96 taurus: I am totally stumped!

I have a 96 taurus with app. 85,000 mi. on it. It has started clicking and the seatbelt light goes on, the radio doesn't work, the power steering seems affected but works well enough to drive, and the windows will only work when it is running and in park! Maybe electrical??but how come it is affecting my automatic steering? This all happens after it on and I am driving for a minute or so.
I am able to drive it but it is sure behaving strangely.
Does anyone have any ideas?
Thank you!
Ramona

although i don't know much about cars, i would take it to a trusted mechanic (the one you always go to), and have him check it out. if there is something wrong, i can guarantee that it will be cheaper than going to a ford dealer. don't forget to ask what it will cost to fix.


******EDIT********

I found out today after school, that aytozone does a free check on your car for stuff that is wrong. they plug into the engine computer or soe=mething.

although i don't know much about cars, i would take it to a trusted mechanic (the one you always go to), and have him check it out. if there is something wrong, i can guarantee that it will be cheaper than going to a ford dealer. don't forget to ask what it will cost to fix.


******EDIT********

I found out today after school, that aytozone does a free check on your car for stuff that is wrong. they plug into the engine computer or soe=mething.
Thanks very much,
I will see if I can't get it over to an Auto Zone!
Ramona

Hello Ramona,

I was amazed to see your email. My 96 Ford Taurus started having these EXACT problems today! Have you gotten your vehicle fixed? What was it and how much did it cost?

Thanks!
Angie

Hello Ramona,

I was amazed to see your email. My 96 Ford Taurus started having these EXACT problems today! Have you gotten your vehicle fixed? What was it and how much did it cost?

Thanks!
Angie
Angie,
I had a knee reconstructed Friday, and haven't done anything, and probably will not be able to for awhile as it is the knee I drive with...let me know if you know anything new too, if you don't mind.
Best of luck!!
Ramona

transmition rang switch need to be replaced

Angie,
I had a knee reconstructed Friday, and haven't done anything, and probably will not be able to for awhile as it is the knee I drive with...let me know if you know anything new too, if you don't mind.
Best of luck!!
Ramona

Angie,
I just received an e-mail saying the transmission rang switch needs to be replaced...don't know what it is and didn't get any more info, but it may be a start for us!
Keep me posted.
Ramona

transmition rang switch need to be replaced

Thank you, it's the first time I have heard of such a thing!
Ramona

The Transmission Range Sensor sits on top of the transmission, just under where the shifter cable attaches.

As you move the car from Park to other gears, this little widget is supposed to be sending signals to the car's computer, as well as doing things like turning the Reverse Lights on and off, (when going through Reverse). It has several functions, all of which get screwed up, when this thing goes bad.

Angie,
I just received an e-mail saying the transmission rang switch needs to be replaced...don't know what it is and didn't get any more info, but it may be a start for us!
Keep me posted.
Ramona


Hi Ramona,

I did get mine fixed this weekend and it definately was the transmission range sensor. It was very easy to do, so much in fact that my bf with intermediate car knowledge was able to do with just a little help from the Chilton manual.

The part will cost you around $55 at the dealership. It should only cost you one hours worth of labor if you take it somewhere.

Just be careful if you take it to a shop. Definately get an exact quote up front. When I called around to see how much it would cost to have it changed they argued with me saying that it just didn't sound right and it was probably something else. Someone from another board was charged $350 to get it done.

angie

Hi Ramona,

I did get mine fixed this weekend and it definately was the transmission range sensor. It was very easy to do, so much in fact that my bf with intermediate car knowledge was able to do with just a little help from the Chilton manual.

The part will cost you around $55 at the dealership. It should only cost you one hours worth of labor if you take it somewhere.

Just be careful if you take it to a shop. Definately get an exact quote up front. When I called around to see how much it would cost to have it changed they argued with me saying that it just didn't sound right and it was probably something else. Someone from another board was charged $350 to get it done.

angie
Angie, thanks so much!
Ramona

I did this myself, for about 35.00 it was the TRS

do I have to get the part from a ford dealer or can I just get it through an autozone or someplace similar?
Thank you,
Ramona

Probably a dealership part; however: Check out the Ford Parts Network online store. Torrie has been incredibly helpful to me, looking for AND FINDING obsolete parts, and all sorts of stuff.

Type Ford Parts Network into the Google search engine and he'll come right up. Never had a problem, and his prices ARE a lot cheaper than the dealers!

BTW, if you do find an aftermarket switch, keep in mind that you get what you pay for - I've used Made in Taiwan, China, Krapistan, etc. stuff before, and it doesn't last.

Good luck, :smokin:

hello,
I got my part at NAPA for about 35.00-40.00; all you need to do is unscrew 3 things. pull it out, replace the TRS, screw back in the 3 screws and u are good. thats all I did, but I am writting this reply 3 sheets to the wind. but I was able to do that, and I am a chick, a real girly girl. :grinno: hope it works for you, it worked for me.

hello,
I got my part at NAPA for about 35.00-40.00; all you need to do is unscrew 3 things. pull it out, replace the TRS, screw back in the 3 screws and u are good. thats all I did, but I am writting this reply 3 sheets to the wind. but I was able to do that, and I am a chick, a real girly girl. :grinno: hope it works for you, it worked for me.


Go ahead you real girly girl, 3 sheets to the wind, LOL. Thats the only way to fly...

Robert

thank you all for posting the fix

thanks, as I am a girly girl too and may wish I was three sheets to the wind by the time I get done with this!
Ramona

It seems pretty straight forward to change the trans range sensor. However, I have read that an alignment tool is needed. The previous posts didn't mention this tool. Is it necessary or can you just put the new trs on the same way the old one came off. If the tool is neded, how do you use it?

Thanks

set your parking brake put gear in nuetral pull shift cable and two bolts then remove sensor,

Research the vehicle VIN and see if the car was listed with flood damage. If that is the case, the vehicle should have been sold with a salvage title.