The engine oil pan gasket can develop a leak. Leaking oil may accumulate on the exhaust system resulting in a burning smell. Replacing the gasket should correct this leak.
Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your 2002 Mercury Sable
2002 Mercury Sable
2002 Mercury Sable Problems
Camshaft Sensor Magnet may Damage Synchronizers
Engine --
Verified
The magnet for the camshaft position sensor may fall out of its mount and damage the synchronizers. This causes long crank times when starting the engine and may cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate. If this happens, both the magnets and the synchronizers need to be replaced.
Engine Stalling and/or Hesitation on Acceleration due to Faulty Idle Air Bypass Valve
Engine --
Verified
If you experience difficulty starting the engine when cold, stalling at idle, or hesitations during acceleration, it may be the idle air bypass valve. This valve helps the vehicle idle steady when the accelerator pedal is not pressed.
2002 Mercury Sable Recalls (Recent)
Ford Recalls 2002-2003 Taurus and Mercury Sable Vehicles for Windshield Compliance
Body, Interior & Misc., March 31, 2003
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Ford has recalled certain 2002-2003 Taurus and Mercury Sable vehicles because their windshields do not comply with safety standards. Due to improper mounting, the windshield may exhibit increased wind noise, water leakage, squeaks, and rattles and could experience a loss of retention, which would reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash. Dealers will replace the windshield.
Ford Recalls 2000-2003 Taurus and Mercury Sable Models for Adjustable Pedal Spacing Issue
Brakes, September 13, 2002
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Ford has recalled certain 2000-2003 Taurus and Mercury Sable vehicles for an issue with the adjustable accelerator and brake pedal assembly. The pedals are too close to each other, causing unintended pedal selection errors and possibly an accident. Dealers will check for appropriate spacing between pedals, and if it is found to be insufficient, they will adjust it to the correct specification.
Ford Recalls 2000-2004 Taurus and Mercury Sable Vehicles for Brake Light Switch Issue
Electrical & Lights, April 5, 2004
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Ford has recalled certain 2000-2004 Taurus and Mercury Sable vehicles for possible malfunctioning of the brake light switch, which may cause brake lights to stick on, or not come on at all. Also, the driver may not be able to shift out of "Park" and the battery could discharge. Dealers will replace the brake light switch and the wiring connector mounted to it.
2002 Mercury Sable Questions and Answers
bobikatt3, 2002 Mercury Sable, Douglassville, PA
I'd like a complete tune up and oil and filter change,tune up was not on your list
Bernierville, 2002 Mercury Sable, Rio Grande, NJ
The following happened in a 4 week span. Had trouble starting the car. Once started died at about 5 MPH. Diagnosed as faulty processor. Dealership reprogrammed the processor. After that car reacted...
fannin, 2002 Mercury Sable, Atlanta, GA
What would be the problem if your heat is not heating up the car but it blows cold air.
fannin, 2002 Mercury Sable, Atlanta, GA
Cold air blows out of the vents when I place the knobs on any selection to receive heat(ex defrost/feet or heat to blow out on face/feet) Why I do not get any hot air but the AC works?
tadow, 2002 Mercury Sable, Seneca, SC
rear defrost want work,but light on defrost button be on. what could it be?
Write a Review About Your Car
2002 Mercury Sable Reviews
The Sable is probably the most troublesome car that I have ever owned. There have been multiple things that have broken and it's never something cheap. First, it was the fuel pump. Then, the alternator, the starter, the bearings, electrical problems, and now my transmission is starting to stick and has even fallen out of gear a couple times. By far, the worst car that I have ever owned.
Parts are easy to find for it. In the last year I've had to put around 2k into suspension and steering components alone. Besides that the engine is reliable and I haven't had problems elsewhere. (131,000 miles)
suspension problems, powersteering almost works
The only problem I have experienced is a trans-flush I am about to have done for minor slip at 40 mph. I hope this is just a fluid replacement and not a transmission replacement. Even so, this has been a great car no repairs except basic upkeep (I'm at 124k miles)until now.