1996 Ford Taurus Consumer Discussions

Taurus/Sable Starting or Stalling Problems

• Re: 1996 ford taurus [thom102]

  Written by: taurusidiot on Dec 31, 2008 9:19:00 AM

  Hi thom102, I have the same car and the same problem. The mech told me the engine was shot but I don't believe him. I suspected the timing chain also until I realized it had a 'chain' and not a timing BELT. If you find an answer please let me know! Mine has plenty of gasoline pressure and all the spark plugs fire (I pulled each one and checked 'em). When ... Read More

Ford Taurus Fuel Pump

• Re: 1996 ford taurus GL fuel pump proplems? please help! [96taurusglhelp]

  Written by: swampsoup on Sep 1, 2011 6:28:29 AM

  Sounds like the power wire going to the pump from the inertia safety shutoff switch is grounded between it and the pump. I had a similar problem with my 94 taurus. With the key off; take a multimeter and read the wire going from the switch to the pump to ground. You should see about 27 ohms which would be reading a healthy coil of your fuel pump. My guess is ... Read More

• 1996 ford taurus GL fuel pump proplems? please help!

  Written by: 96taurusglhelp on Aug 1, 2011 8:08:20 AM

  I have a 1996 ford taurus GL 3.0 v6 fuel injected It had stopprd running awhile back we had someone drop the tank and put on a new fuel pump when key on I get 12 volts to the safty shut off switch but drops down to zero volts when the clip is in the safty switch when i pull it out and turn the key off then on the meter ... Read More

Taurus/Sable Electrical Problems

• power steering or electrical?

  Written by: sis2gia on Jun 20, 2011 10:56:55 AM

  I have a 1996 Ford Taurus. First, when in reverse, the car was hard to steer, then I noticed when in reverse the windows would not work. Now, after driving the car a couple of miles, the power steering isn't working in "drive" and the windows and wipers will not work unless it is in "neutral" or "park". Is there an inexpensive fix?

Taurus/Sable Maintenance & Repair

• 2001 Taurus DTC P0402

  Written by: brownboot on Feb 12, 2011 11:14:00 AM

  2001 Ford Taurus check eng light on with a DTC P0402.This happens about every 2.5 years and I replace the Backpressure sensor and that will take care of it. Is this normal on this year? We brought it new and now has 58,000 + miles (wife car) I have had 2 other Taurus a 1996 with over 200,000 miles and a 2003 with 170,000 miles and have never replace that part. ... Read More

Taurus/Sable Starting or Stalling Problems

• Re: 1996 ford taurus [erniet]

  Written by: taurusidiot on Feb 2, 2010 3:25:55 PM

  Erniet (1-6-10) Thanks for answering. You are the first one I've read that even comes close to my question, much less an answer. I believe you are right. That is exactly what I suspected after my tests and also when the so called "mechanic" said my engine was SHOT. I just couldn't believe an engine that new and running as good as it had would quit so suddenly.(with NO noises or ... Read More

• Re: 1996 ford taurus [taurusidiot]

  Written by: erniet on Jan 6, 2010 12:37:20 PM

  must have jumped time this explains the no compression state change chain and any bad gears (or could be a tensioner)

Taurus/Sable Transmission Problems

• 1996 ford

  Written by: muncy on May 31, 2008 10:02:54 AM

  i have a 1996 ford taurus with a bad transmission i have a spare one out of a 1999 taurus only diff i see is the little grey box on the gear shift control can i change that box to work with my spare

Taurus/Sable Heating / Cooling Problems

• Water Gauge

  Written by: capcha on Feb 17, 2009 6:45:10 PM

  I have a Ford Taurus 1996 wagon, My water gauge rises almost to 3/4 the way up especially up hill and on hot days, mechanic flushed out the radiator but said it will probably need replacing eventually. Which will be a drag and expensive as its undaneath.I use my A/C to lower the gauge and it works but if the hill is really steep and goes for about 15mins, once at ... Read More

Taurus/Sable Brake Questions

• brakes

  Written by: muncy on Aug 27, 2008 10:12:33 AM

  have changed front rotor and calibers on front and now brakes are sticking and getting real hot whats the problem on my 1996 ford taurus,,,,,help

