Vehicle Class:
Mid-size sedan/wagon, often seen as a more upscale alternative to the Ford Taurus.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Lumina, Buick LeSabre, Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight, Dodge Intrepid, Chrysler Concorde.
Platform:
Ford DEW platform, shared with Ford Taurus and Mercury Mystique.
Distinction:
Often perceived as offering a quieter, more refined ride and more luxurious interior appointments compared to its Ford counterpart.
Engine:
3.0L Vulcan V6, 3.8L Essex V6
Transmission:
AX4S, AX4N Automatic Transmissions
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Drum, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Coil Springs with Watts Linkage
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
All standard electrical systems, wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition, charging system, accessories
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning System
Body:
Body panels, interior trim, glass, doors, windows, locks
Fuel:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel lines
Exhaust:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault code interpretation (OBD-I)
Repair:
Engine component replacement, transmission overhaul, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnostics and repair, HVAC system repairs
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic trees for various systems, component testing procedures
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, component measurements
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance, troubleshooting, component-level repair, and major overhauls.
Software Compatibility:
Compatible with Windows operating systems of the era (likely Windows 95/98/NT, may require compatibility mode on modern systems)
Searchability:
Searchable text content for quick access to information
Graphics:
Includes diagrams, illustrations, and photographs
Software Delivery:
Distributed on CD-ROM or as a downloadable digital file
Digital Resolution:
High-resolution graphics and text suitable for digital viewing
Engine 1 Displacement:
3.0L (182 cubic inches)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Overhead Valve (OHV) V6
Engine 1 Horsepower:
145 hp @ 4900 RPM
Engine 1 Torque:
170 lb-ft @ 3700 RPM
Engine 1 Fuel System:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 1 Emission Controls:
Catalytic converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.8L (232 cubic inches)
Engine 2 Configuration:
Overhead Valve (OHV) V6
Engine 2 Horsepower:
155 hp @ 4000 RPM
Engine 2 Torque:
205 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM
Engine 2 Fuel System:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
0 60 Mph Estimate:
9.5 - 10.5 seconds (Varies by engine and configuration)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
18.0 gallons (approx.)
Length Sedan:
199.9 inches
Length Wagon:
200.8 inches
Height Sedan:
55.0 inches
Height Wagon:
55.6 inches
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 103 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Sedan:
Approx. 16.1 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Wagon:
Approx. 39.2 cubic feet (rear seat up)
Curb Weight Sedan:
3,400 - 3,600 lbs (approx.)
Curb Weight Wagon:
3,500 - 3,700 lbs (approx.)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact Rating:
4 Stars (1996 model year)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact Rating:
4 Stars (1996 model year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Optional (often tied to higher trims or specific packages)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seat belts
Child Safety Anchors:
Rear seat LATCH anchors not standard; manual refers to child restraint systems.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Premium sound systems available.
Climate Control:
Manual or Automatic Climate Control systems available.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
OBD Standard:
OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics, First Generation) - requires specific diagnostic tools or procedures for reading fault codes.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (if original equipment with copper plugs, check manual for specific recommendations for other types).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH certified SAE 5W-30
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (with filter) for 3.0L, 5.0 quarts (with filter) for 3.8L.
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green)
Power Steering Fluid:
Mercon ATF or equivalent
Intake Manifold Gasket:
Common failure on certain Ford modular engines of this era, leading to coolant leaks.
Transmission Clunking:
AX4S/AX4N transmissions can sometimes exhibit harsh shifting or clunking; internal wear or solenoid issues are common causes.
Power Window Motors:
Window regulators and motors can wear out over time.
Idler Pulley Noise:
The idler pulley bearing on the serpentine belt system can fail, causing noise.
Mercury Legacy:
Mercury, a division of Ford Motor Company, was positioned as a premium brand, offering vehicles that were generally more upscale and feature-rich than their Ford counterparts.
Sable Generation:
1996 marks the second generation of the Mercury Sable, introduced for the 1992 model year. The 1996 model received a significant facelift, including updated styling, revised interior, and powertrain enhancements.
Manufacturing Plant:
Chicago Assembly Plant, Illinois (primarily)
Production Years Model:
1992-1995 (First Generation), 1996-2005 (Second Generation)
