Mercury Sable (2009 year). Manual

Maintenance
• Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
• Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel

economy.

• Use recommended engine oil. Refer to Maintenance product

specifications and capacities in this chapter.

• Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the

recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in scheduled maintenance information.

Conditions
• Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy

at any speed.

• Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately

1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).

• Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug

deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.

• Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
• Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first

8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.

• Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to

driving on hilly terrain.

• Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top

cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.

• Close windows for high speed driving.

EPA fuel economy estimates

Every new vehicle should have a window sticker containing EPA fuel
economy estimates. Contact your authorized dealer if the window sticker
is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA fuel economy estimates
should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons with other
vehicles. Your fuel economy may vary depending upon the method of
operation and conditions.

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EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM

Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
• Use only the specified fuel listed.
• Avoid running out of fuel.
• Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at

high speeds.

• Have the items listed in scheduled maintenance information

performed according to the specified schedule.

The scheduled maintenance items listed in scheduled maintenance
information are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.

If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.

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.

Illumination of the Service engine soon

indicator, charging system

warning light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors,
smoke or loss of engine power could indicate that the emission control
system is not working properly.

An improperly operating or damaged exhaust system may allow exhaust
to enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly operating exhaust
system inspected and repaired immediately.

WARNING: Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.

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Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal also lists engine displacement.

Please consult your Warranty Guide/Customer Information Guide for
complete emission warranty information.

On board diagnostics (OBD-II)

Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). The OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists your
authorized dealer in properly servicing your vehicle. When the Service
engine soon

indicator illuminates, the OBD-II system has detected

a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause the Service engine
soon

indicator to illuminate. Examples are:

1. The vehicle has run out of fuel—the engine may misfire or run poorly.

2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel—the engine may misfire or run
poorly.

3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened. See Fuel filler
cap in this chapter.

4. Driving through deep water—the electrical system may be wet.

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel, properly tightening the fuel cap or letting the
electrical system dry out. After three driving cycles without these or any
other temporary malfunctions present, the Service engine soon
indicator should stay off the next time the engine is started. A driving
cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway
driving. No additional vehicle service is required.

If the Service engine soon

indicator remains on, have your vehicle

serviced at the first available opportunity. Although some malfunctions
detected by the OBD-II may not have symptoms that are apparent,
continued driving with the Service engine soon

indicator on can

result in increased emissions, lower fuel economy, reduced engine and
transmission smoothness, and lead to more costly repairs.

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Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing

Some state/provincial and local governments may have
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent
you from getting a vehicle registration. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M
test if the Service engine soon

indicator is on or not working

properly (bulb is burned out), or if the OBD-II system has determined
that some of the emission control systems have not been properly
checked. In this case, the vehicle is considered not ready for I/M testing.

If the Service engine soon

indicator is on or the bulb does not

work, the vehicle may need to be serviced. Refer to the On board
diagnostics (OBD-II) description in this chapter.

If the vehicle’s engine or transmission has just been serviced, or the
battery has recently run down or been replaced, the OBD-II system may
indicate that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To determine if the
vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn the ignition key to the on position
for 15 seconds without cranking the engine. If the Service engine
soon

indicator blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not

ready for I/M testing; if the Service engine soon

indicator stays on

solid, it means that the vehicle is ready for I/M testing.

The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system
during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:

15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by
20 minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle
periods.

Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.

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TRANSMISSION FLUID

Checking automatic transmission fluid

Refer to your scheduled maintenance information for scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission 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 20 miles [30 km]). 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 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.

2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.

3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.

4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.

5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer to Identifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.

6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.

7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.

Low fluid level

Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is in the add range or does not
show at all on the dipstick.

Correct fluid level

The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 149°F (65°C) on a level surface. The normal operating
temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of
driving.

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The transmission fluid should be
within the cross-hatch area if at
normal operating temperature 149°F
(65°C).

High fluid level

Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.

High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.

Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels

Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Maintenance product specifications and capacities section in this
chapter.

Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.

If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint
(250 ml) increments through the
filler tube until the level is correct.

If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized
dealer.

An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.

Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.

AIR FILTER

Refer to scheduled maintenance information for the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.

When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer to Motorcraft part numbers in this chapter.

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MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS

Component

3.5L V6 Engine

Engine air filter element

FA-1884

Battery

BXT-59

Oil filter

FL-400-SB12

PCV valve

Spark plugs

The PCV valve is a critical emission component. It is one of the items

listed in the scheduled maintenance information and is essential to
the life and performance of your vehicle and to its emissions system.

For PCV valve replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance information for the appropriate intervals for
changing the PCV valve.

Replace the PCV valve with one that meets Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as a Motorcraft or
equivalent replacement part. The customer warranty may be void
for any damage to the emissions system if such a PCV valve is not
used.

For spark plug replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to

scheduled maintenance information for the appropriate intervals for
changing the spark plugs.

Replace the spark plugs with ones that meet Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as Motorcraft or
equivalent replacement parts. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the engine if such spark plugs are not
used.