Taurus/Sable Maintenance & Repair

• 1996 Ford Taurus Odometer Problem

  Written by: grailking on Apr 9, 2008 10:43:04 AM

• 1996 Ford Taurus Odometer Problem

  Written by: grailking on Apr 9, 2008 10:43:04 AM

  Hi, today my odometer quit working. My speedometer and RPM are working fine. I have 109,000 miles on my car. Can someone point me in the right direction for the repair? Thanks

Taurus/Sable Starting or Stalling Problems

• 1996 ford taurus

  Written by: thom102 on Mar 1, 2008 4:35:48 PM

  i have a 96 taurus 3.0 efi trying to find out what to do i was driving on the highway engine just quit running and would not staart back up when u tried to start it just turned over at a real fast speed towed it to a shop they did a compresion test on it said i had low comp in a few cylenders and that the timimng chain was ... Read More

Hyundai Azera vs Toyota Avalon vs Ford Taurus vs Chevrolet Impala

• Re: Avalon [tjc78]

  Written by: thegraduate on Sep 27, 2007 7:00:30 PM

  Ah, sorry. I've recently started shopping cars with (and for) my grandmother, and we had looked at the Taurus SEL. I was thinking it came with Stability Control standard. I do understand the difference in TC and SC, but was apparently misinformed about the Ford. And yes, things like auto-temp and auto headlights are things that narrow the price gap, but you have to want those things for the gap to ... Read More

Mainstream Large Sedans Comparison

• Re: Azera is better [scbob]

  Written by: scottl on Aug 4, 2007 9:29:02 AM

  There is not a single part on the 2008 Taurus that was on the 1996. No question that the older Taurus had issues, although there are a lot of them out there with over 200K on them. I guarantee you that you could find an example in every single make out there of auto trannys blowing out at 125K. Why are you not bringing up the 'stellar' track record of the ... Read More

What Are Your Thoughts on the Return of the Taurus/Sable?

• Re: Good Move [danielj6]

  Written by: gregg_vw on Mar 3, 2007 7:42:26 PM

  The Taurus name is a good move...to draw attention to a car that can stand out no other way. It's anonymous and it's boring, even if it performs just fine in a field of cars that do the same. Bottom line, it ain't gonna save Ford. I agree that the 1986 to 1995 Sable wagon had a certain understated je n'ai ce quoi, even though at the same time, it stood ... Read More

• Re: Good Move [pnewby]

  Written by: gregg_vw on Feb 19, 2007 11:56:58 AM

  I don't disagree with you two! Ford has added some very significant improvements. I think I even said that. But GM's approach, like it or not, works pretty well. The Tahoe has overtaken the Expedition's lead. The Escalade has overtaken the Navigator's lead. Sales of the Explorer fell precipitously after the latest re-do, despite all the improvements made to it. That is too bad, and it is not just due to ... Read More

Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Wagons

• Re: Taurus Reborn [pat]

  Written by: ford_guy52 on Feb 12, 2007 10:52:23 AM

  Interesting... and thanks! It looks like my first post on that topic in this group even beat the first post in that thread... But a Taurus X? I'm sorry, no interest here... My Sable/Taurus history?? My ex-wife and I had bought a 1989 Sable Wagon to replace a totalled Bronco II. Loved it, so we bought a matching 1989 Sable Sedan. I drove the heck out of that '89 Sedan with ... Read More

What Are Your Thoughts on the Return of the Taurus/Sable?

• What Are Your Thoughts on the Return of the Taurus?

  Written by: jchan2 on Feb 7, 2007 5:36:24 PM

  Well... Ford unveiled a renamed Five-Hundred and Freestyle at the Chicago show. Seems like the Five-Hundred will now be a Ford Taurus, a Mercury Montego will become a Mercury Sable, and a Ford Freestyle will become a Ford Taurus X. I think that the name change is questionable because sure, people recognize the name Taurus more, but the Taurus name has baggage, including low resale value, the image of "rental car ... Read More

Design Flaws & Foibles

• Design Flaws & Foibles

  Written by: derrado1 on Dec 13, 2006 1:20:21 AM

  Inspired by Karl's blog post on design features he hates, I thought I'd create a topic here where we could discuss what design elements we love or hate, and even what cars we think are hideous. Some things that grind my gears... -Cars being grossly under-tired, or at least appearing that way. Wheels that don't fill the wheel wells should be discarded. -Brands having either a range full of lookalikes, or ... Read More

Should I buy this used Taurus or Sable?

