Bizzare occurrences in my 200 Ford Taurus SE

[kranders]

2000 Ford Taurus SE, V6. During the last couple of weeks my car has done some, what is to me, weird things. A few times while driving under normal conditions the car will cut off and back on. Then a couple of times while sitting at a stop light the car died and when I turned the key off and then back on it started fine. THen the other day I parked ran into the store and cam back out a few minutes later and it would not start. I waited for about 10 minutes and the car started fine. I replaced the alternator but it is still occuring. Does this sound like a O2 sensor? Also the gas gauge light is not working, all other lights in the cluster are working fine but the gas gauge light is not working.

Any help, advice or witty repertoire would be greatly appreciated.

[armonica]

Originally Posted by kranders

2000 Ford Taurus SE, V6. During the last couple of weeks my car has done some, what is to me, weird things. A few times while driving under normal conditions the car will cut off and back on. Then a couple of times while sitting at a stop light the car died and when I turned the key off and then back on it started fine. THen the other day I parked ran into the store and cam back out a few minutes later and it would not start. I waited for about 10 minutes and the car started fine. I replaced the alternator but it is still occuring. Does this sound like a O2 sensor? Also the gas gauge light is not working, all other lights in the cluster are working fine but the gas gauge light is not working.

Any help, advice or witty repertoire would be greatly appreciated.

Check the wire bundle that goes over the transmission. There is a sharp edge there that can cut into the bundle. Repair as needed if that is the case.

Also, how is the battery? You may want to check and see if the electrolyte is completely covering the plates below. If it needs water make sure you use distilled water (I use rain water, if you want it on the cheap). Tap water usually contains impurities that can shorten the life of the battery or in some cases short it out right away.

If it isn't the previous two, check the voltage regulator. Take a volt meter and see what it reads. It should be around 12.5-13.5. Turn on the car and it should go up to at least 14 volts.

Armonica