1997 Ford Taurus Consumer Discussions

Taurus/Sable Maintenance & Repair

• Re: Replacing the power motor and quides on a 1997 Ford Taurus [taurus1234]

  Written by: bonnied1 on Jul 14, 2011 5:40:43 PM

  were you able to get this fixed? I have the same problem with a 1997 ford taurus. drivers side window is stuck in down position and i have the part but we cant figure out how to switch old with new part if you can help I'd greatly appreciate it!! thanks!!

Taurus Emissions Code

• Re: 1997 Ford Taurus [shamrock26]

  Written by: plongley on Mar 27, 2010 12:35:46 AM

  Shamrock, did you ever find out what was causing it? I am having a similar problem - will not pass inspection - says sensors not ready. CEL is not on though.

• 1997 Ford Taurus

  Written by: shamrock26 on Aug 5, 2009 8:14:31 AM

  97 Ford Taurus 106 k It has service engine soon light on,I went for state inspection and it failed emissions they told me it couldnt get a reading has anyone else had this problem or can anyone help me with this problem is and how can i fix it i'd appreciate someones opinion or input....Thanks

Taurus/Sable Heating / Cooling Problems

• heating/cooloing leak

  Written by: maggienm on May 4, 2009 1:06:46 PM

  I have a 1997 Taurus with about 120,000 miles on it. Analysis showed the torque converter bad and it shifts very hard when it gets warm. I have been told I'm lucky the transmission hasn't gone out by now. My heating/cooling system started with a small leak and I now come to where I constantly have to keep it checked and filled. It is under the motor towards the front and ... Read More

• 1997 Taurus cold air out of heater

  Written by: rich3109 on Dec 7, 2007 12:03:45 PM

  1997 Ford Taurus "G" 100,000 miles. When turn on heat, get a "bumping" sound in the dashboard and no heat comes out. Last year I would get lukewarm heat out of it and the "bumping" sound. I can eliminate the noise by turning temp control to about mid point in heat mode or a/c mode. A/C works good. But now I need heat.

Taurus/Sable Maintenance & Repair

• Any one knows how to locate my Heater Core? on my Ford Taurus

  Written by: jessejames5 on Dec 6, 2007 3:52:30 PM

  I have a 1997 Ford Taurus. I have a problem with the heater core I heard nightmares on replaceing the heater core , is there any body that could help me out on how to replace and locating the heater core, I have heard that in order to replace the heater core you have to take down the dash board. But i really dont know were is it at. I try ... Read More

Taurus/Sable Heating / Cooling Problems

• How can I locate My heater Core ? Any one

  Written by: jessejames5 on Dec 6, 2007 3:49:01 PM

  I have a 1997 Ford Taurus. I have a problem with the heater core I heard nightmares on replaceing the heater core , is there any body that could help me out on how to replace and locating the heater core, I have heard that in order to replace the heater core you have to take down the dash board. But i really dont know were is it at. I try ... Read More

• Re: Forcing Ford to Recall Taurus/Sable for water leak and AC Blower defect [oksweet]

  Written by: jessejames5 on Dec 6, 2007 3:35:14 PM

  I have a 1997 Ford Taurus. I have a problem with the heater core I heard nightmares on replaceing the heater core , is there any body that could help me out on how to replace and locating the heater core, I have heard that in order to replace the heater core you have to take down the dash board. But i really dont know were is it at. I try ... Read More

Taurus/Sable Maintenance & Repair

• Re: dome delay in 1995 ford taurus [bhpops]

  Written by: ken68 on Aug 27, 2007 5:22:51 PM

  Sounds like a door light switch switch, same thing happened to my 1997 Ford Ranger and 1997 Mercury Sable, except the Ranger turned it off after twenty minutes & the Sable I had to pull the fuse. This depends on where that switch is, but you may be able to fix this if the switch is in latching mechanism in the door by spraying inside the door latches with WD40 and ... Read More

Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Sedans Pre-2008

• 1997 Taurus GL (A little off topic, I know)

  Written by: kspencerjr on Jun 29, 2007 9:21:42 AM

  Good afternoon everyone, I just wanted to say that although the current topic is the new Tauruses, I bit the bullet and bought a '97 - With the 3 liter V6 (VIN starts as 1FAL - Not sure of the engine is the Vulcan or the Duratech, but it's got some oomph), because of a rear end collision that totaled my car (1991 Caprice, with the 305). I must say, I ... Read More

Taurus/Sable Transmission Problems

• Re: Re; Mercury Sable tranny magic [misiu1]

