Bulletins

BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
POWER TRAIN
529012/01/1998615396Some vehicles may exhibit a speedometer pointer wiver concern. *tt01/16/2001
1220912/01/1998615471Some vehicles may exhibit a speedometer pointer waiver concern. *tt01/16/2001
1217811/01/1998613234Information regarding tsb 98-5a-12 (transaxle/transmission/transfer case-vehicles towed behind recreational vehicles-recommended guidelines) does not list towing information for certain model vehicles. *mjs06/19/2000
98502711/01/1998613061Vehicles may experience speedometer pointer waver. *tt06/16/2000
1296711/01/1998613037Vehicles may exhibit speedometer pointer waver. *mjs06/16/2000
9711109723711/10/199753663Concerns with harsh engagements and harsh shifts with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) 628, p0741 and/or p1744. *yc03/30/1998
BC101629702001/02/199751230Speedometer jump on vehicles, first verify proper operation of the vss sensor and the drive cable- if these are operating properly replace the speedometer assembly with p/n f4dz-17255-a. *jd06/27/1997
BC001097020101/02/199751008Speedometer jump on 1995 taurus/sable vehicles. *jd06/27/1997
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
9915207/26/1999608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda. *tt01/05/2001
001501/10/2000612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *mjs06/06/2000
98311202/23/1998607407Some vehicles may exhibit an intermittent neutral condition after driving and coming to a stop. *tt09/22/1999
988804/27/1998601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart. *yc07/10/1998
9751103/03/199751945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts. *jd07/17/1997
BC10120970201/02/199751184Verify the transaxle installed in the vehicle is the correct model and model year for the vehicle. *jd06/27/1997
BC968396100110/01/199650542Procedure for updating the calibration from r-11 to r-12 for stalling on decel & misfire codes on 3.0l vehicles. *tt05/27/1997
BC889095040104/01/199539868Vehicles with ax4n transaxle may have an engagement noise.11/01/1995
BC296295040104/01/199539849Vehicles may experience a clunk noise when shifting from drive or neutral into reverse or reverse to neutral or park. *tw11/01/1995
BC889095040104/01/19953031400Unknown11/01/1995
9426712/01/199438061A low transmission fluid level may improperly set continuous memory dtc's for transmission concerns on some vehicles. *tw02/07/1995
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
0314807/21/200310003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included. *tt10/29/2003
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT
1481104/01/2001619293Information on additional parts required when replacing transfer case on vehicles equippped with ax4s transaxle. *tt05/23/2001
1261603/01/1999605338Information on transaxle service case replacement with oss (output shaft speed sensor) hole. *tt06/08/1999
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
0118109/17/2001625715Brake shift interlock.*jb11/30/2001
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER
96261212/16/199650997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
9624911/18/199650908Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
9515707/01/199545937The torque converter identification codes have been revised as of 3/1/95. *sd04/25/1996
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
9918409/06/19996090053Some vehicles equipped with ax4s transaxle, may exhibit a harsh 2-3 downshift may occur when coasting around a corner and then accelerating. *tt03/06/2000
99673508/01/1999608455Some vehicles equipped with the ax4s transaxle may exhibit a harsh 3-2 downshift when coasting around a corner and then stepping into the throttle to accelerate away from the corner. *tt12/01/1999
9517708/01/199545965Transaxle-revised clutch clearances-axode/ax4s. *sd04/25/1996
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT - SEAL
98267504/01/1998603573A revised forward clutch inner seal for the axod, axode, ax4s & ax4n transaxle is available with improved sealing and reduced chance of the seal rolling during installation. *yc02/25/1999
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - PEDAL/LINKAGE
