Four problems related to engine exhaust system have been reported for the 1997 Ford Taurus. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Service engine light on code#430 and #340. Told by pacifico Ford I have an emission failure and I need 2 catalytic converters and a cam sensor and cam synchronizer on 1/11/2006 at 89044 miles. The dealer replaced the #2 cam parts under warranty on 11/04/2002 at 55616 miles.
1997 Ford Taurus. Car began rough idling at cold start. After warming up would run fine. Took to mechanic twice. They did not know problem said it was safe to drive. Car only had 80,000 miles on it at the time. Car eventually started losing anti-freeze (not leaking, just turning up low every couple of days), exhaust fumes heavy, white smoke from exhaust, gas mileage terrible. I took to my uncle, a mechanic in another city and he knew what it was immediately. As I suspected, head gasket. Will cost $800-1000 to repair. This is my second Ford. Other was a 1995 Ford escort. After two transmissions and a cracked engine it died two years ago for good. I'm a sigle mom and this is only transportation. Cannot afford a new car yet. But it will not be a Ford when I can. Ford has changed and is not the same as it used to be. Ford does not care about the consumer.
Cam sensors are being replaced in the 1997 Ford Taurus models; since they are related to the the firing of the engine it will cause the emissions to increase and should therefore be covered under the 8yr/84000 mile law. Dt.
While driving exhaust fumes came into the vehicle. Dealer has been contacted.