2002 Mercury Sable Owner Guide 4th Printing - Page 218

Maintenance and Specifications 2. Visually inspect the fluid level. 3. If necessary, add brake fluid from a clean un-opened container until MAX the level reaches MAX. Do not fill above this line. 4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid certified to meet Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A. Refer to Lubricant specifications in this chapter. Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately. If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause permanent damage to your brakes. Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This may cause the brakes to fail. TRANSMISSION FLUID Checking automatic transmission fluid Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage. Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking. 1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating temperature. 2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. 218