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'02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles (NOT FIXED!!)


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Keep.USA.68
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Sep 7, 2010, 4:58 PM

Post #1 of 23 (5903 views)
post icon '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles (NOT FIXED!!) Sign In

Okay...
When I first start the Taurus she idles really roughly. I can only describe it like she's flooding. I have to run her at 2000RPM to "clear" her out all the while she's spitting... At a point of holding her at that RPM she finally clears out and idles decently. I'll put her into gear and go. No major worries although you can hear that she's missing but running clear.

If I go over a speed bump or any angle whether it be side to side or forward/backward the check engine light will start flashing (mind you, the check engine light is on static otherwise) and she'll start sputtering and running like a lawnmower. Power is nill and to overcome this scenario I have to pull off, put her in neutral or park and run up the RPMs again until she "clears". Then I can go ahead and go again.

On the highway for the most part (95% of the time) she runs well and gas mileage is adequate. Street driving is another case ALL TOGETHER. Quite often, especially if I've gone over some bumps or up/down a slight hill (this is Texas after all) or the car has pitched either left or right the sputtering begins all over again. If I'm running at speed I can floor it with little change in acceleration or RPMs and listen to her sputter until it "clears" and goes back to running as normally as is possible at this point.

I've learned to live with it for the most part but my concern that in the interim, it will get worse to the point it will shut off and not start back up.

I had the codes ran at AutoZone and subsequently replaced the EGR pressure sensor and hoses, crankshaft position sensor, the O2 sensor that is immediately on top of the facing manifold and coil pack. I also noticed that the hose clamps that tighten the MAF sensor portion between the air filter assembly and throttle body were both un-clamped so I tightened them. The plugs and wires were replaced about a year ago for the 2nd time.

I have gone back to AutoZone and had them recheck the codes. They are as follows:

P0402
P1400
P0306
P0155
P0304
P1151
P0316

I am confused because a couple of these codes relate to things I have addressed. I am REALLY beginning to hate this car! Especially when I think about how I could've purchased an Asian made car for less money and more bells and whistles than mine but I wanted to keep it American.

I was laid off almost 10 months ago so finding an answer for this and repairing it myself is critical. I need to fix this economically AND have a dependable vehicle so I can commute in peace to a future employer.

God I miss points, condensors, rotors and caps.... OH YEAH, and timing lights. I will NEVER buy another vehicle with a transverse engine either!

Eddie Unsure



(This post was edited by Keep.USA.68 on Nov 7, 2010, 4:18 PM)


Sidom
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Sep 9, 2010, 8:52 PM

Post #2 of 23 (5860 views)
Re: '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles Sign In

Sounds like there is a few things going on..... You have to be careful when a PCM is throwing a lot codes..... Just because you have 6 or 7 codes, doesn't mean you have 6 or 7 problems. A lot of times when 1 or 2 systems fail it's like a domino effect and the side effects for the 1 or 2 problems will effect 4 or 5 other systems.... So if you are familiar with a system, this can sometimes actually be a good thing and really help narrow down a problem...

On something like this you really would want to have a scanner to view some data and misfires... Some of those are O2 codes and you really need to test the O2s to see if there is a problem or they are actually reporting the correct data which is skewed enough from another problem to set a code.... In a case like this I would strong recommend against changing part just due to a code popping up....


Kudos on buying American, for what it's worth the Asians have their fair share of drivability problems as well....

Now as far as using an energy drink for an avatar.......I won't throw stones but can't imagine why anyone would want to do that......Cool


Hammer Time
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Sep 10, 2010, 4:56 AM

Post #3 of 23 (5849 views)
Re: '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles Sign In

I don't think the drink is the appeal in that avatar.



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Sidom
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Sep 10, 2010, 9:21 PM

Post #4 of 23 (5840 views)
Re: '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles Sign In

I'll have to give it a 2nd looksy......Apparently I'm missing something


Hammer Time
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Sep 11, 2010, 4:44 AM

Post #5 of 23 (5834 views)
Re: '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles Sign In


Quote
I'll have to give it a 2nd looksy......Apparently I'm missing something



Maybe just too old, huh?........................LOL



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Keep.USA.68
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Sep 19, 2010, 4:20 PM

Post #6 of 23 (5810 views)
Re: '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles Sign In

Thank you for the reply SIDOM. I am sure there are multiple things wrong and frankly would rather just replace this car. It is a financial loss to put money into it but being unemployed since December, that isn't very feasible.
I really don't know what to check for at this point but definitely, definitely, definitely it acts up more after I go through a bump in the road or the car is driven at some/any angle. Even a slight one. I wonder if I should pick up a MAF sensor at the local car "recycling" place and see if that provides any improvement...




