Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Sedans Pre-2008

chuck1 · September 2005

I have an '05 that is a company provided vehicle. It was new when I picked it up. I have had the passenger side wheel bearing replaced (now the other side is making noise) and also brakes at 25,000 miles. I HAVE NEVER owned a car that needed brakes before 32,000 miles.
I have just heard the next company cars will be the 500's. I also know my company will not pay substantially more for them than the Taurus. This tells me that the 500's must be selling very slow for Ford to release them in to fleets at a fire sale price.

masonmi · September 2005

The 500's are priced a bit higher than the Taurus and most likely they aren't selling that quickly so I wouldnt be surprised if they are rolled out into the fleets, at least i'm not the only one with Taurus problems.

jimtarheel · September 2005

I need to replace the seatbelt/shoulder harness on my son's 2000 Taurus and I've located one from a junkyard. What's involved in removing the old one and replacing it with the one I'm buying? What tools are required? I'm looking for instructions or if it's too big a job for me, I'll take it to a service station. Thanks in advance for your ideas. Either post here or email: aea5j@yahoo.com

themoon77 · September 2005

First of all, change the transmission fluid. The tranny is the "weak link" in your car--and if you are driving faster that means you are driving harder, so maintain it, maintain it, maintain it. K&N filters work well in these cars. Also, you might look into a custom fabricated cat-back exhaust with a Flowmaster(or similar) muffler out back. That's really about all you need. But honestly, even if you fix it up a little, go easy on the car. Those transmissions are weak, and costly. Good luck!

slim12 · September 2005

I have a 2001 Taurus Se. AC works great but in cooler weather when I turn it off and just use the air vents, I get a smell like stinky socks or rotting leaves. I have checked all filters, cleaned out everything I could find and still can't rid of the smell.

Dealer says he would have to take entire dash off to investigate but he has no idea either.

Anyone experience this?

Please help.

jamz117 · September 2005

you may have a coolant leak in your engine compartment. this happened to me and i got a nasty smell of rotten feet. check your heater hoses and radiator hoses. the metal pipes on the taurus coolant lines have a tendancy to rust through, they may need replacing. also take off your passenger compartment air filter which is located under the windshield of the passenger side of the car. remove the plastic cover underneath your wiperblade. the filter should be changed once a year. cost is about $20.

jamz117 · September 2005

is it possible to remove the factory set up of two catalytic converters and manifold, to a set of performance headers flowing into a single catalytic converter? Also, are there any aftermarket MAF sensors that are compatable to a cold air intake that will work with my taurus? a couple friends told me if i put a cold air intake on the stock MAF it will cause poor fuel economy

chuck1 · September 2005

I hate to tell you this, but I wouldn't alter the exhaust system. You open yourself up to all kind of problems. You could have the "check engine" light come on due to different readings by the 02 sensors. If this increases your horsepower, I am not sure the transmission over time can take it. I really wouldn't touch what you are doing with a ten foot pole........

profweeks · September 2005

I bought a 2004 Taurus SES today from a Hertz Car Sales in San Diego. My "research" online led me to believe I was buying a 155 HP. I thought the SES was 155 and the SEL was 201 HP.

Opening the hood during the test drive I saw it was a Duratec 24V DOHC (emblem on outside of car says same thing .... duhhh!). I assume that is good, as in I have 200 HP.

I was pleasantly surprised with how the "155 HP" engine was doing during the test drive!

Where is a good spec on this engine? The Owner's Manual is worthless.

I think the price was fairly decent at $9,995. I hope the car is also decent for reliability for a few-to-four years.

chuck1 · September 2005

I think the price was fairly decent at $9,995. I hope the car is also decent for reliability for a few-to-four years.

Yes, it sounds like the price was good. I have an '05 SE with the base motor. It is a company car and now has 30K on it. I can tell you I have already replaced the passenger side wheel bearing, and now the drivers side is making noise. I am glad it's company provided vehicle, I would never buy one of these based on the history with this one.

