2001 Ford Taurus Need some advice

KJA834

MEMBER
2001 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
88,000 MILES

My car kind of shakes and wobbles or kind of does a putt putt action when I'm at an idle or just trying to start off. It's fine when Im going at a higher speed down the road.
There are times when I'm backing up or just trying to start off my car shuts off on me at an idle.
Last few days when Im driving down the road my emergency brake light will flash on, and I know that my emergency brake is not on.
My engine light is on, but I know that's because my gas cap needs to be changed because it doesn't have a good seal.
I've had the car hooked up to the computer and it has given me several different options such as spark plugs, egr, etc. My friend says it acts like the cadillac convertor. I need to know what the possibilities would be of what is wrong so I know what to fix, I don't have money for process of elimination, since I've already done that twice now with my car. I've already eliminated the spark plugs, and that wasn't the problem, so I know it's a bigger one.
When I bought my car about 2 or so years ago, the owner I bought it from said they had fixed the egr valve already, could it have gone bad again that quickly, I have no idea. But I need an answer.
If there is anything else you need to know to provide an answer let me know.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,133 POSTS

It could be a couple things, a vacuum leak, EGR, fuel pressure issue, idle air control valve. What I need you to do is have the computer scanned. Most parts stores will do it for free. There may be more codes stored than just the fuel cap. Have that done and let me know what you find. NOTE: They may have cleaned the EGR before and it could be plugged again. That is an easy check and free. Just remove it and check to see if there is carbon build up both on the EGR and in the intake where it mounts.

Joe

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Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 AT 10:45 PM

KJA834

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Sorry to take so long to get back to you, my kids and I were in the hospital last week, and I am just getting back and catching up on work. I had actually gone to get the computer check before you asked so sorry it's taken so long to get back.
The possible results are for the misfire in cylinder 2 are: Ignition system fault spark plugs, ignition wire coils, vacuum leak, injector fault, high or low fuel pressure.
I already changed the spark plugs and that was not even close to the problem. I really need to have a guess as to what it might be without having a lot of process of elimination. I don't have money for that especially after being in the hospital.
My friend says it might be the cadillac convertor since it only does what it does when Im at an idle and not when I am driving down the road. As to why my parking light/emergency brake light comes on when Im driving down the road is beyond me, but I need my car fixed, it's getting a little unsafe driving since it likes to try to jump forward or stop on me when I'm at an idle or just trying to go.
Hopefully you can give me some ideas that will help. Obviously the ones that you have already given me match the same things as to what the computer said, and honestly I have to say without seeing my car or anything like that, I say you guys are pretty awesome, and if you can narrow it down for me and I get it fixed and it's the right thing the first time. I will definitely be back to ask again, should I need some more help.
Thanks for all your help, I look forward to reading your answer.

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Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010 AT 4:26 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,133 POSTS

As far as the Catalytic converter, it would be worse when the engine was under a load, loss of power, misfire.

As for the miss, we need to check a few things. First, make sure the ignition wire is in good shape, not arcing (sparking) anywhere. After that, you need to get a "noid light" from a parts store. Most will lend it to you. Unplug the injector wiring at #2 and plug in the light. The light should be a steady pulse of light. If it is skipping or not steady, then there is an issue with power to the injector. If it is good, the plugs and wire is good, then compression needs to be tested in that cylender to determine if it is low. I can explaine that when and if we get that far. NOTE: It is easiest to check for the plug wire arcing when it is dark and the engine is running. Also, if you have a concern about the catalytic converter, run the vehicle and when you get home, let the engine run and quickly check to see if it is red hot. If it is, replace it. However, I don't think that is the issue at this point.

Let me know,
Joe

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Thursday, November 4th, 2010 AT 7:26 AM