1255903/01/1999605294Concerns with reverse clutch that could become sheared or torn in extremely cold temperatures. *tt06/07/1999
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE
980216983705/27/1998600590Some vehicles may experience an no forward or reverse movement. *yc05/27/1998
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
980216983805/27/1998600591Transaxles use a new transmission fluid. *yc05/27/1998
BC001097230101/23/199751382Concern of speedometer jump on vehicles, first verify proper operation of the vss sensor and the drive cable. *jd06/27/1997
BC067896102510/25/199650356Information on aode/4r7w transmission main control & case replacement. *tt04/24/1997

Consumer Complaints

Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
POWER TRAIN
201/01/1996
 Consumer states speedometer broke twice. *tt
07/01/2096
 The needle on the speedometer bounces at about 45mph or more. the dealer said that this is a common problem with this model. it will cost over $700 to fix it. if this is a common problem, then ford should be responsible for this repair.*ak
03/26/19973
 Consumer is experiencing erratic performance of the speedometer, taken to ford dealership in march of 1997, they replaced the speedometer head, in october of 2000 the replacement failed, once again experiencing erratic movement with no particular pattern, this time it was relatively brief, in november of 2000, periods of erratic performance became more frequent and lasted longer, ford advised unless they could observe the fluctuations as they were happening, the cause could not be determined. *jg
2
 The speedometer was faulty and the connecting cables were replaced. however, the speedometer has malfunctioned again, the speedometer makes a very high pitched squeaky noise when accelerating over thirty mph, also while driving at any speed the speedometer jumps around the dial, going from ten to eighty miles in seconds.*yh
2
 Consumer stated the original speedometer malfunctioned and was replaced by an authorized dealer, however the replacement has also malfunctioned.*jb
 While driving vehicle accelerated to a higher speed. speedometer needle was erratic. contacted the dealer. please provide any further information.*ak
10/21/2001
 Whene vehicle is driven above 60 mph speedometer does not register the correct speed. operaton is very erratic, cause unknown. please give any further details.*ak
03/26/19973
 Consumer is experiencing erratic performance of the speedometer, taken to ford dealership in march of 1997, they replaced the speedometer head, in october of 2000 the replacement failed, once again experiencing erratic movement with no particular pattern, this time it was relatively brief, in november of 2000, periods of erratic performance became more frequent and lasted longer, ford advised unless they could observe the fluctuations as they were happening, the cause could not be determined. *jg
 Speedometer has been replaced twice on vehicle. needle is bouncing, does not know how fast vehicle is going. has techinical service bulletin tsb 99-7-9 on this problem. contacted dealer.*ak
2
 The speedometer was faulty and the connecting cables were replaced. however, the speedometer has malfunctioned again, the speedometer makes a very high pitched squeaky noise when accelerating over thirty mph, also while driving at any speed the speedometer jumps around the dial, going from ten to eighty miles in seconds.*yh
1
 The speedometer is inoperative. nlm
10/31/20001
 Speedometer head replaced. *slc
106/24/1996
 While driving, front coil springs broke, causing front end of the vehicle to drop. *ak lower rear subframe mount plate nut has been replaced. fluctuating speedometer was replaced. starter and wire harness have been replaced. muffler and tail pipe have been replaced. 2 front coil springs and strut bearing plates have been replaced. *slc
10/10/1997210/01/1995
