1996 Ford Taurus car revs on own and stalls

MELBOURNEBABE

MEMBER
1996 FORD TAURUS

1996 Ford Taurus 6 cyl Automatic

Hello,

Ive had this car for nearly 2 years and have had many problems with it but love it too much to get rid of.
At the moment the car revs sporadicly when just sitting in parks it starts at 2000 will come down a bit revs back up and so on when left to warm up it does this then entire time but also aburning rubber smell comes. Usually in the morning but has happened at other times of the day when taken out of park it just stalls wether u put it in drive or reverse there is also a rattling when taken out of park and rattles the whole time while drive worse when u first take off. Ive spent $900 on this problem and no mechanic seems to be able to work it out please help!

1 Reply

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

If IAC cleaning and or replacement didn't help check this TSB published by ford

99-7-1 HIGH IDLE - HARSH TRANSAXLE GEAR ENGAGEMENT - SABLE BUILT THROUGH 9/16/1996 AND TAURUS BUILT THROUGH 8/16/1996 - ALL 3.0L VEHICLES
STALL - STALLING ON TRANSAXLE ENGAGEMENT - COLD ENGINE - 3.0L 2-VALVE VEHICLES ONLY
SURGE - SURGE AND/OR POWER SHUFFLE BETWEEN 56 AND 72 KM/H (35 AND 45 MPH) - 3.0L 2-VALVE VEHICLES ONLY
TRANSAXLE - AX4S AND AX4N - HARSH ENGAGEMENT - SABLE BUILT THROUGH 9/16/1996 AND TAURUS BUILT THROUGH 8/16/1996 - ALL 3.0L VEHICLES

Publication Date: APRIL 6, 1999

FORD: 1996 TAURUS
LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1996 SABLE

This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to delete the statement in the Action about PCM replacement for certain date range vehicle builds.

CALIBRATION:
6-10A, 6-10B, 6-10S, 6-10T, 6-14A, 6-14S

WARNING: THIS MODIFICATION IS AUTHORIZED ONLY FOR THE LISTED ENGINE. PERFORMING THIS MODIFICATION ON OTHER ENGINE CALIBRATIONS IS UNAUTHORIZED AND COULD CREATE LIABILITY UNDER APPLICABLE FEDERAL OR LOCAL LAWS.

ISSUE:
A high engine idle can occur causing a harsh transmission gear engagement when moving the gear selector for all 3.0L engines. The 3.0L 2-valve engine may also stall when the transaxle is moved into the "Reverse" and/or "Drive" position with a cold engine and/or the vehicle may experience a surge or powertrain shuffle between the speeds of 56-72 km/h (35-45 mph). These concerns may be caused by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) calibration.

ACTION:
Reprogram the PCM. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Confirm the symptoms of high idle with harsh transmission engagement. Check emissions decal to verify vehicle does not have the latest calibration. Reprogram the PCM using the Service Bay Diagnostic System (SBDS) or New Generation Star (NGS) Tester to the latest level calibration.
Road test the vehicle and perform the EEC-V Self Test. Confirm there are no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). If any DTCs appear, refer to the 1996 Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD II) Service Manual for detailed diagnostic and repair procedures.
Obtain an Authorized Modifications Decal (FPS 8262 - obtainable through DOES II, 25/pkg) and list the date, dealer number, and summary of modifications performed. Select a prominent place adjacent to the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal suitable for installing the Authorized Modifications Decal. Clean the area, install the decal, and cover it with a clear plastic decal shield.

AUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS

THE FOLLOWING MODIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE:
Reprogrammed Powertrain Control Module (PCM) per TSB 99-7-1

THESE MODIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN APPROVED, AS APPROPRIATE, BY EPA AND CARB.
DEALER NUMBER:DATE: