1996 Taurus Service Engine Light problem

I have a 96 Taurus GL with 100k miles on it, good condition, and suddenly as i was driving the other day the Check Engine light went on and I dont know why!

I checked the gas cap, and it was tight, and the oil levels are all full...

What does this usually mean? Is there a checklist i can go thru to check to see why its always on, even when i start the vehicle? I dont see any signs of trouble....

btw, it went on after i drove over alot of slush

There's an endless amount of possibilities as to why the light it on. If the light is on or came on, there will be a code(s) stored in the car's computer. The first thing you need to do is read the computer for codes. For a '96 Taurus, you need an OBDII scanner. If you don't have access to one, some automotive suppy stores like Autozone will read the code for you. Once you have the code, you will have a better idea of what the problem is. Post the code here and I'm sure people will help you.

On the slush issue, I've heard moisture coming into contact with an oxygen sensor can make it give a false reading....but it sounds like your problem may be more than that. If the car seems to run fine, it could be a cam position sensor, dirty airfilter, debris on your MAF sensor, a bad oxygen sensor (to name a few).

the same thing happened to my '96 taurus about 50 k ago and i stil havent seen what in the heck its talking about. From what I've heard its a glitch in the computer when it is reset so the light refuses to dim and it flashes the message at all times. I dont think you have to worry about it

When that light comes on there is a reason. Only very rarely will the light come on for no reason. Get the codes read and the problem fixed.

Folks, I had the same problem. I have a 2001 Taurus SES and the Check Engine light went off a few days ago. I went to Autozone to have it scanned, and here's the code :
Troubleshooting P0401
The PCH has determined that there is insufficient flow in the exhaust gas recirculation system.

Any ideas on fixes?

I own a '96. I had the code pulled(sorry don't remember what it was). I had to replace the cam sensor and cam sensor shaft. I was able to replace both myself. You will need a timing tool. If you buy the part from a dealer,they should be able to set the timing mark for you.

Folks, I had the same problem. I have a 2001 Taurus SES and the Check Engine light went off a few days ago. I went to Autozone to have it scanned, and here's the code :
Troubleshooting P0401
The PCH has determined that there is insufficient flow in the exhaust gas recirculation system.

Any ideas on fixes?



take the throttle body off and clean the egr passages first. this could save you $80 for a sensor you dont need, my 96 did the same thing passages are right behind gasket

I have the same problem. The OBDII test said the same thing. The parts store recommended replacing the EGR valve, so I did. After resetting the computer, the next day the light came back on. I tested it again and it came up the same. They said maybe the vacuume hose is leaking or something. I will test that next. I called the dealership and of course they want me to bring it in. He said something about it might be the switch. He wouldn't tell me the name of it. Any input and help on this would be great.

I recommend you purchase the chiton manual, the code deals with the emission controls of the engine , in the manual in chapter 4-4 hey go over how to check your emission control for that vehicle. lol

i think what you need is the delta pressure feedback egr(DPFE) sensor. it mounted on the left rear side of intake manifold. it's a look like a aluminum retangle box that have 2 different sizes hose connected on the bottom and a electrical connector. that sensor detect the exhaust flow and it always corroded inside the 2 ports and blocked the sensor from detecting the flow. take the sensor off and check the two ports to see if it is corroded. if it is, i recommand get the sensor at the dealer, cause ford revised the part and it now should have a plastic housing instead of the aluminum.

Po401 is insufficient flow in EGR system
Test vacuum at vacuum valve, if it holds it should be fine. If not check to see if it's held open with carbon and clean it.
Probably the EGR pressure sensor is faulty

I also had the same code and I also replaced the EGR valave. The next day the light came on again with the same trouble code. I called dealer and again they say to bring it in. Of corse the cost will be $80.+ plus what ever parts and labor it may need. Any ideas on what I should try do?

how do u reset the computer on a 96 taurus sho yourself

how do u reset the computer on a 96 taurus sho yourself

96+ is OBD-II. If you pull the battery cables for half an hour or so you will reset the variables. But the computer will keep any trouble codes in memory.

My 2001 Taurus SES (37000m)started bucking when cold 5 days ago. Then the engine light came on later the same day. So by looking at the book assumed it was the fuel filter(so had it changed), or water in the gas. After finding this forum went to Autozone and had them throw it on their handheld computer. It came right up P0401 The ERG valve. A family member was skeptical and said I should just take it to ford and eat the money for a dianostic. Glad I did. It was the DPFE and even though it was out of Warranty, Ford extended this emmision part so they changed it for free and the diagnostic was free. ! Saved me alot. And it runs just fine 5 days later.
HTH