Ground Circuits

2003 Mercury Sable GS, 4D Wagon, 3.0 2, AX4SSECTION Ground Circuits
  1. Turn ignition off. Locate Powertrain Control Module (PCM). See POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE LOCATION  table. Using a DVOM, check continuity between ground and PCM connector terminals. See IDENTIFYING PCM GROUND TERMINALS  table. See Figure-Figure . If continuity does not exist, repair open ground circuit as necessary. If continuity exists, go to next step.
    POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE LOCATION

    Application Location
    Aviator, Blackwood, Expedition, Explorer, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, F150 Pickup, Mountaineer & Navigator Right Rear Of Engine Compartment, Mounted On Cowl
    Escape, Ranger & Town Car Center Of Engine Compartment, Mounted On Cowl
    LS, Sable, Taurus, Thunderbird & Windstar Right Rear Of Engine Compartment, Mounted On Cowl
    Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis & Marauder Behind Left Kick Panel, Near Instrument Panel
    Econoline Left Rear Of Engine Compartment, Near Brake Master Cylinder
    Excursion & F250-550 Behind Left Side Of Instrument Panel, Near Brake Pedal
    Focus & Mustang Behind Right Kick Panel
    ZX2 Center Of Instrument Panel, Below Center Console
    IDENTIFYING PCM GROUND TERMINALS

    Application PCM Ground Terminal No.
    Aviator & Thunderbird B24, B25, B26, B27 & B43
    Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, Marauder, Mustang (4.6L) & Town Car 3, 24, 25, 51, 76 & 103
    Econoline
    4.2L 24, 25, 51, 76, 77 & 103
    4.6L & 5.4L Gas 3, 24, 25, 51, 76, 77 & 103
    5.4L NGV 3, 24, 25, 51, 77 & 103
    6.8L 3, 23, 24, 25, 51, 76, 77 & 103
    Escape 3, 24, 25, 51, 76 & 103
    Excursion & F250-F550 (5.4L & 6.8L) 3, 23, 24, 25, 51, 76, 77 & 103
    Expedition & Navigator B1, B10, B11 & B23
    Explorer, LS & Mountaineer A24, A25, A26, A27 & A43
    Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac & F150 Pickup (4.2L) 24, 25, 51, 76, 77 & 103
    F150 Pickup (Lightning 5.4L SC) & Mustang (4.6L) 3, 25, 51, 76 & 103
    Blackwood & F150 Pickup (4.6L & 5.4L, & 5.4L NGV) 3, 25, 51, 76 & 103
    Focus (2.0L)
    DURATEC 23, 24, 25, 51, 77 & 103
    SPI 24, 25, 51, 77 & 103
    ZETEC 24, 25, 51, 76, 77 & 103
    Focus (2.3L PZEV) 47B, 48B & 49B
    Mustang (3.8L) 3, 51, 76, 77 & 103
    Ranger, Sable & Taurus 24, 25, 51, 76, 77 & 103
    Windstar 3, 24, 51, 76 & 103
    ZX2 24, 33, 51, 77 & 103
  2. Touch DVOM negative lead to a good ground. With vehicle running, use DVOM positive lead to backprobe each ground terminal. DVOM should indicate less than one volt. If reading is more than one volt, check for open, corrosion or loose connection on ground circuit.
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.