NOTE:I enjoy Monster very much but the other... I enjoy MUCH more. ;-)


Sidom
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Sep 20, 2010, 9:58 AM

Post #7 of 23 (5795 views)
Re: '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles Sign In

Without out a scope or scanner you are really limited.


I guess the 1st code I would look at would be the P0402 and make sure the EGR valve isn't stuck open. This could account for almost all your codes. Take it off, look at it, block off the port, hook it back up and run it.

If the EGR is ok then you need to look at the misfire codes. These could account for a lot of the codes (not the EGR). Without out a scope you would be basically pulling the plugs out of #4 & #6, look at them, swap them, swap the wires, see if you can get the miss to move. It those cyls shared the same coil in the pack, it would be possible you had a bad coil pack but they don't. The are off different coils. So at this point I would put it off to the side but not rule it out yet as a posisible problem......

Manual testing sux but you have to work with what you have................ hope this helps a little.............


Keep.USA.68
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Sep 20, 2010, 6:55 PM

Post #8 of 23 (5780 views)
Re: '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles Sign In


In Reply To
Without out a scope or scanner you are really limited.


I guess the 1st code I would look at would be the P0402 and make sure the EGR valve isn't stuck open. This could account for almost all your codes. Take it off, look at it, block off the port, hook it back up and run it.

If the EGR is ok then you need to look at the misfire codes. These could account for a lot of the codes (not the EGR). Without out a scope you would be basically pulling the plugs out of #4 & #6, look at them, swap them, swap the wires, see if you can get the miss to move. It those cyls shared the same coil in the pack, it would be possible you had a bad coil pack but they don't. The are off different coils. So at this point I would put it off to the side but not rule it out yet as a posisible problem......

Manual testing sux but you have to work with what you have................ hope this helps a little.............



Thank you for the reply. I will look into the EGR valve and see if it's stuck. I was looking online for the firing order for this engine but only found one for an SE Taurus and think it's the non-DOHV engine.
Would you happen to have a pic or schematic showing the firing order/plug placement between the coil pack and cylinders? Maybe the mechanic hooked them on wrong? Really don't think so but I don't want to overlook the simple.

The backfiring has become more prevalent. When I start her up cold she will BLAP... BLAP... from the tailpipe and sometimes will let out a low BLOB from under the hood. The sound is like it's inside a sealed plastic container. I'm thinking the intake manifold?


(This post was edited by Keep.USA.68 on Sep 20, 2010, 7:18 PM)


Sidom
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Sep 20, 2010, 9:15 PM

Post #9 of 23 (5771 views)
Re: '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles Sign In

The firing order is the same as a 3.0 single. 1 4 2 5 3 6. My data base is down but if that is still the factory coil it will have the numbers next to the towers. One side is 1 2 3 and the other 5 6 4. Number 1 cyl is the on the bank by the firewall the back bank is 1 2 3 the frt bank is 4 5 6....


Keep.USA.68
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Sep 22, 2010, 1:07 PM

Post #10 of 23 (5754 views)
Re: '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles Sign In

So both my alleged "misfires" are on the front bank then. #4 and #6 cylinders..


Keep.USA.68
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Sep 22, 2010, 3:30 PM

Post #11 of 23 (5747 views)
Re: '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles Sign In

Sidom... INTERESTING NOTE!!

I decided to go to Auto Zone to exchange the DPFE that I had bought 3 months ago just for laughs. The reason behind that decision was twofold.

1. I've been researching and researching and SO MANY forums speak of a bad DPFE providing the symptoms my car is displaying.
2. I remember how when I first replaced it, my car ran MUCH better although not at 100% but there WAS a marked improvement.

