set the parking brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
Page 247 Do not connect the end of the second cable to the negative ( ) terminal of the discharged battery. If you do, a spark may cause an explosion of the gases that normally surround the battery and could seriously injure someone.
Page 248: Changing A Tire
Removing jumper cables 1. Always remove the jumper cables in the reverse order. Remove the negative ( ) end of the jumper cable from the metallic surface on the engine or frame of the disabled vehicle. 2. Remove the negative ( ) cable from the booster battery.
Page 249 The Temporary Spare Tire You may have a high pressure temporary spare tire. This spare tire is smaller than a regular tire and is designed for emergency use only. Use it only when you get a flat tire and replace it as soon as you can.
Page 250 The Conventional Spare Tire (If equipped) If you have the conventional spare tire, you can use it as a spare or as a regular tire. This spare tire is identical to the other tires that come with your vehicle, although the wheel may not match. Spare Tire Location In a sedan, the spare tire is stored in the trunk under the floor carpet.
Page 251 The temporary spare tire in the wagon To remove the cover for the temporary spare tire in the wagon: 1. Twist the three fasteners 90 degrees into a vertical position. 2. Lift the the cover to disengage the three retainers. 3.
Page 252 When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the transaxle alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park). To prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire, block (in both directions) the wheel that is diagonally opposite to the tire being...
Page 253 Removing and Replacing the Tire 1. Find the jack notch next to the door of the tire that you are changing. Put the jack in the jack notch and turn the handle of the jack clockwise until the wheel is completely off the ground.
Page 254 2. Remove the lug nuts by using a lug wrench. Never loosen the hub nuts. See the picture later in this section if you are not sure where to find the lug nuts. Your vehicle has been built with metric (12 mm) threads on the wheel studs and lug nuts.
Page 255 The lug nuts on the wheel 7. Place any wheel covers and ornaments in the trunk. 8. Put the tire, jack, and wrench away. Make sure the jack is securely fastened so it does not rattle when you drive. 9. Unblock the wheels. Removing and Replacing Wheel Covers Your vehicle may have wheel covers with a wire retention system.
Page 256 Center Wheel Cover To remove the wheel cover: 1. Pry the center ornament off the wheelcover with the lug wrench. Pry only at the notch. Do not use a screwdriver or any other tool, as this may damage the wheelcover or the surface finish.
Page 257 (not to the dealer) to get a replacement key. NOTE: If entire lug wrench/lug nut key assembly is lost, see your nearest Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer who has access to a master set of keys. DO NOT USE THE KEY WITH AN IMPACT WRENCH.
Page 258 The anti-theft lug nut and key Removing the anti-theft lug nut Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Make sure that you hold the key square to the lug nut. If you hold the key on an angle, you may damage the key and the lug nut.
Page 259: Towing Your Vehicle
If the Engine Cranks But Does Not Start or Does Not Start After a Collision The Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch If the engine cranks but does not start or if you have had a collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been triggered. The shut-off switch is a device that stops the fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.
Page 260 When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator what kind of vehicle you have. A towing manual is available from Ford Motor Company for all authorized tow truck operators. Have your tow truck driver refer to this manual for the proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
Page 261 Towing Your Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle At times, you may want to tow your vehicle behind another vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle, a car, or a truck. Before you have your vehicle towed: Release the parking brake. Move the gearshift to N (Neutral). Turn the key in the ignition to OFF.
Page 262: Customer Assistance
36,000 miles (3 years or 60,000 km), whichever comes first. To purchase Roadside Assistance coverages beyond this period, through Ford Auto Club, contact your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer (not available in Canada). Roadside Assistance will cover the following: Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
Page 263 1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call 1-800-665-2006). If You Have a Service Problem Ford Motor Company has authorized Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealerships that can service your vehicle for you. This chapter tells you how to get service or maintenance for your vehicle.
Page 264 You may, however, take your vehicle to any authorized Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. In most cases, your dealer will be able to resolve your concern. If you are not satisfied with the service you received from your dealership’s service...
