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Last post on Jan 21, 2011 at 11:46 AM
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Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Forum.
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Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable, Sedan
#688 of 3389 This was the very beginning of my taurus problems started at 12,000 miles back in 1998
by tammycampbell8
Mar 21, 2001 (9:46 am)
I am a owner of a 97 model Taurus that had problems with the rack n pinnon, stablizer links, motor mounts separations, struts, oil pan gasket, door sensors, and the last thing is the tranny slipping.
When taking my car to another dealer just for the rack n pinnion, stablizer links, struts, motor mounts, oil pan gasket (this was a 2 week repair job), I had found out that the 1st dealer that had been making attempts at repairing my car, left my car is awful shape. Most of them parts was either lose, or gonna fall off.
I had to go one step ahead of the 1st dealer and contact Ford Motor Co, the 1st dealer evently got to where they refused to look at the suspenion in my car. Once I contacted FORD, and started a dispute settlement on my taurus, Ford had paid for the taurus to be sent to another dealer, where my experience changed from BAD to GOOD. Ford Motor Co and this Billingsy Ford of Lawton, Oklahoma treated us like we was Kings.
But we learned our lesson about this BAD dealer in Altus, Oklahoma. Unforunately the state of Oklahoma has no Lemmon law that protects consumers from BAD DEALERS.
My suspension was repaired, and any other problems that came about the Taurus went right back to Billingsley of Lawton. There is GOOD ONES out there, and there are BAD ONES. But unforunately there are no warnings on these BAD ONES prior to encountering them, I think there should be a board for consumer protection against Dealer that are BAD< or FORD needs to take action against them. 9 times out of 10 its the DEALER not the FORD product. I got a free ISP up to 5 years from my encounter on this BAD DEALER, and untill these BAD DEALERS NAMES are kept silent, it happens over and over again. Where was Oklahoma law protection for me as a consumer. This Bad dealer mechanics was either not experienced, or experienced enough, or it was simply intentional with the findings that Billingsley Ford found. Ford Motor Co does HELP, just give them a chance. They helped me, and I am thankful for them> They are the greatest.
#689 of 3389 To TammyCampbell8 -re: front end problems:
by harmar
Mar 21, 2001 (11:11 am)
I had minor problems with my '99 Sable front end. The dealership told me everything met Ford's specs. I found a good frame/front end shop by asking friends and others where they'd had good service. At that shop, they agreed that my car was indeed meeting Ford's specs, but it was "not optimally aligned." And the rear was not tracking properly by a mere 3/8 inch. They aligned the front end (but NOT using Ford's method) and fixed the tracking. My handling problems disappeared. So - I would suggest you search for a good independent frame shop and get their opinion on what needs to be done. With that in hand, ask if Ford's dealership can do it. If not, ask them to cover the cost of having it done at the frame shop. Good luck!
#690 of 3389 Safety Recall Notice 01S08
by prestone
Mar 21, 2001 (4:09 pm)
Hi all,
Just received a safety recall notice (01S08) today in the mail from Mercury. It deals with both 2000 & 2001 Sables and Taurus's that have the power adjustable pedals.
"Grease used on the adjustable pedal assembly may enter the brake lamp switch and contaminate the contacts. This may cause one or more of the following symptoms to occur:
-Brake lights stay illuminated or are inoperative.
-Shift Interlock disabled (will be able to shift out of "Park" position without depressing the brakes.
-Speed Control will not activate.
-Cannot shift the vehicle out of "Park."
-ABS Warning light illuminates on vehicles with ABS
-Battery Discharged."
The recall stated to call the dealer for an appointment without delay. I called ahead and the parts department did not have the parts in stock, as they had not yet received notification from Ford. The Parts Manager stated that he should have parts within 3-4 business days.
Thought all you 2000 & 2001 Sable & Taurus owners with adjustable pedals should know about this safety recall.
#691 of 3389 Hi everybody...I recently posted
by marsha7
Mar 25, 2001 (7:34 pm)
to the Mercury Sable topic, and will also be joining this group, since the cars are "close siblings"...I have been a poster and a lurker for over a year, but on 10 or so other topics...however, last week my 1988 Honda Prelude, 183K miles, four wheel steering (best option known to God and man, why no one has it I will never know), has died...needs $4000 repairs to a $2000 car...time to kiss it goodbye, quite tearfully, I might add...bought a used 2000 Mercury Sable LS, Duratec engine, adjustable pedals, moonroof, no CD, 26K miles, appears to run well...in addition to my 2000 Intrepid, I am now one of you with my Sable...have not had the time yet to read the entire line of posts (and I will also follow Taurus, of course), but I just thought I would apply for "membership" in the Club of Sable...and associate membership in the Club of Taurus...I hope you folks are seeking new members, cuz here I am
Bob
#692 of 3389 Re: Taurus and Sable recall
by ohio7
Mar 26, 2001 (10:26 am)
Just wanted to let everyone know that I finally took my 2000 SEL in for it's first oil change this past Sat. Bought it in June, but only have 3900 miles on it. Getting ready for a big trip and wanted new oil.
