2000 Mercury Sable: adaptive cruise control problems

Filed May 16, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 146,000 miles · VA

This sable had the stuck throttle problem recall performed in october 2013. Yesterday, a dangerous acceleration condition occurred. While accelerating from a stop light, the car kept accelerating even after taking all pressure from the accelerator pedal. I entered an on ramp and accelerated to join with traffic. Even after completely removing my foot from the pedal the car kept accelerating to over 75 miles an hour. I attempted to brake, but had to shut off the ignition to pull to the side of the road. I restarted the engine and it immediately went to 5500 RPM and started cutting out (misfiring- I assume was caused by a rev limiter). I shut the engine off again. After two more tries starting, and revving to 5500 RPM, it finally started and idled at 800 RPM. While climbing a hill the accelerator stuck again, but at 3000 RPM. I again had to shut off the engine in order to stop. When I restarted, it revved to 3000 RPM. I shut it off again and opened the hood. I manually pulled on the throttle cable to insure it was not applying pressure. I then started the engine and it idled at 800 RPM. The recall was performed in october 2013i have the sable at a dealer at present to repair the throttle problem. At no time was cruise control engaged. Had my wife been driving, I'm not sure she would not have had an accident. Turning off the ignition was the only way to prevent engine damage and slow the car to avoid a high speed accident. I just received a call from the dealer. The recall (at a different dealer) was performed incorrectly. The clip was installed incorrectly according to the dealer who now installed and completed the recall correctly!

Filed Feb 3, 2013 · Acceleration · 87,395 miles · ND

Driving vehicle on interstate with a speed of 75 MPH with cruise control activated. The cruise control suddenly accelerated on its own. Pushing the off button for the cruise control would not stop the acceleration as well as pushing on the brake. Had to ride the brake and take the first exit available, upon stopping, the vehicle still wanted to go, put vehicle in neutral and then the engine RPM would race to over 4000 RPM and at that time the car was shut off. Tried to start, started hard but RPM would race to over 4000 RPM in neutral when started. After 5 or 6 restarts and shut downs it finally came out of it this, took about about half an hour of time. Did not use cruise control after that for fear of repeat. This had happened prior to this event with my wife but could not remember how long ago the event took place so did not list the event.

Filed Aug 10, 2012 · Acceleration · 150,000 miles · WV

Drove the car away from the dealer and it was running fine. Stopped and got gas. Then left gas station and proceeded onto the capital beltway. After a couple miles the car began accelerating on its own. The only way I could get the car stopped was to put it in neutral. The engine continued at 4000 rpms. The car was then shut off after getting it stopped on the side of the road. I found that the problem was the cruise control cable had backed out of the socket approximately a half inch and wedged over to one side holding the accelerator linkage open at the 4000 RPM level. Neither myself or my mechanic have no idea why this happened and especially while driving at highway speed. The cable was pushed back over from the side and it popped back into place. I can manually pull the cable back out and there is no locking device to keep it from coming out again. I have attempted to find a new replacement cable and have not been successful. I will probably have to disconnect the cruise control for peace of mind to operate this car. This car was purchased for my son to use at college. He has practically no driving experience and I hate to think what could have happened if I let him drive the car home.

Filed Mar 13, 2012 · Engine · IN

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 multiple times or press the brake pedal. The off button is defective.

Filed May 6, 2006 · Acceleration · 81,000 miles · MI

The cruise control does not disengage (turn off) while in motion unless you tap the brakes, which could cause a car crash.

Filed Sep 7, 2005 · Acceleration · 35,000 miles · IN

Cruise control switch/controller - cannot disengage cruise control via on/off switch, only by turning off the ignition switch. Tapping the brakes will deactivate the cruise function but will not turn it off. We had a near miss of an accident several times because of this problem. Oem manufacturer refused to repair this situation because vehicle was out of warranty.

Filed Jun 26, 2003 · Acceleration, Lights · 46,000 miles · MI

While driving and without warning the electrical system failed. *nlm on several occasions, the brake lights remained on and/or came on by themselves after the engine was cut off. Defective brake light switch assembly had to be replaced. Cruise control would not deactivate at 76 MPH. *tt

Filed Sep 3, 2002 · Acceleration, Brakes · PA

Brake light stays on and cruise control won't work, and vehicle will not shift out of park. Dealership is aware of problem.

Filed Jun 11, 2001 · Acceleration, Seat belts · MO · crash · 1 injury

Consumer was activating cruise control at 70 MPH when vehicle accelerated suddendly, reaching speeds of 80 MPH. To avoid hitting a vehicle in front, consumer swerved into an enbankment and was hit by an oncoming vehicle.consumer will be contacting dealer to determine cause.*ak consumer states cruise had previously been set and no more than 20 minutes later, vehicle increased speed to 80 MPH in approximately 5 seconds, the safety belt prevented consumer from hitting the windshield, however did not prevent him from hitting the ceiling with his head, one person was injured in accident.

Filed Mar 11, 2001 · Acceleration, Fuel system · KS

The cruise control would not stay engaged. Nlm

Filed Aug 1, 2000 · Acceleration · PA

While driving at highway speeds cruise control disengages without warning or manual operation, cause unknown, vehicle has been in for repairs for this problem three times. Dealer cannot identify the problem. *ak the vehcile has been to service eight times. Cruise control dump valve and brake booster return spring was pointed out by the manufactures to be the cause for this failure.