Page 265 If you live in the U.S. and have any questions or concerns that the dealership cannot answer, contact the Customer Assistance Center. If you live in Canada and have any questions or concerns that the dealership cannot answer, contact the Customer Assistance Centre. Please have the following information available when contacting the Customer Assistance Centre: your telephone number (both business and...
Page 266: The Dispute Settlement Board
Review? The Board reviews all product performance and service complaints on Ford, Mercury and Lincoln Cars and Ford and Mercury Light Trucks under warranty that have not been resolved by a dealer or Ford Motor Company. The Board does not review issues involving:...
Page 267 How Does the Board Work? The Board has four members: three consumer representatives a Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer Consumer candidates for Board membership are recruited and trained by an independent consulting firm. Dealers are chosen because of their business leadership qualities.
Page 268 presentations may be requested by the Board. A decision is made by the Board by simple majority vote. Board members review all the materials related to each complaint and, based on the available information, arrive at a fair and impartial decision.
Page 269 What is the Review Process? Your application will be reviewed and if it is determined to be eligible, you will receive an acknowledgment indicating the file number assigned to your application and the local Board address. At the same time, your dealer and Ford Motor Company representative are asked to submit statements.
Page 270: Reporting Safety Defects
the names (if known) of all people you contacted at the dealership a description of the action you want done to resolve your concern. Should your application NOT qualify for review, an explanation will be mailed to you. Reporting Safety Defects (U.S.
Page 271 Please have the following information available when contacting the Customer Assistance Centre: your telephone number (both business and home) your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) listed on your owner card and/or your vehicle ownership license. the year and make of your vehicle the date purchased the name of the dealer and the city where the dealership is located...
Page 272 CAMVAP you must follow your manufacturer’s dispute resolution process as outlined under “Ford of Canada Customer Assistance” earlier in this chapter. Consumers wishing to obtain further information about the program can obtain an information booklet from your dealer or contact the Provincial Administrator, Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan, at the address or telephone number shown below.
Page 273 Motor Company is not responsible for any damage that is caused by use of improper fuel. You may also have difficulty importing your vehicle back into the U.S. if you use leaded fuel. If your vehicle must be serviced while you are traveling or living in Central or South America, the Caribbean, or the Middle East, contact the nearest Ford dealership.
Page 274: Accessories
Accessories Ford Accessories for Your Vehicle Ford has many fine products available from your dealer to clean your vehicle and protect its finishes. For best results, use the following, or products of equivalent quality:...
Page 275 A wide selection of accessories is available through your local authorized dealer. These fine accessories have been engineered specifically to fulfill your automotive needs. They are custom designed to complement the style and aerodynamic appearance of your Ford-built vehicle. In addition, each accessory is made from high quality materials and meets or exceeds Ford’s rigid engineering and safety specifications.
Page 276 NOTE: When adding accessories, equipment, passengers, and luggage to your vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of the front or rear axle (GVWR, GAWR as shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label). Consult your dealer for specific weight information.
Page 282: Servicing Your Sable
Servicing Your Sable Service Made Easy Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle. 1. When we can, we design parts that do not need to be serviced. 2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as easy as possible. To help you: We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in the engine compartment so that you can find them easily.
Page 283 Checklist, be alert for any unusual noise, vibration, or other indication that your vehicle may need service. If you do notice something unusual, see that your vehicle is serviced promptly. Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids, and service parts conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to provide the best performance in your vehicle.
Page 284 If you must work with the engine running, avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving parts. Take appropriate precautions with long hair. Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space with the engine running, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
Page 285 Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running. Opening the Hood 1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release handle located under the bottom left corner of the instrument panel. 2.
Page 286 The hood release, hood latch, and lift cylinder assembly...
Page 287: Engine Compartment
NOTE: Read and understand Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle at the beginning of this chapter before opening the hood. Engine Compartment Your vehicle has one of these types of engines: a 3.0L Vulcan engine a 3.0L Duratec engine The following pages show diagrams of each engine type and where to find items that you should regularly service.
Page 288 The 3.0 liter Vulcan engine...
Page 289 The 3.0 liter Duratec engine...
