Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Body Electrical All sections

Battery, Mounting and Cables: Other Mercury Sable V

Body Electrical 2 illustrations ~465 words

Battery and Cables

Vehicles are equipped with a 12-volt maintenance-free battery.

The battery and cable system consists of the following components

  1. Battery
  2. Battery cable assembly
  3. Battery tray

Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that lead-acid batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility for disposal.

Scheme 2

Scheme 2

Special Tools Illustration Tool Name Tool Number Micro 490 Digital Battery Analyzer 162-00004 or equivalent

Charging a Battery

Batteries discharge while the vehicle is on the dealer lot or parked by the customer for an extended period of time due to normal parasitic key-off loads. Also, vehicles still in dealer inventory or in long-term storage may be driven short distances with heavy electrical loads. Over a period of time (30 days or more), this could result in vehicles having shallow or deeply discharged batteries.

  1. Deeply discharged - A battery that is drained over a prolonged period of time, such as an unsold vehicle or a vehicle in storage, to the point the battery is dead.
  2. Shallow discharge - A battery that is drained by leaving an accessory on for several hours or a few days and has a very low charge.

The vehicle's charging system is designed to supply the electrical power needed to maintain the battery near full charge during normal vehicle use. The charging system is not capable of bringing a deeply discharged battery back near full charge in a short amount of time such as allowing the vehicle to idle for 15 minutes to "recharge the battery." Discharged batteries should be charged using an external charger.

Note. Battery chargers have improved greatly with the addition of the new generation pulse chargers. These chargers pulse current into the battery, breaking down the sulfation layer on the battery plates and generally reduce charging times to less than an hour.

Note. Cold batteries will not readily accept a charge. Therefore, batteries should be allowed to warm to approximately 5°C (41°F) before charging. This may require 4 to 8 hours at room temperature.

The following chart summarizes 2 recommended methods of charging.

Type of Battery DischargePulse ChargerStandard Charger
Deeply dischargedFollow directions supplied with the pulse charger2 to 8 hours and may take up to an hour to accept initial charge
Shallow discharge45 minutes to an hour charge2 hours (40A) on manual setting or medium automatic setting

Battery Disconnect

WARNINGBatteries contain sulfuric acid and produce explosive gases. Work in a well-ventilated area. Do not allow the battery to come in contact with flames, sparks or burning substances. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield eyes when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes, then get prompt medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
WARNINGAlways deplete the backup power supply before repairing or installing any new front or side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) component and before servicing, removing, installing, adjusting or striking components near the front or side impact sensors or the restraints control module (RCM). Nearby components include doors, instrument panel, console, door latches, strikers, seats and hood latches. Refer to the Description and Operation portion of SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM article for location of the RCM and impact sensor(s). To deplete the backup power supply energy, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least 1 minute. Be sure to disconnect auxiliary batteries and power supplies (if equipped). Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury or death in the event of an accidental deployment.
WARNINGAlways lift a plastic-cased battery with a battery carrier or with hands on opposite corners. Excessive pressure on the battery end walls may cause acid to flow through the vent caps, resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.

Note. When the battery (or PCM) is disconnected and connected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the vehicle relearns its adaptive strategy. The charging system setpoint may also vary. The vehicle may need to be driven to relearn its strategy.

Note. When the battery is disconnected and connected, the illumination display needs to be calibrated. After the battery is connected, rotate the dimmer switch from the lowest dim position to the full bright, dome ON position.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. To connect, tighten to 6 Nm (53 lb-in).
  2. Disconnect the positive battery cable. To connect, tighten to 6 Nm (53 lb-in).
  3. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Scheme 3

Scheme 3: Battery and Battery Tray - Exploded View
ItemPart NumberDescription
110747Battery hold-down clamp and bolt
210655Battery
3N811453-SBattery tray bolts (4 required)
410723Battery tray
5Power distribution box (PDB)
6PDB fastener (part of 10723)
7Wire harness fasteners (part of 14230)
  1. For additional information, refer to the procedures in this article.