1999 Ford Taurus Malfunction - Engine

Question: Temperature gauge about half way mark and engine smells "hot" after about 30 miles and takes a long time to cool down have never missed an oil change and service @ 3 month intervals - have had head gaskets replaced, new water pump, thermostat, new spark plugs, wires, DPFE sensor & speed sensor replaced, power steering pump relaced twice- raditor flushed twice - had a lot of rust in it - engine feels like it is "smothering" when driving - my mechanic hates to see me drive up- any clues??? car has 120, 000 miles on it

Here's How To Get Guaranteed Solutions In Minutes

Technican: It sounds like the temperature gauge is well within the safe range, if not let me know. Could you further describe the hot smell- smells like oil, sweet, rubber, etc? Smothering, meaning there is a lack of power? Your cars computer system monitors many systems on the car, usually if there is a running problem the check engine light will illuminate. If the light is on visit an Autozone, Advance Auto (there are a few chain parts stores) and they will access the trouble codes free of charge. Let me know what trouble codes are found, if applicable.

Owner: Service engine light came on several months ago and tested for DPFE sensor and Speed Sensor - since having them replace no lights on and car ran great except for a little "missing" when on the highway sometimes - smells more like and electrical or substance burning - power steering pump had leak for a while until i replace resevoir and fluid leaked out a lot onto parts under it - could this be some of the smell and if so - how can i clean this - mechanic said that it would "burn off" on it's own?? When I took car to be serviced-(oil change, etc.) service person said that the motor was hot like i had driven it hard all day - but had only driven around town on lunch hour???

Technican: It is best to clean as much as you can with rags. There are spray engine cleaners, but some of these are flammable while at the same time are designed for use on a hot engine. Some people go to the carwash and pressure wash their engine, while sometimes people have no trouble doing so, I recommend against it as this can cause electrical problems that can be near impossible to diagnose. How long ago was the power steering fluid spilled? Keep a close eye on all fluid levels to see if you may have a small leak somewhere. Does your (radiator) cooling fan turn on when the engine is warm? This would be easiest to test after returning home (anytime the car is already warm). Open the hood then start the engine. The fan either should be already running or will start running within five to ten minutes of idling.

Owner: Power steering leak was a very slow leak over a period of 4 months until mechanic finally found it and repaired it - only was adding fluid every 3-4 days - and it happened 5 or 6 months ago - was a lot of "buildup" !!

Owner: In reply to the fan - yes I can hear it - so seems to be working okay

Technican: I guess if there was a 'cake-like' build up it could still smell, although normally I'd expect the smell to be gone now. Did the car have this same smell around the time the repair was made?

Owner: I don't think so - the only reason i knew there was a leak was that the pump started "whinning" when the fluid level got low- so really don't think the smell is coming from that- if i could describe the smell it would probably be like a metally smell if you can understand that - i am a woman so i am paranoid about different smells in my car anyway !! i have always taken such good care of it and it drives me crazy when something is wrong with it - also while i am talking to you - i mentioned it felt like car was "smothering" it feels like it is sluggish and still has a little "missing" when driving on highway but not all the time

Technican: Have you had other components of a basic tune-up performed, ie- air and fuel filters? If not have these replaced and hopefully in the process your mechanic can discover the smell. Also have him check your coil packs for corrosion or carbon tracking. This can cause temporary misfiring, but should turn on the check engine light.

Owner: Air filter is changed at regular intervals - don't know about fuel filter - will check with mechanic and take your advice on checking coils - thank you so much

Technican: You're welcome- Do you do any troubleshooting or repairs yourself?

Owner: Only if it is water in the winshield wipers or new windshield wipers - i have changed flat tires and put in new headlight and brake light - if i had more time to learn things would probably do more - but i have a great mechanic so i leave it all to his expertise!!!

Here's How To Get Guaranteed Solutions In Minutes

More Taurus Answers

Home

Ford Answers

Aerostar
Aspire
Bronco
Bronco II
Club Wagon
Contour
Country Squire
Crown Victoria
E 150
E 250
E 350
Econoline
Escort
Expedition
Explorer
F 100 Pick up
F 150 Pick up
F 250 Pick up
F 350 Pick up
Falcon
Festiva
Fiesta
Focus
Granada
LTD
Lightning Pick up
Mustang
Mustang Convertible
Mustang GT
Mustang Mach I
Mustang Notchback
Mustang Sedan
Probe
Ranger
Ranger Pick up
Sedan
Taurus
Tempo
Thunderbird
Touring
Windstar
ZX2
a_old

Home

template