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
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
985303/16/1998601293Cooling system concerns such as: stuck thermostat; vibration or thumping from engine'; leaking radiator or heater core; coolant smell; ... ;lack of heat. *tt07/20/1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
98311302/23/1998607409Some vehicles may exhibit an overheat conditon and / or a thermostat stuck-closed. *tt09/22/1999
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
1435501/01/2000620504Exhibiting an oil leak from the engine oil pan. *tt08/13/2001
1435509/01/2000618630Information pertaining to duratec oil pan investigation. *jb04/18/2001
1310108/01/19996091905Subject regarding the sbds relative cam timing test. *tt11/16/2000
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
99687408/01/1999608805Subject pertaining to the sbds relative cam timing test which has been temporarily removed from use on some vehicles due to noise concerns. *tt12/06/1999
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
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
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
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
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
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
669605/11/1999610737Subject regarding ford quality renewal (fqr) exchange program. *tt05/11/2000
656707/01/1999610689Subject regarding ford quality renewal (fqr) assemblies. *tt05/11/2000
9918309/06/19996090051Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure. *tt03/06/2000
981115601/01/1998607858Some vehicles may exhibit an overheat condition with possible engine failure. *tt10/14/1999
647806/01/1999606870Information on the availability of ford quality renewal 2.5l and 3.0l 4v engines. *tt09/07/1999
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
1254503/01/1999605281Information on determining onboard vapor recovery (orvr) vs. non-orvr. *tt06/07/1999
98211211/01/1998603675Some vehicles experience a hard start/long crank time condition. *yc03/01/1999
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
03/23/20041
 Consumer complained about vehicle shutting down. when this happened all dashboard lights came on. while stopping at a traffic light vehicle shut off. it would restart after a minute or two. consumer took vehicle too the dealer, and they put it on the diagnostic machine, but could not find anything wrong with the vehicle. *ak
12/31/2002
 Consumer stated that when at a stop and without warning the engine would start racing and it will be hard for the consumer to control the vehicle. dealer notified. ts
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
02/09/2004104/05/1999
 This is the 2nd year in a row that i have had to have the engine cooling system flushed because it is getting something in it from the engine and then blocking the heater core. my mechanic (a neghbor) indicated that he has started seeing this problem in a lot of sables & tarauses at 4 years or more.*ak
06/24/2003103/11/1998
 I have had a oil leak several times replaced oil pan and gasket 4 time,s still have problem, headlights work intermittently, and are now completely out.*ak
03/18/2002211/01/1997
 This is the second time i have had to repair this problem, the first occurred at 62,000 miles, and i feel ford is dragging their feet in a similar fashion to the 3.8 litre motor incident. no safety defect listed. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
58000
 The radiator coolant system hose come off, and leaked transmission fluid. this resulted in the transmission failure. the service shop indicated that the cause of the hose coming off could be caused by pressure build up. please provide more details.
09/14/20010
 Vehicle overheated. engine check light didn't come on. consumer smelled smoke. took vehicle to mechanic. mechanic changed thermostat. next day water was all over the ground. problem was still occurring. please provide any further information. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
03/15/200411/15/2001
 My 1998 mercury sable with 3.0 liter engine apparently is designed to provide no engine braking when coasting. the engine computer prevents the engine from returning to idle. other have told me that this occurs with other ford taurus' and sables. this condition results in excessive speed building up when going downhill - especially with the cruise control engaged. *nm
04/29/20031
 When the consumer removed his removed his foot from the accelerator pedal, the vehicle continued to accelerate. also, when the brakes were applied the engine continued to surge. *jb
03/01/2002
 While traveling on highway and without prior warning vehicle will shake while applying brakes. also, motor mounts were defective. *ak
09/14/20010
 Vehicle overheated. engine check light didn't come on. consumer smelled smoke. took vehicle to mechanic. mechanic changed thermostat. next day water was all over the ground. problem was still occurring. please provide any further information. *ak
04/18/199910012/01/1997
 I have had problems with this car since the day i purchased it. along with everything else that is wrong with it, there is a odor entering the vehicle, mainly on the passenger's front when at a stop. we have taken the car to all the local dealers and they either tell us they can smell it and just spray air freshner into the vents. others say they can't smell anything and therefore can't do anything about it. we recently took the car to a private garage and they found evidence of fluid leaking or spraying onto the exhaust manifold. it is felt that the fluid is coming from the hydraulic engine mount on the passenger side. the odor causes a burning sensation in the throat and lungs and followed by headaches. in one case, it caused severe breathing problems. this person already has lung related problems but this odor caused a severe and violent reaction. you have nothing listing what is used in the new engine mounts therefore making it appear that this could be a toxic substance when brought into contact with a hot manifold. what does it take to. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
05/20/200260000904/04/2000
 Automobile 1998 mercury sable engine rpm surges fixed several times at dealer replacing sensors and other parts still surges periodically in 2002 the engine surged and the brakes did not hold collision with another vehicle the car was in the shop 5 times before the crash for the same problem since 2002 another 4 times and the problem is still not fixed also after shutting off car, the fan still runs also fixed 4 times now only reason we did not buy a new, and other brand vehicle is lack of funds to purchase a new car this car is dangerous not sure of accident date exactly will check police report . *nlm
07/16/199907/01/1999
 Manufacturer refuses to investigate air bag defect, along with the other problems. however, i am concern about driving around in a vehicle i thought was safe. me and my children could have lost our lives to that 18 wheel truck. the truck struck both the fron and rear of my 1998 sable and the bags did not deploy. ford consumer affairs department stated to me that the vehicle was never on a call back and the manufacturer warranty expired. i had an extended warranty on my car at the time of the accident. i had this car tested when i first purchased it. it had some electrical and engine problems of which i held on to the invoices . i feel that the manufacturer is responsible for this defect. it undetermine if the car was defective at the time of purchase. but i can say it had electrical problems. which may have affected the air bag sensors.*ak
13
 Engine stalls, causing loss of steering and power, vehicle has been in for repair 13 times within the last 7 months. *slc
09/23/1998208/03/1998
 When stopped at a traffic light with the vehicle in drive, the engine suddenly roared and the vehicle started to move forward. driver shifted to park and the vehicle returned to idle speed.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
01/17/2000109/21/1998
 Exhaust is partially detached. yh
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL
10/27/200210
 For years i have had electrical problems on 1998 mercury sable--the dome light, floor lights and door lights constantly on. i keep the dome light off. the floor light bulbs were removed. door lights are constantly on. however, 1.5 years ago, i lost all headlights at night upon entering a highway. i could risk using high beams by holding in place. multifunction arm was replaced and the dial on dashboard. then both dials were replaced for fan and heating, defrost and air conditioner. then told my computer chip needs to be replaced. i have no defroster, heat, fan or air conditioner. also, last year after dealing with service engine light on and off then staying on for years, had to replace the emissions sensor for car to be inspected. would a dealer be willing to give me a defroster fix and/or heat. many people have told me that ford and mercury are known for electrical problems. and over 1500 dollars later and i still have a defective, unsafe car. *nm
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
 The catalytic converter emitted odors that made the driver sick . this could cause the driver to loss control. dealer has seen vehicle three times ,and no one could find the cause. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
04/15/20031000001
 While driving consumer noticed black smoke coming from the engine. consumer pulled the vehicle over, called a tow truck, and vehicle was towed to the dealership. mechanic informed consumer that the plastic intake manifold failed.*ak

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