Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
05221211/14/200510018746Buck/jerk and miss during drive cycle above 3000 rpm - no dtc - 3.0l 2v gas and ffv engine. *tt01/13/2006
04160111/14/20050522810018745Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running. *tt01/12/2006
1861405/01/200510017916Surge, idle roll, rough idle only when the engine cooling fans are operating. *tt12/07/2005
036103/31/200310001855Malfunction indicator lamp on with or without rough running, lack of power, surge or poor fuel economy with diagnostic trouble codes p0401, p0402, p1400, p1401. *tt *jb07/23/2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
03140408/23/20040416110011162Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. to include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.01/06/2005
0222111/11/200210008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application. *mj07/27/2004
041501/26/200410007358Lower engine oil leaks 3.0l 2v vulcan engine. diagnostic service tips. *tt06/16/2004
1698207/01/200310003851Clunking/popping noise from the passenger side of the engine compartment upon acceleration and/or deceleration. *tt11/04/2003
0314407/21/200310003744Engine misfire or rough running condition with coil on plug (cop) ignition systems may be more accurately diagnosed using the optional worldwide diagnostic system (wds) coil on plug (cop) kit. 2003 super duty f series included. *tt10/29/2003
032202/03/200310002472Streamlined diagnostic procedure for vehicles with malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0401, p0402, p1400 or p1401, or runs rough, lacks power, surge, poor fuel economy, and the above listed dtcs without09/03/2003
033502/17/200310002482Idle air control (iac) valve diagnostic service tips. *tt09/03/2003
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
00B3402/04/2000610228Some vehicles with 3.0l 2v vulcan engines may be equipped with a camshaft that was incorrectly heat treated during the manufacturing process.04/21/2000
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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
1567402/01/2002630738Some vehicles may exhibit engine spark knock condition on acceleration. *tt04/23/2002
1548112/01/2001630587Some vehicles with 3.0l 2v and 3.0l ffv engines may exhibit spark knock during light accelerator tip in or heavy acceleration. *tt04/18/2002
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
0119110/01/2001627677Some vehicles built prior to 10/5/2000 equipped with the 3.0l 24-valve duratec engine may exhibit cold engine long crank/hand start, transmission shudder/vibration, harsh downshift coasting, and erroneous code p1443 stored. *tt02/13/2002
014703/05/2001619424Subject regarding engine oil recommendations for use in 2001 vehicles - sae 5w-20 motor oil. *tt05/30/2001
014303/05/2001619420Some vehicles may exhibit a fuel odor noticed through the vents inside the vehicle. the odor may be noticed upon initial startup after hot soak. this condition produces a fuel odor only and does not involve visible fuel or include the05/30/2001
00B5509/01/2000618566Information regarding engine performance, reprogramming of powertrain control module. *jb04/16/2001
0025512/11/2000616822Some vehicles equipped with the 3.0l 2-valve engine may exhibit a spark knock condition on heavy acceleration with 87 octane gasoline. *tt03/13/2001
858304/01/2000613689Some vehicles may exhibit dtc p1518 and / or p1519, related to intake manifold runner control (imrc). *mr07/27/2000
1377001/01/2000612797Vehicles with 3.0l 2-valve vulcan engine have revised engine oil indicator (dipstick) graphics. *mjs06/12/2000
792701/01/20007927612414Revised engine oil indicator (dipstick) graphics. the full level is between the min an max. if the oil reading is between the markings the level is acceptable, do not add oil. if the oil level is below the min mark add enough lil to rais06/08/2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
819402/01/2000612406Some vehicle equipped with 3.0l 4-valve duratec engines built prior to february 8th, 2000 may exhibit an intermittent exhaust ringing noise. *tt06/08/2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
02M0106/01/200402M0110007207Customer satisfaction program 02m01 supplement #4. certain ford 2000 through 2003 vehicles equipped with a tube-mounted egr pressure sensor - additional egr pressure sensor warranty coverage. *tt supplement #3. *mj supplement #606/03/2004
785701/01/20007857612218Vehicles may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with a diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0401 and/or p1408 stored in memory. this may be caused by a loss of vacuum to the exhaust gas recirculation system because the rubber vacuum e06/07/2000
785702/01/2000612223Some vehicles equipped with a 3.0l 2-valve engine may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp on with a diagnostic trouble code p0401 and / or p1408 stored in memory. this may be caused by insufficient exhaust gas recirculation flow.06/07/2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
0020410/02/2000618542On some vehicles, the exhaust pipe contacts the rear control arm resulting in buzzing, groaning and / or rattling noise from the rear of the vehicle. *jb04/16/2001

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
11/01/2011
 Cruise control- the off button on the steering wheel does not function correctly. when cruise control is in operation pushing the off button will not shut off the cruise unless you pound on the button mutiple times or press the brake pedal. the off button is defective.
