Bulletins

BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1861405/01/200510017916Surge, idle roll, rough idle only when the engine cooling fans are operating. *tt12/07/2005
525512/01/1998615372Some vehicles may exhibit contaminated / corroded coolant, high or fluctuating temp gauge, coolant odor, coolant overflow, blown or leaking hoses, blown head gasket, failed engine, and or lack of heat. *tt01/13/2001
462108/01/1998615159Some vehicles may exhibit contaminated / corroded coolant, high or fluctuating temp gauge, coolant odor, coolant overflow, blown or leaking hoses, blown head gasket, failed engine, lack of heat. *tt01/02/2001
504811/01/1998613143Repeat message regarding contaminated / corroded coolant, high or fluctuating temp gauge; coolant odor, coolant overflow, blown or leaking hoses, blown head gasket, failed engine, lack of heat. *tt06/19/2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
0111606/11/2001622646Some vehicles may exhibit cooling system conditions such contaminated / corroded coolant; leaking / discolored coolant overflow bottles; vibration from engine; leaking heater core; coolant overflow; high temperature gauge readings, etc.10/22/2001
98-472409/01/1998607136Contaminated/corroded coolant, high or fluctuating temperature gauge. *ak11/02/2000
98B2308/17/1998609563The owner notification program 98b23 contained incorrect labor allowance and coolant part number information04/04/2000
98B23S101/01/1999604845Installation of cooling system by-pass kit. *tt05/17/1999
98030504/01/1998602158Vehicles experiencing coolant odor, coolant overflow, high or fluctuating temp gauge readings, blown or leaking hoses, blown head gasket, failed engine, and lack of heat. *yc09/23/1998
98B1804/01/1998601219Owner notification program 98b18- cooling system by-pass kit installation. *ak07/08/1998
BC025297020101/02/199751085Uneven idle rpm, stall, rough running, surge, and/or spark knock when the cooling fans come on at a idle. *jd06/27/1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
0222111/11/200210008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application. *mj07/27/2004
87019710/22/200210000592Incorrectly installed gear driven camshaft position (cmp) sensor synchronizer assemblies causing surge, lost of power, malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p1336, p1309 and p0340. *tt03/25/2003
0112406/25/2001622665On some vehicles, engine oil may continue to leak from the engine oil pan gasket area after an engine oil pan gasket repair has been performed. *tt10/22/2001
981148104/01/1998613390Some vehicles equipped with 3.0l 4-valve engines may exhibit a customer concern of a moan noise at idle. *tt07/10/2000
98498411/01/1998613024Some vehicles equipped with 3.0l 2-valve engines may exhibit a spark knock concern on acceleration. *tt06/16/2000
1318009/01/19996090538Information regarding camshaft position (cmp) sensor alignment tool chart. *mjs03/21/2000
699709/01/19996090310Some service manuals may list the incorrect camshaft position sensor alignment tool for vehicles with various engine sizes. *tt03/14/2000
551803/01/1999605190Information on servicing oil pan gasket leaks. *tt06/03/1999
98251412/21/1998603652Concerns with the timing arrows/flags on the back of the camshaft sprocket (s) are mis-marked by as much as 30 degrees rotation. *yc03/01/1999
98252304/01/1998603548Some engine valves may exhibit a customer concern of a moan noise at idle. *ak02/24/1999
987404/13/1998601343A new silicone gasket and sealant. *yc07/24/1998
9709029718109/02/199754067Some vehicles during wet weather conditions and/or when driving through puddles and /or the crankshaft pulley may be damaged. *yc03/30/1998
977203/31/199751909Hesitation- on acceleration- vehicles with 3.0l 4-valve engine. *jd07/17/1997
BC315497021902/19/199751751Whistle or squeal noise from engine compartment. *tw07/17/1997
9761003/17/199751990Blower motor- chirping or squeaking from blower motor at low speeds. *jd07/17/1997
BC103009702002/01/199751753Whistle or squeal noise in the engine compartment on 1997 vehicles built before 11/1/96 with the 2-valve engine. *jd07/17/1997
976503/17/199751984Hesitation- on acceleration- vehicles with 3.0l 4-valve engine. *jd07/17/1997
BC101029702001/02/199751163Engines are equipped with a unique crankshaft pulley assembly which threads into the crankshaft damper using a left-handed thread. heating the crankshaft pulley will damage the rubber components. *jd06/27/1997
BC018097020101/02/199751048The crankshaft damper bolt, found underneath the pulley has a standard right and left hand thread. to avoid damage to plastic, avoid using heat. *jd06/27/1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
0124612/10/2001630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure. *tt04/18/2002
021401/21/2002630001Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area. *tt04/11/2002