• Should I purchase a 2006 Ford Taurus! Help

  Written by: eastcoasta on Oct 3, 2006 8:41:25 AM

  Hi Folks, I have been driving a 1996 Ford Taurus since 1998 and really enjoyed the car. It is now too expensive to repair and I was offered a 2006 SEL Taurus with 18,000 miles for $14,000, it is fully loaded. Can anyone offer any advise on what I should pay for this vehicle? I would appreciate it. Oh, I am a female buyer and not good at negotiating car deals. ... Read More

Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Wagons

• SABLE/TAURUS

  Written by: ford_boy_1984 on May 27, 2006 10:19:46 PM

  As far as the reliability of the sable and the Taurus I can say its better than people say. Yes in the 80's the technology was bas but look at all cars in the 80's in the same class. As far as American cars go, their were few mid sized cars worth wild. And Dodge had the worst of all. Yes ford has problems but I’ve owned a 1990 Mercury Sable ... Read More

• Electrical problem maybe ?

  Written by: violet561 on May 27, 2006 7:11:08 AM

  This morning while on the freeway, our 1996 Ford Taurus died. First the tachometer stopped, then the radio and then right before the car died the speedometer stopped. We let it sit for a bit and it all worked again for about five minutes and the same thing happened although now there seems to be some sort of beeping too. We are going to get it towed home and was wondering ... Read More

Hyundai Azera vs Toyota Avalon vs Ford Taurus vs Chevrolet Impala

• Re: Other quality bias notes [captain2]

  Written by: badgerfan on Mar 6, 2006 1:14:02 PM

  If you are referring to the Ford "3.0" you could be referring either to the 3.0 Vulcan pushrod or the 3.0 Duratech. For either engine, you are wrong that they were disasters from day 1. The 3.0 Vulcan, when first introduced in the original Taurus, (1987 model year was it?) was a very state of the art engine. One of the first with multipoint fuel injection and an electronic ignition system ... Read More

Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Sedans Pre-2008

• Re: Should this be "Tauri" [L8_Apex]

  Written by: alek_medic on Dec 23, 2005 7:49:16 PM

  stumbled upon this one : Ford Taurus owner manuals 1996-2006

Taurus/Sable Maintenance & Repair

• Ford Taurus PCM CMP

  Written by: futureauto on Dec 16, 2005 11:22:58 AM

  Ford Taurus 1996 3.0L engine Vin U has the P0340 DTC Camshaft position sensor circuit malfunction. I did all the circuit tesing and it all pointed to getting new PCM but put that in today and it came right back(DTC)going to Vocational school monday off the weekend and will ask him but any ideas????? Help

Hyundai Azera vs Toyota Avalon vs Ford Taurus vs Chevrolet Impala

• Re: Have you even DRIVEN a 500? [barnstormer64]

  Written by: scramblinman on Dec 1, 2005 10:03:04 AM

  Sounds a lot to me like few of you (if any) have actually DRIVEN the Five Hundred. Especially with the CVT. Doesn't feel underpowered to me. Well, we DID take a Ford 500 with CVT for an extensive test drive where I put it through the wringer and I can unequivocally say that powerwise, it does indeed leave a LOT to be desired. Even my wife, a very mellow driver, commented ... Read More

Taurus/Sable Maintenance & Repair

• Re: 1997 taurus g O2 and speed sensor [dragonking9]

  Written by: alcan on Nov 20, 2005 3:11:59 PM

  "i'm trying to replace my O2 sensor" Which oxygen sensor are you referring to? There are 4 of them: http://www.autozone.com/images/cds/gif/large/0900823d801af707.gif Ford Taurus/Sable 1996-1999 Repair Guide Vehicle Speed Sensor REMOVAL & INSTALLATION 1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. 2. Raise and support the vehicle. 3. Remove the catalytic converter Y-pipe. 4. Unplug the VSS electrical connector. 5. Remove the VSS protective heat shield. 6. Remove the retaining bolt from the VSS. 7. ... Read More

• Re: 1996 ford taurus overheating [diggerr]

  Written by: devw on Oct 29, 2005 9:51:56 PM

  my friends taurus had the same problem and the water pumps blades were rusted right off so they were flat and didnt circulate unless reving the engine up. replaced and it went away. also caused the antifreeze to be continuously rusty colored which went away too.

