Four problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 1997 Mercury Sable. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
During rainy weather, the right front tire splashes water into the engine fan belt assembly causing the fan belt to slip and squeal. The power steering pump fails to turn resulting in hard steering and loss of vehicle control, the generator fails to turn resulting in battery light illumination. The right front wheelwell baffle assembly installed by the mfg does not adequately shield the fan belt assembly from rain water intrusion. A temporary, thought inadequate fix, is to apply "belt dressing" to the fan belt. Ref complaint #551260.
I should have learned that Sable was a bad car after the engine of my mother's '87 Sable exploded, caught fire and busted through the floor of the car beside the gas pedal and brake (1993). Luckily she was not in the car. The engine had been off and sitting in park for five minutes when this happened. I bought my 97 Sable in 2001. I have never had a car with so many constant problems. I spend about $1200 a year fixing it continually. I'm currently having electrical problems with the radio going out while in reverse or when I press the brake. The window on the passenger side won't move up or down unless the driver and the passenger press the buttons at the same time. The interior light stays on, so we have to unplug the fuse to get it to go off. The seat belt safety light and the window button lights keep clicking on and off. Once again, the steering wheel is hard to turn even though the power steering fluid is at the right level. I have to get the wheels aligned several times a year. The car always makes a humming noise and does not block out the sound of wind. The shoulder straps of seat belts alway lock into place too tight. Name the problem. . . I've probably been through it. I will never buy another Ford/ Mercury again even if it is the #1 selling car.
When driving in wet conditions and making a right hand turn from a stopped position, power steering is lost and engine power is reduced. Also, dashboard warning lights illuminate. This loss of power and steering while entering traffic is alarming! it is obvious that the belt is slippling due to the moisture being sprayed up from the passenger side wheel well. I have inspected the belt and it is in fine condition. There is no manual adjustment for the belt tensioner (spring loaded). This problem started at 24,000 miles. I have searched the internet and have seen another similar complaint. I belive that this problem must be reviewed before someone loses steering while entering traffic and is killed! I realize that replacing the belt may make the problem go away, however, this is an obviou.
Upon driving during rain or damp weather steering wheel locks, the battery light flashes and the fan belt makes noise. Yh.