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Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Sedans Pre-2008

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Comments

  • tweedletweedle Member Posts: 2
    My car is a '94 ford Taurus with 151,000 miles, 3.0 l, v-6

    A noise like a growl (sounds like failing bearings or rubbing) can be heard with the car in drive or reverse and running but stopped. This noise becomes a chirp (sounds like a slipping belt) when I take off. While driving at a constant speed, the sound becomes a randomly spaced but persistent squeak that stops when I put the car in neutral.

    I first suspected the tranny, since I have had so many tranny troubles. I took the belt off and started the car. When put into drive it made no added noise. I concluded it must be something connected to or rubbing on the belt.

    With the belt back on, I listened to the water pump, alternator and ps pump w/ a stethoscope. Both the alternator and the ps pump sounded much different with the car in gear. WHY IS THIS? WHY IS THE LOAD ON THESE ITEMS DIFFERENT WITH THE CAR IN DRIVE BUT NOT GOING ANYWHERE?

    The water pump has 24 k, the alternator is original and both the ps pump and the idler pulley have 400 miles of use.

    With the belt off I spun everything that would turn. Nothing sounded or felt noteworthy except the water pump really only wanted to turn one way, but it sounded the same in gear and out with the stethoscope.

    Any ideas? Someone suggested the harmonic balancer. Would it behave differently with the tranny in gear than out?
  • dkoerberdkoerber Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 Ford Taurus SE with 58,000 miles on it. It runs well, but recently the light on the speedometer went out. I was wondering if any of you guys knew the procedure for replacing this, and how difficult it was. Thanks a lot.
  • buckwheatbuckwheat Member Posts: 396
    Mercury to drop Sable next spring!
    Mercury will discontinue its long-suffering Sable sedan after the 2005 model year. Production of the Sable at Ford Motor Co.'s Atlanta assembly plant is expected to end in April.

    You must be a subscriber to read full article.
    http://www.autonews.com/
  • shank6shank6 Member Posts: 64
    That's too bad about the Sable. The styling of the new Montego does nothing for me at all. I'm a Mercury man from way back, (86 Cougar LS} and I think they offer a quality product. I'm planning on taking my 2000 Sable LS to 200,000 miles.

    I haven't had any serious problems, and the ride and fit of the car is just fine for my wife(she has the 2002 Sable LS}and I.
  • buckwheatbuckwheat Member Posts: 396
    suffering, is not my word, thats part of the article. Personally I think the Sable is one of the nicest looking cars Ford made. My son owns a 2001.
    Here is another link:

    http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101362
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    I know style is subjective, but really, you don't care for the style of the Montego? I liked the new Sable when it came out in 2000 a lot, but I like the new Montego even more. I especially like that cascading grille Mercury is making a trademark now. I like it on the Mountaineer we have now, we've had 2 of them, and I like it on the Montego. Well, YMMV.
  • shank6shank6 Member Posts: 64
    I guess we all have different tastes nvbanker. These cars have been good to me so I hate to see change, but nothing stays the same forever, especially in the car market.

     

    Maybe the styling of the Montego will grow on me after a while. Also wish Ford would upgrade the horsepower a bit (225 to 250)in the Duratech. It's been such a good powerplant though maybe they don't want to mess with success
  • qcumberqcumber Member Posts: 1
    I bought a 2004 Taurus and to my Dismay it has a CASSETTE player yet all the dash buttons are for Cd's..Does ANYONE know of a way to get a CD player hooked up to the in-dash stereo??? HELP!!!!! FORD should retro-fit all these 2004's with a 21st Century stereo system.HELLO!!!!!
  • venus537venus537 Member Posts: 1,443
    what's so successful about this powerplant?

     

    it doesn't compare farorably to its conterparts from honda, toyota (3.2 not the 3.0), GM (3.6 OHC) and nissan.
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    You should have a plug in the trunk for a CD changer to be installed that those buttons will work - see your dealer, or a reputable stereo shop. Of course, the stereo shop will want to put in a Sony for $1200, so I'd at least talk to my dealer to see who they use, so you may be able to get the more reasonably priced Ford unit if you want it, which IMO, is good enough. YMMV.
  • jdiaz2jdiaz2 Member Posts: 16
    I like the Duratec. Not the fastest engine out there, but has a nice honk above 3500rpm, gives 25 mpg in our wagon all day long, and hardly requires any attention on a regular basis. Definitely can't complain with the experience we've had with the engine (or our Taurus for that matter).

