23rd Sep 2008, 00:50
I had the same problem with the my Taurus not starting for a number of days. I thought it may be the main relay or an electrical problem, but it just ended up being my starter.
Replaced it; problem solved.
15th Oct 2008, 23:05
I bought a 97 Ford Taurus about a year ago.
When I first bought the car, the service engine soon light was on.
The door sensor always says the door is open.
I put new tires on it about 15,000 miles ago and they are already shot (weren't cheap tires either).
I have replaced the front left wheel bearing, and it is going in next week to replace the other front wheel bearing.
The window seam around the front window is coming off, and I have that ordered.
About a week ago, the pulley for the serpentine belt broke, and caused my motor to overheat.
I have had problems with the right rear brake sticking.
Left door panel is coming off.
If I drive the car for a long distance, and shut it off and try starting it back up right away, it will start but only for a few seconds, then it will die. I have to start it and hold it at 2000 rpms for about 10 seconds before it will idle.
It only gets 22 mpg on a GOOD DAY!!
I have taken really good care of the car. I have changed everything with it needed to be changed. I am getting tired of working on it and spending money.
I HIGHLY suggest that if you own one or are looking to own one, stay away unless you like working on your car a lot. Guess it will keep you from being bored.
2nd Dec 2008, 19:09
I have a 97 Ford Taurus GL wagon, and the battery always went dead after sitting for awhile. I thought it was the battery so I replaced it.
Then I noticed the floor light always stayed on, hence draining the battery.
Then I noticed Door Ajar light was always on, so I thought door sensor was bad. Although I didn't know which door it was.
The door sensor is located inside the door panel and connected to the door latch itself. I started taking one of the door panels off and it just became too much work, so I looked at one of the articles here that said to spray lubricant directly into the door latch itself, and lo and behold it worked! I sprayed every door latch with WD40 and instantly the door sensor went off! Thanks for the tip!
2nd Jun 2009, 15:28
I am considering buying a 97 Ford Taurus. I am always so hesitant on buying a new vehicle because I never have any sort of luck with them. Is there any major expensive problems that this type of car is popular for??? Or anything I should really be aware of??? It has 69,000 miles on it and they're wanting 1,000 for it.
3rd Jun 2009, 09:21
Take it to a mechanic for an inspection prior to purchasing. It costs you a few dollars but you will know about the state of all major systems. Negotiate a lower purchasing price if there are expensive repairs needed, or walk away.
8th Jun 2009, 21:34
I have a 1997 Ford Taurus and the dome light will not go off unless I click it to the off button. Does any one know how to fix it, also one more thing, my alarm (horn) goes off at random times during the day, is there any thing causing this?
10th Jul 2009, 22:01
My '97 Taurus also has the alarm horn go off randomly. It seems to happen only if I use the auto key to lock the doors remotely. If I lock them manually, it does not happen.
22nd Jul 2009, 10:28
I have a '97 Ford Taurus GL. When I turn or do u-turns, the tires squeak like crazy. The car is always accelerating by itself. Especially when I'm not on the brakes, it just accelerates.
The engine on light has been on for 5 years or so. There's always a problem with it.
I advise only people looking for a first time car to get it, or else you'll be spending your money every time you get it inspected.
Ford - fix.or.repair.daily.
6th Sep 2009, 22:33
My inherited 97 Taurus GL 6.0 has had some of the same problems mentioned in previous comments.
The interior light caused battery to drain - finally just turned it off - hoping the lubricating of light sensor switch in driver's side door (suggested previously) will fix this 'door ajar' light issue that has plagued me since 2001.
My main problem now is the on again - off again check engine soon light... this is the first year (began about 2002) that the light is not going away (not even to get a clean emissions check.) The code gives reference to 3 possible problems.. all related in some way to the catalytic converter...O 2 sensor, or plugs, or??? (my husband has the printout with him).
The car also runs rough (has been for a few years) and has stalled on me while making turns in the past. Does anyone know if you can buy a 'junk yard' catalytic converter or O2 sensor? If that is even a good idea?
By the way, our little Taurus has almost 180,000 miles. (we're hoping it is not catalytic converter.. but a much less expensive part)
Thanks for any help.
23rd Oct 2009, 13:55
My husband bought a 1997 Ford Taurus GL from a dealer in December 2007 for $5,000, they wanted $6,000. It only had 49,900 miles. We test drove it once and really needed a car. We have had problems since a few months after we bought it. After reading the comments on here, I've realized there must be a general problem with the 1997 Taurus.
The first problem was that after driving it in town for a while then putting it into park position, the RPMs would instantly jump to over 2. We had to shut it off quick for fear of blowing the engine. It would also jump while idling at red lights. Then the "door ajar" light was stuck on and the interior lights would not shut off, so we had to pull out all the fuses and put them back in to reset; once while it was dark out.
Since then, the check engine light came on resulting in the cam sensor being replaced, the passenger side door window dropped into the door when the plastic pieces broke (obviously the previous owner had an accident in the car and we did not think much of the minor dents on that side.) We could not afford to fix it so we had to prop up the glass with wood.
Finally, the transmission has had issues, but now will not shift into 3rd gear and his brother spent $300 to fix the solenoid which did not help at all. It currently has 102550 miles, as we had to drive 70miles a day to work and school for the first year.
I am so convinced that the 1997 Ford Taurus has problems that the dealership is not aware of. This car should never have been this bad with only 49900 miles.
I'm also upset that the blue book value of this car in excellent condition with the mileage of 49900, is only worth $2,570 when we paid $5,000. We were so ripped off.
PLEASE check carefully if considering buying a 1997 Ford Taurus.
17th Oct 2010, 14:30
My ABS is always grabbing, even when I am NOT applying the brake... Can anyone help me with this please?
27th Oct 2015, 17:23
I own a 1997 Ford Taurus. I took it to Sears to have them look at the brakes, as there was a bit of a squealing here and there when I drove it. It didn't turn out to be the brakes making the noise. It was the car needing a wheel alignment. There just happened to be a Ford mechanic visiting while my car was there. I have this noise that it makes once I start it, and it still makes the noise once I drive it. It is like a rattling noise, which I was told is a plate underneath the car which may need a screw. But the Sears mechanic told me the Ford mechanic said that the noise was due to a cam shaft sensor. I will get under it and see about the plate first before I invest in a cam shaft sensor. Here in OH the sensor is anywhere from $15 to $30 for the part.
10th Aug 2008, 15:14
Bought a 1997 Ford Taurus for my granddaughter, and the service code for the catalytic converter causes check engine light to stay on. Is there an inexpensive fix for this?