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2008 Mercury Sable Owner's Manual - Page 219

2008 Mercury Sable Manual

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Tires, Wheels and Loading Trailer towing tips • Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles. • Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached. • If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift into the "L" gear position. Do not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less effective. • The trailer tongue weight should be 10-15% of the loaded trailer weight. • After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts. • To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park). • Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels. RECREATIONAL TOWING Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow your vehicle for personal travel (such as behind a motor home or a truck). In case of roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to Wrecker towing in the Roadside Emergencies chapter. These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle. Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles: Tow your Front Wheel Drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground or with the front wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly. If you are using a tow dolly follow the instructions specified by the equipment provider. All Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles: Tow your All Wheel Drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground or with all four wheels off the ground using a vehicle transport trailer. Do not tow your All Wheel Drive vehicle with the front wheels off the ground (by using a tow dolly) and the rear wheels on the ground. This will cause damage to your AWD system. If you are using a vehicle transport trailer, follow the instruction specified by the equipment provider. 219 2008 Sable (mgo) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA (fus)

Section	Page
Table of Contents	1
Introduction	4
PERCHLORATE MATERIAL	4
CONGRATULATIONS	4
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION	5
Warning symbols in this guide	5
Warning symbols on your vehicle	5
Protecting the environment	5
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE	5
SPECIAL NOTICES	5
New Vehicle Limited Warranty	5
Special instructions	6
Service Data Recording	6
Event Data Recording	6
Cell phone use	7
Export unique (Non–United States/Canada) vehicle specific information	7
Instrument Cluster	10
WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES	10
GAUGES	14
Entertainment Systems	16
AUDIO SYSTEMS	16
Quick start — How to get going	16
Listening to the radio	16
Listening to satellite radio (if equipped)	17
Listening to a CD/MP3 (if equipped)	17
AM/FM Single CD/MP3 satellite compatible sound system (if equipped)	20
Premium/Audiophile AM/FM in-dash six CD/MP3 satellite compatible sound system (if equipped)	28
Auxiliary input jack (Line in)	36
USB port (if equipped)	38
GENERAL AUDIO INFORMATION	38
Satellite radio information (if equipped)	41
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT DVD SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	44
Quick start	45
To play a DVD in the DVD system:	45
To play a CD in the DVD system:	46
To play an MP3 disc in the DVD system:	46
To play an auxiliary source through the DVD system	47
To listen to audio over the headphones (Dual play mode):	48
Using the infrared (IR) wireless headphones:	48
Using wired headphones (not included):	48
To adjust display brightness:	49
DVD player controls	49
Remote control	52
Battery replacement	55
Headphones	55
Wireless headphones	55
Wired headphones	59
Operation	59
Single play/Dual play	59
Operation with an aftermarket audio system (Headphone only mode)	61
Menu mode	61
Angle mode	61
Aspect ratio	62
Language	62
Subtitles	63
Audio CDs	63
Playing MP3 discs	64
MP3 disc quality factors	64
CD, MP3 and CD player care	65
Playing a DVD	66
Slow play	67
Frame by frame	67
Headphone/auxiliary jacks	67
Audio displays	68
Audio interaction	69
Parental control for the DVD system	69
General information	70
Safety information	70
Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Compliance	71
Care and service of the DVD player	72
Environmental extremes	72
Temperature extremes	72
Humidity and moisture condensation	72
Foreign substances	72
Cleaning the liquid crystal display (LCD) flip-down screen	73
Cleaning DVD and CD discs	73
Compatibility with aftermarket audio systems (headphone only mode)	73
NAVIGATION SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	73
SYNC (LATE AVAILABILITY — IF EQUIPPED)	73
Climate Controls	74
MANUAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	74
Operating tips	75
DUAL ZONE AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)	76
Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control with heated seats (if equipped)	78
Operating tips	80
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER	81
Lights	82
HEADLAMP CONTROL	82
Autolamp control (if equipped)	82
Autolamps - Programmable exit delay	82
Fog lamp control (if equipped)	83
High beams	83
Flash to pass	84
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)	84
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL	84
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS	85
Vertical aim adjustment	85
TURN SIGNAL CONTROL	86
INTERIOR LAMPS	86
