I am having potential costly tranny problems on my 95. I have an opportunity to pick up a 99 with 117K on it - original owner. The car seems ok but what should I be looking for in terms of potential problems with this year of car-Are there any serious engine or transmission issues I need to worry about or any other costly issues that seem to be an issue with this year of car? Thanks for you help

Engine http://www.partsamerica.com/image/spaclear.gifhttp://www.partsamerica.com/images/yellow_check.gif http://www.partsamerica.com/images/spaclear.gif Occasional problems on this vehicle are failures of the Differential Pressure Feedback EGR (DPFE) Sensor; Restricted EGR passages, 3.0L VIN S only; and the Secondary Air Injection (SAI) Pump. http://www.partsamerica.com/images/spaclear.gif Brake http://www.partsamerica.com/image/spaclear.gifhttp://www.partsamerica.com/images/yellow_check.gif http://www.partsamerica.com/images/spaclear.gif A periodic problem on this vehicle is failure of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) Module. http://www.partsamerica.com/images/spaclear.gif Accessories http://www.partsamerica.com/image/spaclear.gifhttp://www.partsamerica.com/images/yellow_check.gif http://www.partsamerica.com/images/spaclear.gif Occasional problems on this vehicle are failure of the Door Ajar Switches, the Multifunction Switch and the Daytime Running Light module.

That was taken off the Parts America website for thew 1999 Taurus -- I know the TRS has problems if it's OE and the door latches should be sprayed with some kind of oil every couple of months to be on the safe side.

"3.0L VIN S only"
How do you translate that?

"3.0L VIN S only"
How do you translate that?

That refers to your VIN code; for example, here's one off a car coming up for auction in New York -- 1FAFP57U9WA200136.

Here's what Ford's website has to say about decoding VINs.

Position 1-3 World Manufacturer Identifier
Position 4 Restraint System Type Brake Type and GVWR Class (Trucks and Vans Only)
Position 5-7 Line, Series, Body Type
Position 8 Engine Type
Position 9 Check Digit
Position 10 Model Year
Position 11 Assembly Plant
Position 12-17 Production Sequence Number

In this case, this is a 1998 Taurus Wagon SE, VIN "U" -- 3.0L OHV V6 aka Vulcan.

I'm not sure what engine VIN "S" refers to, and I can't find my repair manual to tell me, but it's either the flex-fuel or the Duratec.

That refers to your VIN code; for example, here's one off a car coming up for auction in New York -- 1FAFP57U9WA200136.

Here's what Ford's website has to say about decoding VINs.

Position 1-3 World Manufacturer Identifier
Position 4 Restraint System Type Brake Type and GVWR Class (Trucks and Vans Only)
Position 5-7 Line, Series, Body Type
Position 8 Engine Type
Position 9 Check Digit
Position 10 Model Year
Position 11 Assembly Plant
Position 12-17 Production Sequence Number

In this case, this is a 1998 Taurus Wagon SE, VIN "U" -- 3.0L OHV V6 aka Vulcan.

I'm not sure what engine VIN "S" refers to, and I can't find my repair manual to tell me, but it's either the flex-fuel or the Duratec.


Thanks!
My Duratec is an S, so probably, S stands for Duratec. Not good :)

S is definately the 24Valve DOHC engine commonly referred to as the Duratec.

As far as reliability 117K on a 99 that has seen regular maintenance including transmission flushes (NOT POWER FLUSHES) should still have a lot of miles in it.

The Vulcan and the Duratec engines will definately make it over 200K with no problems.


A transmission is usually what goes on these cars.

The good thing is they have no resale value so a 99 shouldnt cost more than 2K to begin with.

Mike
:smokin:

Any vehicle is a reflection of the care it has received regardless of brand or location of manufacture. To predict the lifespan of a vehicle with over 100K miles would be foolhardy. Any car with this many miles will need more attention than a new/newer one.

My '99 24V has around 78K and the only major things I've to do it is a fuel pump around 24K and a front ball joint at 72K. Did all the brakes last year.