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MAINTENANCE

PRODUCT

SPECIFICATIONS

AND

CAPACITIES

Items

Capacity

Ford

Part

Name

equivalent

Ford

Part

Number

Ford

Specification

Brake

fluid

Between

MAX

and

MIN

reservoir

Motorcraft

igh

Performance

DOT

Motor

ehicle

rake

Fluid

PM-1-C

WSS-M6C62-A

WSS-M6C65-A1

Door

latch,

hood

latch,

auxiliary

hood

latch,

seat

tracks,

trunk

and

liftgate

latches

—

Multi-Purpose

Grease

XG-4

XL-5

ESA-M1C93-B

Lock

cylinders

—

Motorcraft

Penetrating

and

Lock

Lubricant

XL-1

None

Automatic

transmission

fluid

10.0

quarts

(9.5L)

Motorcraft

MERCON

威

-5-QM

MERCON

威

Rear

differential

(

WD)

fluid

2.4

ints

(1.15L)

Motorcraft

SAE

80W

-90

Premium

Rear

Axle

Lubricant

-80W90-QL

WSP-M2C197-A

Power

ransfer

Unit

(PTU)

fluid

WD)

ounces

(0.53L)

Motorcraft

SAE

75W

-140

Synthetic

Rear

Axle

Lubricant

-75W140-QL

WSL-M2C192-A

Engine

oil

quarts

(5.2L)

Motorcraft

SAE

-20

Premium

Synthetic

Blend

Motor

Oil

(US)

Motorcraft

SAE

-20

Super

Premium

Motor

Oil

(Canada)

XO-5W20-QSP

(US)

CXO-5W20-

LSP12

(Canada)

WSS-M2C930-A

and

API

Certification

Mark

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Items

Capacity

Ford

Part

Name

equivalent

Ford

Part

Number

Ford

Specification

Engine

coolant

11.1

quarts

(10.5L)

Motorcraft

remium

Gold

Engine

Coolant

with

bittering

agent

(yellow-colored)

VC-7-B

WSS-M97B51-A1

Power

steering

fluid

Between

MAX

and

MIN

reservoir

Motorcraft

MERCON

威

-5-QM

MERCON

威

indshield

washer

fluid

op-off

fluid

needed

Motorcraft

remium

indshield

asher

Concentrate

ZC-32-A

WSB-M8B16-A2

Fuel

tank

20.5

gallons

(77.6L)

WD,

PZEV

and

PZEV

FWD

——

20.0

gallons

(75.7L)

(FWD)

Approximate

fill

capacity

Actual

amount

may

vary

during

fluid

changes.

Automatic

transmissions

that

require

MERCON

威

should

only

use

MERCON

威

fluid.

Refer

scheduled

maintenance

information

determine

the

correct

service

interval.

Use

any

fluid

other

than

the

recommended

fluid

may

cause

transmission

damage.

Use

synthetic

blend

motor

oil

not

mandatory

Engine

oil

need

only

meet

the

requirements

Ford

specification

WSS-M2C930-A

and

the

API

Certification

mark.

Add

the

coolant

type

originally

equipped

your

vehicle.

See

your

authorized

dealer

for

fluid

level

checking

filling.

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GENUINE MERCURY ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE

A wide selection of Genuine Mercury Accessories are available for your
vehicle through your local Mercury or Ford of Canada dealer. These
quality accessories have been specifically engineered to fulfill your
automotive needs; they are custom designed to complement the style
and aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In addition, each accessory
is made from high quality materials and meets or exceeds Mercury’s
rigorous engineering and safety specifications. Ford Motor Company will
repair or replace any properly dealer-installed Genuine Mercury
Accessories found to be defective in factory-supplied materials or
workmanship during the warranty period, as well as any component
damaged by the defective accessories. The accessories will be warranted
for whichever provides you the greatest benefit:
• 12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km) (whichever occurs first), or
• the remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
Contact your dealer for details and a copy of the warranty.

Following is a list of several Genuine Mercury Accessories. Not all
accessories are available for all models. To find out what accessories are
available for your vehicle, please contact your dealer or visit our online
store at: www.mercuryaccessories.com.

Exterior style

Bug shields

Moonroof deflector

Side window deflector

Splash guards

Interior style

All weather floor mats

Electrochromic compass/temperature interior mirrors

Carpeted floor mats

Lifestyle

Ash cup / smoker’s package

Cargo organization and management

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Peace of mind

Remote start

Vehicle security systems

Wheel locks

For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
• When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your

vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
Compliance Certification label). Consult your authorized dealer for
specific weight information.

• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio

Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems — such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service
technician.

• Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your

vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use.

• To avoid interference with other vehicle functions, such as anti-lock

braking systems, amateur radio users who install radios and antennas
onto their vehicle should not locate the Amateur Radio Antennas in
the area of the driver’s side hood.

• Electrical or electronic accessories or components that are added to

the vehicle by the authorized dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability.

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Mercury Sable (2009 year). Manual - part 19