Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: I would like to disable the automatic locks that lock all the doors as soon as the car starts to move. I have locked my keys in this thing for the last time. Thanks
A: I believe that you are looking for a module.... Check through a good quality wiring diagram to locate it... Ed
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Other When driving Always
Q: Some slight squeaks from the power steering belt (fluid is fine, no leaks). Pulls to the left. Dealer just realigned it but problem cropped up within 500 miles.
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Malfunction When braking When warm
Q: Heavy vibration in steering when brakes lightly applied going about 60MPH. Strange thing is that this ONLY happens in the mountains (i.e. elevation above 6000feet). NO VIBRATION AT SEA LEVEL.
A: Uphill/downhill mountain use is heating up the brake rotors perhaps? Ed
Electrical / Lighting Systems Won't Start Happens always Always
Q: My daughter left the lights on in my 99 taurus, ran the battery down completely.
It wouldn't even jump start... so I replaced the battery and still NOTHING!
NO lights, no horn, nothing electrical at all in the entire vehicle.
What's the deal?
A: If the battery is good check the fusible link or starter relay.
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Other When turning Not applicable
Q: There is a noise coming from the front of the car while braking and turning at low speeds. It is somewhat of a grating sound. There is also some vibration too. Possibly a bearing? Thanks.
A: It's either a worn bearing, or brake pads worn down to metal. Ed
Q: The service engine soon light came on solid.My mechanic said from the codes a cylinder is misfiring and needs a tune-up(he wont tell me the codes).
A 3.0 litre 24 valve engine with 80,000kms on it(48,000 miles)seems strange.The car runs great so I did a full change of plugs,wires,pcv,fuel filter,clean and check all hoses and harness to injectors(mechanic wanted huge $ to re/re intake).Light is still on.
The car still runs great.Does the light need to be reset or is my mechanic telling me a story?
Thanks.
A: A scan tool is needed to reset. This is the case with all cars after 96, and some before. This should not be over half an hours labor!
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Upgrade When turning Not applicable
Q: At speeds over 60 or 65 i experience quite a bit of oversteer. The faster you go the worse it gets, is there a good aftermarket front suspension set up for my car?
A: Have your alignment checked, it sounds like your problem is there. As far as aftermarket suspension you are very limited in your choices. Shocks and bushings are about the only options for this car.
Heating / Cooling System Other When stopped Always
Q: While having a hose replaced,a lot of rust was flushed out of the system,the mechanic said,"I've never seen this much rust in a car this young".Since then the car overheats whenever the car has to stop with the engine at idle but cools down with sufficient speed. Also the heater does not work but there is plenty of cold air after an initial warm 30 second blast.
A: Hi Tony,
Classic symptoms of clogged cooling system.
You should have the system reversed flushed. I don't know the condition of your system...or the severity of deposits, but overheating at idle and cooling at speed is indicative of a radiator clogging.
If you have an aluminum radiator, and your antifreeze "wore out" meaning the corrosion resistant properties are gone...you could be looking at a new radiator as well. Have it reversed flushed or bring it to a dealer for a second opinion if you'd like. Good luck
Q: The 'service engine soon' light stays on but the engine does not need oil change. ??
A: Service engine soon light is turned on by the computer because 'it' sees something in the engine controls system it does not like....
There is a code retrival system to guide you along futher if you wish to challange it.... Ed
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Making Noise Happens always Not applicable
Q: 1997 ford taurus sho, noise and vibration felt in steering from front end at low speeds. Seems to eminate from the struts.
Also am looking for ideas about a strut brace, and any other parts that will enhance the suspension performance.
I know I'll need a pro mechanic to do the work, but I'd like a pro opinion befor I take it in to a shop.
Great site, glad I found it.
Thanks for your time
A: Greg.... if the noise and vibration happen when turning, it's most likely the upper strut mounting plate(small bearing in there)......
An inexpensive brace across the top of the struts is easy to install and stiffens....
