Simple answer would be your radiator or hoses. If you've never replaced the hoses, do it anyway. Go get a pressure test done and that'll pinpoint it if you can't. ---- NOTE:
Anti-freeze wears out and needs to be replaced. A tester costs about $2.
If you haven't changed the anti-freeze in 3-4 years, plan on changing it now.
The thermostat will not open properly when installed backwards. The coolant will not flow and the engine could overheat.
To fix the heat in the 2000 Sable, check the coolant level first. Make sure that the engine is not heating, if it is then the thermostat or water pump could be bad. These are the most common causes of heat being out.
Lack of or absence of maintenance such as oil changes and fluid levels.
I have the same problem on my 95 Sable LTS
There is a redesigned transmission vent that should fix this problem.
Could be a bad inertia switch.
The heater core could be clogged up.
The coolant sensor moniters the coolant temperature. A faulty thermostat could cause the engine to run cool.
Could be sucking air into intake.
Then diagnose it and fix it. There is more than one possible reason why this is happening. Narrowing it down requires diagnosis. Either you have blockage in the coolant lines or passages, a faulty thermostat, a faulty water pump, or a bad belt driving the water pump.
If the fluid is GREEN in color and you mean near the passenger side front tire it sounds like it could be engine coolant ( usually a 50 / 50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water )
Depending on which engine you have, an alternator could range from $140-195 (USD) at Autozone.com.