1996 Sable 3.0 ohc v6 overheating

[purlhakr]

I have a 1996 Mercury Sable (3.0 ohv V6) that overheats. It overheats at idle.

When driving, the temperature guage stays normal, most of the time. Very occaisionally, it will climb up, without

going all the way up, and then back down.

But when the car is stopped, the temperature goes up, often rapidly, usually within 1 to 3 minutes.

We have replaced the ac compressor (seperate issue, i think), overflow tank (had a leak), idler pulley, and

thermostat. Coolant system was flushed.

We also have no heat. Ice cold air, and only ice cold. No temperature control. (I think this unrelated, not

certain).

[Airjer_]

Your sure its full of coolant?

[purlhakr]

Yes. Coolant is full. And coolant does leak somehow, I think. The leak was in the overflow tank, now replaced. When the car was shut off last it sounded like the coolant was boiling.

It takes about 8 to 16 oz when I top up. And it is not regular. Sometimes once a month, sometimes only a couple of weeks. Checked regularly now.

Also we are in Florida. Its getting hotter out, and we are using the ac more. It seems to get hot, faster, when the ac is on.

[Airjer_]

Are the coolling fans coming on?

[inafogg]

check for air bleed screws 1 by thermo housing 1 near/above water pump
it sounds like it may be air bound

[purlhakr]

fans don't always come on.
Opera/9.80 (J2ME/MIDP; Opera Mini/5.0.18302/856; U; en) Presto/2.4.15

[sassycat]

Originally Posted by purlhakr

Yes. Coolant is full. And coolant does leak somehow, I think. The leak was in the overflow tank, now replaced. When the car was shut off last it sounded like the coolant was boiling.

It takes about 8 to 16 oz when I top up. And it is not regular. Sometimes once a month, sometimes only a couple of weeks. Checked regularly now.

Also we are in Florida. Its getting hotter out, and we are using the ac more. It seems to get hot, faster, when the ac is on.

pull the radiator may have a hole in it

[timetrax]

fans should come on automatically when you turn a/c on. With a/c off and fans are not coming on every two minutes or so, change your ect sensor. It's only about 15.00 at Ford. I'm still tweaking mine, but it helped with me.

[timetrax]

Can anyone confirm that on a 1999 Sable, there is no CCRM? ALSO, What controls the length of time that the fans stay on, when the a/c is off? I already have a new ECT installed. Would it be the fan relays themselves or the PCM?