1995 Mercury Sable Tired Engine

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.

2 Replies

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.