And GOOD quality tires are a huge improvement.... Ed
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction Happens always Always
Q: The rear window defroster button (with the light) on the dash is intermittent.
And the right rear window (electric) doesn't work.
Directions?
A: The button is intermittant.... is the defroster also intermittant????...
Buttons were a problem on these cars, but check the basics first.... check for power in... check for power out....
Also, rear window.... if neither the drivers control or the actual rear door control operates the window, it's probably the motor.....
Ford sells them at a reasonable price.... Ed
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction Happens always Always
Q: Hi,
this just started this morning.
Looks like a short circuit is present somewhere...
Warrantee is just over, naturally!
Taurus 97 GL, station wagon (with AC)
As soon as I shift gear into reverse, the radio
stops working. Also, sometimes the steering loses power assist (as if the alternator was 'jamming'). I can go reverse no problem however, engine/transmission seem to work OK.
Putting the transmission back to any other gear or park gets steering power assistance back, and the radio starts again. Also, in the dash, the red lamp 'seatbelt' comes on for a few seconds.
What the heck is this ?
Many Thanks
Regards & Cheers,
Sylvain in Ottawa, Canada
A: Sounds to me like a loose connection in the ignition switch perhaps. Ed
Q: Pings, knocks, lacks power when outside temps are high. I use 93 octane, engine temp is stable @ 195+- per computor scanner.
Pinging sound worst when accelerating (high pitch metallic)at 1800 rpm.
Knocking with hard acceleration, half throttle or more.
No codes are present per scanner.
Used carbon remover, changed plugs(OE), changed oil to 10/30 thinking it may be lifters, no change.
Appears to be ouside temp related.
A: DON'T USE 93!!!!!!!!!! unless your car is specified to use 93 octane you should stick to using 87and sometimes 89....... 93 is designed to burn hotter. and is for more HIGH performance engines. If you change your knock sensor and use 87 oct for about a month your car should run MUCH better. And you'll save money on gas;0)
Electrical / Lighting Systems Other Happens always Always
Q: In my car the check engine soon always is turn on i dont know why, because everything is alright i already check, what could it be is not the oil, do you have an idea.
A: Hey Karl, I'm not a mechanic but I can tell you from personal experience from my '96 Taurus. When my check engine light came on it was the coolant sensor. Of course it can be other sensors as well so if I were you I'd take it down to a repair shop (not necessarily the dealer) and have them 'pull the codes'. I changed the sensor myself. Good luck. Kenise
Q: I have a 1996 Ford Taurus. I am continually having the "service engine soon" light come on. Once it comes on, the car begins to run rough. I have taken it into the dealer 3 times in the past three months. The first time, a gas sensor needed to be replaced. Then 2 weeks later, the light came on again and car began running like it was missing. I took the car in and they replaced the plugs. The car ran great for about 3 weeks and then again it started running rough. This time they did a tune up. Now, it the light has turned on again and the car is running rough again. Has anyone else seen this problem????
A: Sounds almost like the shop is sneaking up on the problem. Are you "choosing" the repairs for the shop or are they not being thorough enough? Ed
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Making Noise When driving Always
Q: Whenever I go over bumps I hear a sound eminating from the right front as though it were a flat tire. Could it be a strut? There is no sound when I accelerate or turn.
Drive Train / Driveline Malfunction When driving Always
Q: At 50,000 miles the check engine light came on and the over drive light started to blink.
Now the transmision won't shift into over drive. All the other gears shift smoothly. I also found traces of metal in the last oil change.
The car has an AX4N tranny. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks
A: Problably an electrical malfunction in the trans's overdrive system.
Q: THE FUEL PUMP (20A) FUSE BLOWS AFTER 10 TO 15 MINUTES OF IDLING.THE VEHICLE HAS 41,000 MILES.I LOOKED FOR THE FUEL PUMP RELAY BUT COULD NOT FIND IT.IF IT HAS ONE CAN YOU TELL ME THE LOCATION.
