1998 Mercury Sable Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 99
1998 Mercury Sable Manual
Page 99 highlights
Driving 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 control is pressed, 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. 2 (Second - if equipped) Use 2 (Second) for start-up on slippery roads or to give you more engine braking to slow your vehicle on downgrades. 1 (First) Use 1 (First) for 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 61 km/h (38 mph) when in this gear. You can upshift from 1 (First) to overdrive at any time. 99