I hope you have better luck with yours!

juswheels · September 2005

I would tend to believe your cabin air filter is full of mold. Happens more in the southern states than up north but still happens. You can't clean it but replacement is very easy. Dealers love to tell you that they have to "Take the dash out" to get at it but that's just not so, It's about a 15 minute job or less. Definately check that first.

themoon77 · September 2005

With a cat-back exhaust system, you replace everything behind the cats, so with the Taurus I am assuming you won't touch any sensitive parts such as the 02 sensors or anything similar. You shouldn't have any problems if you leave the headers and catalytic converters in place.

Edge

cjgavagan · September 2005

Can you remove the back seat in the 2002 Ford Taurus
SE Sedan? Need to haul a long table. Thanks for your help.

chuck1 · September 2005

You may be able to remove the seat. However, did you look to see if there are any supports, etc. behind the seat?

It may be easier to rent a truck or call upon a friend who has a pickup!

allfiredup · September 2005

Howdy profweeks- I'm not sure exactly what you're looking for when you say "where is a good spec on this engine". If you're looking for performance information, check out the 2000 Edmunds Family Car Comparison. Here's a link-

link title

The Taurus placed third out of nine cars in the test. The test car has the 200hp Duratec engine. The quoted 0-60 time is 8.3 seconds...not too shabby.

taurusbob · September 2005

Could re programming the PCM module have any effect in MPG. If so, what devices are controlled by the PCM to effect MPG. Have been experiencing poor gas mileage. Dealer says that the PCM may have to be re programmed.

badgerfan · September 2005

Well, if the dealer thinks something like this needs to be done, why not just let them do it. Should be free under warranty, and what have you got to lose?

It would be a bit surprising to me that there would be a software issue in Tauri at this time as the car has been in production essentially with few or no changes for many years now.

I don't know which engine you have, but with either the Vulcan or Duratec engines typically you should be able to get 27-30 highway, but your city mileage will vary greatly depending on your driving style and how congested your "city" driving conditions are. I usually can get 20-24, but my city driving is not particularly congested.

vppc · November 2005

Hi, everyone!

A friend of mine is really considering buying an excellent condition black 2002 Mercury Sable LS. It has the following:

- 55,000 miles
- Duratec 24V engine
- Leather
- Power Pedals and Driver's Seat
- Auto-Dim RV Mirror
- Compass
- Auto Temp Control
- AM/FM Cass (No MACH or CD Changer)
- No ABS, Traction, or Side Airbags (Has rear drums)

This car rides very smoothly and that motor moves! The steering, handling, tires, and suspension are all first-rate and there are no rattles in the interior. The brakes are new all the way around! Everything works and she LOVES it! I love it! I told her it would be a great car considering my '01 Taurus SES has 88,700 miles and runs like new and has given me no trouble.

The price at the dealer was $10,900 and she was offered $8,600. I think it is a great deal. What do you guys think?

Thanks!
- Alex

pat · November 2005

While you wait for some feedback here, check out the Edmunds Used Car Appraiser.

You might also try asking Terry (rroyce10) in our Real-World Trade-In Values discussion. Be sure to include all the necessary information that is listed above the post box.

badgerfan · November 2005

I don't know if that price is a great deal, but Tauri/Sable do depreciate fairly fast, which is a plus for anyone buying one used.

They are indeed very good cars, especially when equipped with the Duratec V-6. Solid, with good handling and no suspension wallowing, but no harshness to the ride. Most underappreciated car in the market, in my opinion.

You can certainly check the Edmunds used car price calculator, or check want ads, dealer lots, etc for comparison prices to see if it is a good deal.

Remember, new car dealers usually mark their used cars up a lot, so there is a whole lot of room for them to come down in price. You can always get to their bottom line by not being too eager to buy, walking out the door, etc and letting them sit on their "final offer" for a day or two. Leave them your phone number and they might come down more.

fordolds · November 2005

I recently bought a 2002 Sable LS of almost this exact description, except also having ABS brakes, Mach Audio, and chrome wheels. The price was $8,500. I don't consider it a particularly great price, but I do think the $10,900 price is absurdly high. For that money
I had the option of buying a Lincoln Town Car Signature.