• 1996 ford taurus overheating

  Written by: diggerr on Oct 29, 2005 12:18:02 PM

  i have a 96 taurus 3.0 that overheats while idling. when you rev the engine the slightest bit, the heat comes blasting out, and the engine cools down. while idling, the heat blows cold, and temp rises. no leaks, full of antifreeze, thermo is good. water pump maybe?!?

• Re: my Taurus 96 overheating [cole_lol]

  Written by: alcan on Sep 20, 2005 3:05:35 AM

  Simple job with the DOHC engine: Ford Taurus/Sable 1996-1999 Repair Guide Water Pump, 3.0L DOHC Engine 1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Drain the engine cooling system. 2. Remove the water pump drive belt. 3. Disconnect the radiator and heater hoses from the water pump. 4. If equipped, remove the A/C compressor-to-water pump brace. 5. Unfasten the four nuts securing the water pump to the engine and remove the water pump. ... Read More

• my window??

  Written by: ford_legend on Jul 15, 2005 7:01:14 PM

  I am having problems with my driver side window. it doesn't roll up? it makes a clicking noise but nothing happens???? the passenger window works fine. please help..it's going to rain soon. it's a 1996 ford Taurus I didn't know where to put this question? I think I posted in the right place now.

• signal flasher

  Written by: kay10 on Jun 23, 2005 6:28:17 PM

  im having trouble locating the flasher on my 1996 Ford Taurus sw. any help would be appriciated. thanks.

• Re: [mechair]

  Written by: alcan on Jun 20, 2005 6:58:00 PM

  You have removed the subframe already, right? If you haven't, the transaxle isn't going to come out. I dno't know which book you're referring to, but here's the R&R procedure: Automatic Transaxle Assembly Ford Taurus/Sable 1996-1999 Repair Guide To remove: 1. Disconnect both battery cables, negative cable first. 2. Remove the battery and battery tray. Remove the engine air cleaner assembly. 3. Detach the transaxle harness and the Transmission Range (TR) ... Read More

• Re: 99 HEATER CORE [wijoco]

  Written by: mbrittb on Apr 5, 2005 1:07:17 AM

  I have a 1999 Ford Taurus Wagon that we have been having major heater core problems with as well. We had actually bought the car used from a Toyata dealer in New Orleans back in 2002. Since then we have had to replace the heater core 6/30/03, 5/26/04, and 9/1/04. Yes the coolant is turning brown, so I'm guess that the some sort of corrosion is getting into the coolant causing ... Read More

Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Sedans Pre-2008

• Taurus-Camry

  Written by: danielj6 on Oct 26, 2003 3:36:00 PM

  Throughout the 7 years that I had my 91 Toyota Camry I went twice to Ford dealers to trade to a Taurus wagon, preferably. I needed something roomy and safe for my growing children. First time 1993 I didn't get the Taurus wagon basically because my wife right there and then,in front of the salesman and manager, mentioned that after seeing the wagon she really wanted a minivan. Taurus wagon would've ... Read More

• California certification

  Written by: ehenness on Jun 27, 2003 4:41:00 AM

  There shouldn't be any differences in the car except for some of the calibrations within the powertrain computer. NY and Massachusetts (and now Vermont, I think, as well) require new cars sold or registered there to be California-emissions certified. MA required this starting with new 1995 model cars. I'd guess the car you're looking at came from one of those states, not California, if you're on the East Coast. The specs ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: upsetter1 on Mar 3, 2003 11:32:38 AM

