Intermittent problems
Billyplatt
03-27-2014, 01:38 PM
My 2002 Taurus se has developed an intermittent problem that 3 mechanics and one expert have not been able to figure out! It does one of 3 things!
1: usually while driving, it just shuts off! It does not seem to stall or shudder or and sign that it is going to stall, it just shuts off! Sometimes it will start right back up!
2: just like problem 1:, but when you turn the key, nothing happens, no crank, no clicks! It still has dash lights, radio, headlights, blower motor, but no response from the engine! Sometimes in a few minutes, it starts, sometimes in a few hours, but eventually it does fire up!
3: the engine appears to lose power, the theft light comes on ( the only light that comes on in this condition) and taking my foot off the accelerator then pressing it again and the car resumes normally, and the theft light goes off after a few seconds!
So far the PCM power relay was replaced, the connectors have been examined, the battery connections cleaned, the computer was reprogrammed, and nothing has eliminated the problems which often take weeks before resurfacing!
The car is otherwise very reliable, it runs good, rides nice, and btw, I need this car to live another year, but it has me driving with a constant consideration of where to pull safely off the road should it suddenly die!
1: usually while driving, it just shuts off! It does not seem to stall or shudder or and sign that it is going to stall, it just shuts off! Sometimes it will start right back up!
2: just like problem 1:, but when you turn the key, nothing happens, no crank, no clicks! It still has dash lights, radio, headlights, blower motor, but no response from the engine! Sometimes in a few minutes, it starts, sometimes in a few hours, but eventually it does fire up!
3: the engine appears to lose power, the theft light comes on ( the only light that comes on in this condition) and taking my foot off the accelerator then pressing it again and the car resumes normally, and the theft light goes off after a few seconds!
So far the PCM power relay was replaced, the connectors have been examined, the battery connections cleaned, the computer was reprogrammed, and nothing has eliminated the problems which often take weeks before resurfacing!
The car is otherwise very reliable, it runs good, rides nice, and btw, I need this car to live another year, but it has me driving with a constant consideration of where to pull safely off the road should it suddenly die!
shorod
03-27-2014, 01:56 PM
There are a few items that come to mind. Starting with common issues, the ignition switch has been a common failure point across several models of Fords, and the Transmission Range Sensor (aka Park/Neutral safety switch) have been common problems on the Taurus. Either of these have the potential to cause the symptoms you described.
The Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) on a Ford of that vintage will also cause the engine to shut off in the event of the crank signal disappearing. If you have an oil leak near the crankshaft pulley, or worse, a coolant leak, fixing the leak and replacing the CKP would be high on the list of suspects as well.
You could shotgun all of these and see if that takes care of the issue. There may be a recall on the ignition switch, worth checking. Or, if you don't want to replace something that's not the problem, you could do a quick little test next time the car stalls. I assume when this happens you shift to neutral while the car is still moving and try to start the engine back up. If that doesn't work for you, try bringing the car to a complete stop, shift to park, and see if it starts up reliably that way.
There's a less likely chance that the battery has a bad connection internally that randomly opens up. Assuming the alternator is working though, I would not expect this to cause the car to die without at least providing some other indication.
-Rod
The Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) on a Ford of that vintage will also cause the engine to shut off in the event of the crank signal disappearing. If you have an oil leak near the crankshaft pulley, or worse, a coolant leak, fixing the leak and replacing the CKP would be high on the list of suspects as well.
You could shotgun all of these and see if that takes care of the issue. There may be a recall on the ignition switch, worth checking. Or, if you don't want to replace something that's not the problem, you could do a quick little test next time the car stalls. I assume when this happens you shift to neutral while the car is still moving and try to start the engine back up. If that doesn't work for you, try bringing the car to a complete stop, shift to park, and see if it starts up reliably that way.
There's a less likely chance that the battery has a bad connection internally that randomly opens up. Assuming the alternator is working though, I would not expect this to cause the car to die without at least providing some other indication.
-Rod
Billyplatt
03-27-2014, 06:03 PM
Thanks for the suggestions, sounds like they are worth trying, but I would do one at a time!
As for the neutral thing, I normally coast to a stop on the side of the road and put it in park
How do I check for a recall?
As for the neutral thing, I normally coast to a stop on the side of the road and put it in park
How do I check for a recall?
shorod
03-27-2014, 10:50 PM
The easiest way to check for a recall is probably to go to the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigations website (http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIssues) and enter the model information for your car. You can also call the dealer and find out if there are any recalls that have not been closed out for your car.
-Rod
-Rod
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