  Written by: bahamamichael on Jun 12, 2007 4:52:35 PM

  I have a 97 sable with an electric/tranny problem. It runs fine in neutral and park but when you put it in gear or reverse the power steering, radio and power windows shut off. The radio clock still works but no sound and no power steering. But when i put it back to neutral or park i can operate the windows again along with the power steering?????? Any ideas ? Please ... Read More

Taurus/Sable Electrical Problems

• no spark or injector pulse

  Written by: mws9646 on May 25, 2007 7:16:36 PM

  1997 Ford Taurus, I did a head gasket job on the car and now ther is no spark or injector pulse. Everything is plug in, check that 100 times, and we even swapped some parts, crank sensor, cam sensor, pcm, control mod., I just don't know what is wrong. A number of us are STUMPED! Did I mention the parts work in the other idenical car. HEEEEELLLLP!

Taurus/Sable Transmission Problems

• 1997 FORD TAURUS PROBLEMS

  Written by: jessjessie on Apr 9, 2007 12:59:09 PM

  I am having some problems with my Ford Taurus: (1) My panel on my car as well as my headlights flicker and my battery light flickers too. When the battery light isn't flickering and its on, my panel and highlights come on strong. (2) When I go up hills, my car doesn't want to switch into gears, I really have to put my foot on the gas inorder for it to ... Read More

• Re: Car can';t get any pull [fkmachnic31]

  Written by: jessjessie on Apr 3, 2007 5:09:15 PM

  I too have a 1997 ford taurus and when i go up hills, my car doesn't want to switch gears, I really have to put my foot on the gas inorder for it to give me any pull (on the hill it drops form 30mph to 20mph). And when I go down a hill my car kinda "kicks" or aggressively slips into the next gear of RPM's...is it my transmission?

Taurus/Sable MPG-Real World Numbers

• Gas Mileage.

  Written by: waggiecam on Mar 31, 2007 11:18:36 PM

  I have a 1997 Ford Taurus that is only getting an average of 14 miles to the gallon. I was going to replace the coil, plugs, and wires since the power is really going downhill as well. Do you all recommend that I replace those three items or what should I replace to boost my power and gas mileage? Also when I am idling or just start my car I have ... Read More

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

• Ford Taurus + or -

  Written by: farout on Feb 8, 2007 6:59:19 PM

  Having had a 1997 that went over 250,000 miles with 4 transmissions. The Taurus was comfortable car. However just renaming the poor selling "500" is doomed for failure. In order to pull the Taurus back from the dead name pile Ford will have to start fresh with a vehicle that people WANT to buy. The Ford 500 is an old peoples car, and I am a old people and don't like ... Read More

Taurus/Sable Heating / Cooling Problems

• Re: ford taurus heater issues [cimino]

  Written by: shasta67 on Jan 29, 2007 9:35:42 PM

  Yes I have been thinking of what would cause it to go cold and I don't really have any good ideas. If it were just the heater I might say it was a plugged heater core but if the whole car is going cold it could not be that. First off is your coolant tank full? The Taurus tank has two sections. It is possible that a sharp turn causes one ... Read More

Taurus/Sable Transmission Problems

• 1997 Ford Taurus Questions

  Written by: papa_keene on Jan 24, 2007 10:19:09 AM

  I have two problems I have questions about. 1. When I turn my steering wheel to the right or put the vehicle in reverse the radio goes off and it may come back on or it might not. 2. We are in SW MO and during the ice storm we had a little over a week ago I went out to my car and started it to come home from work. ... Read More

• Car can';t get any pull

  Written by: fkmachnic31 on Jan 15, 2007 7:25:43 PM

  Hey everybody i have a 1997 ford taurus that can't get any pull when driving it straight ,But if i am going to make a turn it will get up 40(mph)when turning corners though and if given gas it will only get u to 15-20(mph)all the gears switch fine .Just got front motor mount on ,also have to put the back one on .my main concern is that i find my ... Read More

Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Sedans Pre-2008

• Re: why is my 1998 ford taurus using transmission fluid [salsbugie]

  Written by: crfceo on Nov 5, 2006 2:24:05 PM

  I'll bet it IS leaking. My experience is this. I went on a small road trip in my 1997 taurus. I pulled off the highway to get gas an d realized my transmission wasn't working. I got out and it was leaking badly. I managed to get it home stopping every few miles to refill it. The next morning, I jacked up the car, put it on stands and started it ... Read More

Taurus/Sable Maintenance & Repair

• Secondary Air Injection Fault

  Written by: taurus3 on Jul 26, 2006 3:24:00 PM

  I own a 1997 Ford Taurus GL, 3.0L V6, it 's check engine light is on and i had it checked and the code #P0411 came up and it states, circuit relay defective or fuse open. Check connector & wiring, Air pump defective or blocked hose, I have tried to find a clear diagram and testing procedures of this system and all parts involved with no luck. I would appreciate any ... Read More

• Transmission cuts out radio -- 1997 Ford Taurus G

  Written by: leestaurus on Jul 17, 2006 2:19:06 PM

  Whenever I put my car in reverse, the radio cuts out. It returns when I get out of reverse. Can anyone help? The car has 60,000 miles on it.

