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1991 Taurus Starter problems


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wwwqueen
User

Nov 22, 2006, 8:31 AM

Post #1 of 12 (1704 views)
1991 Taurus Starter problems Sign In

Unsure If anyone can help - please? I just completely replaced starter and flywheel because the starter would not disengage after starting. The problem has not been solved. Does anyone know what else might be causing the issue? The flywheel did need replacing because of the starter issue - but I don't want to have to replace it again!


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Nov 22, 2006, 11:09 PM

Post #2 of 12 (1696 views)
Re: 1991 Taurus Starter problems Sign In

You may have an ignition problem which FORD so cutely kept quiet. Make sure key returns to just "run" position when let go as a couple I've known of did not!! T



steve01832
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Nov 26, 2006, 3:39 AM

Post #3 of 12 (1691 views)
Re: 1991 Taurus Starter problems Sign In

You can also check to make sure the solenoids and relays aren't sticking causing the starter to engage. And now for the million dollar question: Does your vehicle have a remote starter package?

Steve


wwwqueen
User

Nov 27, 2006, 6:10 AM

Post #4 of 12 (1685 views)
Re: 1991 Taurus Starter problems Sign In

I have an add-on remote starter. The problem occurred using that even after starter/flywheel replacement. Would that make a difference in how the ignition switch operates?


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Nov 27, 2006, 3:36 PM

Post #5 of 12 (1683 views)
Re: 1991 Taurus Starter problems Sign In

OK: I think I see the forest thru all the damn trees. You needed to replace a starter and ring gear/flywheel. A good explaination for that is that maybe these add on features screwed up and left the starter going long after the engine started.

These aftermarket items have near 100% caused more trouble than convenience!

This should not make the key feel funny. Know that to put those in requires messing with Mother Nature and cutting into wiring is almost never well installed and even then it's cheap junk and may fail if done properly. It's a no-win situation.

Get the device out of the car and wiring restored properly. It could have sent current to the electrical part of the ignition and fried it. The electrical part is not at the key itself but does move an ignition switch.

Hey - these things are popular and hell to figure out when they fail. Good luck but see if you can find how that was installed and if it could be the problem or source of it, T



wwwqueen
User

Nov 28, 2006, 5:18 AM

Post #6 of 12 (1679 views)
Re: 1991 Taurus Starter problems Sign In

OK - that kind of makes sense. I will say I have been using the add-on remote starter now for about 4 years - and it is only the past six months that I have been seeing a starter engagement problem. Also, this has happened not only with the remote starter, but also when I use the ignition switch. The switch has also been "funky' for about a year - I have to be very careful when inserting the key. And, if it isn't a wiring problem, it is very nice to get into the car on a frosty morning - I can give it up if I have to, of course - at least now I have some ideas about where to look. Now I need to find a technician who understands starter electrical connections. I guess a Ford dealer is probably the best place to start in the circumstances?


steve01832
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Nov 29, 2006, 3:17 AM

Post #7 of 12 (1664 views)
Re: 1991 Taurus Starter problems Sign In

I have seen first hand the problems of the remote starter. I had a customer a few years ago who was driving down the road and the remote starter relay closed causing the starter to engage on the highway. By the time she got it to me, the starter had burned out, the battery cables were smoldering, and the flywheel had no teeth left and the engine was vibrating badly. When I pulled it apart, the flywheel was blue from overheating, and warped so badly that it threw the crankshaft out of balance. The culprit, the relay return spring was weak and allowed the internal switch to close against the coil. The repair bill was over $1500, the relay, a mere $5.50. Get rid of the remote starter, a high price to pay for a little bit of convenience.

Steve


wwwqueen
User

Nov 29, 2006, 6:06 AM

Post #8 of 12 (1661 views)
Re: 1991 Taurus Starter problems Sign In

OK - I am totally convinced. I admit to former ignorance. Unsure That's the reason I love the internet. The remote gets removed tomorrow - taking it to a Ford dealer because they ought to know how to fix the wiring if anybody does.

One more question if y'all don't mind. Is this problem also common with built-in remote starters? I really wanted to get one when I retire in a few years and buy a new car. I will leave it out if necessary - but it is a nice feature if it's not going to cause major headaches - $1K is enough to pay for a learning experience.Pirate


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Nov 29, 2006, 4:50 PM

Post #9 of 12 (1656 views)
Re: 1991 Taurus Starter problems Sign In

I believe the real factory installed options will be much more dependable. Look for it on the build sheet of the car and not just added on. It's not your fault as these products are sold to millions of folks. It would be bad enough if it just didn't work but to cause damage just isn't worth it, T



wwwqueen
User

Nov 30, 2006, 6:10 AM

Post #10 of 12 (1651 views)
Re: 1991 Taurus Starter problems Sign In

 OK, the remote is coming off today at my local Ford dealer. I am going to be looking in the next 3 years for a wagon with all the cool stuff my Taurus had AND factory installed remote starter/lock. Doubt that I will buy new - I have gotten all of the money I put into this Ford when I got it for 3400 with only 55K miles on it in 2001 - and then some. My commute has added an additional 102K miles and the only other major repair has been a new transmission, so I figure the cost of ownership is still way low. Cool Since they are not making wagons anymore, but are calling them SUVs and ignoring emission requirements thereby, I think I will try to find a Ford wagon from before they stopped making them.

Thanks very much for the great advice Tom and Steve.

Lee (wwwqueen)


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Nov 30, 2006, 6:15 AM

Post #11 of 12 (1649 views)
Re: 1991 Taurus Starter problems Sign In

Emmissions are required on trucks and SUVs so you are not avoiding extra expense for a replacement vehicle on that front, T



wwwqueen
User

Nov 30, 2006, 6:19 AM

Post #12 of 12 (1647 views)
Re: 1991 Taurus Starter problems Sign In

There I go again - I misspoke. I meant they are ignoring fuel mileage requirements. I really would like to get a hybrid - but the cost is still way high and they are still too new to know where that is going. Besides, as I said, new cars just aren't worth the new car price. If I can find a good nearly new like this one was, I can retire happy.






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