12/01/2010114093
 Tl- the contact owns a 2000 mercury sable. the contact stated while driving at any speed when the anti-theft light illuminated the vehicle stalled. the failure was experienced numerous times. the vehicle was taken to the local mechanic whom performed a diagnosed that was unable to locate a failure code. the local mechanic replaced the computer control module and the ignition switch. the failure was not corrected. the anti-theft light continues to illuminate causing the vehicle to stall. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 114,093. li
07/02/2008120000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2000 mercury sable. the contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle continued to accelerate. in addition, the rpm's increased. the manufacturer stated that her vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 02v266000 (service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages). the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. the vehicle has not been repaired. the current and failure mileages were 120,000.
03/21/2007714343
 Tl* - the contact owns a 2000 mercury sable, and she was having a problem with the oil pan leaking. the contact stated that there was a technical service bulletin on this failure. the contact had this repaired in april 2004, and it still did not work properly. she had it repaired again shortly after april 2004 and it still did not work properly. the oil pan leak was discovered because it was visible in the driveway. *ak
02/07/20051
 Vehicle experienced stalling at various speeds, causing the steering wheel and brakes to have no control. manufacturer was contacted by consumer.*ak
09/02/20045
 While driving vehicle stalled. consumer was unable to restart vehicle, and had it towed to the dealer. mechanic advised consumer that the vehicle was placed on diagnostic machine, no codes were reported. also, mechanic informed consumer that the problem could not be duplicated. *ak
05/04/20039000405/03/2001
 Since purchasing vehicle in 05-01, the low coolant light has lit up on 4 separate occasions. also, the car emits an odor which i have read to be a complaint of many sable owners. its worth looking in to because of the many complaints. *jb
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
12/20/2004580001
 When turning the key in the ignition a loud explosion sound was produced. the engine intake manifold had malfunctioned. as a result the vehicle was towed to the nearest dealer to find the cause. please provide additional information. *jb
09/16/20041
 On raining days, while driving the at any speed, the serpentine belt would fall off and the vehicle stalled. the vehicle has been towed to the dealership on many occasions, and they could not duplicate or correct the problem. please provide further information. *jb
04/07/2004770001
 When the key was turned in the ignition there was an explosion. the air intake manifold on top of the engine exploded into pieces. the vehicle was towed to the dealership. the dealership inspected the vehicle, but couldn't indicate what caused the explosion. the manifold, spark plug and 3 types of springs were replaced. *nm
11/05/20010
 Vehicle shutdown without prior warning. when vehicle shutdown brakes and steering locked up. dealership was aware of problem. *ak
07/01/2000207/17/2000
 Soon after the vehicle was purchased vehicle started to leak oil, and vehicle had some problems with steering pump. contacted dealer, and dealer replaced steering pump twice, and tries to fix leaking problem. but to this date problem still occurs. *ak the power steering pump was leaking and was replaced. but the leaking continued and the dealer did services like cleaning the tensioner, replaceing belt tensioner assembly, but the customer states that the vehicle was still leaking oil. *yh
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
11/03/2002
 Consumer stated that on 11/3/02 was driving approaching a stopped traffic and depressed brake pedal. vehicle surged forward and consumer pulled off road to avoid a collision. vehicle was checked by dealer who at first advised could not determine cause. dealer then stated discovered problem with transmission sensor that was signaling car to five more gas. delaer repaired and returned vehicle to consumer. consumer drove vehicle frequently within next week to make sure problem would not reoccur. on 11/10/02 while driving engine surge occured again. dealer stated no problem with vehicle. ts
06/16/20021201/18/2002
 At 25mph, vehicle shut off and could have caused an accident. cause unknown. dealer notified.*ak consumer states at times the vehicle will cut off while driving, at other times the vehicle will not start. *slc
03/12/2001607/01/2000
 The engine has a heavy spark knock and has been repaired 5 times. the driver seat does not move forward when someone is sitting in it. when car is first put in reverse, it will roll forward. when slowing from 60+ mph, the car shakes really bad and also rides very rough when speeding up from 65+mph. these cars seem to have a lot of engine, transaxle problems. maybe a recall is in order. my car has been int he shop 60 out of 290 days. i have dealt with rental cars and repairs in excess of $20k. please help!
