🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercury

Model:

Sable

Year:

1999

Generation Designation:

Third Generation (2000-2007) - *Note: Manual covers the transition/end of the second generation and early aspects relevant to the upcoming third generation where applicable for maintenance, though primarily focused on the 1999 model year.*

Platform:

Ford CDW27 Platform

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size sedan (often marketed as a more upscale alternative to the Ford Taurus).

Brand Perception:

Positioned as a comfortable, stylish, and reliable family sedan with a focus on comfort and quietness.

Key Competitors:

Chevrolet Lumina, Buick LeSabre, Pontiac Bonneville, Chrysler Concorde, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord.

Vehicle Highlights:

Spacious interior, comfortable ride, quiet cabin, available V6 engines, stylish exterior design for its era.

User Benefit:

Empowers owners and technicians with the official, detailed information needed for accurate diagnosis, repair, and maintenance, reducing reliance on guesswork and expensive shop visits.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Service and Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Diagnostic Procedures, Wiring Diagrams, Component Locations, Specifications

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 1500-2000 (Software format allows for extensive detail and searchability)

Type:

Official Service Manual (Digital Software)

Language:

English

Format:

Software (likely CD-ROM or downloadable executable, often PDF internally)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, valvetrain, piston and connecting rod, crankshaft and main bearings, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (injectors, pump, lines, tank), exhaust system.

Engine Performance:

Engine diagnosis, performance tuning, emissions control systems (EGR, PCV, catalytic converter).

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, planetary gear sets, hydraulic controls, valve body, seals, electronic controls (Transmission Control Module - TCM), fluid servicing.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox, drive shafts, linkages, fluid servicing.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or optional rear discs), hydraulic system, master cylinder, brake booster, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components, parking brake system, fluid specifications and bleeding procedures.

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear independent suspension (or semi-independent), control arms, ball joints, bushings, springs, shock absorbers, sway bars, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, tie rods, power steering fluid, pump, and lines.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), ignition system (coil packs, spark plugs, wiring), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), horn, wipers, power windows, power locks, mirrors, seat motors.

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim, chassis components, rust prevention, corrosion control.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, climate controls, diagnosis and repair.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, seat belt pre-tensioners, safety restraint system components and diagnosis.

Driver Information Systems:

Instrument cluster, gauges, warning lights, trip computer (if equipped).

Routine Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspection, belt inspection, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) code interpretation and clearing, component testing.

Repair And Rebuild:

Component removal and installation (engine, transmission, suspension parts, brake components, etc.), internal engine and transmission component repairs, body panel replacement, electrical component repair.

Adjustment Procedures:

Wheel alignment, brake adjustment, clutch adjustment, parking brake adjustment.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for all major systems, component location diagrams for wiring harness routing.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all fasteners, critical for engine, transmission, suspension, and brake assembly.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical system troubleshooting.

Detail Level:

Factory-level detail, including exploded views, step-by-step instructions, and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Software Type:

Proprietary executable or PDF-based software

Printability:

Printable pages, allowing users to create physical copies of sections.

Binding Type:

N/A (Software Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Software Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

Vulcan (3.0L V6 OHV)

Displacement:

3.0 Liters (183 cu in)

Configuration:

Overhead Valve (OHV), V6

Horsepower Hp:

Approximately 140-150 hp @ 4900-5000 rpm (depending on specific variant/tuning)

Torque Lb Ft:

Approximately 170-175 lb-ft @ 3200-3700 rpm

Engine Code:

Duratec 3.0L V6 DOHC (Optional, often in higher trims or later models)

Displacement:

3.0 Liters (182 cu in)

Configuration:

Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC), V6

Horsepower Hp:

Approximately 200-205 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque Lb Ft:

Approximately 200 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Octane Rating:

87 Octane (Minimum)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (AX4N)

Transmission Type:

N/A for 1999 model year (all Sable models equipped with automatic transmission).

Overdrive:

Yes (4th gear is an overdrive gear)

Traction Control:

Optional, often integrated with ABS system

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 202.2 inches

Width:

Approximately 72.4 inches

Height:

Approximately 55.8 inches

Wheelbase:

Approximately 112.9 inches

Front Headroom:

Approximately 39.1 inches

Front Legroom:

Approximately 42.3 inches

Rear Headroom:

Approximately 37.9 inches

Rear Legroom:

Approximately 38.1 inches

Trunk Volume Cu Ft:

Approximately 16.4 cu ft

Curb Weight Lbs:

Approximately 3300-3500 lbs (depending on trim and options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4 Stars (for 1999 model year)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4 Stars (for 1999 model year)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (for vehicles tested of this era)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional

Airbags Front:

Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS)

Seatbelts:

Front 3-point seat belts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seat belts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system not standard in 1999 models.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Available premium sound systems.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control standard, optional automatic climate control.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Optional.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs (if equipped), or 30,000 miles for conventional plugs.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 50,000-100,000 miles, or under severe driving conditions.

Coolant Flush:

Every 50,000 miles or 5 years.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30

Engine Oil Capacity Qts:

Approximately 4.5 quarts (with filter)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Mercon V (or equivalent)

Power Steering Fluid:

Mercon ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Coolant:

Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Gold color) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Common Problems:

Transmission shifting issues (especially the AX4N), intake manifold gasket leaks (3.0L Vulcan), power steering pump noise, exhaust manifold leaks, window regulator failures, ABS sensor failures, fuel pump failures, rust on the rear wheel arches.

Common Problems Electrical:

EGR valve issues, mass airflow sensor (MAF) issues, alternator failures, intermittent electrical gremlins related to aging wiring harnesses.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercury Legacy:

Mercury was Ford's mid-tier brand, often offering slightly more upscale versions of Ford models, emphasizing comfort and styling.

Sable Introduction:

Introduced in 1986 as a 1986.5 model, replacing the Mercury Marquis. The Sable was heavily based on the Ford Taurus and shared its platform.

Second Generation:

The 1986-1991 Sable was the first generation. The 1992-1995 Sable represented the second generation. The 1996-1999 Sable was a redesign of the second generation, often referred to as the 2.5 generation, featuring a more aerodynamic and modern styling. The 1999 model is the final year of this iteration before the significantly redesigned third generation for 2000.

Manufacturing Location:

Ford's assembly plants in North America (e.g., Chicago, Illinois; Atlanta, Georgia; Kansas City, Missouri).

Production Years:

1986-2005

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journal Awards:

While specific awards for the 1999 Sable might be scarce, its platform (shared with the Taurus) was well-received for its design and comfort in earlier iterations. The Sable was often praised for its quiet ride and smooth handling in reviews of its generation.

Consumer Reports Perception:

Perceived as a comfortable, yet sometimes inconsistent vehicle in terms of long-term reliability, with common issues often cited in consumer reports of the era. The manual is essential for addressing these.