1997 Ford Taurus GL from North America - Comments

I just purchased a '97 Taurus LX, I was looking at my friends Sable of the same year and noticed that her car had a gear display on her dash (below her speedometer) and mine did not. I had thought that it was weird that my shifter did not change colors when shifting to assure the gear that it was in. I then noticed that the gear display was there, just not illuminated. It this an easy fix? Does anyone have this problem/know how to fix it?

As far as an unknown coolant leak goes, I had the same problem and found out that a common problem with a ford taurus is the overflow tank developing a hairline crack in it. Easy fix!

I bought a 97 Ford Taurus GL with 119,000 miles and have had to have the transmission changed out and now the camshaft sensor is causing the Service Engine Soon light to stay on. I like the way the car drives, but I bet I won't get it paid off before I have more problems with it... Thanks to all who have added comments here.. It sure helps knowing what to expect. I will keep my comments on here as I try to get the care straighted out. Thanks.

I have a 1997 Taurus. The problem is: about every 3-4 months I turn off the ignition and when I try to restart it will not start. I have to have it towed home, and after 2-3 day of parking, it will start again. Mechanics have not a clue as to what is the problem. Has anyone had this problem? If so, I would like to hear if there is a resolution?

I just bought a 97 Taurus GL from a friend of mine for $300. A great deal because the car is in great shape a has only 119,000km. However I do have one problem...

The speedometer needle wanders back and forth between 100km/h and 60km/h (while I drive at a stable speed, usually once I reach 100km/h). Any ideas what may be causing this?

Thanks... :)

Thanks for the spray your door with wd40, I am having that problem with door ajar light on also. I do have a question also. My brake lights are not working. I thought if I replaced the bulbs that would fix the problem, but it did not. I have a 1997 Ford Taurus with 119,000 miles. Does anyone have a suggestion?

I own a 1997 Ford Taurus with a 3.0L Vulcan engine.

In response to the shutting down and not restarting... only once did that happen to me a couple months back and it sat for two days and it started and I have not had that problem again. Everyone thought I was crazy, and now that it works makes me even more crazy.

Next, I purchased this car for $500 CAD with 221,000kms and I only needed to do routine brake work to get it certified... car has been great no issues up until the last 2 weeks or so. I have put on close to 30,000kms on it since buying it and it seems like it has given me the opportunity of correcting every common issue ALL at once.

First, the Service Engine soon light is related to the camshaft position sensor issue... I have just left it and has not done me any wrongs.

Second, I was having the same problem of running hotter than normal issues with the brown coolant... I flushed the coolant (DIY) and the problem went away (giving it may be the water pump may have gone for the dumper)..but for now it has worked great.

Third, My airbag light randomly flashes on and off and sometimes stays on permanently (not a big deal for me, except of the fear it may give me an unexpected friendly punch in the nose).

Last, now my car has had a new oil and filter change, and today, out of the middle of nowhere, the oil pressure light came on and my engine is knocking. The oil is still present but is not getting into the engine to lubricate it. My guess the oil pump has gone and I am unable to locate where it is... could it possibly be located inside the oil pan area. If I remove the pan, will it be close by? and how expensive is the part to replace? is it a difficult DIY project?

All of the previous issues were within the $20.00 CAD range when I did it myself, which is good financially as I have only spent a little over $1000 CAD for 30,000kms. The car is one of the best handling cars I have owned and I enjoy driving it... If anyone can help... let me know or email me at kylebonneville@tnt21.com.

Bought a 1997 Ford Taurus for my granddaughter, and the service code for the catalytic converter causes check engine light to stay on. Is there an inexpensive fix for this?

I had the same problem with the my Taurus not starting for a number of days. I thought it may be the main relay or an electrical problem, but it just ended up being my starter.

Replaced it; problem solved.