Now to the INTERESTING NOTE:

When I removed the two vacuum hoses from the DPFE so I could install the new replacement, a decent amount of water came out of the DPFE.
So I started thinking about HOW water got into the DPFE and the only conclusion I can come to is that there MUST be a vacuum leak elsewhere that is sucking moisture in when I drive through a puddle or when it rains. It rained pretty hard here in DFW about two weeks ago. After more reflecting I remember that when all this began back when my car was running normally but acting up once in a while it was when I drove in the rain. I remember that out of nowhere the CEL would come on (at that time it wasn't on at all) and flash after going through a puddle or in heavy rain and the car would start to run like a lawn mower. I'd then floor it, it would clear out pretty quick, the CEL would turn off and it ran fine for a long while.

P0402 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Excessive Detected

At this point I think I have the unsurmountable task of chasing down ALL the vacuum lines to locate the break which would (hopefully) explain some or all of my other codes. I just don't know where to begin or even where all the vacuum lines are....



Unsure


(This post was edited by Keep.USA.68 on Sep 22, 2010, 3:41 PM)


Hammer Time
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Sep 22, 2010, 4:17 PM

Post #12 of 23 (5737 views)
Re: '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles Sign In

I hate to rain on your parade but those are not vacuum lines. They are exhaust lines so don't waste your time chasing that theory.



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Keep.USA.68
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Sep 22, 2010, 4:46 PM

Post #13 of 23 (5728 views)
Re: '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles Sign In


In Reply To
I hate to rain on your parade but those are not vacuum lines. They are exhaust lines so don't waste your time chasing that theory.


LOL, I figured that out when I went to go check out the lines.

Now I made things worse though, I accidentally pulled one of the exhaust lines that went to the DPFE and while I was pushing my hand in to reach that tight little spot behind the block where the metal tube end is... I heard a "CLICK... PING!" and I now have some linkage loose. I have NO IDEA what it does but do know where it's supposed to go.

It's not throttle but it's down BELOW the throttle assembly. I wish I could attach the pictures that I took on here.


Hammer Time
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Sep 22, 2010, 5:06 PM

Post #14 of 23 (5723 views)
Re: '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles Sign In

You can post pictures if you just upload them to a hosting site like Photobucket and link them here. see.............










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Sidom
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Sep 22, 2010, 5:23 PM

Post #15 of 23 (5718 views)
Re: '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles Sign In

I would guesss IMRC...... If I was forced to guess with no info............Sly


(This post was edited by Sidom on Sep 22, 2010, 5:24 PM)


Keep.USA.68
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Sep 22, 2010, 5:35 PM

Post #16 of 23 (5714 views)
Re: '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles Sign In

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2PI1t8OilmWtcT2C6S2jhQ?feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HQdgVQerVHaALjmcEAYBrw?feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_0AprqmmNy4vGkNMHT9SGw?feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_RuUQYUqOSqPVIvnqHokoA?feat=directlink

TRIED, TRIED, TRIED but I couldn't get them to embed.

The last link shows my temporary placement of the DPFE until I get all the issues worked out.


(This post was edited by Keep.USA.68 on Sep 22, 2010, 5:41 PM)


Hammer Time
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Sep 22, 2010, 5:39 PM

Post #17 of 23 (5706 views)
Re: '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles Sign In

  



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Sep 22, 2010, 5:40 PM)


Keep.USA.68
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Sep 22, 2010, 6:00 PM

Post #18 of 23 (5696 views)
Re: '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles Sign In

Here's the far away pic showing the temp placement of the DPFE as well as the linkage I snapped loose below. Is it held in place with a bushing like the shifter linkage?

http://picasaweb.google.com/...6UHw?feat=directlink

(edit- sorry about that. I tried to post that pic directly an it obliterated the page?? Now it may be "clickable")


(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Sep 22, 2010, 9:09 PM)


Sidom
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Sep 22, 2010, 6:08 PM

Post #19 of 23 (5686 views)
Re: '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles Sign In

I'm drawing a blank right now..........Too low for the IMRC. Looks like it may be on the tranny


Keep.USA.68
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Sep 23, 2010, 9:38 AM

Post #20 of 23 (5669 views)
Re: '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles Sign In


In Reply To
I'm drawing a blank right now..........Too low for the IMRC. Looks like it may be on the tranny



How RIGHT you were...

