Taurus 95 3.0

Hi Folks:
I've had a 95 Taurus Wagon 3.0 for almost a year now, and it's been a good car. However, the gas milage seems to me to be a bit low, especially that my 90 Jeep Cherokee 4.0 get's better milage. (jellybean vs brick). so far, I can't find an answer a simple guestion: What should the idle RPM be when warm in neutral? The Jeep is about 500, the Taurus about 1,000. I'm beginning to think some sensor is making the engine seem cold. No engine lights. The light works.
One other question if I may: Recently the airbags deployed. Is there any reset procedure? How about test voltages to the bags? I seen something about a fuel shut-off in the back by the floor-hinge. Is this the main sensor abouve the radiator, behing the hood-latch?
Thanks!
Harry

Use a code reader to see if there are any stored codes, you are right in thinking there may be a sensor going bad. The fuel shut off is just that, it shuts down the electric fuel pump in the event of an accident, it is located at the rear of the car. If this has been tripped the car will not start untill it is reset by pushing the red button mounted on it.

Air bags are a use once item. If they have been replaced the system should work again when needed. NEVER work on a live airbag system unless you are really qualified to do so. If you do you risk serious injury.

Hi Joey! Thanks for the reply!
Will this fuel shut-off trip the same instant the airbags deploy?
I haven't even reconnected the battery since the accident.. Would the engine start with no airbags or will the computer prohibit starting?
On the codes, if there are stored codes, can I read them by doing something like turning the key three times fast, putting a jumper in or something like that? Would there be an engine light if there are stored codes? Probably not.. I guess that is just an indication of a present condition as opposed to what happened in the past.. I guess I'll need a reader.. Can a reader tell me details like what the engine temperature is?
Thanks for the feedback! Take Care! This forum is cool!
Harry

Use a code reader to see if there are any stored codes, you are right in thinking there may be a sensor going bad. The fuel shut off is just that, it shuts down the electric fuel pump in the event of an accident, it is located at the rear of the car. If this has been tripped the car will not start untill it is reset by pushing the red button mounted on it.

To disarm the air bag system remove the neg. battery terminal for 2 minutes to kill the battery backup. The airbag and fuel cutoff are independent of eachother, but it would be possible to trip both at the same time. The airbag sytem is independent of the EEC system. Stored codes would be erased if there is no power. A regular code scanner could not read things like temp etc. You would need more sophisticated equipment. A cheap code scanner like $20 for this car will work to get code. To do it otherwise you would need a voltmeter and some other jumper..