Man this might sound wierd

[gcpint]

Hello all, just have a few questions, I bought a 96 taurus and some things going on with it, first of all I was told both back springs are broken, I got a quote and they want 400 bux and i called for a quote on the parts and they only cost around 100 bux, would like to try to do it myself...is it hard difficult, any tips would help
SECONDLY I am having a wierd problem with the engine, it seems to idle fine but when I am driving there is some bucking and hesitation when accelerating, also the power steering seems to have problems, not sure if these things are related but seems to be...heres why...the problems only seem to happen when I am using alot of electrical power inside the car...when I have the heat on high for example, seems when I shut off most things (heater fan, defroster, radio ect.) then it seems to run better ann the power steering works as well.
Sorry for my long post but am very curious what ya'll think?
Any help on both issues would be appreciated!!!
Thanks a BUnch!
Glenn

[G-man422]

maybe the alternator?

[gcpint]

If it was the alternator wouldnt i get the Alt light ? Is it possible that the battery could be the problem...I had a problem when I first bought it where it wouldnt start...seems it was the battery, I was told to try replacing it cause the computer is very sensitive to voltage or such, once I replaced (was out of my old car) it had no problems until now, its a very cheap battery is it possible its not strong enough for the car?
ALSO TO add some more insight the car has the service engine light on since i bought it about 6 months ago, my buddy put the scanner on it and said something about an error code with an O2 heater sensor. At least thats what I thought he said was a while ago so forgive me if this is not right. Not sure if that could have something to do with these wierd problems.
Anyway thanks again for any help...and again sorry for the long post, just trying to get as much info out there for all you genuises

[G-man422]

I supose it could be the battery.

[shorod]

Originally Posted by gcpint

Hello all, just have a few questions, I bought a 96 taurus and some things going on with it, first of all I was told both back springs are broken, I got a quote and they want 400 bux and i called for a quote on the parts and they only cost around 100 bux, would like to try to do it myself...is it hard difficult, any tips would help
SECONDLY I am having a wierd problem with the engine, it seems to idle fine but when I am driving there is some bucking and hesitation when accelerating, also the power steering seems to have problems, not sure if these things are related but seems to be...heres why...the problems only seem to happen when I am using alot of electrical power inside the car...when I have the heat on high for example, seems when I shut off most things (heater fan, defroster, radio ect.) then it seems to run better ann the power steering works as well.
Sorry for my long post but am very curious what ya'll think?
Any help on both issues would be appreciated!!!
Thanks a BUnch!
Glenn

Regarding the broken springs, you may be able to do them yourself, but you will need spring compressors, pretty strong tools, and mechanical abilities. To get the struts out, you will need to remove the rear package tray to access the three bolts per side that hold the strut mount in. You will need spring compressors and know how to use them. If you live in an area that sees snow and uses salt on the roads, count on many of the nuts and bolts fighting you, etc.

As to your second issue, that sounds like something a good tune up will fix. The bucking and hesitating is probably a worn spark plug or bad spark plug wire. If you haven't performed a tune up on the car, do that. The reason you probably notice the problem more when using many accessories is because those accessories will load the engine more. The electrical accessories will load the alternator which, believe it or not, will in turn load the engine which is rotating the alternator. Defrost will use the A/C compressor which loads the engine as well. The power steering pump is run by the belt as well and loads the engine. If you KNOW the plugs and wires are new and good, then you will want to look at the Idle Air Control motor and make sure it is functioning. Also, check for vacuum leaks.

-Rod

[gcpint]

Ok thanks a bunch for all your Help!!!
sounds like its not worth the 300 bux to try and do it myself, I live in Ontario Canada and lots of snow, so I am thinking getting the bolts out without impact drill would be impossible.

As for the plugs and wires, I have no clue, and they dont look that easy to replace either...not sure how the heck to get at the plugs at the back. I guess I will have to pay the piper LOL

Thanks Again for all the help and advise!
Glenn

[gcpint]

I have also done some reading...is it possible the Transmission Range Sensor has a problem?
I guess the tuneup done first would not be a bad thing reguardless, but if this doesnt fix the problem would this be something to look at? Also the sensor thats putting up the service engine light (I beleive it was called a O2 heater sensor? lol) wouldnt have anything to do with it ?
Thanks
Glenn

[shorod]

I don't think a faulty TRS would caus the unusual idle you are experiencing, and certainly wouldn't cause broken springs.

Do you know the exact code number you were/are getting? If so, post it. From your recall, it could be either a code for a heated oxygen sensor, or for the oxygen sensor heater. These are quite different. Your Taurus will have either three or four heated oxygen sensors. The first code would indicate that one of the heated oxygen sensors is reading out of range. This may or may not be due to a bad oxygen sensor.

The second code would imply that the current draw by the heater for one of the oxygen sensors is not drawing the proper amount of current. This code would be a good indication that the sensor is bad.

The actual code number will include which of the 8 possible scenarios is the case.

And, yes, if an oxygen sensor is bad or out of range, it could cause the symptoms you are seeing. However, I would suspect that a misfire is the cause of the code (assuming a heater fault is not the code) rather than the other way around.

-Rod

[mwt878991]

There is a recall on the springs.

If you have your receipts take them to the Ford Dealer along with your VIN.

If you havent had it done call them with your vin number and they may very well replace them for free

Dont know what year the recall started but I know it included up to the 2000 models

Mike