Preliminary Checks
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 32 other vehicles, including the 2002 Mercury Sable, 2002 Mercury Mountaineer, 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis, 2002 Mercury Cougar, and 2002 Lincoln Town Car. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Check Inertia Fuel Shutoff (IFS) switch. Check fuel pressure and quality (octane, winter/summer grade fuel, methanol, etc.). Check add-on alarm/anti-theft devices. Check wiring harness connectors. Check for disconnected or restricted air intake duct. Check fuses and relays.