• Ford Taurus Cooling System Flush

  Written by: steave on Jul 2, 2006 7:19:21 PM

  Can anybody give me some insight on how to flush the cooling system on a 1997 Ford Taurus? I can't seem to find a valve or petcock on the radiator. Is there a flush kit that can be purchased from a car parts store? How do I make sure I get the correct mixture of anit-freeze to water back in the system? Thank you! Steev

• 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: 1997 Ford Taurus Heater Noise [richard29]

  Written by: jrod1234 on Nov 20, 2005 2:52:10 PM

  My name is Joe and I also have a 97 Taurus. I have the same problem, exactly as you described. Do you have any info on the problem? If so please responde

• 1997 Ford Taurus Heater Noise

  Written by: richard29 on Nov 1, 2005 12:19:45 PM

  1997 Taurus 90,000 miles. I get a rythmic ongoing noise about once per second somewhere in the dashboard when heat or defroster is selected (but only when the temp knob is set past half way (going into the red) or when set at the coldest setting in the blue (cold).. Maybe it's a duct damper cycling open and shut, I don't know. I get very little heat through the ducts. Please ... Read More

• electronics problem i guess

  Written by: lsclay on Oct 16, 2005 9:15:59 AM

  keep replacing fuel injectors and fuel pump in 1997 ford taurus. something is causing them to go out.voltage good. help please

Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Wagons

• 1997 Taurus wagon CD player & Keyless entry

  Written by: badtaurus on Oct 14, 2005 4:22:32 AM

  Thanks for your replies and proper advice! I have no CD player even though there is a button to push to get to it. How much for a CD player guys? Shocking News!!! Ford wants $105.00 to make an ignition key that will start my Taurus. To my knowledge, they are the only ones that can make and program a key. There is no way out unless you are an electronic ... Read More

• 1997 Ford Taurus Wagon

  Written by: badtaurus on Oct 8, 2005 5:32:54 PM

  I just puerchased one today with 43,000 miles on it. The stats I ead say it gets 18 mpg city and 26mpg open road. Does anyone have the real gas mileage figures for me and some information I should know about that will make me a happier driver. Thanks, badtaurus

Taurus/Sable Maintenance & Repair

• Re: Percolating 1997 Taurus [kimberlyn]

  Written by: mwilhite864 on Sep 22, 2005 5:45:37 AM

  This solution will cost you, but you have a couple freeze plugs within the bell houseing. when you are looking at the engine it will be to the right of your engine and about your starter. right next to the trans, these will all be connected. Her comes the fun, each freeze plug cost $.93, but you have to have your engine pulled to get to the freeze plugs in the ... Read More

• Replacing the power motor and quides on a 1997 Ford Taurus

  Written by: taurus1234 on Sep 20, 2005 7:41:41 AM

  I have a question regarding replacing the power motor and quides on a 1997 Ford Taurus. The arm that is connected to the motor has a knuckle that snaps into a plastic guide that slides in a track on the window. I was able to pry the two apart when I disassembled it but can not get the knuckle to snap back into the guide. Is there a trick to this? ... Read More

• Percolating 1997 Taurus

  Written by: lowe on Aug 15, 2005 6:15:26 PM

  I have a 1997 Ford Taurus GL. It has some serious cooling issues. One mechanic said it was a blown gasket. I hope not. We are serioulsy flushing the radiator, which is still showing a lot of rust. Just wondering what others have experienced with a bubbling Taurus. Tips sugguested? The car bubbles easily and it appears the engine is hot. Yet the temp. guage does not read hot. We have ... Read More

• Re: Percolating 1997 Taurus [lowe]

  Written by: kimberlyn on Aug 26, 2005 11:11:46 AM

  http://www.cartrackers.com/Forums/live/Ford/132.html this is where I finally found out a little something about my 99 sable. I have replaced two freeze plugs, water pump, thermostat and have been flushed. I have orange sludge in my radiator still. My heater rarely works. Yesterday the car overheated and I pulled into Autozone and fluid was spilling out...they said head gasket but I'm thinking it is another freeze plug. I'll find out this afternoon. From ... Read More