Page 290: Filling The Fuel Tank
Cleaning the Engine A clean engine is more efficient because the engine is able to cool properly. A build up of grease and dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the engine warmer than normal. Extreme care must be used if a power washer is used to clean the engine.
Page 291 The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops before completely removing the cap. Otherwise, fuel may spray out and injure you or others. 2.
Page 292 If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with one that is an authorized Motorcraft service part or an equivalent part. If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the pressure in the fuel tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to work improperly in a collision, endangering you and your passengers.
Page 293 Typical octane rating label We do not recommend gasolines labeled “regular” that are sold with octane ratings of 86 or even less in high altitude areas. Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily under most driving conditions on the recommended octane rating fuel, see your dealer or a qualified service technician to prevent any...
Page 294 Fuel quality Ford approves the use of gasolines, including those reformulated, that contain oxygenates such as ethanol (10% maximum) and MTBE (15% maximum). If methanol is used, the gasoline should contain no more than 5% with cosolvents. If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation problems, try a different brand of fuel.
Page 295 Safety Information Relating to Automotive Fuels Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or mishandled. To minimize the risk that you will be injured, please read the following information carefully and observe the recommended precautions. Gasoline and other automotive fuels are extremely flammable.
Page 296 your ability to safely operate your vehicle. Avoid breathing vapors while refueling. If fuel vapors are inhaled in excessive quantities, move the victim to fresh air and seek medical attention. Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. Be careful not to splash fuel on yourself or your clothing.
Page 297 Running Out of Fuel If your vehicle runs out of fuel, try to stop on level ground away from traffic. Add at least one gallon (four liters) of fuel to start your vehicle again. If your vehicle is not on level ground, you may need as much as five gallons (20 liters) of fuel to start it.
Page 298 2. Then, every time you buy fuel, fill the tank completely and write down the number of miles (kilometers) that you have driven and the number of gallons (liters) of fuel that you buy. Keep a record for at least a month. This will give you a more accurate estimate than figuring the fuel economy based on only one or two readings.
Page 299 The following decrease fuel economy: Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance Excessive speed Rapid acceleration Driving with your foot on the brake Sudden stops Extended engine idling Using speed control in hilly terrain Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear window defroster and other accessories Underinflated tires Heavy loads Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or...
Page 300 Engine Oil Recommendations We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification ESE-M2C153-E and displaying the American Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on the front of the container. The API Certification Mark Never use: “Non-Detergent” oils Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine treatments Engine oils with an SAE 5W-30 viscosity are...
Page 301 Checking and Adding Engine Oil Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe engine operation, check the oil using the dipstick each time you put fuel in your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be parked on level ground.
Page 302 6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil level is below the “ADD 1 QT” line, add engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is beyond the letter “F” in Full, engine damage or high oil consumption may occur and some oil must be removed from the engine.
Page 303: Engine Coolant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule and Record Booklet for additional information. NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner. Follow your community’s standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call your local recycling center to find out about recycling automotive fluids.
Page 304 reservoir located in the engine compartment. To locate the reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle’s engine under Engine Type, in this chapter. The coolant additives also protect the entire cooling system from internal passageway corrosion and these additives lubricate the water pump.
Page 305 Adding engine coolant Be careful when adding engine coolant. Do not put engine coolant or antifreeze in the container for the windshield washer fluid. If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or antifreeze could make it difficult to see through the windshield. Never remove the pressure cap while the engine is running or hot to avoid personal injury that can be caused by...
Page 306 Failure to follow these instructions could result in serious personal injury from hot engine coolant or steam blowout and/or damage to the engine cooling system or engine. To find out how much engine coolant mixture your vehicle’s coolant system can hold, see Refill capacities for fluids in the Index.
Page 307 NOTE: Less than 40% of coolant concentration may cause engine corrosion and overheating. Plain water may be used in an emergency only. Replace it with the specified coolant as quickly as possible. NOTE: The use of an improper coolant may void your warranty for the engine cooling system.
Page 308 you have to add more than a quart (liter) at a time Engine coolant drain and flush Proper procedures for a complete coolant drain and flush of the cooling system can be found in the Car Service Manual. Following these recommended procedures will ensure that the specified coolant level and a 50/50 or appropriate mixture of coolant and water is...
