1996 Ford Taurus Electric Problem

KIKO130

MEMBER
1996 FORD TAURUS

My 1996 Ford Taurus' service engine light came on about three weeks ago. Driving to work one day when it was raining a lot I began having random electrical problems and I have been unable find out what is causing them.

When the car is in Park or Neutral, everything ALWAYS works. However when I shift into Reverse or Drive, the Power Steering goes out, the Power Windows go out, the sound of the radio becomes mute but the radio (lights) are still on, and the Seatbelt light on the dashboard flashes a few times. Whats even more confusing is that all this doesn't happen all the time, only sometimes while driving. And sometimes is a few things that dont work. For example the power steering and the radio might be out but the windows work.

Ive had this problems since that rainy day and when I take it to a car wash the problems appear more often. It is clearly an electrical problem but I do not know where to check since so many random parts are affected. Ive checked the basic things such as liquids and such. I would appreciate any input

1 Reply

TAURUSWHEEL

MECHANIC
718 POSTS

Sounds like the mlps, multi-lever-position sensor, commonly known as the neutral safety switch, it is mounted on top of your trans below the airbox plumbing, the shift linkage is attached to it along with a big wire plug, thew symptoms you describe, weirdly enough, usually point to this part. It is something you can replace, it may require a special tool to align a couple of marks on the switch, sometimes can be worked out without.