1996 Ford Taurus steering problems

Filed Mar 1, 2007 · Electrical, Seat belts · 155,752 miles · IL

My 96 ford taurus gl has the following electrical problems, radio goes out, seat belt light flashes and clicks, intermittent wipers fail, power windows fail, finally power steering locks up,and when running for a while transmission would slip, causing safety concerns. If put in park everything goes back working as normal. Took to shop and they say it's the transmission range sensor and that several 96 taurus' they have worked on have had the same problem....I am wondering why this has not been a recall part if that is the case...something is definitely wrong!

Filed Mar 11, 2005 · Electrical, Steering · MO

Progressive system failures; initally raido goes out, seat belt light flashes and clicks, intermittent wipers fail. Finally power steering locks up, causing safety concerns. If put in park electrical systems resume operation. Transmission range sensor replaced, automotive shop has seen 3 other '96 taurus' with same issue.

Filed Jul 14, 2004 · Steering · GA

While driving in rainy conditions battery indicator light flashed on, and steering wheel locked in place. Consumer would have to apply brakes to come to a stop, and sit for a few seconds without any indication that steering wheel would unlock. *ak this problem occurs most times when it rains and the vehicle goes through water.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · CA

This car continually stalls out , the battery light comes on, the engine repair light comes on, the underneath suspension squeeks and groans, the brakes squeak, the wheel doesn't turn when the car stalls out. It has happened numerous times when I am turning a corner, the car stalls out and the wheel will not turn. Now the computor systems are not working the air conditioning. I have to restart the car to get the radio and the air conditioning to start up. These things happen but no one can find a problem.

Filed Dec 7, 2003 · Engine, Steering · 30,000 miles · TX

Vehicle loses power steering after driving through standing water. Serpentine belt squeals for about 20 seconds and when the noise stops the steering power is restored.

Filed Nov 19, 2003 · Steering · 114,000 miles · OK

While driving and turning left adjusting bar pull out of the tie rod.

Filed Sep 29, 2003 · Seat belts, Steering · 73,000 miles · TX

The seat belt light on the dashboard blinks on intermittently, and when it does the steering column locks up. When this occurs consumer loses control of vehicle.

Filed Jan 20, 2003 · Steering, Transmission · 98,000 miles · PA · crash

The transmission range selector (also called park/neutral start switch) shorts internally and causes the variably assisted steering to malfunction (stop assisting entirely). Date of incident may not be exact. While turning right at low speed into an alley power steering failed momentarily causing front wheel to jump the opposite curb onto the sidewalk and damage wheel cover. Tsb # 96255 may describe problem, but I'm not sure. Ford dealership pulled up a report on this for me. Report states that the transmission range selector may short internally and cause the power steering assist to be reduced (eliminated), power windows to fail, and stereo to temporarily fail. This problem is intermittent and sporadic, but since the steering is adversely affected this problem constitutes a clear safety hazard. I feel that I was lucky as there was nobody/nothing to hit and that all I had damaged was a wheel cover.

Filed Oct 30, 2002 · Steering · PA

Consumer states that the power steering will not turn on or off and consumer is unable to steer or turn. Dealer notified ts

Filed Sep 23, 2002 · Steering · 160,000 miles · CA

The consumer stated the vehicle vibrated when driving and when the brakes were applied. The dealer replaced the front rotors, pads and the problem still continued. It was later determined that the aluminum spindle at the ball joint broke and caused the axle to come off. *mr