Page 309 Check for leaks at the draincock. Recheck the engine coolant level, using the recommended procedure, after one or two occasions of vehicle use. About Your Battery Your vehicle may have a Motorcraft maintenance-free battery. When the original equipment battery is replaced under warranty, it may be replaced by a Motorcraft Low-Maintenance Battery.
Page 310 Help Us Protect Our Environment Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that used lead-acid batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility for disposal. Battery recycling symbol Windshield Washer Fluid and Wipers Washer Fluid Check the level of the windshield washer fluid every time you stop for fuel.
Page 311 Do not add the windshield washer fluid to the engine coolant reservoir. This could damage your cooling system. Do not add engine coolant to the washer fluid reservoir. This could damage your wiper/washer system. Use specially formulated windshield washer fluid rather than plain water, because specially formulated washer fluids contain additives that dissolve road grime.
Page 312 solution you use for your windshield. To find out how much washer fluid the reservoir holds, see Refill Capacities later in this chapter. Wiper Blades Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice a year. Also check them whenever they seem less effective than usual.
Page 313 MicronAir Air Filter Replacement In your climate control system, you may have a filter that cleans the air before it enters the interior of the vehicle. This filter should be replaced at the intervals in the Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet. To replace the MicronAir air filter: 1.
Page 314 Removing the leaf screen 2. With a wrench or socket, remove the two screws that hold the water shield. Move the water shield toward the center of the vehicle until there is enough clearance to remove it. Removing the water shield 3.
Page 315 Installing the new filter 5. Reinstall the water shield, sliding it from the center of the vehicle toward the fender. As you position it over the filter, guide the hinged flap on the left side of the shield down between the filter and the fender. Slide the shield toward the fender until the holes on the shield align with the holes on the vehicle body.
Page 316 Stay within the recommended load limits (see Load limits in the Index). Make sure the weight of your load is evenly distributed. Drive at safe speeds. If you do not take these precautions, your tires may fail or go flat. Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.
Page 317 Over- or under-inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control. Consistent high-speed driving Ford Motor Company recommends obeying the posted speed limits. Driving too fast under certain conditions is dangerous and could cause loss of vehicle control or breakdown of certain vehicle components resulting in personal...
Page 318: Tire Rotation
Tire Rotation Because your vehicle’s front and rear tires perform different jobs, they often wear differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly and last longer, rotate them as indicated in the Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet. Rotate the tires according to the following diagram.
Page 319 Replacing the Tires We recommend that you use all-weather tires when you replace your tires. Replace any tires that show wear bands. When your tire shows a wear band, it has only 1/16 inch (1.59 mm) of tread left. A worn-out tire Because your vehicle’s tires may wear unevenly, you may need to replace them before a wear band appears across the entire tread.
Page 320 Information About Tire Quality Grades New vehicles are fitted with tires that have their Tire Quality Grade (described below) molded into the tire’s sidewall. These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United States Department of Transportation has set.
Page 321 Traction A B C The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and C, and they represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
Page 322 Snow Tires and Chains The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads that provide traction in rain or snow. However, during the winter months in some climates, you may need to use snow tires and occasionally chains for your tires. If you use snow tires, make sure that they are the same size and grade as the tires you now have on your...
Page 323: Air Filter
Do not drive faster than 30 mph (50 km/h) or the chain manufacturer’s recommended speed limit, whichever is lower. Avoid bumps, holes and sharp turns. If you can hear the chains rub or bang against your vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
Page 324: Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Automatic Transaxle Fluid Under normal circumstances, you do not need to check the fluid level of the transaxle, since your vehicle does not use up transaxle fluid. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet for replacement intervals. However, if the transaxle is not working properly —...
Page 325 NOTE: Your vehicle should not be driven until some fluid has been added if the fluid level is below the bottom hole on the dipstick and the outside temperature is above 50˚F (10˚C). Add only enough fluid to bring the level above the bottom hole.
Page 326: Brake Fluid
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner. Follow your community’s standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call your local recycling center to find out about recycling automotive fluids. Brake Fluid Under normal circumstances, your vehicle should not use up brake fluid rapidly.
