Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1999 Mercury Sable V6-3.0L DOHC VIN SFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Spare Key Programming Switch
NOTE:
- The Spare key Programming Switch is a New Generation STAR Tester (NGS/SBDS) programmable switch which provides the capability to enable/disable the normal customer Spare Key Programming Procedure. This procedure is in the Owner's Manual Spare Key Programming Procedure or under Key Programming - Program a Key Using Two Programmed Keys. This programmable switch is provided as a convenience for rental company fleets or other fleet purchasers who may not want the Spare Key Programming procedure available to the vehicle driver.
- The spare key programming switch state can be viewed by PATS PID SPAREKY.
1. Insert a programmed ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn ignition switch from OFF to RUN.
2. Enter new configuration function card/SBDS. Follow the Security Access Procedure to obtain security access.
3. From NGS/SBDS menu: Toggle SPARE KEY PROGRAMMING SWITCH to desired setting:
Spare key Programming Procedure is accessible.
Spare key Programming Procedure is not accessible.
NOTE: The default setting on delivery of all new vehicles is.
- The Spare key Programming Switch is a New Generation STAR Tester (NGS/SBDS) programmable switch which provides the capability to enable/disable the normal customer Spare Key Programming Procedure. This procedure is in the Owner's Manual Spare Key Programming Procedure or under Key Programming - Program a Key Using Two Programmed Keys. This programmable switch is provided as a convenience for rental company fleets or other fleet purchasers who may not want the Spare Key Programming procedure available to the vehicle driver.
- The spare key programming switch state can be viewed by PATS PID SPAREKY.
1. Insert a programmed ignition key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn ignition switch from OFF to RUN.
2. Enter new configuration function card/SBDS. Follow the Security Access Procedure to obtain security access.
3. From NGS/SBDS menu: Toggle SPARE KEY PROGRAMMING SWITCH to desired setting:
NOTE: The default setting on delivery of all new vehicles is
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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