Transmission line failure near trans. connection.
Oil Pan gasket failure - twice.
Power Steering line failure.
Intake/Exhaust manifold gasket failure.
Trans. torq. converter seal and pan gasket failure.
Stabilizer Link failure.
Rear lift gate brake light lens retainer clip failed. Water leaked inside of lift gate and has caused the gate opening latch to stay squeezed/stiff in the open position after it is opened. Have to manually push back into place every time before closing gate.
EGR sensor.
O2 sensor.
MAF sensor.
Paint peeling from wiper arms and factory roof rack (wagon).
Current problems:
Pinging/detonation occurs usually when warm and under load, but, not only then.
I had Ford Dealer work on it. Their solution was a new MAF sensor. Didn't change a thing. Tried 89 instead of 87 octane and problem is gone.
Daylight running lights are staying on.
Temporarily solved the problem by pulling the appropriate fuse.
If you are going to buy a Taurus, change your mind and buy something else!
If you insist on getting one then buy a 98 model or newer. As they will have significantly fewer problems overall.
This car has had over $5000 in repairs over the last 16 months. I have a private warranty and have about 7000 kilometers left on it. Thank goodness. I've only had to pay about 1/5 of the above amount, but, I am truly worried as this model (pre-1998) has a reputation for being below average for reliability/overall.
Positive things about this car are:
The looks, roominess, comfort, good fuel mileage (600 Kilo. to a tank, avg), versatility, nice creature comforts (GL wagon).
Negative:
The vehicle is slightly underpowered with the Vulcan 3.0, V6.
The transmission behaves erratically at slow speed and shifts hard into 2nd gear. Not always, but annoying nonetheless when it occurs most of the time.
Have a "ghost" in the electrical system.
The problem you are or were having with your daytime running lights is most likely caused by the key switch which is located inside the steering column. My Taurus had the same problem. I took the switch out and checked the light and they were off. For some reason, when I put it back on the lights were OK, but I am convinced that that was the problem. I hope this helps.
Day time running light problem this could be caused by the DRL Module (daytime running light module) On my Taurus it was located on the Drivers side in the wheel well.
The problems with the transmission seal and converter as well as the gaskets could be an Indication that the motor has been replaced. Most likely with a short block. This would mean that the Intake, Oil Pan, etc would have been removed from the old motor and placed on the new short block. I would not blame the car at this point if this is the case I would have to blame the mechanic because he probably re-used the old gaskets and damaged the seal on the transmission when mating the new engine to the Transmission.
The Oil pan gasket leaking the second time I would have to blame the mechanic for not properly cleaning the gasket surfaces, or not properly tightening it, or it could be the surface is damaged and warped.
The Engine pinging under load or heavey acceleration according to my owners manual is normal on low octane fuel.
I would have to recommend checking into the warranty history of the car if you bought it used and see if the engine was replaced under warranty.
My Taurus wagon gives good service. I bought the '97 used in 1999 with 30K miles. Now, 5/04 it has 82K. Great hauler of people and stuff. Minor problems are: the usual popping noise others see, interior lights stay on if driver door switch is not lubed, left rear window motor does not operate very often, transmission feels slight play at startup after stop. Engine sometimes misses at idle with A/C on.
I own a 1997 Ford Taurus. I am surprised to see other "97" Taurus' with the same ailments that I experienced. My pan gasket had to be replaced. My transmission kicks in gear with a bang at low speed. Whenever I turn my steering wheel I hear a screeching sound. My day running lights currently remain on and I must remove the fuse to shut them off. I cannot afford to get the current problems repaired right now at the repair shop, but I would like hear comments on the screeching sound whenever the steering wheel is turned. (The sound is not coming from the belts) and more comments on the day running lights.
2 comments on the screeching.
There are washers at the top of the front strut mounts that can get stuck, causing a screech.
Also, the power steering can have problems and screech.
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