Page 327 If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause permanent damage to your brakes. Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line. If you find that the fluid level is excessively low — below the seam or ridge on the outside of the plastic reservoir —...
Page 328: Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid Check the level of the power steering fluid at least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall). Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid 1. Start the engine and let it run until the power steering fluid reaches normal operating temperature.
Page 329 Dipstick for power steering fluid (3.0L Vulcan) 6. When you are finished, put the dipstick back in and make sure that it fits snugly. 3.0L Duratec engine: 4. Check the fluid level in the power steering fluid reservoir. The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX lines on the side of the reservoir.
Page 330 Reservoir for power steering fluid (3.0L Duratec) Use only Mercon ATF power steering fluid. If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive your vehicle for a long period of time before adding fluid. This can damage the power steering pump.
Page 331: Fuses And Relays
High current fuses should only be repaired or replaced by your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. The following charts tell you which circuit protector protects each electrical part of your vehicle. If a fuse blows, all the parts of your vehicle that use the circuit will not work.
Page 332 The instrument panel fuses and relays The instrument panel fuse panel location...
Page 333 The instrument panel fuse cover...
Page 336 The power distribution box fuses and relays Always disconnect the battery before servicing high current fuses. Ford recommends that high current fuses be replaced by a qualified technician. The power distribution box location RWARNING...
Page 337 The power distribution box...
Page 339 Checking and Replacing Fuses If you need to check a fuse, follow these steps: 1. Lift the handle of the fuse panel or power distribution box to unlatch the cover. 2. On the cover, find the fuse you want to check.
Page 340 4. Replace the fuse with one that has the right amperage rating. (See the following chart.) Always replace a fuse with one that has the right amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire damage and could possibly start a fire.
Page 341 The Lights It is a good idea to check the operation of the following lights frequently: headlamps tail lamps brakelamps high-mount brakelamp hazard flasher turn signals side markers license plate lamp The alignment of your headlamps should be checked if: oncoming motorists frequently signal you to turn off your vehicle’s high beams when you do not have the high beams on...
Page 342 Replacing the Headlamp Bulb The headlamps on your vehicle use replaceable bulbs. When the lamp burns out, simply replace the bulb, rather than the whole lamp. Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully. It may shatter if it is scratched or dropped. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base and do not touch the glass part.
Page 343 To remove the headlamp bulb: 1. Make sure that the headlamp knob is in the OFF position. 2. Lift the hood. If you are replacing the driver’s side headlamp, unclip the electronic module on the right side of the battery and move it out of the way.
Page 344 To install a bulb: 1. With the flat side of the bulb’s plastic base facing upward, insert the glass end of the bulb into the socket. You may need to turn the bulb left or right to line up the grooves in the plastic base with the tabs in the socket.
Page 345 Position the vehicle on a surface that is level on the front-to-rear direction. If the vehicle cannot be placed on a true level surface, the headlamps still can be adjusted using the VHAD if the slope of the surface is accurately known and does not differ by more than 1.2"...
Page 346 Horizontal aim adjustment 1. Open the hood and locate the horizontal indicator and adjusting screw. 2. Use a 4mm wrench to turn the horizontal adjusting screw until the reference mark on the reflector extension aligns with the “0” reference mark on the horizontal indicator when viewed from directly above.
Page 347 Each 0.1 inch difference in surface height between the front and the rear wheels corresponds to 0.053˚ of surface slope; each 0.19˚ of surface slope corresponds to 0.36 inches difference in surface height between the front and rear wheels. Replacing the High-Mount Brakelamp Bulb If you have the sedan, your vehicle has a brakelamp mounted in the rear window, called a high-mount brakelamp.
Page 348 To install the brakelamp: 1. Install the bulbs. 2. Position the brakelamp over the tab slots and line up the tabs with the tab slots. 3. Push down and toward the rear window to engage the tabs. 4. Push attachment toward the rear window and line up the slot in the attachment with the edge of the sheet metal hole.
