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1997 Ford Taurus Shifting Lever

Tiny
PAHA
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 67,087 MILES
I have only own this vehicle for two months and the following has just started going on:
When I start my Taurus and leave it in park, all electrical items function well. However, when I move the gear shift lever to reverse or drive, the radio shuts off, electric windows will not go up or down, power steering turns off, and intermiting windshield wipers will not work, (wipers will work in low, medium or high). If I move the shift lever to netural, all of the above items will work. As soon as I move to drive or reverse, these items will not work.
If I listen carefully while going from park to reverse, I can hear a clicking sound coming for the instrument panel and the seat belt light blinks.
Have you seen this problem before?
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Thursday, October 14th, 2010 AT 7:26 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Use a volt meter check battery volts
checking charging system ,when in park and when in drive or reverse

check belt and alternator function

GENERAL INSPECTION
Ensure battery posts and cables are clean and tight. Check drive belt tension. Ensure connections at generator, regulator and engine ground are clean and tight. Check fuses and fusible links, replace as necessary.
Check condition of battery to see if battery has the ability to accept and hold a charge. If battery capacity meets requirements, charge battery before proceeding with testing to ensure battery is fully charged.
NO-LOAD TEST
Connect voltmeter positive lead to B+ terminal on generator and negative lead to ground. Start and run engine at 1500 RPM with no electrical load (foot off brake and doors closed). Read voltmeter when voltage stabilizes. This may require waiting a few minutes. Voltage should be 13-15 volts.

If voltage increases to proper level, proceed to load test. If voltage increases beyond proper level, or no voltage increase, let me know
load test
Ensure drive belt is in good condition and properly tightened. Connect charging system load tester in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Start and run engine at 2000 rpm and apply load until generator output amperage levels off.
Record maximum generator amperage output. If generator output is within twenty percent of rated output amperage and voltage remains at 12.5-14.5 volts, generator output is okay. If generator does not produce rated output, proceed with appropriate testing.


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Saturday, December 31st, 2016 AT 4:00 PM
Tiny
PAHA
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
It is not a problem with the battery or charging. I tested the battery with a load test and it passed. I also tested the alternator and it is operating at 14.0 volts whether in park, neutral, reverse, or drive. In addition, all other electrical items function properly, (i.E. Headlights, door locks, interior lights, horn, cruise control, etc.), Except for the electric windows, radio, and power steering.

Even with the ignition on and the engine not running, the radio and the electric windows will not work; however, all other electrical items work.

Can one of the many relays be malfunctioning? If so, which one?
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Saturday, December 31st, 2016 AT 4:00 PM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Check igntion switch and check if can adjust it.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/99387_1_33.jpg

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Saturday, December 31st, 2016 AT 4:00 PM
Tiny
PAHA
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I checked the ignition switch and the problem is not there.
While I was under the dash, I tried shifting from park to reverse and then to neutral and I could hear a clicking sound coming from the delay accessory relay. I checked this relay and the others and found them working properly.
I started disconnecting connections in the engine compartment and found that when electrical connection to the transmission range sensor was removed, the radio and electric windows would work in all positions of the gear selector lever. However, the engine would not start.
Can the problem be in the transmission range sensor?
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Saturday, December 31st, 2016 AT 4:00 PM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/99387_1_37.jpg



Very uncommon for the switch to be the problem as the switch should have no effect on redirecting the power.
check wiring harness for aftermarket rewiring.
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Saturday, December 31st, 2016 AT 4:00 PM
Tiny
PAHA
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The problem turned out to be with the Transmission Range Sensor, (Neutral Safety Switch). I removed it and headed to the junk yards. I found another 1997 Taurus and removed this sensor. When I got home and installed it in my car, all electrical items and power steering work in all gears.

I solved the problem using the process of elimination.

Thank you for your time.
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Saturday, December 31st, 2016 AT 4:00 PM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Glad all worked out for you and thank you for the update.
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Saturday, December 31st, 2016 AT 4:00 PM

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