9911 · December 2005

help
my car will start no problem if it is plugged in but once it get to say -15 or o faraheit it seems to roll over ok but then shakes it will start sometimes at this temperature but appears to almost be flooding i did a tune up new wires cap pluggs buyt it made no difference about a year ago canadian tire told me my head gasket was going so they put an engine gasket sealer in it it seems ok i have plenty of power in the engine and pleny of heat in the car could this be part of my problem.

here are a few things people have told me

1 cold cranking amps in battery battery test in green ok but on the line or 12 seems to roll over quickly enough

2 fuel pump when i turn key i hear fuel pump working and never have problems unless its cold weather

3 cold start sensor could it be this

i hope by the process of elimennation to find out what the problem is

thanks

pat · December 2005

You might want to also have a look at our "No Start" Problems discussion. You may find some ideas already posted and you can ask there as well. Good luck with it.

ijennings1 · December 2005

I note on the Taurus station wagon, they have disc brakes front and rear, as opposed to rear drums on the sedan. Has anyone driven both? If so, are the station wagon's brakes better? Does the pedal have better 'feel?'
I find on my 2000 SES, the brakes are my main criticism. there seems to be the 'magic inch' where nothing happens when you first depress the pedal. I've had all the usual checks, such as fluid flush etc.
Any thoughts on this?
I still feel this is an underrated car. Many people have travelled in mine and been surprised how good it is. There is space and comfort galore and excellent handling and steering, although the ride is a little choppy I feel. Still great value though.

beancounter · December 2005

Price? I don't know. But, I have a 2000 Sable LS with 156,000 miles on the std Vulcan V6. Bought it w/ 16,000 miles. With 55,000 miles on the one you're looking at, if there are no maint records, I would change all fluids (cooling, trans, & oil). (At 55,000, trans & cooling should have been done twice already.) Maint is the key to getting max mileage out of any car, but I feel even more so on American cars.

While there are certainly the exceptions (but how would you know which ones), I personally don't think people that trade their cars in at 40-50,000 miles do much in the way of maint (why would you spend more than you have to if you're not planning on keeping the car?). I would much rather see you buy a 1 or 2 yr old car w/ under 15 or 16,000 miles. It won't cost you any more to own, and you may have fewer problems with it by not buying somebody else's 55,000 miles of neglect/bad driving habits.

If you've already bought it, here's my experience thus far: I bought mine w/ every intention of going 250,000 miles, and at this point, I have no doubt that it will. The only problem of any significance I've had is a starter I replaced last year. Everything else has been routine maint, including in Sept, all new struts & springs (it was my choice to have them done) and lower ball joints. (Ball joints were just starting to show signs of wear. Went ahead and replaced them as long as it was all apart for the struts & sprgs.) Had to switch from 89 oct to 90+ to control the pinging, but I do get better gas mileage, as well as better performance when I want it. Eliminating the pinging will also help me get the 250,000 miles I'm shooting for out of the engine. All fluids have been changed religiously: Oil every 4,000 (hi-way miles), Trans & cooling every year or about 30,000 miles. Got 70,000 miles on my first set of tires. Replaced them w/ the same Continentals and am going to get 100,000 easily this time (only been rotated twice). I keep the car waxed and get the engine cleaned 1x per yr. Once the warranty was up, I have not let the dealer touch my car. I have an excellent mechanic that I have complete faith in. With all that I have done, the car rides, drives, and looks like the day I bought it (despite midwest winters & no garage). There are no leaks or rattles. Engine runs smooth and uses no oil. While my maint cost per thousand miles has gone up slightly each year, depreciation has slowed down considerably now. So, I am expecting my total cost of ownership per thousand miles to be cheaper on this 2nd 100,000 than it was on the 1st. We'll see. Hope this was helpful and good luck w/ what I think is one of the most underated cars on the market.

fixitford · December 2005

If you own a 2003 Ford Taurus the odds are very good that you already have, or are just about to have your Defrost Blower Motor go out.

We noticed a puddle of water on the passenger side floor very soon after we bought the car. It turns out that due to a design defect, water can get into the heater system and ends up on the floor. We took the car to the dealer twice (under warranty) to have this addressed. What the dealer didnt tell us- is that the blower motor and resistor wind up sitting in a puddle of water.