Dome lamps and map lamps	86
BULB REPLACEMENT	87
Headlamp Condensation	87
Using the right bulbs	87
Replacing the interior bulbs	88
Replacing exterior bulbs	88
Replacing headlamp (low beam and high beam) bulbs	88
Replacing front parking lamp/turn signal bulbs	89
Replacing front sidemarker bulb	89
Replacing rear stop/tail/turn signal/backup lamp bulbs	89
Replacing brake and tail lamp bulbs	90
Replacing high-mount brake lamp bulbs	90
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs	90
Replacing fog lamp bulbs	91
Driver Controls	92
MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER	92
Windshield wiper features (if equipped with Autolamp feature)	92
TILT STEERING WHEEL	93
ILLUMINATED VISOR MIRROR	93
INSTRUMENT PANEL STORAGE COMPARTMENT	94
OVERHEAD CONSOLE	94
Storage compartment	94
CLOCK (IF EQUIPPED)	94
CENTER CONSOLE	95
AUXILIARY POWER POINT (12VDC)	95
POWER WINDOWS	96
One touch up or down (Driver’s window only)	97
Window lock	98
Bounce-Back (Driver’s window only)	98
Security Override	98
Accessory delay	98
INTERIOR MIRROR	98
Automatic dimming interior rear view mirror (if equipped)	99
EXTERIOR MIRRORS	99
Power side view mirrors	99
Fold-away mirrors	100
Heated outside mirrors (if equipped)	100
POWER ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDALS (IF EQUIPPED)	100
SPEED CONTROL	101
Setting speed control	101
Disengaging speed control	102
Resuming a set speed	102
Increasing speed while using speed control	103
Reducing speed while using speed control	103
Turning off speed control	104
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS	104
Radio control features	104
MOON ROOF (IF EQUIPPED)	106
HOMELINK WIRELESS CONTROL SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	107
Programming	108
Gate Operator & Canadian Programming	109
Operating the HomeLink Wireless Control System	110
Erasing HomeLink buttons	110
Reprogramming a single HomeLink button	110
MESSAGE CENTER	111
Selectable features	111
Reset	111
Info menu	111
Odometer/Trip odometer	111
Distance to empty (DTE)	111
Average fuel economy (AFE)	112
Trip elapsed drive time	112
Compass display	113
Compass zone adjustment	113
Compass calibration adjustment	114
Setup menu	115
System check	115
Oil life	115
Language	116
Units (English/Metric)	116
Autolamp delay (if equipped)	116
Autolock (if equipped)	117
Autounlock (if equipped)	117
Easy entry/exit seat (if equipped)	117
System warnings	117
INTERIOR TRUNK CONTROL	120
Rear sunshade (if equipped)	120
CARGO AREA FEATURES	121
Cargo net (if equipped)	121
Locks and Security	122
KEYS	122
Recommended handling of the Integrated Keyhead Transmitter (IKT)	122
POWER DOOR LOCKS	123
Smart locks	124
Autolock feature	124
Deactivating/activating autolock feature	124
Power door lock switch autolock enable/disable procedure	125
Keyless entry key pad autolock enable/disable procedure	125
Autounlock feature	126
Deactivating/activating autounlock feature	126
Power door lock switch autounlock enable/disable procedure	126
Keyless entry key pad autounlock enable/disable procedure	127
CHILDPROOF DOOR LOCKS	127
INTERIOR LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT RELEASE	128
REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM	129
Unlocking the doors/two stage unlock	130
Locking the doors	130
Car finder	130
Sounding a panic alarm	130
Opening the trunk	131
Activating the memory feature	131
Deactivating the memory feature	131
Replacing the battery	132
Replacing lost Integrated Keyhead Transmitters (IKTs)	132
How to reprogram your Integrated Keyhead Transmitters (IKTs)	132
Illuminated entry	133
Perimeter lamps illuminated entry	133
Deactivating/activating perimeter lamps illuminated entry	133
Illuminated exit	134
Battery saver	134
KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM	135
Programming a personal entry code and keypad association to memory seats and mirrors (if equipped)	135
Erasing personal code	136
Anti-scan feature	136
Unlocking and locking the doors using keyless entry	136
SECURILOCK™ PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM	137
Anti-theft indicator	137
Automatic arming	138
Automatic disarming	138
Replacement Integrated Keyless Transmitters (IKT) and coded keys	138
Programming spare keys	138
PERIMETER ALARM SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	140
Arming the system	140
Disarming the system	141
Triggering the anti-theft system	141
Seating and Safety Restraints	142
SEATING	142
Adjustable head restraints	142
Using the manual lumbar support (if equipped)	143
Folding down the front passenger seatback	143
Adjusting the front manual seat (if equipped)	144
Adjusting the front power seat (if equipped)	145
Heated seats (if equipped)	147
Memory seats/power mirrors/adjustable pedals (if equipped)	148
REAR SEATS	148
Head restraints (if equipped)	148
Split-folding rear seat	149
Seat mounted cup holders and armrest storage compartment (if equipped)	150
SAFETY RESTRAINTS	150
Personal Safety System™	150
How does the Personal Safety System™ work?	151
Driver and passenger dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints	151
Front crash severity sensor	151
Driver’s seat position sensor	152
Front passenger sensing system	152
Front safety belt usage sensors	152
Front safety belt pretensioners	153
Front safety belt energy management retractors	153
Determining if the Personal Safety System™ is operational	153
Safety belt precautions	154
