Seven problems related to check engine light on have been reported for the 1996 Ford Taurus. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I recently brought the car for 4,00 and some change a bout a year ago two days after I brought it the check engine light came on and every now and then while driving it would cut off I took the car back to the place I brought it from and told them they told me to bring it back in I would have to leave it so I got some one to follow me and take me back home when I went to pick up the car it was running but by the time I got home the check engine light was back on. Then the defrost didn't work I took it back to them. That's when the air condictioner stop working I just quit complain the car ran pretty smooth although the check engine light stayed on . I went to start my car one night and it wouldn't start so I went and brought so heet I thoght because it was cold out side it is winter I begin hear a hiss llike some air is excaping from somewhere under the hood but yo hear it inside the car like a lot of static. It time for me to get a tuneup now the car really runs sluggish and turns off more often and you can't turn the wheels so that is spooky I had the check light checked out and they said it was my lean sensor too much air is getting into the gasoline and that has something to do with the catalyic converter.
This car continually stalls out , the battery light comes on, the engine repair light comes on, the underneath suspension squeeks and groans, the brakes squeak, the wheel doesn't turn when the car stalls out. It has happened numerous times when I am turning a corner, the car stalls out and the wheel will not turn. Now the computor systems are not working the air conditioning. I have to restart the car to get the radio and the air conditioning to start up. These things happen but no one can find a problem.
While driving at any speed the engine light stayed on the remainder of the time the vehicle was being operated. The dealer was notified.
Noticed a knock in the engine and was going to have it checked out when going down interstate 75 at 65 miles and hour the car lost acceleration in heavy Friday afternoon traffic. I was able to get off the expressway and call for help. I had the car towed to a local Ford dealer. They have now had my car for 48 days. I was told that the camshaft on the right side of the engine had malfunctioned and would have to be replaced. I was told the repairs would be between $2,800-$3,300. I authorized the repairs. After finally getting the parts, repairing and putting the engine back together it still did not run properly. They had to pull the engine apart again and now said they would need approximately $2,000 more to repair the valves and head. They replaced the valves and were able to machine the head. They put it back together and returned my car after 35 days and $4,400 in repairs. The next morning on the way to work the check engine light came on and the engine was running very rough. Took back to Ford after 4 more days I was told the other side of the engine was now malfunctioning and it would cost me approximately $2,000-$3,000 more in repairs. After going to the head of service/parts they agreed to cover the last repairs. I was informed that when the repair was complete that it may happen again. If I would have know all this in the beginning I would not have authorized the repairs.
Heard tapping sound coming from engine check engine light flashed three times lost all power to vehicle upon inspection from Ford dealer they confirmed that the cam sprocket had stripped from the cam shaft as a result the engine is totaled resulting in a 6000. 00 dollar less tax and labor repair bill. Dt.
Freeze plugs failed at 65mph; thermostat showed normal; engine light came on only when engine died; required head gasket job. . .
My car broke down 10/21/2000. I lost all power on the freeway driving with my 2 year old son. I took my car to 3 Ford dealerships and none of the mechanics could figure out what was wrong. Finally I found an independent machine shop who was competent enough to not only diagnose and fix my car properly, but they had to piece my engine (including the axles) together after a Ford dealership refused to put my car back together. I had no vehicle for 7 months and had to pay $3171 for the repairs not to mention 4 tow trucks. Shortly after having my car fixed I noticed it would idle high when sitting at stop signs or lights. Eventually my check engine light appeared and recently discovered it is either the throttle position sensor or throttle body. Regarding the cam sprocket failure, I know of at least 69 people who have had the exact same problems with their Taurus sho models. Ford refuses to help fix its defective product and hopefully no one will have to die from this sudden engine failure before action is taken. Thank you.