2003 Ford Taurus SE Electrical Problems

Tiny
ALYMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD TAURUS
Last year I bought a 2003 Ford Taurus SE used. The car has run well except that within the last 3-4 months it has had an electrical failure, or what I think is an electrical failure, while driving. This failure typically happens when I come to a stop or start from a stop. This problem worsened today when I couldn't start the Taurus after work. I got absolutley no power for several attempts and then it finally started. I have a feeling that I could easily waste time and money with a dealership trying to isolate this problem with multiple repairs. Has anyone had this problem with a Taurus or have heard of this problem? Any ideas as to what is causing it and what the success rate on repairs is?
Friday, February 2nd, 2007 AT 6:45 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
Intermittant no crank?

Check all the connections for tightness and being clean from and to the battery.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, February 28th, 2017 AT 12:19 PM
Tiny
ALYMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the response.

I did check the battery connections yesterday and the cables that connect to the battery are tightly connected and are very clean. Incidentally the car was a fleet car and was well maintained. I was surprised to see how clean the battery connections were.

As for the starting problems that I mentioned at the outset of this thread, no I did not get even an intermittant crank on the first 2-3 tries. Then it started right up without any cranking.

Starting the car is not what worries me the most, its the loss of power when I'm driving that worries me. Not being mechanically inclined, and maybe this is a stupid question, but could the battery cable connections to the alternator be a problem? If they are barely connected, could a momentary disconnection cause my car to loose power when I'm stopping or starting?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, February 28th, 2017 AT 12:19 PM
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
This sounds like loose connection problem,

Does the battery discharge at all?
There is TSB on having the PCM reprogrammed for a nocrank problem.

What State are you in?

I think there is a problem in a wiring or connection that affects the pump or ignition coil power circuit.

When the no crank happens, and key is in the run position can you hear the fuel pump running at all?

Also for the heck of it, if you have a different key, use that for a while.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, February 28th, 2017 AT 12:19 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Not Running Content

Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
VIDEO
Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
Instructional repair video
Engine Not Starting
GUIDE
Engine Not Starting
Over the past 20 years at 2CarPros we have identified the top problems that are easily fixed. This guide can save you a trip to the repair garage or calling a tow truck and...
VIEW MORE