This manual covers the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable, full-size sedans from the approximately 1996-1999 model years, built on the Ford D186/D224 platform. These vehicles were engineered with a focus on providing comfortable and reliable transportation, competing with models such as the Chevrolet Impala and Toyota Avalon. They offered a choice of V6 engines, including the 3.0L Vulcan and the more powerful 3.0L Duratec, paired with a 4-speed automatic transaxle. Safety features included dual front airbags and optional side airbags, with some models offering Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and traction control. This comprehensive factory service manual provides extensive information for the service, repair, maintenance, troubleshooting, and restoration of your Ford Taurus or Mercury Sable. It details procedures for all major systems, including powertrain (engine mechanicals, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, and controls), drivetrain (automatic transaxle, driveline components), chassis (suspension, brakes, steering), and electrical systems (battery, charging, lighting, audio, instrumentation, and wiring schematics). The manual also covers body and interior components, HVAC systems, and includes detailed diagnostic guides, repair instructions, and technical specifications, making it an invaluable resource for owners and technicians alike. 🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Ford / Mercury Model: Taurus / Sable Codes Platform Code: Ford D186 / D224 (Fifth Generation) 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Full-size Sedan Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Chevrolet Impala, Buick LeSabre/Park Avenue, Chrysler Concorde/LHS, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima Key Features Manual Benefits: Empowers owners/technicians with detailed procedures, illustrations, and specifications for cost-effective maintenance and repair, fostering confidence and self-sufficiency. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Service, Repair, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Restoration Specific Models Covered: Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable (typically 1996-1999 model years, but may extend to slightly earlier/later depending on exact manual version. Crucial to verify specific year range. Page Count Estimated Pages: Highly Comprehensive (typically 1000+ pages for a complete service manual) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format File Type: PDF (Downloadable) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine Mechanical (V6, Duratec, Vulcan), Cooling System, Starting System, Ignition System, Emission Controls, Engine Controls (PCM), Fuel System, Exhaust System Drivetrain: Transmission (Automatic Transaxle), Driveline Components (Axles, CV Joints) Chassis: Suspension (Front & Rear), Brakes (Hydraulic & ABS), Steering System Electrical: Battery & Charging System, Lighting System, Audio Systems, Instrumentation & Warning Systems, Electrical System (Wiring Schematics, Components) Body And Interior: Body Interior - Exterior, HVAC System HVAC Details: Air Conditioning (A/C) System, Heater Core, Blower Motor, Controls, Refrigerant Handling (R134a). Electrical Schematics: Detailed Wiring Diagrams for all major electrical systems, including lighting, power windows, locks, engine controls, and accessories. Engine Mechanical Details: Cylinder head removal/installation, camshaft timing, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft service, cylinder block machining specifications. Cooling System Details: Radiator and fan service, water pump replacement, thermostat operation, coolant capacity and type. Ignition System Details: Spark plug replacement, ignition coil testing and replacement, crankshaft position sensor diagnosis, camshaft position sensor diagnosis. Fuel System Details: Fuel pump testing and replacement, fuel injector diagnostics, fuel pressure testing, fuel filter replacement. Starting System Details: Starter motor testing and replacement, solenoid operation, battery testing procedures. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Checks and Changes, Filter Replacements Repair: Component Removal, Installation, Rebuilding, Refurbishing, Restoration Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based diagnostics Engine Rebuild: Complete engine disassembly, inspection, machining specifications, assembly, and testing procedures. Transmission Rebuild: Step-by-step instructions for automatic transmission overhaul, including torque specifications and component identification. Suspension Repair: Ball joint replacement, strut/shock absorber service, bushing replacement, alignment specifications. Brake Service: Brake pad replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, caliper service, brake bleeding procedures, ABS component diagnostics. Body Repair: Panel replacement, dent repair techniques, door/window glass removal and installation, interior trim removal. Wheel Alignment: Specific alignment angles (camber, caster, toe) and procedures for front and rear suspensions. Tire And Wheel: Tire pressure specifications, wheel bolt torque, wheel bearing service. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: From basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical diagnostics and wiring schematics. Illustrations: Extensive use of detailed illustrations, diagrams, and photographs to guide repair procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Quality: High-Resolution PDF, Searchable Text (typically) Print Quality Printability: Printable (individual pages or sections) Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Taurus Base Engine: 3.0L Vulcan V6 (OHV) Taurus Optional Engine: 3.0L Duratec V6 (DOHC) Sable Base Engine: 3.0L Vulcan V6 (OHV) Sable Optional Engine: 3.0L Duratec V6 (DOHC) Performance Vulcan V6 Hp: Approx. 145-150 hp (varies by year/tune) Duratec V6 Hp: Approx. 200-205 hp Vulcan V6 Torque: Approx. 170-180 lb-ft (230-244 Nm) Duratec V6 Torque: Approx. 200 lb-ft (271 Nm) Fuel System Injection Type: Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic Transaxle (AX4N / AX4S variants) Optional Optional Transmission: N/A (Automatic was standard across the board for this generation) Features Transmission...