A: sounds as though the fuel pump itself is drawing to much power causing the problem,replace the pump
A: take it to an automotive shop. partof the exhaustis probobally hitting someting which causes it to rattle, it could also be a loose or busted clamp or heatsheild
Drive Train / Driveline Other When accelerating When warm
Q: My 1996 Taurus suddenly has refused to go. The transaxle will feel fine in 1st, but when it trys to shift into 2nd the transaxle will slip very badly. I have parked the car and am hunting for a transaxle. Could this be simple to fix or do I need a new transaxle?
A: Ford has had a lot of problems with that trans and with that year,the parts have been updated many times,If it were me i would get a new one with all the updated because problems came from every were within that trans
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Making Noise When turning Always
Q: I hear a clunking/rubbing/honking noise coming from under the front of the car when the steering wheel is returning to the center after a right turn. It makes the noise mainly after making a sharp turn.
Q: Window washer pump does not work, can hear clicking noise when button depresed. Can't locate pump. Fuse is good, don't know about relay.
A: You can see the pump by removing 3 screws holding up plastic fender wall. You can replace pump easily from there. (Clicking noise means you are getting power to the pump)
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Making Noise When turning Always
Q: 1995 Taurus GL wagon with 3.8L V6
135,000 miles
Get squeal when I turn the wheels left. I had steering rack replaced 11/2000 as it had been leaking slowly for some time and noise at the time was excessive. No problem till last week when sound started up again but only when turning left. The power steering fluid was down a little so I took back to mechanic who checked for leaks but couldn't find any (I looked too and couldn't see any). He said the system probably "burped" and refilled the reservoir. Unfortuately I am still getting the squeal turning left.
Probably from air in the system but how do I get it out and keep it from coming back in? I believe Ford had a tech service bulletin about this problem but I can't find it.
Thanks!
A: Check your power steering fluid and also check your brake pads. Worn out pads tend to squeek when worn out. It lets you know when you turn to the right or left depending on which pad is worn out more. If your pads are fine than it's probably just brake dust. Buy brake cleaner and just follow the directions on the back if you don't know how to do this.
Drive Train / Driveline Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: The overdrive button on my 95 SHO will not engage/disengage the overdrive. It is currently in the OFF position. How do I correct this problem? I purchased a new button because the original was missing some part(s) but it didn't help. Where do I look next?
A: check to see if the wiring harness coming out of the dash has been played with sometimes when kids get a hold of these things they think takin stuff out or dissconecting things would make it go faster i had a kid disable the exahuast blow off valve on a turbo eagle because it made more boost little did he know it blew out the oil seal along with most of his oil killing the engine soon after.
Q: On a test drive, the car shifts correctly at first, then it sounds as if something mechanical has dropped - a "clunking" sound.
And then the car refuses to shift. It even sounds like the engine is revving.
The mechanic's computer set-up gets the correct codes at first. Then, when the problem happens, there is no code sent any more.
It has him and a number of the transmission experts around here perplexed. Practically everything on the transmission has been switched but we have no solution. He seems to have ruled out the computer in the car.
Is there something else he has not checked on that might be the problem? Thank you for your help!
A: Diagnosing such a complex transmission problem at a distance is difficult...
Was the unit completely rebuilt?...
If so, did you have the exact same problem before rebuilding?... Or did the problem start after rebuilding?...
What exactly was done.... How far or how long does it shift okay before the problem arises.... And how warm is the engine???
Drive Train / Driveline Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: My Taurus is displaying some weird symptoms which I believe are electric. (This Taurus has had the tranny rebuilt 3 times.)
At first the car was running lousy (hard to start, hard to keep running, had to keep feathering the accelerator to keep it running).
So I checked it out on a diagnostic checker (that I borrowed). It came up bad throttle position indicator, so I replaced it.
Now the car is displaying some more weird behavior.
The shifts are "hard" and shift timing seems off whenever I have this problem, I noticed the cruise control shuts itself off!
Is this problem PCM related? Something else?
