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1997 Mercury Sable Vibrations

Tiny
LAURAELGGREN
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 MERCURY SABLE
Noises problem
1997 Mercury Sable Automatic 167000 miles

I have a 97 Sable Wagon, and we recently had some pretty big car repairs done on her. But, since then, we have noticed a new noise and I wondered if you could help identify it. For some reason, only when the car is in drive, and stopped (idling), we get this awful vibration noise. If you put it in park, it stops. My Dad is a great mechanic, and told me a little while ago to keep an eye out for the alternator. Could that be the problem?

Please let me know when you can.

Thanks!
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Thursday, March 11th, 2010 AT 9:43 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Does it only happen when the AC is on? Also, how low is the idle RPM's
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Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 AT 11:04 AM
Tiny
LAURAELGGREN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
No, the AC and Heat are both off usually. We have great weather this time of year. It is only when the car is at a stop while being put in drive, and idling. If we put it in park, it stops. I haven't noticed any spike in RPM's when it is doing it, but I would need to check where they stay the next time I drive. I don't remember for sure.
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Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 AT 5:55 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Check the RPM's for me. It sounds like it is idleing too low in gear causing the vibration. Also, let me know if the check engine light has ever come on.

Joe
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Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 AT 9:27 PM
Tiny
LAURAELGGREN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I checked and it is idling at about 750 RPM (the gage isn't digital, so this is an estimate). So, I think you are right. Isn't it supposed to idle at about 1000? What do you think we need to do to get this fixed? The check engine light has come on in the past, but it was always for our sensors which we promptly replaced. We haven't had the light on for almost a year now probably.
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Saturday, April 10th, 2010 AT 10:18 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Start with some basic checks. Start by looking for vacuum leaks. It could be a throttle position sensor or idle air control valve, but that is a guess if the check engine light isn't on.

Let me know if you have any leaks.

Joe
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Saturday, April 10th, 2010 AT 11:20 PM
Tiny
LAURAELGGREN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thankfully, we don't have any leaks. We just had an oil pan gasket replaced that fixed our leak. Since then, no drips under the car at all :) I will check if we have any vaccuum leaks. I hope not. I know those can be expensive. In my old car, I had a vaccuum hose completely break off. It was awful! I'll let you know as soon as I can have a look.
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Sunday, April 11th, 2010 AT 6:57 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Let me know what you find. The vacuum hoses are cheap, but the labor to find the leak can get out of hand. If you need any tips, let me know.
Joe
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Sunday, April 11th, 2010 AT 10:12 PM

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