You dont need to be an electrical engineer to figure out what happens next. This week the weather turned cold and the blower motor burned out. Back to dealer, 3rd time, charged nearly $300 to replace the blower motor. They told us sorry, not a warranty issue!

Ford has issued at least 2 TSBs on this, and they know it is a design issue. There hasnt been a recall so they tell you to get lost.

If you have a 2003 Taurus, this will probably happen to you. If it already has do us all a favor and file a complaint with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Link below:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

You will need your VIN # to complete the process, but aside from that it is easy.

If enough people complain, they may make Ford issue a recall and correct this under warranty.

jh1977 · December 2005

Ford says 2006 will be the last model year of the Taurus. I once owned a Taurus. Its a shame Ford did not invest more into the Taurus to keep it competitive with the Camry and Accord. At one time years ago, The Taurus was the best selling car in the U.S., outselling the Camry and Accord. Good-Bye Taurus.

chuck1 · December 2005

"The Taurus was the best selling car in the U.S., outselling the Camry and Accord. Good-Bye Taurus."

Yes, but they made that drastic "jelly bean" design and the Taurus lost the number one spot and never regained it. The Fusion is a great car, the 500 was designed to be very bland, and consequently is not a run away success. Ford needs to fire it's designers and get some young blood in there!

bates3 · December 2005

First let me say you were right on about the DPFE sensor on my 2000 Taurus that wouldn't idle. Now, I have a new question, please. My automatic headlights do not come on anymore, but the parking lights work automatically. I checked the fuse and it is fine. Is there a separate relay for the headlights? Was told by mechanic that I would just probably need to replace switch, which is $85 at dealership parts. Mechanic did not check just figured that would be my fix. Any suggestions?

jh1977 · December 2005

I agree 100% Ford destroyed the Taurus with the "jelly bean" design, not updating the car with modern technology to compete with the Camry and Accord. Ford should bring in new Designers for the 500 and Montego (The successors to Taurus and Sable) so the cars can be redesigned. These cars are currently designed for the 65 plus senior citizen crowd and they remind of the 1970s Plymouth Valiant. When the new 3.5 liter engine arrives for the 500/Montego, Ford needs to redesign the 500 and Montego so they can have attractive body styles to appeal to customers in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. The Camry and Accord cars have attractive body styles, why can't the 500 and Montego have the same.

semendua · December 2005

Greetings,

I have a 2005 Taurus with 33K, 3.0L. I have noticed that only on the first start of the day, for 1-2 minutes, there is a clunking noise each time I press the brake pedal about 1. The RPMs go down with the brake pedal and the car will move forward (very slightly). It does this everyday on only the first start of the day. The Ford dealer had an engineer from Ford look at it. They ended up saying that they tried other Taurus on the lot and saw the same problem. They say that no one had ever complained about this problem, and were not sure what was causing it.

Any of you out there have a 2005 Taurus that you can test to see if you have this problem?

Thanks, David

alek_medic · December 2005

stumbled upon this one :

Ford Taurus owner manuals 1996-2006

chuck1 · December 2005

"Ford needs to redesign the 500 and Montego so they can have attractive body styles to appeal to customers in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. The Camry and Accord cars have attractive body styles, why can't the 500 and Montego have the same."

JH, I agree with everything you have said. My only comment is that the 500 will probably appeal to the 45 year age group if it were designed properly. It needs a little more excitement. I think the Fusion is a step in the right direction!

romanrubene · December 2005

Do somebody know where is located the power window fuse and how many amps uses? All the windows refuse to work.
I just suspect the problem is with the power window fuse.

Thank you for your attention.

Ruben E.

timothyf · December 2005

I have a 96 LX. Does anyone know where the turn signal relay is located. It clicks fast and then clicks slow. The turn signal lights work when it clicks slow, so I'm thinking the relay needs to be replaced. Thanks

chuck1 · December 2005

Look in your owner's manual. But I believe there are two fuse boxes. One just underneath the dash near the drivers door, and another "black box" with fuses underneath the hood.
Good luck.

observer22 · December 2005

Having the neighborhood independent hole-in-the-wall garage install Brembo brake rotors made my 2000 Taurus a much better vehicle with drastically improved braking performance (off-the-shelf brake pads used, nothing special).