Thanks in advance, Mike
A: Mike...... Some of these Fords need to be "set" at the dealer.... they actually have the transmission control unit "programmed" to match the new TPS ......a top quality transmission shop MAY be able to help but probably need the dealer..... Ed
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: When my 94 Taurus is cold it runs perfect.
As soon as it warms up, shifting gets 'hard' and cruise control stops working.
It seems electrical? Help!
Thanks,
Mike
A: Almost seams like a vaccuum leak of some kind Mike..... What else changes as the car warms up??....
Drive Train / Driveline Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: The engine threw a rod, the crank broke, which damaged the flywheel teeth and this part in Clutch housing.
The clutch housing has a cone shaped part that the throw out bearing and yoke go around.
It is either a replaceable part... as it is sheared off the clutch housing, or it is cast in housing, in which case I have to get a whole housing.
The exploded view from Ford doesn't show this as a part.... just the housing but you still can't see this part.
It's a 94 Taurus SHO 5 speed.
Can you offer some help.?
Thanks, Lee <><
A: If I understand the question and the information supplied... I think you are referring to the input shaft housing.... is it a bolt onto the transmission front part ??????....
It seems to me that you must have been traveling at speed for this to happen and must have been an interesting experience.... Ed
Drive Train / Driveline Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: I am changing my transmission out in my 94 Taurus. And i was wondering if an AXOD will interchange with an AX4N. And if not what is the difference in them. Thanks, Troy
Q: Hello. hope you can help.. the engine on my '94 Ford Taurus is intermittently acting up. It is stalling. I have to wait 4 minutes before it will start again.
Also it is chugging when going downhill, coasting.
When it's being checked everything is fine! The dealer isn't able to find anything wrong. They suggested replacing $125 worth of battery connector cables, saying the connections may be the problem, but no promises...
Any ideas? Help is much appreciated.
Thank you.
Brian
A:
check the catalitic converter it may be blocked.
Q: I was driving car and smelled something burning. I pulled over, and turned the car off. When I tried to start the car again it wouldn't start. It would almost start but wouldn't turn over. the first shop I took it to put a new fuel pump on it (not a ford pump) and still wouldn't work. Had it towed to a ford shop and they said it needed a ford fuel pump and a constant control relay module? quoted me $700. Said the new fuel pump was only pumping 20 whatever, and was suppossed to be pumping 40 (they said this was because it wasn't a ford pump). Do I really need a new ford pump and what is and do I need a Constant control relay module? what could have caused the burning smell? My car never got hot either.
A: excess gas will cause the catalytic converter to overheat- my guess is that was the smell. Once turn off the car wouldn't start due to what used to be called "flooding".
try the old method of holding the gas pedal completely to the floor while turning over the engine. Check your owners manual for similar types of hard starting procedure- be careful as the engine may race after ignition.
you have some type of fuel problem- some ford models were equiped with portions of an OBDII polution sensing device- these were not mandated until 1996 but were on some earlier models- you may want to check yours as most mechanics wouldn't look for such a system
Q: It down shifts at different speeds by itself, also downshifts hard enough to bark the tires.
A: If someone has replaced the throttle position switch recently, you will need to have the shift points recalibrated...
If not, and the transmission upshifts okay but not downshifts..... problem sounds internal and expensive... Ed
Several days ago I was driving and the engine light came on and I lost all
power...I coasted along about 1/4 mile and suddenly power was restored.
Last night it died and wouldn't restart. The module mounted right next to
the battery and to the radiator frame right under the plastic guard that
attaches to the frame immediately above teh radiaor was buzzing when
ignition was switched to on...sounded like the vibration of the fuel pump as
it comes up to pressure. I backed out the 5/16 bolt and removed wire bundle
and then reattached. I started and went another mile or so...then died
again...repeated procedure on removing and reseating bundle...wouldn't
restart. Buzzing persistent...ANY IDEAS??????