0120510/15/2001627927Some vehicles may exhibit vacuum or air leaks in the intake manifold and / or engine system causing diagnostic trouble codes p0171 and or p0174. *tt02/26/2002
014703/05/2001619424Subject regarding engine oil recommendations for use in 2001 vehicles - sae 5w-20 motor oil. *tt05/30/2001
463608/01/1998615174Diagnosing hard start / long crank condition. *tt01/03/2001
463008/01/1998615166Subject regarding general stalling concerns. *tt01/02/2001
98-480309/01/1998607211Some 1996-1998 taurus/sable vehicles with 3.0l 4-v engine may exhibit a concern of moan noise at idle.12/21/2000
98-473509/01/1998607149Hard start/long crank.11/02/2000
1153004/01/1998613794When diagnosing crank / no start on certain vehicles equipped with passive anti-theft (pats) check the customers key ring for any magnetic objects like the mobile speedpass key which may affect the signal transmission between the pats key a08/03/2000
858304/01/2000613689Some vehicles may exhibit dtc p1518 and / or p1519, related to intake manifold runner control (imrc). *mr07/27/2000
98506511/01/1998613201Repeat message regarding hard start / long crank condition. *tt06/19/2000
1217411/01/1998613224Some vehicles may exhibit a hard start/long crank, cold start stall, cold rough idle concern. *mjs06/19/2000
1207911/01/1998613057Vehicles may exhibit a buzz or rattle condition on a cold start or during a low rpm stead speed. *mjs06/16/2000
9918309/06/19996090051Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure. *tt03/06/2000
9981605/03/1999606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5w-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year. *tt08/19/1999
98211211/01/1998603675Some vehicles experience a hard start/long crank time condition. *yc03/01/1999
BC320597021402/14/199751805Concern of water ingestion in engine. *tw07/17/1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
BC10595970505/01/199752875Some vehicles may experience a knock or wop noise in the passenger compartment. *tw09/18/1997
BC222497050105/01/199752768Vehicles may experience a knock or wop noise in the passenger compartment. *tw09/12/1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
0218309/16/200210008592Exhaust system y-pipe crack at the noise vibration harness bracket. *mj08/09/2004
1485604/01/2001619333Some vehicles equpped with 3.0l 2v vulcan or 4v duratec engine may exhibit an exhaust rust-thru, weld fatigue condition between the two toeboard catalysts where a tie-in bracket is welded to the formed inlet pipe of the rear bank toeboard c05/23/2001
98201010/12/1998603695Experiencing a buzzing or rattling noise from the exhaust system. *yc03/02/1999
986403/30/1998601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system. *tt07/21/1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL
98151208/03/1998609551A direct replacement part for the evaporative emission canister and bracket assembly. ak04/03/2000
98231011/23/1998603724Mass air flow (maf)- sensor contamination- service tip. *ak03/03/1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
98508311/01/1998613211Some vehicles (3.0l 4 valve only) may exhibit a catalytic converter buzz or rattle condition on a cold start or during a low rpm steady speed. *tt06/19/2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
1539011/01/2001630408Some vehicles may exhibit a check engine light and/or egr diagnostic trouble codes 332, p0401, p1407 (lackof egr flow). *tt04/17/2002

Consumer Complaints

Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
05/13/2003230002
 While pulling into a parking space brakes were depressed and vehicle accellerated. the vehicle went up and over the curb, and was finaly stopped in a adjacent parking spot. this problem occurred twice within a year. *ak
04/15/200370000
 I should have learned that sable was a bad car after the engine of my mother's '87 sable exploded, caught fire and busted through the floor of the car beside the gas pedal and brake (1993). luckily she was not in the car. the engine had been off and sitting in park for five minutes when this happened. i bought my 97 sable in 2001. i have never had a car with so many constant problems. i spend about $1200 a year fixing it continually. i'm currently having electrical problems with the radio going out while in reverse or when i press the brake. the window on the passenger side won't move up or down unless the driver and the passenger press the buttons at the same time. the interior light stays on, so we have to unplug the fuse to get it to go off. the seat belt safety light and the window button lights keep clicking on and off. once again, the steering wheel is hard to turn even though the power steering fluid is at the right level. i have to get the wheels aligned several times a year. the car always makes a humming noise and does not block out the sound of wind. the shoulder straps of seat belts alway lock into place too tight. name the problem... i've probably been through it. i will never buy another ford/ mercury again even if it is the #1 selling car.