 Original speedometer started bouncing after 19100 miles, i.e. the speed indicator would swing wildly back and forth between 40 and 80 or so, accompanied by a buzzing sound. this occurred at speeds over 45-50 mph. speedometer was replaced at no charge by dealer. the replacement speedometer functioned properly until the warranty-period ended, then with appx. 25000 miles on the replacement speedometer, it started acting the same way. a letter of complaint directed to ford/lincoln/mercury resulted in a call saying the dealer would contact us. they never did. the speedometer is still bouncing being unreliable and noisy when driving over 45-50 mph. *ak
06/01/1998302/01/1997
 Speedometer will stop working. needle was shaking . if vehicle would hit a bump needle would go to maximum speed and not move. this has happened 3 times in 3 years. *ak the speedometer had failed three times in the last four years. it was replaced once and repaired once. *yh
10/01/1999107/22/1995
 When speedometer gets up to 45 mph needle flops to 50/60/ 70, and goes up and down. driver can't tell how fast she is going.*ak
05/30/200009/01/1999
 Speedometer failed at 67500, needle fluctuates wildly and unusable as an indicator. research of your database indicates unusally large number of identical complaints. ford issued an advisory to dealers (article 97-12-5) on 6/9/97 regarding the defective speedometer. request nhtsa initiate an investigation and seek a recall due to the defect of the same item affecting a large group of vehicles relating to motor vehicle safety. your database indicates that the majority of owners have had multiple speedometer failures and ford is unwilling to take responsibility for installing what may be inferior components and thereby creating additional unreasonable safety risks. there appears to be conclusive evidence that there is a defect affecting a large number of sable/taurus vehicles and ford is aware of it. perhaps ford may be receptive to entertain a request for a recall before this defect the becomes magnitude of an explorer roll-over type issue. please help!*ak
10/20/2000
 Consumer speedometer doesn't give correct reading. reading indicates vehicle is going much faster. dealer's safety inspection of vehicle found nothing wrong. after wheel alignment was done wiring harness was moved too close to exhaust system. vehicle almost caught on fire & startedd smoking severely. wires on exhaust wall melted. dealer said wires were moved backed to where they belonged & it would be fine.*ak
06/15/199810/01/1995
 Speedometer started swinging wildly at speeds above 35 mph. replaced at 30000 miles. problem started again with replaced part and persists.
06/01/19991
 Plastic speedometer gear broke. nlm
05/23/200010008/01/1995
 My first speedometer needle started swing between 45 and 85 at constant real speed, whenever i drove around 60 mph real speed. at that time my car had 29,000 miles in aug 1997. i changed my speedometer from ford dealer under ford warranty. i had exactly the same problems at 46,000 miles in nov 1998 with my second speedometer. i changed speedometer again from ford dealer. i have exactly the same problem at 61,000 miles in jun 2000 with my third speedometer. i think 95 sable has serious problem with their speedometer. it is really dangerous, since i cannot figure out my speed, if i run faster than 50 miles. i'm having exactly the same speedometer problems approx every one and half years (about 16,000 miles) after the first speedometer. ford dealer asked $ 600 to install another new speedometer, since the part warranty is one year. i really don't want to drive without knowing my speed on highways. then i have to spend $600 every one and half years to maintain speedometer. i think ford should do something for my speedometer, since speedometer is one of the most important instrument on highways. *ak
07/27/1997204/01/1996
 Speedometer is inaccurate which is a safety hazard. speedometer needle bounces at high speeds 45 or higher. will go up to 85 and back down to 45. at lower speeds reading is not accurate. you have no idea of your actual speed. speedo head was replaced 07/98 at 49,760 miles speedometer failed again 06/2000 at 70,165 first replacment at my expense was $382.88. second replacement is $600 again at my expense. ford motor company did not warrenty either repair. this is a real saftey hazard in not knowing what speed you are traveling in school zones, work zones etc.. problems occur with or without cruise control engaged.
