Four problems related to transmission failure have been reported for the 1997 Mercury Sable. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Consumer stated that while driving at any speed and without the transmission failed causing the vehicle not to accelerate. Dealer notified. Ts.
While parking the vehicle engage from drive to reverse and the transmission failure to move didn't work. Dealer fixed the transmission. Please provide further information. Ts.
Without any indication of approaching failure, the transmission failed on me. The car from parked position could be backed in reverse gear to the street, but would not go forward in "d" it does go forward, but takes up too much engine rpm - slippage?- to pick up speed. Then you can switch gears to 2nd and 3rd (d with overdrive off) and 4th (with od engaged) gear. I haven't risked topping 45 mph in my test run. Apparently there is some problem with transmission that does not allow it to move forward when put in "d" and seems like taking too much rpm to pick up load when gears are changed manually. I have browsed through this web site for complaints launched by other '97 Sable owners, but I could not find any one with similar problem.
The transmission failed causing the vehicle not to move while at a stop light.