• Re: Percolating 1997 Taurus [lowe]

  Written by: rabodzey on Aug 17, 2005 5:49:32 AM

  Well, hard to tell...I haven't seen your car. I had loss of water and mechanic said it's ~350-400 to fix the leaks. What I did was to look carefully and track the leakeges down. I had two leakages on the upper part of the engine (under the manifold) and one-two on the lower surface. I opened the manifold and there is a metal tube there that had a hole in it. ... 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

• Re: 1997 Taurus S/W electrical trouble [terminator69]

  Written by: susy on Dec 2, 2004 6:07:35 PM

  Help!!! I bought a 96 ford taurus a month ago. Today when I was driving back home I experienced the same things you described. The power steering thing freaked me out!!! did you solve the problem?

• Re: 1997 Taurus S/W electrical trouble [terminator69]

  Written by: wijoco on Oct 12, 2004 7:07:27 AM

  Could be a lever postion sensor. They get corroded and fail. I think Ford called it an "MLP" around that time.

• Car or Dealer:

  Written by: jokev2 on Aug 19, 2004 2:53:12 PM

  I don't know too much about cars, but I've had a Chevy Impala, VW Bug, Mercury Cougar, and now my 94 Taurus LX. I bought my Taurus used in 1997 with 26,000 miles on it. I test drove it twice and really liked it and then decided to buy it. That was on a Saturday. By Monday, it was back at the dealer's for a new ignition, a new radio/cassette player, ... Read More

Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Sedans Pre-2008

• STEREO, May 16, 2004 (1:06 pm)

  Written by: mazcarfan1 on May 16, 2004 11:06:20 AM

  I have a few questions about my 1997 Ford Taurus GL with the stock Ford 6-speaker AM/FM Cass/C.D.changer controls(no Changer in trunk) head unit.. 1. What type of stock speakers brand and watts did Ford use front and rear for the 97 GL models? 2. Did Ford offer any hidden Subwoofer or AMP or just 6 speakers in the GL? THANKS IN ADVANCE! ~Allen/16/m/ms

Taurus/Sable Maintenance & Repair

• My Taurus Tale

  Written by: tmatteo on Jan 10, 2004 2:13:39 PM

  On Dec 30th 2003, I dropped my 1997 Taurus off at the Ford service dept. for a regular maintenance. They recommended a "power flush" of the trans. and power steering (transmissions problems are looming over the horizon it seems.) I said ok and picked it up the next day, The "check engine soon" light was on after I made a stop some miles away, so I returned it to the dealer. ... Read More

Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Wagons

• Pleasant experience ..97 Sable Wagon LX

  Written by: subra010 on Oct 13, 2003 9:32:58 AM

  Mileage 60K MPG: 22/25 (city/hwy) The mpg has stayed pretty steady over the years. Maintenance/repairs: $400: To fix the mount holding pressurised device holding up wagon rear hatch when it broke. $3000 for transmission job this summer. Thankfully, both covered by Extended Warranty (National Warranty Direct). We have taken this car out on long drives from Minneapolis to Mt Rushmore and Chicago. This has been a great car overall. THis is ... Read More

Taurus/Sable Maintenance & Repair

• 100 % Failure Rate with Ford Taurus Transmissions

  Written by: hansienna on Aug 24, 2003 10:39:29 AM

  The Ford Taurus automatic transmission has done more harm to the Blue Oval Image than anything since the Pinto.      Three sisters in a family I know had each purchased a Ford Taurus. The 1990 Taurus transmission failed at about 100,000 miles so she just junked it and got a 1997 Ford Escort with manual transmission.      The 1993 Ford Taurus was the best of the 3 and went 115,000 miles before the ... Read More

Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Sedans Pre-2008

• 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

Ford Taurus Problems

• 1997 Taurus LX - What is up?

  Written by: kw_carman on May 11, 2002 3:52:21 PM

  My grandmother has a 97 Taurus LX, and it is starting to fall apart. First let me state that it was bought at two years old with low miles by a +70 year old grandmother, who is a light driver (to church, bank and grocery store, and that's it). The front cup holder came apart within the first two months. Also, the power windows on both sides in the back have ... Read More

Taurus/Sable Maintenance & Repair

• 4th transmission at 102,000 miles on 1997 Taurus

  Written by: sws43081 on Nov 19, 2001 7:58:25 PM

  Maintained the car to spec. First trans failed at 37,000 miles. Second trans failed at 86,000 miles. Third trans failed at 102,000 miles. Decided to trade in car in lieu of paying for a fourth trans. Same problem occurred 2nd, 3rd & 4th times - slip when shifting into 2nd gear. Dealer diagnosis was internal leak. Ford solution was for me to pay $2500 per remanufactured trans. Bought a Honda.