12/01/19991
 Speedometer defective, two times in less than two years. *ak
06/01/19991
 Drivers side widow pops out while closing the door. also the dealer installed a speedometer two years ago in may of 1998 for $400.00 cost to us which was'nt covered under warranty. i believe this is a safty issue and should be repaired at no cost to us. the speedometer failed again in december of 1999. now the dealer is asking for another $500.00 (pre-paid) to correct the problem. i find this to be excessive. what can we do now? *ak
2
 The speedometer unit required two replacements, however still does not work properly, fluctuates over 55 mph. *mjs
 When vehicle reaches 45mph speedometer oscilates. driver is not able to tell how fast the vehicle is going. the dealer, north gate lincoln in tampa, fl, refuses to repair vehicle. *ak
03/23/2000207/01/1997
 I bought my 1995 sable in july 97 with 30,000 miles and a ford extended warranty. at 31,667 miles the speedometer dial would buzz and the needle swing back and forth, not reading proper speed. i contacted a ford dealer, columbia ford in columbia, ct and they replaced the speedometer head in dash, stating that ford knows that the speedometer heads last about 30,000 miles then they defect. they also told me that ford sent out a tsb on the speedo heads and that nhtsa also had reports on the defect. now at 64,000 miles the speedo head again defected, buzzing and reading improper speed, very frightning. i contacted ford about the issue and after a week of trying to get them on the phone i finally did. the service rep at ford customer service i talked to, dorthia at extension 2703, said in so many words that i am up the creek. i then asked to talk to her supervisor, nichol kings, she would not let me, put me on hold, then came back and now after i tried to resolve the matter she said in a firm voice, the matter is now closed. ford flat out refused to stand behind their product, knowing well that the defect was a safety issue. ths cost of replacing the speedo head is about $500. i cannot afford to replace the speedo every 30,000 miles, and it is a very serious safety issue since my wife uses the car also. i believe it is very pathetic that a consumer has to be shafted like this buying a car in good faith, then being told too bad for you. ford knew about this safety defect all along. please help before i or someone in my family gets killed being unable to read their proper speed. thank you for your time. *ak
08/17/199906/01/1998
 The speedometer jumps erractically whenever the speed exceeds 40mph or a bump is encountered on the road. based on the dangerous condition that this failure causes i do not understand why a recall has not been instituted to address this very serious defect. based on the number of complaints registered on this site alone it is evident that this is not an isolated incident. i have contacted the ford/mercury people to no avail, i trust that this agency can rectify this matter before the speedometer failures result in unnecessary injuries or deaths. *ak
03/23/2000104/01/1996
 I realize that ford has extended the warranty on the head gasket. i also believe they should extend their warranty to cover the timing cover gasket as well. i called a number of dealers. the overall impression i got was that they are seeing more and more 3.8 liter engines with leaking timing cover gaskets. which comes first? the blown head gasket or the failed timing cover gasket. also the speedometer seems to last 12000-15000 miles. it took the dealer 6 months to get the replacement parts for the last one that went bad. *ak
03/18/1998209/01/1995
 When vehicle reaches 45 mph or above speedometer starts to fluctuate, bouncing back and forward, not reading the correct mileage. dealer has been contacted, speedometer has been replaced twice already. *ak *ml
03/15/2000210/01/1995
 Speedometer replaced @ 68,000 miles, failed again @ 82,220. at 30 mph speedo jumps to 85 mph, ford claims they do not have a speedometer problem, but your complaint data base shows otherwise. ford refused to do anything about this unless i incur the total expense around $500. - this is a safety issue as you have no way to gauge your speed. i also have a 92 taurus with the same speedometer head, and that one has failed twice too.
