ford taurus emission light + problems

[AyashiKaibutsu]

So I just got a 2000 ford taurus with 80k miles. Drove it from Florida to Alabama fine. This morning tried driving it and it wouldn't accelerate past a certain point (didn't seem to respond to more gas at all) eventually it started functioning almost right again. It seemed to mostly have issues going up hill. When this started happening a light came on which the manual said was the emission light.

 

[Arkaign]

EGR related possibly, I had a similar problem with a Neon. I'm sure the more experienced wrenchers here in the garage will chime in with more helpful info though.

 

[Pulsar]

You may have a plugged cat.

Does it shake and miss at certain pedal leves, or does it die when you hit the gas hard. If it shakes, it sounds like ignition (wires, plugs, coils), if it just dies then you can crack a couple exhaust bolts to see if that fixes it (plugged cat causes too much back pressure). I had an '01 Taurus that plugged it's cat at 137k.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Ford has tons of EGR problems. A lot of the codes from that era fall under like 2 or 3 specific emissions sensors, if you can go to autozone/advance/pep boys they'll usually pull the code for free. Post it here and we may be able to help you track it down.

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

Looking at the manual it says the emission light blinking (it was/is) is an engine misfire and needs to be checked asap since it'll destroy the catalytic converter; hopefully, the ~6 miles I drove it wasn't too much.

I called the guy I bought it from. He said to drop it off at a reputable place and give them his phone number. So I dropped it off at some place ~4 miles from where I live that some friends recommended. They're going to look at it tomorrow morning. I'll update the thread when I get more info.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

After rereading your post I wonder if you got some bad gas...

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

After rereading your post I wonder if you got some bad gas...

Is that something a mechanic would pick up on quickly? Last place I got gas was some random station between Tallahassee and Dothan : ( If I remember right it was a common name though I can't remember which one exactly.

 

[NutBucket]

Doesn't matter if its brand name gas or not. There could water condensed in the underground storage tank, for example.

It certainly is possible. Would be the nicest explanation. You can only hope 😉

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

Doesn't matter if its brand name gas or not. There could water condensed in the underground storage tank, for example.

It certainly is possible. Would be the nicest explanation. You can only hope 😉

Yea, but some of the gas stations I passed a long that route I would blame myself if it ended up being the case : )

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

So garage I dropped it off called. They said something about when the engine was steam cleaned water got into the cylinders and they'd have to do something to dry it out it something. Getting them to call the dealer I got it from (its still under their warranty).

 

[SpatiallyAware]

So garage I dropped it off called. They said something about when the engine was steam cleaned water got into the cylinders and they'd have to do something to dry it out it something. Getting them to call the dealer I got it from (its still under their warranty).

That sounds like BS or miscommunication to me.


Maybe steam got into some electrical connector or something, but it didn't get into the cylinders. I also find it VERY unlikely that moisture would wait until you've done so many miles to show itself as a problem.

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

That sounds like BS or miscommunication to me.


Maybe steam got into some electrical connector or something, but it didn't get into the cylinders. I also find it VERY unlikely that moisture would wait until you've done so many miles to show itself as a problem.

I might have miscommunicated it. If it's bs hopefully the dealer will call him on it. I haven't told them to do anything yet.

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

I talked with the garage and the dealer I got it from. Garage said something about it being fixed and having to replace 3 end caps. They're trying to charge the dealer I got it from 200$. He said he's going to cover it, but he's haggling with them since that's apparently outrageous.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Probably coil packs, and it probably didn't need all 3. Really hard to tell.


I'd try and pickup the car ASAP.. Granted your local place hasn't been paid yet, but it's a debt between business so maybe.

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

So garage tells me it's fixed and they're waiting on payment. Dealer says he was trying to work on price and never told them to do a fix. I never told them to... It's been like 3 days now starting to get pissed. Dad's saying to offer to pay part just to get things done, but I get the feeling the dealers trying to wait me out to get that result... just ranting since I'm starting to get pissed (despite posts online I don't generally really become so easily).

 

[SpatiallyAware]

So garage tells me it's fixed and they're waiting on payment. Dealer says he was trying to work on price and never told them to do a fix. I never told them to... It's been like 3 days now starting to get pissed. Dad's saying to offer to pay part just to get things done, but I get the feeling the dealers trying to wait me out to get that result... just ranting since I'm starting to get pissed (despite posts online I don't generally really become so easily).

Yeah you'll never see that money again if dad pays.


I'd go to the shop and demand the car back, and file a police report if they refuse. Insist that this is a debt between businesses (not you) and you want your property back immediately.

It'll be a mess either way. Good luck!