Local Ford dealer mailed me a notice of a wiring harness recall. When I picked it up service advisor really pushed to have me let them repair it for a mild rough cold start. I declined and on the less than three mile drive home, the car died at a red light and ran incredibly rough. It also ran rough for the next couple of days, obviously, this desperate dealer had sprayed something somewhere to hopefully make me come running back for repair. About a week later the dealer called me asking if I wanted my cold start problem repaire. Desperate......this dealer was charging $55 for oil changes...15 years ago.

ohmaxim · December 2005

Greetings,
My Keyless entry for a 2001 Mercury Sable Wagon LS is not working. I have replaced the battery and the unit is not responding. Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks.
-Geoff

laf3 · December 2005

WE would welcome any suggestions as we comtemplate keeping our most recent acquisition of a 2000LHS, and buying an 04 SES. I had a 95 SE that I absolutely loved and put 106K on before I totalled it :sick: I cannot find anything I love as much, and nothing with seats as comfortable as the SE. If anyone is interested in an immaculate 95 SE with spoiler, premium sound, cloth/leather seats that needs a new bumper, passenger fender and mirror, we're selling it for $1200 and lots of tears.

Anyway, the LHS is loaded (our first luxury car) and very nice, but too big, and it's not a Taurus...any thoughts?

observer22 · January 2006

Hi, If the LHS has the infamous Chrysler 2.7 engine, get rid of it ...quick!! Just do an internet search for "Chrysler 2.7 engine, problems" to see how bad it is.

Consider getting a slightly older Taurus, a 2000 or 2001, if purchased for $4500 or less will have 80-90% of the dreaded Taurus depreciation wrung out of it, much like someone would wring the water out of a wet cloth by twisting it. The lower horsepower Vulcan engine actually has a better reliability rating (155 HP). 2000 first year of last Taurus redesign. Then look up Autobarn's internet site and get some Brembo front brake rotors (off-the-shelf brake pads your local mechanic can get are fine). Brembos drastically improve braking performance.

Seldom meet or hear of anyone keeping those large Chryslers/Dodges for very long.

jcolon · January 2006

I also have a Ford Taurus. Mine is an SEL with the Mach System also. I thought it sounded like crap so I changed all 4 speakers with 6 x 8 Pioneer 4-ways. It made a world of difference. I also changed the tweeters near the front windows to Kenwood.
Quite honestly I should have left the tweeters alone. The system just doesn't sound right.
I took it to a shop and was told that I would have to install a new amp and crossovers in the front because the stock Mach System speakers are designed to be
1) The door speakers - woofers and midtones
2) The window tweeters are for highs.

However the climate control is attached to the radio somehow, so changing the amp and radio are out of the question

benso037 · January 2006

Hi, I purchased this car with 80k miles on it and even though it looks like it's in great condition, it's given me nothing but headaches. I've had the car for only two months but i've put almost a $1000 in it already. My final thing to fix is to replace are all 4 02 sensors (2 sensors and 2 monitors). Car has lost some power and stalled a couple of times. Computer reading shows that two are bad, took the car to a mechanic 2 days ago, lifted up the car and the cable on one of the sensors (away from the front of car, downstreme?) was completed ripped off the sensor. replaced it with one of the two upstream sensors I had purchased. he didn't want to use the other one because he said both one bad sensor could set off two codes so to keep the other one. Reset my check engine light, two hours later, light was back on. Resent reading is showing that 2 sensors need replaced. I went ahead and got the two downstream so now I have 3 sensors and I plan on changing them myself.

I need a little help, one I think the mechanic put the upstream sensor I Had in the downstream hole, I was able to get a good look at all 4 sensors while i was there.

My first question is, are the upstream towards the front of the car and the downstream towards the back of the car? If so, I will take the sensor he just installed out and place it in the right place.