Thanks,
Douglas Martin
Ft Worth, TX
dougtash@flash.net
A: Check the basics first. Fuel pressure and spark at the plugs. Ed
Q: The overdrive won't disengage by use of the button on the shifter. Is there a solenoid in the transaxle that overrides the automatic overdrive shift? A fuse somewhere? This vehicle is a SHO with a 3.2L.
Thanks,
Matt
A: System is fused and relay and solenoid type switch at trans. Still the same theory though,power to the shifter switch? If not, why? If yes, then where else does it stop? Ed
Q: When the engine warms up the transmission shifts hard and sounds like the engine is revving-up between shifts. I have taken it to two different transmission shops and they give me no answers.
A: If the TPS switch on the engine has been changed, it may have to be adjusted at the dealer. Interferes with the shift points of the trans. Or the trans may be ready for the replacement(hope not). Ed
Q: When my Taurus is warm, shifting becomes hard. It sometimes jerks between changing gears and the engine continues to rev.
Also, with the AC on, the idle flucuates and cuts off the engine as certain times.
I have taken it to two specialty transmission shops and they both gave me no answers.
Nothing shows up when they hook the computer up.
Both times the transmission has been flushed.
Thank you if you can help.
A: If when you come to a stop, and the vehicle feels like it goes into nuetral you probably have a cracked drum inside your transmission. This will not show up on a computer. It may need an overhaul.
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Making Noise When turning Not applicable
Q: I drive a '93 SHO and just recently started hearing a "popping" sound when I turn corners, and sometimes accelerating from a stop. I've heard from others of something in front wheel drive cars called cv joints or axles. Do you think that may be what it is? It doesn't happen all the time, yet, and if this is what it is, are those expensive to replace?
A: A "popping" or "clicking" noise during slow speed turns is almost definitely your CV joints. If you are reasonably handy you can replace them yourself (plan on an afternoon) otherwise bring it in to have them replaced. They can be expensive if you have a shop do it but under $200 if you do them yourself.
A very common cause of CV joint failure is a cracked or otherwise leaking CV joint rubber boot that allows the grease to escape.
Drive Train / Driveline Malfunction When accelerating When cold
Q: My 1992 Taurus seems to shift hard when it's cold out. Only 1-2 and sometimes 2-3 gears shifts hard.When it shifts from 1-2 gear you can hear like something engaging. It's almost like a hissing noise that lasts 2 seconds. The noise begins 2 second before it shifts from 1-2 and only 1-2 gear. It makes the noise only when you first start it up and drive for 10-15 minutes as it then begins to make the noise, but then it shifts much smoother in all gears to almost you cant feel it shifting. What could be causing the transmission to shift hard and making the noise. I recieved 2 codes back, the Turbine Speed Sensor, and the manual speed control sensor is not responding. Could this cause anything? Where are the sensors located at on the transmission?
Thanks Scott
If possible E-Mail Your Response To:
Braves4018@NetZero.Net
A: The sensor is located inside of the tranmision pan, try changing the filter and fluid.
Q: temp gauge pegs toward overheating. Has new radiator and plenty of coolant. Could it need a thermostat. Also, check engine light comes on sometimes.
A: Your current thermostat could be stuck closed so that coolant can't move freely, or you could have one that opens at higher temps. It's simple to change and will probably run you about $5 including gaskets, so you should change it anyway. If your check engine light comes on when your car is hot, it's probably just responding to the hot engine, it's not a good idea to let your car heat up too much, you could wreck your seals, or worse.
Interior Components Other Happens always Not applicable
Q: The air bag light flashes 6 times with a 2 second delay and continues repeatedly.
A: So the system is "seeing" something it does not like. You need to get the necessary info(local library) to diagnose. Be VERY carefull with this system. People are getting killed while working on these things. Ed
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction When driving Always
Q: For a couple of years I had a problem with the air bag indicator light coming on and blinking when ever it rained or was very humid.
Eventually one day the circuit that the air bag system was on blew a fuse - this is the number 5 position in the fuse box.This was supposed to be the airbag system by itself on that circuit according to the manual but in reality has the turn signals and the right rear brake light on it.The fuse continues to blow and my mechanic can't locate the short.
