1995 Mercury Sable Tired Engine

Tiny
SG2361
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 MERCURY SABLE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 16,600 MILES
I have a 1995 Mercury Sable w/3.0 liter 6 cylinder. My problem is that the engine seems to lose power when climbing upgrades to the point that it is constantly back-shifting to a lower gear to maintain speed. Overall performance is becoming poorer and gas consumption is up. I also get an intermittent check engine light that appears when the A/C or defrost s turned on. It stays on for several minutes then goes out. I don't know if the light is related to my problem or not. To me it seems as if there is something inhibiting the exhaust flow that may be causing the problem because when I first drive it it seems to have alot more power; as the engine warms up it gets worse. I have done tuneups and checked the transmission and so forth and with 166,000 miles it's definately high mileage. It may be time to rebuild/replace the engine but I'm hoping there might be a cheaper solutiion.
Sunday, June 14th, 2009 AT 1:42 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
MIKE H R
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,094 POSTS
Check the catalitic converter. Sometimes older catalitic converters could clog when they warm up they somtimes will clog up. With the exhaust cold, take on the coverter andd see if you hear anything rattling inside of the converter. Or after driving at night when you stop, look see if you notice a red glow from the converter. , Making back pressure that cuts down on performance and will also cut your milage down. If it has any symtons decribed have it checked by a mechanic.
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Sunday, June 14th, 2009 AT 8:40 PM
Tiny
JGAROFALO
  • MECHANIC
  • 489 POSTS
If I may add something here.
I drive a similar car with comparable mileage on it. It runs as it should and gets 29-plus mpg. Unless you are having oil consumption problems, the engine is probably OK, and the problem is elswhere.

As already stated, the catalytic converter is a definite place to look. Checking it for trouble codes is another place to look. A bad oxygen sensor or mass air flow sensor can also cause performance issues as well as poor fuel economy.
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Saturday, June 20th, 2009 AT 7:42 PM

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