1988 Mercury Sable Electrical system Problems

“11/8/98 returned home after taking husband to work 4 mile round trip. Parked 2 doors down, 20 to 25 minutes, heard an explosion and got a telephone call from neighbor that my car was on fire , fire truck arrived and said my battery caused the fire. My car was ruled as totaled. I do have a report from the fire mashall's office. 2nd complaint, relpaced 2 pressure power steering hose and 1 return hose and still had a power steering leak. Also 3 batteries and 2 tensioners.”

“Power steering leaks started in 1995 after the motor mounts broke and the automobile was taken in many times to repair the leaks to no avail. Hoses and lines were replaced twice, seals were replaced on ps pump, and finally in 1998 the vehicle was taken to a non ford dealer and they were able to fix the problem by replacing the power steering rack and pinion. The money spent was well over $2100.00 to finally repair the leaks. This included the replacement of the motor mounts which were a recall item and I paid for this. I was told that it was not a warranty or recall problem. …”

“Five hours after last use horn went off,when I went to see the problem smoke pourihg out crack made in windshield from fire.battery disconnected stopped fire,however police still had fire dept. Give it a good hosing.”

“While traveling 65mph vehicle suddenly stalled in middle of traffic. Was not able to restart it. Towed to dealership, and had distributor/ rotor, and cap replaced.”

“Smoke started coming from underhood; underhood became engulfed with flames according to fire dept, could have been caused by fuel leak. Consumer states ignition wiring harness connector melted and had to be replaced at one time before the fire occured,8jb”