Target Audience:
Owners and DIY owners performing routine maintenance and referencing vehicle operation details
Document Purpose:
Factory owner's manual covering operation, features, maintenance, and safety information
Instrumentation:
Full gauge and warning lamp operation
Convenience Features:
Power accessories, remote keyless entry, speed control
Safety Information:
Airbag, seatbelt, and child restraint instructions
Instrument Cluster:
Gauges, warning lamps, and indicator operation
Interior Controls:
Headlamps, turn signals, wipers, and climate controls
Seats & Restraints:
Seat adjustment, head restraint positioning, seatbelt use
Keys & Locks:
Keyless entry remote programming and lock features
Windows & Mirrors:
Power window operation and mirror adjustment
Security System:
SecuriLock passive anti-theft system operation
Audio System:
Radio and CD player operation
Climate Control:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning use
Tilt Steering & Speed Control:
Adjustment and cruise control operation
Trunk & Cargo Features:
Trunk release and wagon cargo area configuration
Fluid Checks:
Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, washer fluid
Tires:
Inflation, rotation, wear indicators, and spare tire use
Battery & Fuses:
Battery care, fuse panel locations, and fuse ratings
Bulb Replacement:
Headlamp and exterior bulb replacement procedures
Washer & Wipers:
Blade replacement and washer reservoir filling
Scheduled Maintenance:
Factory maintenance interval charts
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converter precautions and emission system overview
Emergency & Specifications
Roadside Emergencies:
Jump starting, changing a tire, and hazard operation
Towing:
Towing the vehicle behind another vehicle
Capacities & Specifications:
Fluid capacities and fuel specifications
Customer Assistance:
Ford customer relationship center information
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Primary Engine:
3.0L V6 (Flex Fuel capable)
Configuration:
60-degree V6, OHV, 12 valves
Horsepower:
Approximately 155 hp
Torque:
Approximately 185 lb-ft
Fuel System:
Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection
Fuel Requirement:
Regular unleaded, 87 octane (E85 capable on FFV models)
Engine Oil:
5W-20, approximately 4.5 quarts with filter
Coolant:
Motorcraft Gold extended-life coolant
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic overdrive
Transmission Type:
AX4S or AX4N automatic transaxle
Features:
Overdrive lockout, electronic speed control interaction
Optional Transmission:
N/A - no manual transmission offered on the 2004 Sable
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Front height-adjustable belts with pretensioners
Child Restraint:
LATCH anchors and rear seat tether anchors
Side Impact Protection:
Reinforced side door beams
Brakes:
Power 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS
Traction Control:
Available all-speed traction control
Security:
SecuriLock passive anti-theft system
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A - consult NHTSA archives for official 2004 Sable ratings
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD player
Available Audio:
Premium sound system with cassette/CD combinations by trim
Steering Controls:
Available audio control buttons on steering wheel
Driver Assistance Systems:
N/A - no modern ADAS features offered in 2004
Convenience Aids:
Speed control, electrochromic mirror, and driver message center available by trim
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months under normal driving
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles
Air Filter:
Inspect at oil changes, replace as needed
Spark Plugs:
Replace per severe/normal schedule in manual
Coolant:
Extended-life coolant per schedule, typically 100,000 miles initial
Engine Oil:
Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 synthetic blend
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Motorcraft Mercon V
Engine Coolant:
Motorcraft Gold extended-life
Power Steering Fluid:
Motorcraft Mercon ATF
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 16 gallons
Common Issues:
Intake manifold gasket and transmission fluid service are frequent attention items on this generation
Suspension:
Inspect struts and bushings at higher mileage
Manufacturer:
Mercury, a division of Ford Motor Company
Nameplate Introduction:
Sable introduced in 1986 as a forward-thinking midsize sedan
Model Evolution:
Fourth generation introduced in 2000, facelifted in 2004 with a new grille and revised front end
2004 Position:
Final years of Sable production, offered in GS, LS, and LS Premium trims
Production Location:
Chicago Assembly Plant, Chicago, Illinois
Sister Vehicle:
Ford Taurus fourth generation