04/22/200310000007/15/2001
 At about 100,000 easy highway miles, we had to replace the torque converter, then the entire transmission, plus for the last two years minor engine repairs to the tune of about $350 every other month, the window won't go down anymore, and now--4 months after the transmission replacement--we have lost overdrive and the engine light is on, again! we have never had a car with this many problems, and will never buy a ford/mercury anything again. our suburban was more reliable. *nlm
02/20/19981
 Consumer ordered the coolant bypass kit due to a musty odor. *mjs
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
01/01/200452200309/05/1997
 Consumer took vehicle to dealer for recall repairs on cooling system in february, 2000. 17,000 miles later while driving, consumer turned on the defroster and a green film covered the inside of front windshield, making it impossible to see. consumer had to roll windows down to see. dealer replaced heater core. *ak *mr
08/19/20031
 While driving at 60 mph main head gasket failed, causing total loss of power. *ak
 The freeze plugs continuously rust out causing the coolant to be brown making the engine overheat. the vehicle was worked on (2) months ago with the problem reoccuring. please describe details. *mr
04/01/200205/01/2099
 Car overheated, taken to mechanic who diagnosed blown headgasket - retooled headgasket. also replaced water pump, radiator, plugs, plug wires, coil, thermostat, since headgasket problem - car has needed to be repaired constantly. still has cylinder 1 misfire. car is 5 yrs old. seems like excessive prblems for a car that new.
06/17/20012
 No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak
12/24/200003/01/1999
 While driving at 55mph cooling system failed causing engine to stop and lock up. *ak
01/21/1997101/01/1997
 The rear windshield suddenly shaterred while driving on a freeway! there was nothing that hit the car. the manufacturer refused to take care of this problem as the car was out of the warranty (mileage). the second problem regarding the radiator clamp occurred within 12 hours of my purchasing the car. suddenly fumes came out of the engine with the 'low coolent' sign. had to toe the car to the dealership who fixed it by putting a new clamp on the hose. the third complaint was noticed within 2-3 months of buying the car. the dealership fixed the problem by changing the malfunctioning switch. never received any apologies from the company for the manufacturing defects. i don't know what is more to come....
12/15/1998411/01/1997
 The heater core went out 2 weeks after purchase in november. it went out again in may. and again in october. and it is leaking again today 12-15-98.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
08/15/20013407/15/1997
 I purchased a 1997 mercury sable in july 1977 from don jackson spartan lincoln mercury dealer. i have had continuous trouble with the transmission, the brakes, the plastic bucket holding reserve antifreeze (cracked and leaked antifreeze) and now the windshield wipers work when they want to work (intermittently and steadily). when i contacted don jackson lincoln-mercury at those times when the parts acted up to ask them if there had been any recalls or problems (and i cited each area each time i called), i was told there were no problems reported in any of these areas with the 97 sable. i found there on the internet that there are many. i have paid $2000 for the transmission repair, $550 for brakes, $80 for the antifreeze bucket, and went to purchase a wiper motor ($85) when i was told by the auto store clerk to check the internet, which i am now doing. i find that jackson spartan l/m dealer has not been honest with me and i was not notified by don jackson spartan l/m of these fallacies. what can i do?
04/01/200205/01/2099
 Car overheated, taken to mechanic who diagnosed blown headgasket - retooled headgasket. also replaced water pump, radiator, plugs, plug wires, coil, thermostat, since headgasket problem - car has needed to be repaired constantly. still has cylinder 1 misfire. car is 5 yrs old. seems like excessive prblems for a car that new.
