1996 Mercury Sable Owner's Manual - Page 229

RWARNING 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. If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone. You can tell a console-mounted gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) if you cannot move it without pushing in the thumb button. Steering Your Vehicle Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power steering uses energy from the engine to help steer your vehicle. Your vehicle has variable-assist steering. This system provides light power steering efforts for parking and heavier power steering efforts for highway driving. If you notice that the power steering effort does not change according to the speed you are traveling, or if the power steering system is not working, have the system checked. If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked. If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more effort. 202