91 Taurus emission problems?

[porcelina68]

Yesterday, my Taurus refused to start in a parking lot. Today, I had CarX pick it up, and they called me to tell me that it started right up for them, and that my Emissions Module was going bad, on top of needing a new muffler and tail pipe - because those are disconnected as of now.

Does this part really exist, or are they trying to hose me because I'm female?

[reekor]

I'm guessing that by Emissions Module they mean the ECM. The ECM doesn't start going bad, either it's good or bad, there is no between. I would say that yes they are trying to bend you over to see if you'll hold still.

Originally Posted by porcelina68

Yesterday, my Taurus refused to start in a parking lot. Today, I had CarX pick it up, and they called me to tell me that it started right up for them, and that my Emissions Module was going bad, on top of needing a new muffler and tail pipe - because those are disconnected as of now.

Does this part really exist, or are they trying to hose me because I'm female?

[shorod]

I suspect they are referring to a catalytic converter that is either rusted out or partially plugged.

Would the car crank and just not start and run, or did it fail to even crank?

If it seemed to crank fine, but wouldn't start or run, that could indicate a partially plugged catalytic converter as well. And the catalytic converter is located in the exhaust between the exhaust manifold and muffler. It's sole purpose in life is to reduce emissions, converting unburnt fuel to water vapor, so it is conceptually an "emissions module."

One thing to keep in mind though is a catalytic converter rarely fails due to age. Usually, there is some issue upstream that is causing it to overheat (rich air/fuel ratio) and burn up. You will want to make sure your car is well tuned, the air filter is clean, no vacuum leaks, oxygen sensor is responding properly, DPFE is working, etc. If any of these items are an issue and not resolved, a new catalytic converter will have a short lifespan.

-Rod

[porcelina68]

Originally Posted by shorod

I suspect they are referring to a catalytic converter that is either rusted out or partially plugged.

Would the car crank and just not start and run, or did it fail to even crank?

If it seemed to crank fine, but wouldn't start or run, that could indicate a partially plugged catalytic converter as well. And the catalytic converter is located in the exhaust between the exhaust manifold and muffler. It's sole purpose in life is to reduce emissions, converting unburnt fuel to water vapor, so it is conceptually an "emissions module."

One thing to keep in mind though is a catalytic converter rarely fails due to age. Usually, there is some issue upstream that is causing it to overheat (rich air/fuel ratio) and burn up. You will want to make sure your car is well tuned, the air filter is clean, no vacuum leaks, oxygen sensor is responding properly, DPFE is working, etc. If any of these items are an issue and not resolved, a new catalytic converter will have a short lifespan.

-Rod

When I attempted to start it, before it was picked up, it cranked just fine. I have found out, when taking it home from CarX that it will start and run just fine, when the engine is cold. I haven't tried to start it warm since that day it didn't start, but I'll be looking into that.

[shorod]

What did CarX have to replace? Depending on what was replaced, it sounds like you may have a failing fuel pump if it still fails to start when warm.

-Rod