Three problems related to underhood wiring have been reported for the 1996 Ford Taurus. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While traveling at 65mph, vehicle started to lose power, engine check light came on, then engine quit. Consumer had to get to shoulder by using hazard lights. While consumer was on shoulder engine caught fire. Consumer says temparature gauge went to 3 quarters intermittently.
Consumer noticed smoke coming from underneath passenger's side. Within minutes later, vehicle was up in flames. Insurance company claimed fire started due to electrical wiring. Vehicle was a total loss.
While driving engine check light illuminated. When consumer pulled over an under the hood fire started. Fire department came and put the fire out. Cause was determined to be an electrical short. Ford has been contacted.