01/01/2000201/01/1996
 April '96 speedometer failed, warranty replaced. jan'00 failed again on 5 yr old car w/42,000 miles. contacted dealer/detroit many times. dealer has to keep car 2 days will not provide loaner. car should have been recalled. needle fluctuates, do not know speed i am driving. a car with this low mileage & only 5 yrs old should not need 3 speedometers. *ak
2
 Consumers speedometer head failed and was replaced under warreanty, failed again and dealer refuse to replace because speedometer head was no longer under warranty. nlm
12/12/19993006/01/1999
 Speedometer fluctuates wildly upon acceleration and while cruising. *ak
01/29/2000108/01/1995
 Speedometer jumps at highway speeds. first occurred in 1998 at 20,000 miles. part was replaced, problem has reoccurred at 30,000 miles and dealer states that costumer is responsible for full cost of repair. *ak
212/01/1995
 When vehicle is traveling at about 65mph odometer jumps up and down so that driver is unable to tell what speed he is driving. dealer has replaced speedometer, and problem still exists,, fuel line failure at 13,000 miles causing gas fumes. *ak
09/13/199901/01/1996
 When the vehicle exceeds 35 mph speedometer jumps up to 80 mph. speedometer has been replaced by a private mechanic. *ak *ml
02/08/2000
 When vehicle reaches speeds over 40 mph speedometer stops working. *ak
01/17/1997206/01/1997
 Speedometer failed and replaced on two occasions. *mjs
02/01/1997304/22/1996
 On three different occasions, the speedometer failed. *yc
10/11/1999204/01/1996
 The speedometer head has been problematic since the purchase date. the original speedometer head was replaced in december 1997,after repeated complaints to the dealership. less than a year after the warranty expired,it needs to be replaced again due to needle fluctuation. this is unacceptable due to the safety concerns. we contacted your agency by phone on december 9th,1999 but have not yet received the complaint forms. please send these so we can go forward in correcting this matter. thank you for your time and consideration. *ak
01/27/199907/01/1996
 Speedometer failed to operate after repairs were done in aug 1997 with 20,000 mile of wear. dealer notified, and informed consumer repairs would be at consumer's expense. also vehicle stalled and died while driving on the highway. in addition, dealer replaced transmission/ thermostat/multi-function switch/ map sensor/speed control sensor, and rear sub-frame mounts. *ak
08/30/19964
 Speedometer has been replaced four times. mjs
 Due to the speedometer head going out when traveling consumer is unable to determine the speed. this causes increased speed. also speedometer head has been replaced twice. dealer stated the problem was common. please provide any further details. *ak
310/01/1995
 Speedometer failed three times.
11/01/1996202/01/1996
 Speedometer jumps around at speeds of 35mph and above. was replaced once by dealer under warranty, but failed again after warranty expired. both the dealer and ford refuse to discuss replacing it again unless i pay for it. *ak
07/01/1999202/01/1996
 Speedometer jumps between 30 and 85 mph when travelling at speeds in excess of 30 mph. replaced 3/98 at 42,000 miles, problem is occurring again at 82,000 miles.
1
 Purchased at 11000 miles. at 19000 miles speedometer began to fluctuate wildly and show inaccurate speeds. replaced under manufacturers warranty. at 43000 miles same problem. dealer says ford will not pay. ford says they will not pay. after much runaround dealer says ford will pay half of $700-800 total. this is a serious safety problem due to inaccurate speed readings. also should not fail twice in 25000 miles.
07/07/199903/01/1995
 When the speedometer hit 32,000 it didn't speed. consumer contacted dealer and manufacturer. *ak *ml
 At 32,000 miles speedomerter went out and was replaced. but the mileage was not registered when the new was put in. dealer has been contacted. *ak
201/01/1996
 Speedometer makes whistle/rattling noise while driving. nlm
02/01/1999110/01/1995
 Speedometer failed at 35,000 miles. needle fluctuates wildly at all speeds, rendering completely inaccurate/unreliable readings. both dealer and manufacturer refused to fix defective speedometer under warranty, since car was four months outside three-year warranty period (again, it had only 35,000 miles when part failed). ford issued an advisory (article no. 97-12-5) to its dealers on 6/9/97 concerning the defective speedometer, yet it will not make good on the repair bills which totaled over $400.00. *ak
01/01/1996
 Intermittent wiper switch won't spray washer fluid. have to giggle switch. also, the wiper delay won't work on the slower settings. also, speedometer cable makes noise going over 40 m.p.h. *ak
1
 Speedometer acting erratically when reaching 45 mph by going all the way to the right and continues to fluctuate back and fourth. nlm
02/23/1996
 When speedometer needle registers 55 mph, the needle will all of sudden go up to 80 mph. the speedometer was replaced around a year ago. the dealer is aware of problem. the problem has not been corrected. *ak
201/01/1997
 At approx 45 mph, speedometer needle acts erratically, going up to 85 mph and back. first replacement under warranty, ford contacted, but failed to followup in the promised 3 days. lots of other owners confirm same problem on internet. so far, no respone from you either. this is dangerous. please help.
