1998 - Diagnosing an intermittent problem

[KyooMac]

I have a '98 Mercury Sable (U Vin) and recently I have a hard time starting the car when it's hot. I've also had a problem starting it when cold. I tested the battery and it didn't do well under load, so I replaced it. It starts when it's cold now, no problem. Now when I drive anywhere and get the car up to normal operating temp, if I stop for a short period of time, say to pick up a six pack, when I come out of the store, sometimes it won't start. Other times, it starts fine. I've tested the Engine Temperasture Sensor (ETS) using a voltmeter, and when it's in my garage, I can not recreate the conditions to see if it is the ETS. It passes the ohm test listed in the Hayne's Manual. Any suggestions as to what I should be looking for, anything else I should test?

[Sacker]

I've had a similiar experience with my 97 sable wagon GS, same U in Vin not sure if its the same engine type tho.

Old battery died, had the same probs, Installed a new battery.

I changed out the Heater Thermostat, (not sure if thats the correct name), the valve wasnt working, part was 8 bucks. But has had the same symtoms your describing.

Altho I had to also change out the Sparkplugs/wires/distcap for it while I did change out the thermostat.

Not sure if yours is the same. Hopes it helps you.

But now I dont have the problems your describing either.

I did this change out on Oct 18, 2005.

[KyooMac]

Do you mean the thermostat that's in the housing conected to the lower intake manifold? This housing is right next to the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor which I replaced Friday. I did all of the wires and plugs in June.