Combination lap and shoulder belts	155
Energy Management Feature — Front Outboard	155
Vehicle sensitive mode	156
Automatic locking mode	156
When to use the automatic locking mode	156
How to use the automatic locking mode	156
How to disengage the automatic locking mode	157
Safety belt height adjustment	157
Safety belt pretensioner	158
Safety belt extension assembly	158
Safety belt maintenance	158
Safety belt warning light and indicator chime	159
Conditions of operation	159
Belt-Minder	159
One time disable	162
Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minder feature	162
AIRBAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)	163
Important supplemental restraint system precautions	164
Children and airbags	165
How does the airbag supplemental restraint system work?	166
Front passenger sensing system	167
Determining if the system is operational	172
Seat-mounted side airbag system	172
How does the side airbag system work?	173
Safety Canopy™ system	174
How does the Safety Canopy™ system work?	175
Determining if the system is operational	177
Disposal of airbags and airbag equipped vehicles	177
SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN	177
Important child restraint precautions	178
Children and safety belts	178
Child booster seats	178
When children should use booster seats	179
Types of booster seats	180
The importance of shoulder belts	181
SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN	182
Child and infant or child safety seats	182
Installing child safety seats with combination lap and shoulder belts	183
Attaching child safety seats with tether straps	186
Attaching safety seats with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) attachments for child seat anchors	188
Tires, Wheels and Loading	190
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING	190
Treadwear	190
Traction AA A B C	190
Temperature A B C	191
TIRES	191
Glossary of tire terminology	191
INFLATING YOUR TIRES	192
TIRE CARE	194
Inspecting your tires	194
Tire wear	195
Damage	195
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)	196
Tire replacement requirements	196
Safety practices	197
Highway hazards	198
Tire and wheel alignment	198
Tire rotation	198
INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE TIRE SIDEWALL	200
Information on “P” type tires	200
Additional information contained on the tire sidewall for “LT” type tires	203
Information on “T” type tires	204
Location of the tire label	204
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)	205
Understanding your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)	206
When your temporary spare tire is installed	207
When you believe your system is not operating properly	207
When inflating your tires	209
How temperature affects your tire pressure	210
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS	210
VEHICLE LOADING – WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER	211
TRAILER TOWING	217
Preparing to tow	217
Hitches	217
Safety chains	217
Trailer brakes	218
Trailer lamps	218
Driving while you tow	218
Servicing after towing	218
Trailer towing tips	219
RECREATIONAL TOWING	219
Driving	221
STARTING	221
Positions of the ignition	221
Starting your vehicle	221
Important safety precautions	222
Starting the engine	223
Guarding against exhaust fumes	224
Important ventilating information	224
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)	224
BRAKES	226
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)	226
Using ABS	226
ABS warning lamp	226
Parking brake	227
ADVANCETRAC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) (IF EQUIPPED)	228
TRACTION CONTROL™ (IF EQUIPPED)	230
STEERING	231
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION	232
Brake-shift interlock	232
Automatic Transaxle Adaptive Learning	233
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed automatic transaxle	234
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	235
ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	238
Driving off-highway with AWD vehicles	238
Basic operating principles	238
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement	238
If your vehicle gets stuck	239
Emergency maneuvers	239
AWD Systems (if equipped)	240
Sand	240
Mud and water	240
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain	241
Driving on snow and ice	242
Maintenance and Modifications	243
DRIVING THROUGH WATER	243
Roadside Emergencies	244
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE	244
Getting roadside assistance	244
Using roadside assistance	245
Roadside coverage beyond basic warranty	245
HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL	246
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH	246
FUSES AND RELAYS	247
Fuses	247
Standard fuse amperage rating and color	247
Passenger compartment fuse panel	248
Power distribution box	250
CHANGING THE TIRES	253
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information	254
Stopping and securing the vehicle	256
Removing the spare tire and jack	256
Tire change procedure	256
Stowing the tire and jack	259
WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS	260
JUMP STARTING	261
Preparing your vehicle	261
Connecting the jumper cables	262
Jump starting	263
Removing the jumper cables	264
WRECKER TOWING	266
Customer Assistance	268
GETTING THE SERVICES YOU NEED	268
At home	268
Away from home	268
Additional Assistance	269
IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)	270
THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (BBB) AUTO LINE PROGRAM (U.S. ONLY)	271
UTILIZING THE MEDIATION/ARBITRATION PROGRAM (CANADA ONLY)	272
FORD EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN	272
GETTING ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA	273
ORDERING ADDITIONAL OWNER’S LITERATURE	274
Obtaining a French owner’s guide	274
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (U.S. ONLY)	274
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (CANADA ONLY)	275
Cleaning	276
WASHING THE EXTERIOR	276
WAXING	277
PAINT CHIPS	277
ALUMINUM WHEELS AND WHEEL COVERS	277
ENGINE	278
PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS	278
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES	279
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS	280
INTERIOR	280
LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)	281
UNDERBODY	281
FORD AND LINCOLN MERCURY CAR CARE PRODUCTS	282
Maintenance and Specifications	283
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS	283
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE	283
Working with the engine off	283
Working with the engine on	283
OPENING THE HOOD	284
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT	285
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID	286
CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES	287
ENGINE OIL	287
Checking the engine oil	287
Adding engine oil	289
Engine oil and filter recommendations	289
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil	289
BATTERY	290
ENGINE COOLANT	292
Checking engine coolant	292
Adding engine coolant	293
Recycled engine coolant	296
Coolant refill capacity	296
Severe climates	296
FUEL FILTER	297
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS	297
Important safety precautions	297
Refueling	299
Fuel Filler Cap	299
Choosing the right fuel	300
Octane recommendations	301
Fuel quality	301
Cleaner air	301
Running out of fuel	301
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY	302
Measuring techniques	302
Filling the tank	302
Calculating fuel economy	303
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits	303
Habits	303
Maintenance	304
Conditions	304
EPA window sticker	305
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM	305
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)	306
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing	307
POWER STEERING FLUID	308
BRAKE FLUID	309
TRANSAXLE FLUID	309
Checking automatic transaxle fluid	309
Low fluid level	310
Correct fluid level	310
High fluid level	310
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels	310
AIR FILTER	311
Changing the air filter element	311
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS	312
MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES	313
ENGINE DATA	316
Engine drivebelt routing	316
IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE	317
Safety Compliance Certification Label	317
Vehicle identification number (VIN)	317
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE CODE DESIGNATIONS	318
Accessories	319
GENUINE MERCURY ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE	319
Exterior style	319
Interior style	319
Lifestyle	319
Peace of mind	320

Match case Limit results 1 per page

Trailer towing tips

•

Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to

get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make

wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.

•

Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.

•

If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift into the “L” gear

position. Do not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat

and become less effective.

•

The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer

weight.

•

After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your

hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.

•

To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot

weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).

•

Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must

park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.

RECREATIONAL TOWING

Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow

your vehicle for personal travel (such as behind a motor home or a

truck).

In case of roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to

Wrecker towing

in the

Roadside Emergencies

chapter.

These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle.

Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles:

Tow your Front Wheel Drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground

or with the front wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly. If you are

using a tow dolly follow the instructions specified by the equipment

provider.

All Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles:

Tow your All Wheel Drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground or

with all four wheels off the ground using a vehicle transport trailer.

not tow your All Wheel Drive vehicle with the front wheels off

the ground (by using a tow dolly) and the rear wheels on the

ground.

This will cause damage to your AWD system. If you are using a

vehicle transport trailer, follow the instruction specified by the

equipment provider.

2008 Sable

(mgo)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA

(fus)

Tires, Wheels and Loading

219