09/09/1998
 When hitting a real bad bump or the metal expansion joint in the road, the speedodmeter needle jumps up to its maximum reading, which is 85 mph. the needle does not go back down until the driver lets off the accelerator, and slows the vehicle down. the speedodometer was replaced in june of 97 for the same reason. the problem has reappeared. the problem has been reported to the dealership. dealer did not agree to repair free of charge. vehicle registered to cynthia lewis. report given by husband. *ak
11/03/19982
 The consumer has been experiencing problems with speedometer. speedometer goes up to 80 mph after the vehicle reaches 30mph. the manufacturer has been contacted. *ak
11/03/1997205/01/1996
 The original speedometer failed at 27719 miles. the replacement speedometer now has 28333 miles. on 03 november i requested a speedometer be put on my auto. i was not requesting that this work be done under the warranty. i was told that ford motor co has a hold on all orders for speedometers for ford tarus and merkery sable. the service manager related that there is a problem with these speedometers and ford was assessing the problem and a desision would be made shortly as to the method of correcting the problem. the dealer took my name, phone number and added it to an already long list of vehicles with the same problem. appairently there are a large number of these vehicles operating on the highway with non- working speedomenters.
10/31/1998110/01/1997
 Speedometer needle reacts normally up to 35-45 mph. after that, the needle bounces between 40-85 mph at any speed above 35mph. a slight noise, similar to an electric rattle can be heard during malfunc- tion. completed 1500 mile trip and was able to judge speed by using tachometer. dealer recommends replacing speedometer head and drive cable ($400). have spoken with others who have had similar problem fixed and problem returns within 10-20k miles.
1
 Possible odometer fraud.
09/09/19963
 Speedometer head is defective. bounces back and forth where one cannot tell the speed that vehicle is traveling. repairs have been done and replaced component three times. the problem occurs every 25,000 miles on average. dealer contacted and problem still exists. *ak
02/24/1997208/05/1995
 Speedeometer failed and was replaced twice in first 60,000 miles.
2
 The speedometer was replaced under mercury's warranty at 30,000. the new speedometer failed 30,000 miles later. we paid 400.00 to have it repaired so we can use the car but feel something is wrong if it will only last 30,000 miles. we have tried to contact ford but have been referred to the dealer who of course referred us back to ford.
 Speedometer/odometer does not operate properly. does not accurately give the mileage.
03/01/1996204/01/1996
 Speedometer failed two times .
12/04/1996107/16/1996
 Speedometer malfunctioned.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
03/05/20101310001
 I bought a 1995 mercury sable. the person i bought it from said it had all new brakes, springs, filters, sensors, radiator, etc. when i took it to my mechanic last week (friday), he said there is a number of illegal things on it and it needs 1500$ worth of work to make it safe. he said it was a lemon and i should contact the person that sold it to me, so i did, i brought him to the mechanic so he could hear everything illegal and unsafe and broken about it. he stated in front of the mechanics that he would be refunding my money on monday (today). when i called today they told me to bad i'm not getting my money back. we bought it as is and oh well. i have a detailed list of problems with this car from my mechanic. *tr
06/30/200352000107/22/1996
 In july '1996, purchased a brand new mercury sable wagon from rising sun, md dealer. the car had only accrued 52,000 miles in 2000 at which point the transmission problem first manifested with progressively rougher disengage upon braking for gradual lurching stop. took the car to a ford/lincoln/mercury dealer in newark, de and was told the problem was normal for an automatic transmission. now, with 63,100 miles, there is hesitation in engaging from a stopped position and whit does engage, it catches with a chirp of the tires on the drive wheels. although unpredictible in occurrence, it is happening with increasing frequency, regardless of being warm or cold. *ak
12/12/2002123000208/08/1999
