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.
1998 Mercury Sable engine problems
19 complaints (10% of all complaints for this car). 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 19
- of this car's complaints
- 10%
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Engine5
- Engine: gasoline4
- Cooling system3
- Cooling system: radiator assembly2
- Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1
- Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor1
- Exhaust system: emission control1
- Exhaust system1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Mercury Sable engine problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 1998 Mercury Sable owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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
Questions about the 1998 Mercury Sable engine
Does the 1998 Mercury Sable have engine problems?
Owners have filed 19 complaints about the engine of the 1998 Mercury Sable, 10% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1998 Mercury Sable engine problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 1998 Mercury Sable engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Mercury Sable have bad engine?
The Mercury Sable model years with the most engine complaints are 1993 (356 complaints), 1992 (151 complaints) and 1994 (144 complaints).
Other 1998 Mercury Sable problems
Acceleration 32Brakes 29Transmission 25Suspension 22Electrical 16Airbags 14Lights 11Body 10Visibility 10Seat belts 9Fuel system 8Tires 8Steering 6Locks 1Seats 1
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