* V6 engines: These typically had 6 cylinders arranged in a V configuration with two banks of 3 cylinders each. Bank 1 would generally be the side closest to the passenger compartment.
* V8 engines (rare in Taurus/Sable): If a Taurus or Sable *did* have a V8 (less common), it would have 8 cylinders in two banks of 4. Again, Bank 1 is typically the side nearest the passenger compartment.
* Inline 4-cylinder engines (less common in later models): These would have 4 cylinders in a single line, so the concept of banks doesn't apply.
To know the exact cylinder and bank numbering for *your* specific Taurus or Sable, you need to:
1. Find your engine's displacement: This is usually indicated on your vehicle's documentation or a sticker in the engine bay. (e.g., 3.0L V6, 3.8L V6)
2. Consult a repair manual or online resources: Use your engine displacement to search for a diagram showing the cylinder numbering for that specific engine. Many online repair manuals (some are subscription-based) or forums dedicated to Ford vehicles will have these diagrams.
Without knowing the year and engine size, it's impossible to give a definitive answer.