08/30/1999504/01/1999
 Consumer stated had to flush radiator out at least five times because of dirty water, it is written in owner's manual that the radiator should be flushed 1 time every 100,000 miles.*jb while flushing the radiator, water got into the transmission and the transmission had to be replaced several times. *yh consumer states that ever since recall 98823 was completed on vehicle, radiator has constantly needed flushed, now causing problems with the transmission. consumer heard a noise in the front wheel area, dealer replaced right front wheel bearing. *slc
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
12/03/20041
 Faulty design of cam sensor and actuator on 1997 merucry sable. my car failed. proof of multiple failures: http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/reliability.aspx?modelid=2008&src=vip i request recall and replacement of this part on all cars. *ak
01/01/2003720002
 Transmission rebuilt.head gasket replaced. *ak
01/29/200343635103/30/2000
 My husband and i own a 1993 mercury sable wagon. we purchased it used 3 years ago. it currently has 44,000 miles on it. at approximately. 43,000 miles ( a month ago) it blew the head gasket. i am aware that ford extended the warranty on 1994-1996 models of the ford taurus and mercury sable for this same problem. my ford dealer stated to us that this head gasket blowing has been a consistent problem on the 3.8 engines, which ours has. it would seem to me that ford is very aware of this problem and chose to do nothing about it for owners of 1993 cars. i feel is was their responsibility to help these customers financially--we just spent $1700 for this repair. needless to say, it was money we didn't have. why hasn't this problem been addressed with the 1993 models with the 3.8 engine before this? ford suggested that i address this with your agency. *jb
01/19/2003800001206/08/1998
 The most recent problems are electrical in nature. first, all of the passenger power windows have failed. they can only be controlled by the driver side panel. second, even though all of the doors are securely closed, the interior dome light will remain on between 20 seconds and several hours. there were occasions when the light would come on by itself while i was driving down the highway to work. an audible clicking noise could be heard from under the dash. the click is similar to the sound made when manually operating the switch. third, this started on sunday, 01/19/03, the headlights will turn on and off by themselves while the vehicle is off and the headlight switch is off. additionally, with the car running and the daytime lights only, the highbeam indicator came on. when i turned the headlights on, the indicator went off. when i turned the headlights off, the highbeam indicator came back on. the highbeam indicator eventually turned off on its own within 5 or 10 minutes. previous problems have included front end suspension related failures and an oil pan that sprung a leak in december 2001 at around 78k miles. the oil pan sprung another leak in december 2002. the service dealer attributed the leak to the same problem and another failure with the oil pressure switch. i agreed to the oil pressure switch repair and told them that if the oil pan gasket failed a 2nd time (original cause of leak in 2001), that it was due to poor repair work. they tightened the bolts to the oil pan. the winter weather has hampered my efforts to check for the leak. although i no longer smell burning oil.
10/26/2002
 Consumer states that while driving at any speed and no warning the vehicle will shut off causing consumer to pull over. dealer notified. mr
04/01/200205/01/2099
 Car overheated, taken to mechanic who diagnosed blown headgasket - retooled headgasket. also replaced water pump, radiator, plugs, plug wires, coil, thermostat, since headgasket problem - car has needed to be repaired constantly. still has cylinder 1 misfire. car is 5 yrs old. seems like excessive prblems for a car that new.
09/01/20001
 When driving vehicle overheated which prevented clutch from going into gear. also, passenger's side rear door would not open from either inside or outside. consumer has contacted the dealer.*ak the cam shaft sensor was broken. the torque converter failure. *yh
 While traveling a hot oil smell was coming from vehicle. also, transmission fluid was leaking, contacting the catalytic converter. please provide further information. *ak
06/21/1999
 Every time vehicle hits a puddle after it has rains, the vehicle would stall out. the engine would still be running. does not have to restart vehicle. would have no brakes or power steering. lost control. taking vehicle to dealer.