 I contacted the ford motor company complaining about a faulty transmission in my 1995 mercury sable that suddenly went out on me when i was on my way home in december of 2002. the car had been having problems since the first day i got it and i was told that it was okay, that the problem would correct itself. my car had been skipping for a while, then it would stop, so i thought no more of it. i bought my car in excellent condition from a car dealer (not a ford dealership) and printed a carfax just to double check for any major problems. i found none. after replacing the radiator, fixing the alternator, and replacing the brake system in the three years that i have had my car, the transmission went out. it only has 123,000 miles on it. i contacted your web site and discovered 19 other complaints besides mine about the same problem in this model car. as a matter of fact, one man replaced his six times!!! then, to make matters worse, they contacted me and told me to go look at another car at fairway. well, there's a fairway ford here in anderson, sc. i go up there at 10 like i'm supposed to, and they have no idea what i'm talking about. i call the branch back and they tell me that they don't own any ford places in sc, that i was supposed to go to albany, ga. that is a grand total of 600+ miles and 10 hrs away round trip. i go all the way down there for the manager to tell me basically that i went down there to trade in a car. i had told them that my car is not running, but apparently, they don't listen very well. so, i'm still out of a car and the one i have is not tradable in the condition its in. i still owe $1700 and its going to cost me at least that much if not more to fix it. all i want is for them to fix this part that they know is faulty, because other consumers are having the same problem. i just hope it doesn't take someone getting killed on the highway when this part quits on them before ford will recall these cars and fix them. *nlm
12/12/2002123000108/11/1999
 My automatic transmission has been acting up ever since i purchased my car in 1999. it only had 86000 miles on it and i was told that the car needed to be driven for a while and it would straighten itself out. well, now it's sitting in my front yard needing a $1700 transmission in it. lucky for me, i was on my way home on a back road instead of on a highway with traffic zooming by.
07/24/1995
 Transmission failed while pulling out of a parking lot. dealer and manufacturer have been notified. feel free to provide any further information.*ak
09/14/20011
 While driving, vehicle suddenly started to slow down to 30 mph, consumer was unable to accelerate. vehicle was towed to repair shop, transmission needed to be reconditioned.*ak *mj
10/01/2001
 I bought the car in nashua, nh but now live in florida. the transmission problem is this: while i am trying to slow down, the car actually lurches forward and then when i let my foot off the break, it slams into gear. i contacted the service supervisor at the lincoln-mercury dealership in delray beach, florida . he told me he has heard of this problem occuring several times with other sables and knows exactly what part it is. he estimates about $800-$1200 in repair costs. he told me that it could go at anytime and i will be left stranded somewhere because my car will not go into gear. my brother in law had same problem with his sable. i think it is a defect in the sable's transmission - i should not be having transmission failure in a 6 year old car.
11/15/2000103/01/1997
 Transmission hesitates from 1st to 2nd gear, then all of a sudden it will slam into gear. now i hear the transmission whining in park or neutral. it started doing it all of a sudden. i have noticed alot of complaints with these transmissions and the ones in the ford taurus. i have never heard of a transmission going bad at only 74,000 miles, when it is drivin safely and responsibly. i have made sure the oil was always full, and i even changed the oil and the filter in the transmission. it did not help!
11/28/19985009/01/1997
 Transmission will disengage leaving no propulsion (fwd or reverse). similar to many other tsb's i've seen, which will ultimately result in serious incidents. ford clearly knows about this issue, and my 12/99 letter to them was not answered. this is as serious a defect as one can have, and when it occurs on the highway it is scary.