Page 349 To remove the brakelamp: 1. Remove the interior trim panel. 2. Remove the four attachment nuts that hold the brakelamp in place. 3. Lift the whole assembly off of the vehicle from the outside. 4. Disconnect the bulbs. To install the brakelamp: 1.
Page 350 Using the right bulbs...
Page 351: Emission Control System
Emission Control System Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter which enables your vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust emissions requirements. It is important for your safety and the efficient operation of your vehicle that the engine and exhaust system operate properly.
Page 352 Have the services listed in your Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet performed according to the specified schedule. The Scheduled Maintenance Services listed in the Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet are required because they are considered essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its emissions system.
Page 353 Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure, the charging system warning light, the service engine soon light, or the temperature warning light. These sometimes indicate that the emissions system is not working properly. Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine.
Page 354 Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance Testing In some localities it may become a legal requirement to pass an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) II system. If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to a not ready for I/M testing condition.
Page 355 2. Idle the vehicle in Drive for 40 seconds. 3. Accelerate the vehicle to 45 mph (72 km/h) at 1/4 to 1/2 throttle for 10 seconds. 4. Drive the vehicle with a steady throttle at 45 mph (72 km/h) for 30 seconds. 5.
Page 356 Refill Capacities, Motorcraft Parts, and Lubricant Specifications Refill Capacities...
Page 357 Motorcraft Parts...
Page 358 Lubricant Specifications...
Page 359: Vehicle Storage
Vehicle Storage Maintenance Tips If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of time (60 days or more), refer to the following maintenance recommendations to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating condition. General Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place. Protect from sunlight, if possible.
Page 360 Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading. Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents. Engine Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal operating temperature. With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the engine is running.
Page 361 Cooling system Protect against freezing temperatures. Battery Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean and covered with a light coat of grease. If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the battery, disconnect the battery cables to ensure battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Page 362: Quick Index
Warning label locations...
Page 374: Index
Index ABS warning light (see Anti-lock brake system) ..83 Accessory position on the ignition ..61 Additives, engine oil ..Air bag supplemental restraint system description .
Page 375 Automatic transaxle driving with ... fluid, adding ... . . fluid, checking ... . fluid, refill capacities .
Page 376 Brake-shift interlock ..Break-in period ....Bulbs, replacing headlamps ....high-mount brakelamp .
Page 377 Cleaning your vehicle (continued) engine compartment..exterior ....headlamps ....instrument panel .
Page 378 Doors door ajar warning light ..79 lubricant specifications ..Driving under special conditions heavy load ....high speed .
Page 379 Engine coolant checking and adding ..checking hoses ... . preparing for storage ..recovery reservoir .
Page 380 Fuel (continued) capacity ....filling your vehicle with fuel..filter, specifications ..fuel gauge .
Page 381 GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) definition....location ....Hazard flashers ... . . Headlamps aiming .
Page 382 Idle relearning ....speed ....66 Ignition positions of the ignition ..61 removing the key .
Page 383 Lamps (continued) high beams ....illuminated mirrors ..interior lamps... . . map lamps .
Page 384 Maintenance (see Servicing) ..Master cylinder, brakes ..Methanol in fuel ... . Micron air filter ... . Mileage, calculating fuel economy .
Page 385 Power door locks ... . Power features door locks ....lumbar support ... . mirrors.
Page 386 Safe driving tips ... . Safety belts (see Safety restraints) ..Safety chains, when towing a trailer . . . Safety Compliance Certification Label . . . Safety defects, reporting .
Page 387 Shoulder and lap belts (see Safety restraints) ..Shoulder belts (see Safety restraints)..Side mirrors, heated ... Sliding moon roof (see Moon roof) ..Spare tire changing the tire .
Page 388 Sun visor....Supplemental air bag readiness light ..79 Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ..23 Tachometer ....86 Tell Your Technician booklet .
Page 389 Vanity mirror ....Variable interval wipers ..VECI (Vehicle Emission Control Information) decal... Vehicle storage .
Page 390 Windows liftgate window... . one-touch down ... power windows, operating ..rear, defrosting ... . Windshield, defrosting.
Page 391: Service Station Information
Service Station Information...

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