     

    Jon
  • oxmeadoxmead Member Posts: 79
    my 2000 sable wagon make this noise/vibration that kinda sound like a coffee can with nuts and bolts in it. it's done it since it was new,but not all the time. I can't make it do this , its completly random. It never does it when the car is anywhere near the dealer. I notice it mostly when driving with a very light foot, like driving along the side of a fast food drive up window or up ramps in a parking garage. I thought it might be some sort of heat shield or somthing, but I've looked every where under the car and cant find anything loose. has anyone else had this ? thanks
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    It could be a loose accelerator cable, or just about a loose anything else, unfortunately...
  • snowmansnowman Member Posts: 540
    If your car is SES w/ Vulcan engine, I bet, it is pinging. Ford Ranger trucks with the same engine do the same thing. search the internet and you'll find bunch of info.
  • oxmeadoxmead Member Posts: 79
    no, I got the duratec. It never makes the noise/vibration at over 20-25 mph and only for a few seconds. usually when acelerating very lightly from a stop or after the trans shifts to 2nd. It sounds like it's coming from under the car. It doesn't seem like it's engine related. I even thought it might be something in the exhaust. If I was sure , I'd have it changed.
  • 1stmountie1stmountie Member Posts: 13
    I just had the latest recall on the front end. When the car was returned to me I got a loud popping noise, which came from the front driver side. Looked over everthing and everything was tighten down. Noone including Ford can figure out what it is. Has anyone experienced this situation.
  • moerodmoerod Member Posts: 7
    anyone know where to find the keypad code for a 2001 sable ls premium sedan. i've look in the trunk and can't see anything. Anyone know where else it could be.
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    If you can get under the dash on the driver's side, there may be a sticker you can see with a 5 digit code on it on a label stuck on a part there. If not, your dealer can give it to you from the vin number. Some of them will charge you to look it up - others will be nice and won't.
  • maggielbsmaggielbs Member Posts: 2
    I just bought a 1999 Sable with a Duratec V6 with 75,000 miles on it. I really like this car alot. However, the Low Coolant Light comes on when ever I drive. I have checked the coolant and it is NOT low. What do I need to do or check next? Thanks.
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    Change the sensor, disconnect it, or take the bulb out of the socket in the dash.
  • badgerfanbadgerfan Member Posts: 1,565
    My 2000 Taurus with Duratec did that as well when under warranty. The fix was to replace the entire overflow tank, which I assume also included the sensor. Since it was under warranty, I didn't question it much as I wasn't paying for anything.

     

    The cost of replacement wouldn't have been all that much even if it had been past warranty, maybe $100-$150 max, but I don't recall exactly what the statement listed.
  • vppcvppc Member Posts: 58
    Hi, everyone!

     

    I recently purchased a silver 2001 Ford Taurus SES! It has 57,000 miles on it. The body is in excellent condition, as well as the interior. This car came with power windows, locks, mirrors, and power driver's seat. It also has CD player and the bench seat option. The engine is the Vulcan V6 (which I feel is plentiful and pulls well).

     

    The dealer put new brakes all the way around on this car, as well as had it serviced and lubed. They initially wanted $7,999, but I got it for $6,500! Did I get a great deal? The car runs GREAT!

     

    Thanks!

    - Alex
  • jasmith52jasmith52 Member Posts: 462
    Congratulations on purchasing a quality, late-model used car. You'll save many thousands by purchasing cars like this in the future over new cars. Drive it till it drops or Drive it for a few years and maybe sell it for a few thousand less than you paid for it. Try to do that with a new car and you'll get reemed !

     

    As for your price, It looks pretty average to me. Every dealer will discount their cars over asking prices.

     

    You can book out your car here on Edmunds if you really want to.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    The Sable/Taurus are incredible used car buys. Great purchase!

     

    ~alpha
  • shayeleeshayelee Member Posts: 1
    Hi, Im new here. I have a 95 Mercury Sable V6 3.8L. It is one of the best cars I have owned, and is really reliable. Its got 115,000 miles on it thus far. My problem is with the heat. It started when the heat was on high, and the blow kicked to low, after hitting the dash the heat kicked back to high. Now the heat is on the low setting even when the dial is at high. I have replaced the blower motor, and the blower motor resistor. What do I do now?? Any Ideas?

    Thanks, Shannon
  • jasmith52jasmith52 Member Posts: 462
    Well:

     

    It could be

     

    1) The blower motor selector switch or the connections to it

     

    2) The wires between the selector switch and the blower.

     

    3) A bad ground wire

     

    - Good luck ! Electrical problems can be very tricky
  • wkohlerwkohler Member Posts: 74
    Good purchase! That year was probably the best of all for Taurus. After that year they started "decontenting" them (i.e. no glove box light, no double sunshade on passenger side, no shade band on windshield, etc). One thing I would make sure they did and that is to change the transmission fluid. If they can prove that was done, fine. If not, have it done soon, then every 30,000 miles or so.
  • carbidgecarbidge Member Posts: 1
    Yes I had my 1999 Taurus, recall fix ?? on 2/3/2005.