  It is interesting to read in Mary Walton's "Car: A Drama of the American Workplace" (it is inside look to developement of 1996 Ford Taurus, so called DN101) how things were in late 80s and early 90s. Very similar btw. Camry wasn't competitor yet though (it was a compact econobox then) and main competitor was Accord. She writes that 40% of Accords were sold to fleets compared to 60% of Taurus. ... Read More

• Didn't

  Written by: riswami on Jan 17, 2003 3:46:15 AM

  realize that the Vulcan has only been used in the Taurus.The debut of the Taurus was 1985 as an 86 model. If Ford is going to keep the current edition around until 2005 that means this style will be in production since the 1996 model year. That is a long time for any model and it doesn't help the Taurus. I believe the 3.8 GM motor was developed in the early ... Read More

• ezaircon4jc

  Written by: upsetter1 on Nov 21, 2002 7:23:04 PM

  Current Taurus was redesigned in 1996 and in 2000 they made some changes in exterior, interior and safety equipment. I just read that Ford is starting new ad campain in TV and press to push Taurus. But it doesn't make it more competitive. They also said that Taurus will be kind of rental car and car for those who look for inexpensive midclass sedan. Real import fighters will be Ford 500, ... Read More

• mrdetailer

  Written by: badgerfan on Oct 2, 2002 5:52:54 AM

  Well, we have had two Caravans (1985 and current 1996) and Two Tauri(1990 and current 2000) and have had no transmission problems on any of them and did not baby them with frequent fluid & filter changes. We sold the 85 Caravan with 78,000 miles and only changed fluid and filter once at 60,000. Same with the 90 Taurus, which we sold at 98,000 miles and it had one fluid and ... Read More

• More on trans (edmund2460)

  Written by: ehenness on Aug 5, 2002 4:46:19 AM

  Well, I'm less familiar with the transmissions and computers used in the '93 Sable/Taurus, but you are right--it sounds definitely like something that happened in the rebuild. I'd agree that you need to have it checked if it was OK before. If it did that previously, as I said, then it's probably somewhat normal. And, again, I forget when they started the adaptive transmission control, but the Taurus from at least ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: upsetter1 on Jun 20, 2002 11:35:45 AM

  Compared to Camry e.g., or any German car, Taurus has a rather poor aerodynamics, it is far from modern standarts. All in all Ford pays much more attention to engineering European Fords and ignores American ones, that ones are getting more and more ancient. Fiesta, Mondeo, Ka, Focus all are top notch modern cars and leaders of the class, competeing head to head with VW. Now, Taurus was designed in 96 ... Read More

• crissy2

  Written by: upsetter1 on Apr 25, 2002 10:26:01 AM

  Taurus is safer car of course, because of its size and because Stratus has cab forward design, what means less room in front of driver in case of crash. If it is older Stratus, it is not safe, had poor safe ratings. If newer one, it passed NTSA tests well, though may be not as good as Taurus. Taurus has average reliability rating last 8 years in row. Status improved its ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: upsetter1 on Feb 15, 2002 12:17:06 PM

  teo I think that the reason that Impala performs better is that Taurus is a 1996 platform. Tausurs has a good handling and comfortable ride, but it is not sport sedan, is just family car. Vulcan is just anemic old engine and should be dropped. Toyotas i-4 feels more v-6 than Vulcan. I have all four disk brakes with ABS on my '94 Taurus. When I first drove Taurus I found ... Read More

• Taurus Resale Value

  Written by: wrx_al on Sep 1, 2001 12:54:18 PM

  is absolutely atrocious. This is due to the huge number of Taurus ex-rental cars being dumped on the market every year by Hertz. The resale value is further eroded by Ford's reliability reputation and a style that is now out of date. I recently bought a new car, a Subaru WRX, and was interested in selling my 1996 Taurus GL. The Ford dealer offered me $4200 (69K miles). If I sold ... Read More

• 1996 Tauras

  Written by: maryanns on Jul 29, 2001 2:03:58 PM

  I am looking to buy a used 1996 Ford Taurus. I have heard about transmission problems with these cars but I really have no idea about them. I am looking to go to a dealer for them. I have test drove two already. Any suggestions or comments on how these cars are would be greatly appreciated. I am having diffuculty finding out information. Thankyou