Upon leaving this morning I backed up then shifted into Drive... then NOTHING.

She was STUCK in the middle of the driveway for the complex. I scrambled and manually moved the bracket where the linkage was supposed to be mounted and put her in neutral and pushed her back into the parking spot.

Called Ford and they would do me the honor of selling me the entire shift cable so I could get the replacement "grommet". No thank you...

I called around to different transmission shops and found one that had and would sell me the grommet for $1

SOLD!!!

Now, not much improvement with the new DPFE noticed on my way to the transmission shop about 17 miles away and all highway. I went through almost a 1/4 tank of gas!


Keep.USA.68
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Sep 23, 2010, 7:24 PM

Post #21 of 23 (5661 views)
Re: '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles Sign In

SIDOM and HAMMER TIME.... I FIXED IT TODAY!!!!

After this morning fiasco I decided I had had ENOUGH! I just really got mad that this has been going on for months and costing me SO MUCH MONEY I don't have for gas.

I went to Auto Zone and had them pull the latest codes after the DPFE replacement yesterday and pulling the negative battery cable for 30 minutes to clear the comp.

They got only 3 codes instead of the 7 last time.. So I obviously was headed in the right direction.

Codes:
P1151
P0306
P0155

Going off the first code I decided to swap out the O2 sensor I had bought 3 months ago when I bought the old DPFE. Pulled the battery cable while I replaced it. After it was replaced I reconnected the battery and drove the car but got the same result. It ran like a lawnmower, had no power, missing like crazy and the CEL would start flashing and power was almost nil. Flooring the gas pedal produced ZERO forward momentum or torque.

Drove back to Auto Zone and attacked the next item on the codes, the misfire on the #6 cylinder. Maybe it was fouled from months of running rich. Bought a single Autolite XP Iridium spark plug, pulled off the boot and removed the plug.

GUESS WHAT!!!

The spark plug DID NOT HAVE a Terminal Nut on it!!! ONLY the threaded stud so therefore the plug wire was NOT even making direct contact with the plug. HELLO!!!! no wonder that cylinder was misfiring!!

I NEVER thought to look at it because I had my tune up done at a shop and figured there was NO WAY they could mess up a tune-up not to mention it ran good for a month afterwards so assumed (ASS U ME-ed) it was something other than the tune-up.

I put the new plug in WITH the terminal nut, started her up and VAARRRROOOOOOM!!

NO MISFIRE, NO BACKFIRES, THROTTLES SMOOTHLY and ALL MY POWER IS BACK! Took her on the highway because I was enjoying SO MUCH driving her without stress and for the "test".

I drove 25 miles PERFECTLY, not once did anything go wrong and the gas gauge BARELY MOVED!!!

YAAAAAYYYYY!!! Sly

The CEL did come back on even though she drove perfectly so I took a trip back to Auto Zone to have them pull the codes once more.

The only codes that came back were for the O2 sensor and from reading MANY forums I've noticed that it could take a bit of driving to clear that one.
I will drive her and see if it finally clears.

I will keep ya'll posted but this proves to NEVER ASSUME ANYTHING!

Thank you two for all your advice!

Eddie


(This post was edited by Keep.USA.68 on Sep 23, 2010, 7:28 PM)


Sidom
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Sep 24, 2010, 12:37 PM

Post #22 of 23 (5644 views)
Re: '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles Sign In

Glad to hear you got it going..............Thx 4 letting us know what finally fixed it........


Keep.USA.68
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Nov 7, 2010, 4:18 PM

Post #23 of 23 (5556 views)
post icon Re: '02 Ford Taurus DOHC w/ 130,000 miles Sign In

Darn it!! It's creeping back!!

It started mildly missing again so I took it in to get the codes read.

Misfire on 4&5... No problem, I swapped out those spark plugs and boom, back to golden.

I month and a half goes by and all of a sudden now she's stuttering from a dead stop and if I stomp on her the ECL flashes and she starts missing pretty bad.

Pulled battery, drove and had codes re-ran... Again.

P1151
P0155
P0305

I bought some MAF sensor cleaner and just cleaned it. I'm going to see how she drives tomorrow but from the short test drive I gave her. It doesn't look good.


Mad


(This post was edited by Keep.USA.68 on Nov 7, 2010, 4:21 PM)






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