2002 Mercury Sable Owner Guide 4th Printing - Page 144

Driving • Wheels out of alignment • Loose or worn suspension components AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION Brake-shift interlock This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is in the ON position unless brake pedal is depressed. If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in the ON position and the brake pedal depressed: 1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the key. 2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake pedal and shift to N (Neutral). In the ignition OFF position, the automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P (Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always set the parking brake. 3. Start the vehicle. If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle's brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside emergencies chapter. Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps are working. If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by shifting from forward and reverse gears while stopping between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear. If necessary, try turning the Traction Control௢ system off. This will allow the wheels to spin, which may help to free your stuck vehicle. For more information, refer to Traction Control௢ (if equipped) in this chapter. Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating temperature or damage to the transaxle may occur. Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage to the transaxle and tires may occur or the engine may overheat. 144