    It has a popping noise on the right front also.

    Do Ford know what to do now.
  • nic517nic517 Member Posts: 2
    What are the differences between these two cars besides looks? What is the price differential? I am not sure if I should buy one over the other. Is it just a matter of personal look preference or is there something other that I should be looking for.

      

    Thanks so much for your help.
  • moerodmoerod Member Posts: 7
    i have a 2001 sable with a tape deck/auto climate control. no cd changer by cd button of deck. i just purchased a factory changer from ebay, but do not know where it goes connected. i was told the car came prewired but i dont see any wires in the trunk. the cd changer did not come with wires, would i have tu purchase them, what would the be connected to?

     

    Thanks
  • wkohlerwkohler Member Posts: 74
    The differences are purely cosmetic. Different headlight assy, grill, tail light, rear door design etc. Inside, a little flashier on the Sable with wood trim (fake) etc. All engine, drivetrain, brakes, etc are all the same. Sable may run a few dollars higher, but not much. Personally I like the Sable front end and the Taurus rear end. It's all a matter of personal preference one vs the other.
  • wkohlerwkohler Member Posts: 74
    The amplifier, etc for your radio is in the trunk on the left hand side behind the trunk cover. If you didn't get a wiring harness with the changer, you'll need to get that. I don't have the trunk mounted changer, but understand it just plugs into the amplifier assy once you mount the changer in the trunk. My changer came factory installed in the center console.
  • nic517nic517 Member Posts: 2
    Hello,

    It seems that my speedometer is 10 mph higher than what I feel I am going. Have you heard of this problem before. I am also only getting 14.8 average miles per fill-up. Is this normal or are my gauges not working correctly?

    Thank you again for your help!
  • dilbertzzzdilbertzzz Member Posts: 190
    "feel" is entirely subjective. Have you checked the speedometer against any of those roadsides "Your Speed" radar signs? Or have you checked your odometer against at least 10 miles worth of highway mileage markers or driven a known distance to see if your odometer agrees. You'll need some concrete measurements before you can draw any conclusions.
  • 626lx_4-ever626lx_4-ever Member Posts: 2
    On Christmas Eve, of all days, my wife's '96 Taurus sedan (V6 w/ ~140K miles) decided moving forwards was overrated -- the transmission would engage in reverse then drop out in neutral but failed to engage again (at least with any noticeable jolt) in any forward gear (D-1). (Yes, the FIRST thing I checked was the tranny fluid -- level, color and smell seemed okay.)

      

    I managed to get it to limp forward briefly by putting it in "D" and revving the engine a bit while pushing the car manually, before giving up and calling for a tow.

      

    Upon arrival at the shop, the tow-truck driver lowered the car and surprise, surprise -- it went into drive and pulled forward as nice as you please! The shop (NOT a tranny specialist but owned by a friend of a friend, who had recently done a major tune-up on the car) was unable to find anything wrong after a cursory inspection and a diagnostic they had done at a another garage also turned up nothing. The car then ran fine for a while...

      

    Well, one fine Sunday morning less than two months later, my wife tries to run an errand and wouldn't you know, the Taurus has other ideas (i.e. no forward motion)...

      

    The car is now at a transmission shop and they're telling me that it's an internal problem and I have two choices: ~$1200 repair w/ 90-day warranty; ~$1800 rebuild w/ 1 yr. / 12K mile warranty.

      

    Any advice you knowledgeable folks may offer would be GREATLY appreciated!

      

    Thanks!
  • jasmith52jasmith52 Member Posts: 462
    Transmission Problems Uggh !

     

    well the cheapest thing you can do is go down to the auto parts store and buy a quart of Transmission solvent. Brands like Trans-X, there are others. Should cost around $5 to $10 bucks. Also think about changing the transmission fluid. This fix might buy you a few more months (or even years) before you have to spend some real money on your car.

     

    The $1200 or $1800 fix are up to you. How long do you plan on keeping the car ??

     

    Keep it in perspective. $1800 is alot of money but it's only about 5 months payment on a new car. So it may be alot cheaper to fix your present ride than get a new one. Also since you have 146k miles on the car didn't you ever expect to do some major repairs.
  • vppcvppc Member Posts: 58
    Hello, everyone!

