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).