Segment:
        
        
            Mid-size Sedan/Wagon, marketed as a comfortable and stylish alternative to mainstream sedans
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors:
        
        
            Chevrolet Impala, Buick LeSabre, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chrysler Concorde/Intrepid
        
     
    
    
        
            Marketing Focus:
        
        
            Quiet ride, spacious interior, comfortable seating, availability of V6 power
        
     
    
        
            Body Styles:
        
        
            Sedan, Wagon
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Primary Coverage:
        
        
            Complete Service and Repair
        
     
    
        
            Secondary Coverage:
        
        
            Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams, Specifications
        
     
    
        
            Emissions Control:
        
        
            Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) system, catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EGR system diagnosis and repair.
        
     
    
        
            Restraint Systems:
        
        
            Airbag system diagnosis, sensor locations, SRS module procedures.
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Document Type:
        
        
            Official Factory Service Manual (digitized)
        
     
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            Digital Service and Repair Manual
        
     
    
    
    
    
        
            Software Format:
        
        
            Proprietary Software/Executable (often CD-ROM based or downloadable archive)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Complete engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, timing, cooling system, lubrication system
        
     
    
        
            Engine Management:
        
        
            Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnostics
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Automatic transmission (AX4N/AX4S) overhaul, diagnosis, fluid service, electronic control
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Front-wheel drive components, CV joints, axle shafts, differential service
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front and rear brake systems, ABS, EBD, hydraulic component replacement, bleeding procedures
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion repair, alignment specifications
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, springs, bushings, alignment
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, fuses, relays
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Air conditioning system, heater, climate control unit, component diagnosis and replacement
        
     
    
        
            Body And Chassis:
        
        
            Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, door mechanisms, glass replacement, structural information
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
        
        
            OBD-II system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides
        
     
    
    
        
            Preventative Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Procedures:
        
        
            Step-by-step troubleshooting for common and uncommon issues, wiring diagram interpretation
        
     
    
        
            Repair Procedures:
        
        
            Detailed, illustrated guides for component removal, installation, and repair for all major systems
        
     
    
        
            Special Tools:
        
        
            Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures
        
     
    
        
            Recalibration:
        
        
            Procedures for electronic throttle control (ETC) and other sensor recalibrations if applicable.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical schematics
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagrams:
        
        
            Detailed color wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, including powertrain, chassis, and body electronics.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            201.4 inches (Sedan) / 201.7 inches (Wagon)
        
     
    
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            58.0 inches (Sedan) / 59.0 inches (Wagon)
        
     
    
    
        
            Passenger Volume:
        
        
            106.4 cu ft (Sedan) / 111.3 cu ft (Wagon)
        
     
    
    
        
            Cargo Volume:
        
        
            16.7 cu ft (Sedan Trunk) / 38.4 cu ft (Wagon behind 2nd row)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight:
        
        
            Approximately 3500-3700 lbs
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
        
        
            Approximately 4700 lbs
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Standard Tire Size:
        
        
            P215/60R16
        
     
    
        
            Wheel Bolt Pattern:
        
        
            5 x 4.5 inches (5 x 114.3 mm)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
        
        
            ★★★★★ (5-Star)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
        
        
            ★★★★★ (5-Star)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
        
        
            ★★★★ (4-Star)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
        
        
            ★★★★ (4-Star)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard Anti-lock Braking System
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Optional (TCS - Traction Control System)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (conventional oil); 7,500 miles/6 months (synthetic blend/full synthetic)
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 100,000 miles (OEM iridium spark plugs)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change:
        
        
            Every 30,000-50,000 miles (Mercon V recommended)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG, SH, SJ, or SL rated)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Coolant:
        
        
            Ford Premium Engine Coolant (VC-13G) or equivalent (50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water)
        
     
    
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            Mercon ATF
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Problems:
        
        
            Intake manifold gasket leaks (plastic design), HVAC blend door actuator failures, occasional transmission solenoid issues, ABS sensor failures, interior trim rattles
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Brand Origin:
        
        
            Mercury was a division of Ford Motor Company, established in 1939
        
     
    
    
        
            Generation:
        
        
            Third Generation (2000-2007)
        
     
    
        
            Platform Sharing:
        
        
            Based on the Ford CDW27 platform, shared with the Ford Taurus and Mercury Mystique (previous gen)
        
     
    
    
        
            Assembly Location:
        
        
            Chicago Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
        
     
    
        
            Production Years:
        
        
            1986-2007 (Sable model line)