2009 Mercury Sable Owner's Manual - Page 203

Driving STARTING Positions of the ignition 1. Off- locks the gearshift lever and allows key removal. This position also shuts the engine and all electrical accessories off. 2. Accessory- allows the electrical accessories such as the radio to operate while the engine is not running. 3. On- all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key position when driving. 4. Start- cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine starts. Starting your vehicle Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio noise. When starting a fuel-injected engine, don't press the accelerator before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to Starting the engine in this chapter. To avoid potential transmission damage at extremely cold temperatures (below -20°F [-30°C]), it is recommended that the vehicle be warmed up to normal operating temperature before driving at highway speeds above 50 mph (80 km/h). Normal operating temperature is normally reached after 10 minutes of moderate driving or idling. WARNING: Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk of fire or other damage. WARNING: Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire. 203 2009 Sable (mgo) Owners Guide, 2nd Printing USA (fus)