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
05/04/20039000405/03/2001
 Since purchasing vehicle in 05-01, the low coolant light has lit up on 4 separate occasions. also, the car emits an odor which i have read to be a complaint of many sable owners. its worth looking in to because of the many complaints. *jb
11/02/2000110/01/2000
 This vehicle has had emission, mechanical, and electrical problems . this is primarily emission issues between the check engine's and the gas tank. *ak
07/03/20011
 The vehicle emits an odor/fumes from the engine compartment, the dealer has been unable to locate the source of the problem, the consumer test drove another vehicle on the dealer's lot with similar mileage and it emitted the same smell, the fumes easily get into the vehicle through the dash vents or open windows, the second car tested was built in the same plant and the same month as the consumer's vehicle, the vehicle cannot be drive with the windows open or vent/ac on without being overcome by the fumes/smell. nlm
03/01/2000
 Exhaust and fuel smell in the passenger compartment on start up and while driving, the smell is so strong you must drive with the window open not to get a headache. car has been back to dealer twice and still they can not fix the smell.*ak
08/22/2000607/01/2000
 Koons lincoln-mercury service technicians have stated that the emission light stays illuminated because vehicle has a defective fuel vapor transfer system. air bag light was illuminated due to a defective left front air bag sensor. brake lights inoperative due to a switch stop lamp and broken wire. this defect almost caused me to get rear-ended in stop and go traffic on baltimore's beltway.*ak
 At start up/ while driving smell of exhaust will come in vehicle. defect was due to engine sensor that was replaced twice by dealer. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
06/06/2004483501
 When the gear shifter lever was put into drive from reverse vehicle failed to accelerate when the gas pedal was depressed. this occurred while the consumer was reversing. vehicle was towed to the dealership, and mechanic determined that the problem was due to a failure in the catalytic convertor because of the weak transmission being used. also, indicated that this was a common problem with these vehicles. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
07/11/200352000105/04/2002
 Defective egr valves caused vehicle to lose power and the service engine light stayed on. replacement part was made of different material than the original one installed when the car was manufactured. mechanic well replace in 6-8 weeks. *mr *cb *jb
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
02/01/200739700101/01/2000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2000 mercury sable. the vehicle had the same failures as mentioned in the recall regarding 2000 mercury sables. the only difference was that the rear coil spring failed and punctured the tire while driving at 35 mph. an unusual noise was heard before the tire was punctured. ford stated that nothing could be done because the recall applied only to the front coil springs. the service dealer replaced the failed springs with ones from the manufacturer, and stated that the noise was due to the muffler baffle. also, the dealer mentioned that ford was in the process of developing a different type of spring that has not yet been released. the current mileage is 39,798 , and failure mileage was 39,700. *ak the consumer stated that the vehicle was taken to another dealer who then replaced the struts and that solved the problem. updated 06/09/07 *tr
04/09/200531500104/17/2000
 2000 mercury sable with duratec v6 24v engine. started car; loud bang; intake manifold exploded. no previous problems with starting or driving the vehicle. all maintenance done in timely manner. when intake manifold exploded pieces of plastic flew and insulation under hood was actually shredded. could have caused serious injury had someone had hood open when car was started. car currently at new brighton ford waiting for repair.*ak
03/21/2005650001
 1) intake manifold exploded when starting the car; ) car not driveable; ) towed to white bear lincoln mercury for service - estimate provided 25, march, 2005. *ak
08/14/2004130001
 Intake manifold experienced an explosion and blew up. consumer was pulling up to the driveway when this occurred. *ak