Engine cooling system
The Tauras and Sable models are equipped with a forced circulation engine cooling system; it is controlled by a coolant switch mounted on the thermostat housing. Coolant is circulated through the engine by a water pump mounted at the front of the block and driven by the crankshaft via a drive belt. Coolant flows around each of the cylinders and out the rear of the engine. Cast passages direct the coolant around the intake and exhaust manifolds, fresh spark, and exhaust valve guides.
The thermostat is located in the housing at the rear (driver's side). During heating, the closed thermostat prevents the coolant from circulating through the radiator. When the engine temperature approaches operating values, the thermostat opens and the coolant begins to flow through the radiator, where it cools before returning to the engine. The radiator has a horizontal tube arrangement, the plates and tubes are made of aluminum and coated with bronze. The end tanks are nylon. The support brackets of the radiator and fan casing are made together with the tanks. The radiator is not serviceable due to its design features.
Engines with automatic transmissions have a two-speed fan, while four-cylinder engines with manual transmissions have a single-speed electric motor connected to the fan shroud at the rear of the radiator.
Heating system
The heating system consists of a blower fan and a heater core mounted inside the instrument panel, heating hoses connect the heater core to the engine cooling system and the heater/air cooling control unit mounted on the instrument panel.
Hot coolant from the engine is constantly circulated through the heater core. When the heater is turned on, the damper opens to allow heat to flow into the passenger compartment. The fan switch on the control panel turns on the blower motor, which forces air through the heater core.
Air conditioning system
Warning: Some 1992 models are equipped with an R134 air conditioning system, which can be identified by yellow "NON - CFC" labels on the components and a gold-colored compressor clutch. Although the external components of this system are similar to those in the R12 system (used on earlier models), they are not interchangeable.
The air conditioning system consists of a condenser mounted in front of the radiator, an evaporator inside the heating and air conditioning ducts mounted inside the instrument panel, a compressor on the engine (filter drier) on the firewall along with a high pressure check valve, and a metal frame that connects everything together.
The blower fan forces warmer air from the cabin into the evaporator (a kind of reverse-action radiator), transferring the heat of the air to the coolant. The coolant boils into low-pressure steam, simultaneously taking away heat at the outlet of the evaporator.