Market Segment:
Mid-size sedan/wagon, positioned as a more upscale alternative to the Ford Taurus.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Lumina, Pontiac Grand Prix, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima, Chrysler Concorde.
Design:
Styling cues often derived from European Ford models, offering a distinct aesthetic from its Ford counterpart.
Ride Quality:
Known for a comfortable and quiet ride, prioritizing passenger comfort.
Interior Space:
Spacious cabin, especially for its era, offering good rear-seat legroom.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul and repair procedures for all engine variants.
Engine Management:
Diagnosis and repair of fuel injection, ignition, emissions control systems (EEC-V).
Transmission Manual:
Repair and overhaul of manual transmission (if applicable, though Sable was predominantly automatic).
Transmission Automatic:
Detailed repair and overhaul procedures for the AX4N automatic transmission.
Brakes:
Diagnosis, repair, and component replacement for front disc and rear drum brakes, including ABS system.
Suspension:
Front MacPherson strut and rear independent suspension, including component replacement and alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering column and linkage.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnosis of lighting, accessories, and power distribution.
HVAC:
Air conditioning and heating system diagnosis, service, and component replacement.
Body And Interior:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, and seat adjustment.
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection and repair, subframe mounting.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common symptoms and fault codes.
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing major and minor components (alternator, starter, fuel pump, etc.).
Engine Rebuild:
Complete engine teardown, inspection, measurement, and reassembly procedures.
Transmission Overhaul:
Detailed steps for disassembling, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling the AX4N transmission.
Brake System Service:
Pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake fluid bleeding, ABS module diagnosis.
Suspension Alignment:
Caster, camber, and toe angle specifications and adjustment procedures.
Electrical Component Testing:
Methods for testing sensors, actuators, solenoids, and control modules using multimeters and oscilloscopes.
HVAC System Charging And Evacuation:
Proper procedures for servicing the refrigerant system.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full drivetrain and chassis overhauls.
Diagnostic Tools:
Mentions diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and strategies, implying the use of OBD-II scan tools.
Engine Code:
V6 DOHC (Duratec 3.0L, likely variant)
Engine Displacement:
3.0 Liters (182 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
81.6 mm x 95.0 mm (approx.)
Compression Ratio:
9.0:1 (approx.)
Horsepower:
155 hp @ 5000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
185 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Octane Rating:
87 Octane (Minimum)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Throttle Body:
Electronic throttle control (ETC) may be present on some later models, though cable-actuated is common for '97.
Timing Drive:
Belt-driven SOHC (Single Overhead Cam).
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle
Shift Modes:
Selectable modes (e.g., 'Sport' or 'Economy') often available.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MERCON V (or MERCON compatible)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 10.5 quarts (9.9 liters) for refill after pan drop; higher for complete overhaul.
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
4-star (1997 model year, some variations possible)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
4-star (1997 model year, some variations possible)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Optional (not standard on all trims).
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seat Belts:
Front 3-point adjustable seat belts, rear 3-point seat belts (outboard).
Side Impact Beams:
Reinforced side door beams.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs; check manual for specific type.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 50,000-75,000 miles (80,000-120,000 km), or as per severe service schedule.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG or higher).
Engine Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Yellow) or equivalent with 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mercon (ATF)
Common Wear Items:
Struts and bushings, wheel bearings, brake components, oxygen sensors.
Transmission Reliability:
AX4N transmission is generally robust but can experience solenoid issues or wear with high mileage.
Idle Air Control Valve:
Can become clogged, leading to rough idle or stalling.
Ignition Coil Packs:
Can fail, leading to misfires.
Mercury Brand:
Ford Motor Company's mid-tier brand, positioned between Ford and Lincoln, emphasizing style and comfort.
Sable Generation:
Second Generation Sable (1996-1999). This generation marked a significant redesign with smoother, more aerodynamic styling.
Platform Sharing:
Shares platform and significant mechanical components with the Ford Taurus, but with distinct styling and trim.
Manufacturing Location:
Chicago Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA.
Production Years Model:
1986-2005 (Sable model line overall).