While I was there, I told them that I had just gotten a recall notice. They were way ahead of me - they already had it written on my ticket. What is needed is a new light switch which is located under the dash right above and behind the brake pedal. The letter stated that it will take at least a half a day to fix, but the mechanic did it in 15 minutes - I timed him and watched the whole operation.
I only drive my Taurus 6 miles a day so I don't get to enjoy it as much as I would like. To the individual who suggested that someone buy a Sable because of a lot of extras - I, too, looked at the Sable first and was not impressed by the rear end. As I looked closer I noticed that the trunk didn't have a very large opening. Went up to the Ford dealer and noticed that the Taurus trunk was not only wider, but larger. Checked the brochures and compared them and sure enough, the Taurus is bigger by one cubic foot!! That made the difference for me. Also, I got the top-of-the-line SEL which came with everything but a CD player which I didn't want. I think the car is quiet enough for me. Plus, I got a good loan and $1000 off!! Not bad.
#693 of 3389 Thanks Ohio7
by prestone
Mar 26, 2001 (3:57 pm)
Just read your info on recall # 01S08. Good to know that there's a fairly quick fix to this problem. The parts manager informed me that the parts should be in this week. Looking forward to getting this issue corrected.
Concerning trunk space, when my lease is up, I will definitely look at the Taurus. One of the few weak points that I've noticed with my 2000 Sable LS Premium, has been the fairly small trunk opening. I was a bit embarrassed the other day as a box I was attempting to load into the Sable's trunk, would not fit. However, it did fit into the trunk of my wife's 2000 Honda Civic! My wife had a very smug look on her face as her smaller car was able to accomodate the box my larger Sable would not! With that said, I think that this is the best overall vehicle I've personally owned.
#694 of 3389 Taurus/Sable recall
by danielj6
Mar 26, 2001 (6:53 pm)
I've also received the safety recall notice 01S08
for my Merc Sable and the following day I went
to a Ford svce dept a few blocks from my job.
They had no idea about the recall but were
interested in giving me an appt. for schedule
maintenance. Re: the recall, I was asked to call
in two weeks, and later upon my insistence the
idiot svce advisor suggested that I call in a
week. I left pissed off, and next day Saturday I
called Ford in Detroit. The customer svce rep contacted every Ford
and Mercury Dealer in New York City and beyond and was able to find one that knew about the recall. The owner of this
dealership told the rep that I could bring my
car in on Monday.
I am pleased about the help given to me by Ford Central. But for the life of me I can't understand how The factory sends a recall notice to customers before informing many dealers about the recall.
Dealers are informed online whereas owners are informed via snail
mail.
This is something the rep couldn't answer and I didn't pursue.
#695 of 3389 Marsha7, regarding your Sable
by shank6
Mar 26, 2001 (8:05 pm)
I think your gonna love it Marsha. (see post 681)
We've had ours now for 6 months and it's great. It's also a very good looking car I might add. I've also received the recall notice, but my dealer is cool. He said just drop it off on Friday afternoon and you can pick it up Saturday.
Good Luck!!
#696 of 3389 buying new car - Taurus vs. Impala
by stnel
Mar 27, 2001 (10:13 am)
I'm going to buy a new car in May and have it narrowed to the Taurus or the Impala. I have checked the Impala discussion group and they all love their cars. I've read a number of discussions with some of the complaints on Taurus but couldn't get to all the discussions. I've come across transmission problems and chirping noises. If one plans on keeping their car for 8-10 years, how well does the Taurus hold up? I guess anyone with around 30K-50K miles may know the problems when the car gets older.
A major concern I have is the cooling system. I live in a very hot climate and the car I have now tends to overheat easily. What kind of temps do people get in stop and go traffic in the Southeast or Southwest.
Any input would be helpful. The Taurus I plan to buy is the 2001 LX.
Mar 27, 2001 (6:20 pm)
I can't comment on long term durability or over-heatability (some word
) but if price is a consideration, Ford has a partnership program (the X-Plan) that allows you to buy a new Ford for dealer invoice minus 1/2 of the dealer hold back and also minus any incentives/rebates currently available. Seeing as how the Impala is selling well, Chevy doesn't have many (if any) rebates, so the Taurus would be considerably cheaper... just one more thing to make your decision tougher.