Engine stalls while driving

1997 FORD TAURUS
140,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JUSTINRVS
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I have a 1997 Taurus, just bought it, I can start it up, takes a lil more cranking than I think it should rough idle almost dying, then push on the gas and sometimes it completely bogs down and dies or some times it take forever to rev up to 3-4k then holds and then i feel a***** in the motor and it falls down to 1500 or trys to die. sometimes after it does that it wont start up for a half hour or so... Also, no check engine light or codes up... anyone have any ideas???
Dec 30, 2010 at 3:38 AM
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MERLIN2021
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  • 17,250 POSTS
When it won't start Start with the basics, and work your way up, Last tune up was? Wires plugs ALL filters? If all that is ok, check for a stuck EGR, then test fuel pump pressure, If it won't restart, determine what's missing, the engine needs three things to run, Spark at all plugs, gas to all cylinders, and compression in all cylinders, tho an engine may run lacking one in one cylinder, it won't run very well!
https://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_video/test_fuel_injection_pressure.htm
Go here and checkout our video.
https://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_video/test_engine_ignition_system.htm
and this one!
https://www.2carpros.com/first_things/car_cranks_but_wont_start.htm
https://www.2carpros.com/dia/how_to_check_compression.htm
https://www.2carpros.com/dia/index.htm
If you smell gas, check your oil level too, gas can be washing the cylider walls and filling up the crankcase...not good, this can and will damage the engine! Check the pigtail connector on the crank sensor, it's on the lower part of the motor on the passenger side by the bottom pulley, take it off and put it on again you will feel it click. This is a problem on these cars and my be your issue. A new sensor is only 18.00 at autzone.
Dec 30, 2010 at 3:43 AM
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JUSTINRVS
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Thanks, I'll try the sensor, I have spark, fuel, and air at all cylinders, the plugs looked good the wires seemed to be delivering a good spark. The oil did look a little thin possible gas in it. I seems like a sensor is what is kicking it back and forth, I'll put a sensor in the next day or two and check back with you!
Dec 30, 2010 at 4:29 AM
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MERLIN2021
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 17,250 POSTS
Don't forget a simple vacuum leak can cause hard start, also the idle air control valve! Get a can of spray Throttle body cleaner, start the car and spray around, pay attention to vacuum lines and manifold, if the idle changes, you found a leak. You want the engine running and spray on the outside but do direct the stream onto the hoses, if it is a vacuum leak, the engine idle will change speed, then you have detected a leak, repair the vacuum leak and see how it runs!
Keep the spray away from the exhuast manifolds...Fire hazard.
Dec 30, 2010 at 4:35 AM
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