    I have now driven my 2001 Ford Taurus SES for almost a month now. My follow-up is that this car is great! It HANDLES well and has plenty of pull from the V6. The ride is very SOLID, yet the suspension is firm enough to handle road irregularities and handle the curves with ease. The factory CD system sounds GREAT and plays them all (even scratched) with no problems.

    Now, of course there a few cons. For starters, I have a little bit of paint coming off the front bumper (my car is silver). It looks as if a little bit of clearcoat is coming off? This can't be noticed unless you are right in front of the car. Also, there is some belt under the hood that sometimes squeaks. Sometimes, when driving low speed it sounds like a bolt in a can coming from somewhere (usually only happens on rough pavement). It can only be heard if you are dead silent. And, the cigarette lighter when you push it in to let it light up, just FLYS out and onto the floor when it's ready! I just hold it from now on, but that shocked me!

    As far as the cars performance, it meets all my needs and attains 22-24MPG mixed driving. I am about to take a 600-mile round trip and can't wait! This car is so comfortable and the power driver's seat is a plus!

    So, I do recommend this car or the Mercury Sable for an awesome used car buy!

    - Alex
  • 307web307web Member Posts: 1,033
    For that expensive of a job, you should probably tow it to another shop for a second opinion.
    Also, it is a 1996 Taurus with 140,000 miles, so it isn't surprising that something is wrong with the transmission.
  • vppcvppc Member Posts: 58
    Hello, everyone!

    I quoted that there was a sound like a "bolt in a can" at low speed. Turns out it was just the antenna jiggling! YAY! It happened on rough/crappy roads and turning sharply up or downhill. So I twisted it a little bit and BAM!

    I love this car!
    - Alex

    P.S. This car got 27MPG on the highway trip doing 70+ MPH!
  • ohio7ohio7 Member Posts: 67
    Alex, we're all glad that you are impressed with your Taurus. I've had my 2000 SEL for almost five years in June and have been impressed still! I wish I had reason to drive it more, but I only have 27,000 on it.

    When I go to my hometown in Cincinnati to visit once a year in April it is about 520 miles from Northern Virginia and I get around 30mph each year. I check it every year thinking that my math is wrong. I even had my all-knowing brother-in-law do the math and he was speechless (he drives a Grand Marquis).

    I love when I go to Lowe's and buy long pieces of landscape wood and can easily put five of them all the way in the car and close the trunk because of those wonderful folding rear seats and folding the passenger seat all the way back. The boy loading was in awe. I drove away with a smile on my face. Who needs a mini-van!!
  • tomp2tomp2 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 taurus and looking for replacement trunk interior. This includes all interior parts sides and flooring. I spilled parts cleaner in it and cannot get rid of the odor. I have searched everywhere for exact replacement parts but am unable to locate the right parts. Any suggestions? And by the way I am really impressed wit the car. thanks
  • badgerfanbadgerfan Member Posts: 1,565
    You should really try to find a junkyard, er, excuse me, car parts recycling store, that keeps their junker cars intact and find any Taurus or Sable sedan from model year 2000 or newer and dicker on an offer for all the interior fabric parts. Get on the phone and call them first, and it will save you a lot of time.

    You could probably also buy them new, but in most cases this will cost you your first born child.

    The junkyard route is the way to go here.

    The other option is just to open the trunk, disconnecting the trunk light, and let it air out for a long time. It should eventually dissipate.
  • case_26case_26 Member Posts: 1
    I have a wrecked 96 taurus with a perfectly good engine and tranny, im looking to pick up a chasis and body w/ or without and engine and tranny. looking to pay approx $500 preferably less. (california valley area)
  • tedwardstedwards Member Posts: 6
    My fan control switch only works on the highest setting. Where can I get another one besides the dealer. I have a 2001 Taurus SES
  • mettechmettech Member Posts: 28
    Ford will stop making the Sable in April.
  • danielj6danielj6 Member Posts: 285
    Where did you read this??
  • chuck1chuck1 Member Posts: 1,405
    I found it--
    From BLUE OVAL NEWS

    "Mercury will take their last orders for the Sable on 11 March 2005 and the last Sable will be made at the Atlanta Assembly Plant toward the end of April."

    This is no surprise, it's been known for a long time....
  • acgordon81acgordon81 Member Posts: 1
    Is it possible to put a 3.0 motor and transmission from a 1992 taurus into a 1991 sable that had a 3.8 motor and transmission in it. If so how hard would it be. Any help would be great. Thanks
  • gyatesgyates Member Posts: 55
    I only found it at the dealer. It is the blower motor resistor. About $15.00, and takes less than 10 minutes to replace.
  • snowmansnowman Member Posts: 540
    In fact Ford Taurus will be retired this year. The replacement is Ford Fusion...
This discussion has been closed.

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