06/01/19986
 Vehicle would stall out at any speed 35 and under. sometimes when coming to a stop, vehicle just diesout. took vehicle to dealer & was informed nothing was wrong. its an intermittent problem. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
07/24/20021
 While traveling on the highway without prior warning. the engine light appear on the dashboard and the vehicle will stall. the dealership is aware of the problem. nlm
1
 While making turns the vehicle stalls intermittently, the dealer has refused to repair this problem because they say it is nearly impossible to diagnose. nlm
1
 Consuemer states that while driving the freeze plug in the engine blew, causing the vehicle to cut off without any warning. dealer replaced part 3 times problem still occuring. nlm
 Consumer was traveling on a side street and noticed that vehicle was hesitating. vehicle cut off without prior warning. dealership was aware of the of problem. *ak
08/01/1999608/01/1999
 Transmission fails pulling out in traffic, when i bought the car they denied it until i made manager drive w/me they rebuilt it free, after fighting with them, i did not have the car a week. they rebuilt it, 1 yr later happened again, said cannot find anything, took it to another dealer, said they always have problems with transmission in these due to the torque converter too strong for the transmission. they know they made a mistake. oil is black, they know something is wrong but they are not going to recall because they would have to recall the car. *ak
1
 While making turns the vehicle stalls intermittently, the dealer has refused to repair this problem because they say it is nearly impossible to diagnose. nlm
1
 Intermittently when turning steering wheel to the left without any indication vehicle would stall. please provide further information.*ak
05/31/200103/01/1999
 Had car in garage several times over 1 1/2 year for engine light, always code po3o3-misfire cylinder 3, dealer always found something wrong so it seemed, light contined to come on. finally, at 81,000 driving on highway engine light flashes, lose all power, pull over, coolant blown all over engine, car towed to dealer, find it is blown head gasket, engine damage, need new engine. told vehicle overheated several times, never once did it overheat while driving it. find numerous problems with these cars and head gasket problems, aske questions of dealer and ford motor co. never a straight answer, just not your car and it's not under warranty, we can't help you now owner must pay 3200 + to replace engine and add coolant bypass system to new engine because of problems with the engine coolant system. ford motor co. taking no responsibility at all. read numerous reports of blown heads, blown engines, coolant problems. need anwers, please!!!! no one is cooperating at all.*ak
11/01/19971405/03/1997
 Vehicle has been to dealer 14 times for leaking anti-freeze since shortly afer purchase. currently, warrantyhas expired. dealer finds shavings of motor are getting into radiator. vehicle also has a anti-freeze smell. *ak the dealer wants to replace the engine because the metal particles chipping off the engine caused damage to the radiator core ( bad anti freeze oder). *yh
07/23/2000
 While driving at normal highway speed all of a sudden vehicle cut off. driver was able to pull to the side of the road safely, turned off the ignition, and got out of vehicle. this was when driver and family noticed vehicle was on fire. vehcle was towed to the dealership. cv boot exploded and threw grease onto the catalytic converter, which started the fire. vehicle was being repaired. please provide any further information. *ak
10/01/1999
 While driving transmission completely malfunctioned, cause unknown. also tachometer needle registering too high, smoke coming from under the hood, and oil smell. *ak
02/01/1997
 When driving in wet conditions and making a right hand turn from a stopped position, power steering is lost and engine power is reduced. also, dashboard warning lights illuminate. this loss of power and steering while entering traffic is alarming! it is obvious that the belt is slippling due to the moisture being sprayed up from the passenger side wheel well. i have inspected the belt and it is in fine condition. there is no manual adjustment for the belt tensioner (spring loaded). this problem started at 24,000 miles. i have searched the internet and have seen another similar complaint. i belive that this problem must be reviewed before someone loses steering while entering traffic and is killed! i realize that replacing the belt may make the problem go away, however, this is an obviou. *ak
 When riding over puddles the steering wheel locks up, and the battery warning light comes on. the vehicle stutters for a few minutes and then goes back to normal. dealer doesn't have a solution for problem. *ak
06/01/1997112/01/1996
 Vehicle vibrates when engine is on/vehicle is not moving.
08/31/19973
 While driving only in wet conditions vehicle would stall/shut down without cause; vehicle has been in dealer's shop on several occasions and condition could not be resolved. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
07/05/20039
 During rainy weather, the right front tire splashes water into the engine fan belt assembly causing the fan belt to slip and squeal. the power steering pump fails to turn resulting in hard steering and loss of vehicle control, the generator fails to turn resulting in battery light illumination. the right front wheelwell baffle assembly installed by the mfg does not adequately shield the fan belt assembly from rain water intrusion. a temporary, thought inadequate fix, is to apply belt dressing to the fan belt. ref complaint #551260. *ak
1
 Upon driving during rain or damp weather steering wheel locks, the battery light flashes and the fan belt makes noise. yh
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
103/30/1999
 Consumer exhaust system faulty causing fumes to enter the cabin of the vehicle causing consumer to become ill (headache, fatique ect). nlm
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
07/23/2000
 While driving at normal highway speed all of a sudden vehicle cut off. driver was able to pull to the side of the road safely, turned off the ignition, and got out of vehicle. this was when driver and family noticed vehicle was on fire. vehcle was towed to the dealership. cv boot exploded and threw grease onto the catalytic converter, which started the fire. vehicle was being repaired. please provide any further information. *ak
04/01/199903/30/1999
 While driving heavy exhaust fumes entered into the vehicle which caused the occupant to feel sick and almost passed out, which could have resulted in a crash. earier replaced the catalitic converter which was cracked and caused the fumes to enter into the vehicle. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
107/19/1997
 Duel mufflers are leaking due to rust.

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