Does the airbag system need to be replaced to correct this problem???
A: I would look at the short first maybe check cig lighter. The air bag light is most likely for loss of power, not from a bag problem.
Q: I have a 1990 Taurus GL 3.0L. During acceleration (from a stop), the car studders a little bit then stops. However, it also sounds funny after the studder stops. The timing has been advanced 8 degrees. I am using an ACCEL Super Coil. The plugs, wires, coil and distributor cap are new and I only burn 92 octane fuel. What else could be the problem?
A: Could be the transmission clutch packs complaining. My guess is that you occationally try out that new found power you seek, and that trans is not a strong one to start with. Ed
Ignition System Malfunction When driving When cold
Q: I have a 3.8 and just had the tps and the eec-iv replaced. It does not show any trouble codes now , but the engine idles very high until it is completely warm. Once the idle comes down to normal and the transmission is shifted into gear, the rpm's go up again. Does the transmission control unit need to be reset? If so how is this accomplished?
A: It sounds like the Throttle Position Sensor was replaced, but incorrectly. Make sure the "slot" in the sensor is engaging the "blade" in the throttle body. Also note that the "old" seal from the old sensor will stick inside the throttle plate shaft bore preventing proper installation. Make sure that you do not have two seals installed thereby not engaging the sensor at all! One way to check is to disconnect the TPS and look around, also start the car with the TPS disconnected and twist the inside *gently* with a flat blade screwdriver to see if the engine responds. If not, then your "replacement" TPS is bad, get another.
Q: How do you reset the fuel system on a 90' taurus?
I know where the reset button is but do not know the order of which to reset it, can anyone help me?
A: there is one in the trunk, but its in your owners manual, call your ford dealer service dept they're usually cool about questions like that
Q: I'm working on a 1990 Ford Taurus SHO with the 3.0 engine and I'm having problems getting the crankshaft pulley bolt to loosen. Can you tell me whether the bolt turns clockwise or counterclockwise to loosen?
thx,
HiJr
A: Those bolts are designed to , in effect , tighten as the engine turns . The engine , viewed from the front , turns clockwise .
Q: The car has a 2.5L 4 cylinder engine. When I most frequently run into this probelm is when I have been operating the vehicle for approx. an hour on the freeway. When I decelerate or sit at an idle for a few minutes, it sounds and feels as if it is starving for fuel, hesitates, surges, and in some cases dies. If I let it sit for an hour or so, it will fire up and run normally. Once in awhile if it happens to stay running after all that, it will be non-responsive and sluggish until I park and let it sit for awhile. No overheating, has had a complete tune-up, including timing, new spark plugs and wires, new distributor cap & rotor, unplugged a vacuum line to map scensor, and also has new map scensor. Sometimes when idling after about 5 minutes of operating, it will surge sometimes fast, and often times will go so low that it will almost die. Have any ideas?
A: Clean the idle air control motor and channel.. Ed
Drive Train / Driveline Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: The transmission was rebuilt about 15,000 mi. ago.
It was rebuilt by a qualifed person. A lot of hard parts were replaced.
My daughter was diveing when she heard a pop.
I removed the left drive axle it was ok. The car will not move.
A: If you put the car in drive and it will not move the drive axles, problem is internal and may be warrantee. Ed
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Making Noise Happens always When warm
Q: My Taurus wagon 3.0 makes a loud whining sound on switching on the engine , and the pwer steering groans and chatters a lot especially at low speeds. What should I check for and what is the reason?
A: Check lubrication fluids as well as fluid levels.
Electrical / Lighting Systems Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: I just inherited an 89 Taurus with a history of
blowing number 8 fuse at RANDOM times. The interior lights are on all the time with a good fuse.
I have done all the things I can think of, ie. checking for loose, worn wires and connections under the instrument panel and engine compartment.