• My 97 Taurus Experience (so far...)

  Written by: felixc1976 on Jul 23, 2001 12:53:28 PM

  Hi Guys! I've been reading this board on and off for a while, but finally decided to share my thoughts. On Dec.31 1997 I bought a 97 Taurus GL with 5K miles. The dealer drove it for a couple of months and they just moved it into the showroom. It has all the options that I ever needed (and didn't need) - Leather, moonroof, 6-disc CD changer, power seat and etc. ... Read More

• Any help would be appreciated re:Taurus Wagon

  Written by: snowbuniez on Jul 14, 2001 7:46:20 AM

  I own a 1997 Taurus LX Wagon with 57,000 miles on it. It has been an ok car, never really what I wanted but it is great for the kids. Anyway, this last trip to the dealership has been grueling. Last weekend it started to hesitate when you first start to pull out. Then it went to starting ok, but when I put it in drive it will stall. Now, when ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: sable93 on Jun 14, 2001 3:00:59 PM

  Glad you loved your Sables. This is the second Taurus/Sable I've owned. 1. 1993 Mercury Sable GS = 2 head gasket jobs Cost = $2800 2. 1997 Ford Taurus = new transmission + other Cost = $4000 Luckily, the Sable's head gaskets went under a three month warranty I got with the car in 1999. Then, they went again a little under a year, so it was also covered under warranty. ... Read More

• Glad I changed my mind!

  Written by: 210delray on Jun 5, 2001 4:06:17 PM

  After reading all of these horror stories even on later model Tauruses, I'm glad I sold my '90 Sable last summer at 135K miles. It had the famous transmission, a/c, and warped rotor problems, and much, much more. I'm also glad I DIDN'T buy a lightly used '95 or '96 Taurus in 1997 as I was seriously considering. (I thought that Ford had cleaned up its act.) I ended up buying ... Read More

Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Sedans Pre-2008

• re bronsonb

  Written by: larryn2 on Apr 5, 2001 7:12:05 PM

  well about dealers, over priced and dont do enough for the buck. I just bought a 1997 taurus 43000 i just did a major service,coolant flush,trans flush/check, wheel rotate/balance, plugs, wires, injector cleaner, fuel filter.start fresh, stay well thats my opinion stay with the manual keep a good record of all you do to the car local shops are cheeper than dealer. you dont need proof of maintenance for warranty work ... Read More

Taurus/Sable Maintenance & Repair

• 1997 Ford Taurus

  Written by: tammycampbell8 on Mar 21, 2001 7:25:56 AM

  Does anyone have any problems with their alignments on their 96 through 99 model taurus's?

• 1997 Taurus with suspension problems and door sensors going bad

  Written by: tammycampbell8 on Mar 19, 2001 12:39:26 PM

  Our worst nightmare was the service dept in the same town we bought this 97 taurus, our problems began in 98 when you could hear the sound of a ball dropping coming out of the right front of the car. I was taking this car to the dealer that I bought it from in 1998 and 1999 complaining of the sound> But each time the car went in, it came out ... Read More

Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Sedans Pre-2008

• '95 Taurus SHO

  Written by: goldorak on Jul 24, 2000 10:14:44 PM

  Hi, I'm currently looking for a 1997 Maxima (don't start telling me it's a crappy car 'cause it's not a Ford, you'd be wasting your time and more importantly mine, I like this car) but recently, a 1995 Taurus SHO I saw for sale at a very interesting price (about 6 795 U.S. $) has caught my eye. I like the big monster look (especially the pipes in the back) and ... Read More

• Ward's 10 Best Engines in the world

  Written by: teo on Jul 11, 2000 6:45:30 PM

  I haven't seen neither Taurus engine (Duratec or Vulcan) on the annual 10 best engine contest. From Ford I have seen the V-8's and I believe the 2.5L V-6 from the Contour SVT. GM's 3800 Series II V-6 was featured until 1997 and now the 3.5L DOHC "Shortstar" has taken the honors since then 9Both excellent engines). I have yet to see an engine from DChrysler or Honda (Exception the S2000 ... Read More

Taurus/Sable Maintenance & Repair

• Transmission

  Written by: shimmer on Apr 6, 2000 8:18:43 PM

  I have a big problem,when I purchased my 1997 ford taurus I was told by the dealer it had transmission problems but they fixed it they said when it was in drive and you give it gas it acted like it was in nuetral luckily I contacted the previous owner and they said that it did do what the dealership said and they liked the car otherwise so I purched it ... Read More