Secondly, what tool will be the easiest to take the old sensors out with. I have 3 new sensors in hand but I want to do it myself. Not willing to pay another 300 bucks for nothing, especially after spending an unexpected $500 Christmas eve after my driver side lower ball joint and axle broke of the car.

Thanks in advanced.

dlang · January 2006

Hi Forum,

Times up and I have to either buyout my leased 2003 Sable LS with only 17000 miles for $10500 or get another car. While I've read that the Montego is the Sable replacement, looking at just specs, the Milan seems a better car. It has slightly more front legroom than the Sable, while the Montego has almost an inch less. The Milan is not much less on headroom, hiproom and other specs than the Sable and the Montego not much more. The Montego gives almost 3 more inches for rear legroom though. The newer Milan engine has higher HP and RPM while the Montego is about the same as the Sable. The Milan has 6 speed auto transmission while the Sable only has 4.

Generally, looking thru the Mercury site, the Montego seems "old" while the Milan seems "new" and "hip".

I really like my Sable, especially the Mach audio, and the new Audiophile option from what I read is lacking, but it doesn't pay financially to buy the 2003 Sable at $10500 plus a $1350 Extended warranty from Ford for 6yr/60000 when I can get the Milan Premier for $295/month lease.

Also, my Sable is column shift tranmission with fold down bench seat. Are any models still made this way or is everything now center console?

Any ideas and experience from Sable owners?? Thanks!

epilp · January 2006

I have a 2000 Ford Taurus SE with the tape player radio. There is no CD changer or CD player, but the CD and disc 1-6 buttons are still there most likely because it's the same sonsole as the SEL?

Anyway, I wanted to put in a CD player of some sort, and I was wondering on the center dash, under the radio, there are two slots. The first is open with what looks SORT of like a cigarette lighter to its right. Underneath that is the ashtray and cigarette lighter. The open slot has 3 holes in the rear and there's some removable rubber pad just sitting in there.

Could anyone tell me what the open slot is used for? I was thinking it may be the common size for head units.

badgerfan · January 2006

The cubby hole is for storing stuff. It is where I keep my sunglasses in a case. Doubt if you could make a CD deck fit in there, and making it work with your radio would be a headache, I believe.

The factory radio is designed and wiring already exists to operate a trunk mounted CD player which, I believe holds 6 CD's. You might be able to locate a used OEM deck, and there is (or at least was a few years ago) an aftermarket unit available at Crutchfield. These are kind of pricey, but likely your best bet and it will work with your OEM radio.

You could also go the super inexpensive route and buy a tape adapter unit and just use it with a portable CD player. Crude, but it works and it is super cheap.

badgerfan · January 2006

I guess it depends on what you want to do, either have to make continuous never ending lease payments and always drive a new car, or buy the Sable and drive it a long time. At 17K miles, it is hardly broken in and should serve you well for many years. Only your can decide what you want to spend your money on.

epilp · January 2006

Hm, I thought it might've been used for an electronic device due to the three holes behind it. I was considering three options, one of which was the head unit. THe other two involved a CD changer, and the last was buying a whole new console with a CD player instead of a tape player for a Taurus off eBay since it'd be the exact same panel.

I'm willing to go to a mechanic or Best Buy...Pep Boys, whatever for assistance, though.

Any other suggestions before somethin' goes down?

jaxs1 · January 2006

You can get an aftermarket CD changer that works with the car's CD changer controls. Try autotoys and crutchfield.
An iPod adapter would be better though and would give you access to much more music than 6 CDs in a changer.
This even gives you some control of the iPod using the car stereo buttons.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-SkiH5MT6B4b/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?I=581PA11F1

Kirstie_H · February 2006

A reporter from a large daily newspaper seeks to interview owners of the Ford Taurus, Buick Terraza and Chevy Uplander. Please respond to ctalati@edmunds.com before Wednesday, February 8, 2006 with your daytime contact info and city/state of residence.

fordguy300 · March 2006

Your expansion valve (metering devise) in the air conditioning system is located in between the condenser coil and the evaporator coil (the cold coil). To service it, you must recover all of the R-134A refrigerant (Freon is a brand name of refrigerants).

Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Sedans Pre-2008

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