10/27/1999103/01/1999
 Engine developed a severe noise. oil was changed on regular basis at garage. additional information available for service. transmission failed on the way to work. *ak
01/27/199907/01/1996
 Speedometer failed to operate after repairs were done in aug 1997 with 20,000 mile of wear. dealer notified, and informed consumer repairs would be at consumer's expense. also vehicle stalled and died while driving on the highway. in addition, dealer replaced transmission/ thermostat/multi-function switch/ map sensor/speed control sensor, and rear sub-frame mounts. *ak
12/09/1999611/01/1997
 Blown head gasket, failed motor mounts, failed timing chain cover gasket, transmission gasket failure, radiator leak and cooling fan failure. *ak
11/29/1999410/01/1995
 Speed sensor in the transmission has been replaced 3 times in the past, and now the car is acting up in the same manner as in the past 3 incidents. i called the customer service center at ford and notified them of these problems. *ak
07/01/1999
 When driving at any speed and coming to a stop transmission disengaged when coming to a stop. when applying the accelerator the vehicle jumps forward. dealer can't determine the cause. *ak
03/01/1997
 There is a leak coming from the transmission, and transmission is slipping. when taking off from a starting position vehicle heasitates. *ak
06/01/1998
 Vehicle experiences ongoing problem with hesitation before going into gear. dealer notified. seeking help from hntsa in this matter. *ak
04/18/19991005/01/1998
 At slow moving trafic, transmission slips, vehical does not move, but rpm goes up. suddenly transmission slams and vehical jerks forwad. happens at random, always at low speed. could cause collision due to erratic speed. manufacturer says internal problem and i need to change the transmission costing 1785 + tax. *ak
04/12/1998607/01/1997
 This vehicle has had 6 transmissions installed ( new and rebuilt), the service departments have had my car more than ihave over the past ten months. i drive it a week or a month and it does the same thing every time. it slips and hard shifts. im at my wits end. can some one help..my extended warrenty has been billed over $8,000.00 for this proplem and it is soon to run out. if theres any help please call..
1
 Defective piston within the transmission is causing the vehicle to stall, quits pulling, which could result in an accident. *ak
02/01/1998
 Knocking and jump-shifting transmission during acceleration; knocking transmission during cruising after acceleration; roughing/scratching braking when applying brakes, pads/drums/discs are in the excellent condition. speedmeter needle jumped to 85 mph while driving 55 mph once. sturcture failure in the trunk, up/right corner had a crack which let rain water leaks in the trunk. my air condition gives mildrew/musky when use. my car was never in accident.
06/01/1998108/05/1995
 Transmission failed in traffic causing vehicle to stop and start erratically. failure determined to be caused by lack of lubrication to transmission planetary gears. according to independent repair facility performing transmission rebuild, this failure resulted from a lubrication design problem in tha axode transmission used in this vehicle. problem corrected in rebuild update.
03/01/1998
 Cracked engine block and blown head gaskets, causing the vehicle to overheat. in addition, motor mounts failed, and ongoing transmission problems of knocking/hesitating and lurching. *ak
11/13/19943
 Transmission seal failed. *dsh
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
03/01/1997
 There is a leak coming from the transmission, and transmission is slipping. when taking off from a starting position vehicle heasitates. *ak
 Owner could not shut engine off after turning key, possible cause steering column failure. also, transmission leaks fluid, cause unknown. rearview mirrior has broken off. *ak
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
04/04/200393000
 When the driver applied the brakes the vehicle lunged. also when the vehicle was in drive the gear shift moved into neutral without warning. the dealer stated vehicle had a cracked pretensioner. *nlm
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
06/01/1995
 Speedometer produces squeal at speeds above 55 mph also needle swings wildly usually from current speed to pegged at 85mph when vehicle hits bumps in road. needle does not necessarally return to actual speed. been advised by other ford owners that they have experianced similar problems. a speedometer should last the lifetime of the vcehicle!
 I have been trying for months to find information on problems with this car. the ignition switch is only one problem. from time to time, when backing up and then trying to go forward, the transmission will hesitate and slip before it catches. i had heard in early 1997 about a recall for 1994 mercury sables, but when i called the dealer they told me there was no such thing. is there somewhere else i can check. i have tried contacting the manufacturer in detroit with no luck.

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