I have read Ford service bulletin number BC6555900329 on circuit 53
blowing the courtesy light fuse ( that is fuse #8 ) but it applies to 1988 Taurus. Could it be a "spill over" to the following year?
If so where is circuit 53? Haynes and Chilton manuals do not show the lighting circuit I need. How do I find this?
A: Check to see if the cig lighter is on that same circuit may have a bad one
A: black smoke, dumping fuel, flooding the engine could be a number of things, more info needed. white smoke on a 3.8 probably blown head gasket and warped heads, ford has a new bolt kit and torque specs for the 3.8
Q: this 1989 taurus has too much oil in engine. driver says it smokes a lot when engine is running. driver says that additional oil has not been added to engine, but says it reads above the full mark, and has began to smoke quite a bit.
A: sounds like you have anti freeze in the oil which will apear as to much oil,problem is a head gasket or cracked head
Q: I need to replace my front brakes. The guy at autozone said their are two types of pads one is for brakes with steel piston calipers and one is not. Is this info correct?
pw.
A: Yup. But if you bring him a pad, he can match it. Ed
Q: I just bought an '88 Taurus and it has a knock under the hood. My brother-in-law who used to be a mechanic said it could possibly be the oil pump or one of the lifters.
Is there a test to determine which it may actually be? Or could there be another reason for the knock?
Thanks for your time and attention.
D Hatcher
A: When you rev the engine slightly from idle, if you have a knock at this time, its very possible that you have too much piston clearence causing a piston knock.
All Part Groups Won't Start Happens sometimes Not applicable
Q: iT WILL NOT START BUT IT WIL TURN OVER THE SARTER MAKES A LOUD GRINDING NOISE IT HAS BEEN CHANGED TWICW ALREADY BUT SOME ONE SAID IT MIGHT BE THE WRONG STARTER. ARE THERE DIFFERENT STARTERS FOR A TAURUS IT IS A 3.8 L.?
A: you could possibly have a bad flywheel,to my knowledge there is only one starter for a 3.8
All Part Groups Vibration When driving Not applicable
Q: When I am driving down the road (speed- anything greater than 10 MPH) and I either change lanes or try and make a turn the right front side of the car starts to vibrate and feel like it is starting to drag a little. When I make a left turn everything is fine. I have not noticed any noises with this problem. But I need to fix the problem before the car breaks down on me. There is no problem when the car is driving straight also. I have been looking around and talking with people that are not mechanics and this is their recommendations=> could be the wheel bearing, tie rod end, cv joint, or the brakes that are bad. I need more help than this.
James
A: jack up the front of your car and turn wheels all the way to the right. Rotate wheels, you should be able to feel or hear something to locate the problem. Sounds like cv joint, could be wheel bearing. Good luck
Drive Train / Driveline Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: I'm trying to determine which transmission I have. It's a 1987 Taurus GL Wagon with 3.0L V6. Do I have a three speed automatic with overdrive? The possibilities are the AXOD or ATX.
The transaxle is an automatic and the positions are labeled as P R N D* D 1 where the D* looks like a D with a circle around it which I think might be over drive.
Can you help me? thanks
A: My guess is axod because of the D with the circle around it does mean o-drive.
Q: Car won't start sometimes when it has already been starting at other times during the day.
If the car sits overnight, it will be fine the next morning.
A: Cold start enrichment system in between cold and warm? Check temperature sending unit. Ed
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction Happens always Always
Q: 1987 Ford Taurus LX
Computer suddenly shut down. No display, no fan/ heater/ air, no blinkers...
Still starts fine, have flashers, brake lights, head lights. Need advice. Don't have owner's man. or a fuse diagram!
Thank you. Tom
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Malfunction Not applicable Not applicable
Q: I am replacing the cv joint on my car and when I went to take the axel bolt (the bolt in the center of the hub) off I could not break it loose. I have tried everything I stood on the bar and bounced, I put an excessive amount of WD-40 on it, and every atempt fails. I have even broke a wrench in the process. I was wondering if you might have any suggestions at all.Thank you
This way to the live technicians