• Extended Warranty for 1996 Taurus GL

  Written by: scott153 on Mar 2, 2001 10:28:50 PM

  I have a Taurus with 50K miles. I am considering purchasing an extended warranty (I only had the Ford warranty until 36K). Any recommendations? I am considering Autobytel's (1-Source?)Diamond 10 year/100K extended warranty plan for $1500. Does anybody have any experience with this extended warranty provider? Thanks! Scott

• Power Window Problems on 1996 Taurus GL

  Written by: scott153 on Mar 2, 2001 10:25:47 PM

  I have two 1996 Taurus GL sedans. I have had problems with the power windows on both cars since 25K miles (I now have 50K miles). There are times when I press the power window button and the window will not go down. The Ford dealer charges $350 to repair (replace motor). I am very frustrated and feel that the power windows should not be failing at these mileage levels. Has ... Read More

• Successful Taurus'

  Written by: ocd on Jan 8, 2001 10:52:50 AM

  I also have two Taurus'. I have a new 2001 SEL and a 1996 GL (with the touring package). Both of these cars have been excellent. I am very pleased with the reliability I've received from both of them. It's not too often you hear about the positive remarks in this kind of forum. I've had other ford products (Windstar/Explorer) and my Taurus' have been by far the most trouble free! ... Read More

Taurus/Sable Maintenance & Repair

• RE: 1989 Taurus GL (hoofer)

  Written by: nematode on Dec 7, 2000 12:11:17 AM

  1989 Must have been a good vintage. I have an 89 with 140k. Nothing special has been done to maintain it at all. All fluids (brake, transmission, coolant, most everything) have been changed on schedule (the Ford schedule) and routine maintainance (belts, hoses, tune) as called for. Have replaced stereo wich was possessed, water pump, battery, alternator 2 times, alignment and balance 2 times(once free), the A/C (updated to the new ... Read More

Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Sedans Pre-2008

• Gas milage for 2000 Taurus

  Written by: seanses on Nov 19, 2000 2:27:47 AM

  Hi, 911Dan How come your Taurus is only 14MPG, I used to have a 1996 Taurus GL, I use regular, it is like 18MPG for local. I think Ford does not change the engine until 2000. Now I own a 2000 Taurus SES 24V. When I use regular, the gas milage is like 16-17 MPG for local, now I use plus, that improves to 18MPG, I guess when I upgrade to ... Read More

• Sure but....

  Written by: teo on Jul 15, 2000 8:14:51 PM

  It took Ford Motor Company 10 years to fix most of the Taurus reliability issues. The first Taurus went on sale on 1986 and the car became more or less trouble free until the dismal 1996 redesign. Why Taurus sells well?. Because it is valued priced and marketed at very close price points in relation to its main targets: The Accord and Camry. The Taurus offers "more car" for the money ... Read More

• TAURUS QUALITY

  Written by: daveho on Jul 8, 2000 6:41:21 PM

  I'm so tired of hearing all those complaints about Ford quality vs. praises for Japanese cars. I personally own many Ford models over the years as well as Honda Accords, Toyota Camry, & Nissan Altima. First of all, none of these Japanes cars are more reliable, and they cost more to repair and maintain. Worse still, the Japanese dealers are all blatant cheaters who, inspite of recent improvement in attitudes. always ... Read More

Taurus/Sable Maintenance & Repair

• Taurus and Contour

  Written by: nematode on Jan 11, 2000 2:09:03 PM

  Funny thing.....My 1990 Taurus gives me fewer problems at 140k miles than my 1996 Contour at 50k miles. Taurus: 1200 miles hit a deer (not the cars fault) 65k alternator 75k waterpump 125k air conditioning 130k power steering pump losing 1qt about every 1000-1500 miles clean air intake and replace several intake parts I wanted 200k out of it but I guess I would be happy with 150k after reading some ... Read More

• opinoion

  Written by: b3u12 on Nov 29, 1999 9:27:34 PM

  Now that I have read all the horror experiences about the Taurus ,whats the opinion on the 1996 Ford contour? Thanks