1996 Ford Taurus: loss of power steering

Filed Mar 17, 2007 · Electrical · VA

When in gear my 1996 taurus's power windows and radio will not operate. They will operate in neutral or park. When in gear the seat belt light flashes on. The steering becomes tight when this happens, almost as if there is no power steering. When the ignition module died, the other problems stopped for the most part. I notice other similar complaints.

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 Mar 19, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · AL

When driving hit a puddle of water and passenger's side tire splashed water on serpentine belt which started to slip, pulling vehicle off the road. Lost power steering. Dealer contacted. *ak the alternator was also affected by the splashing water causing the engine to stall.

Filed Aug 11, 2001 · Engine · NM

Camshaft failure on interference engine in '1996 taurus loss of power steering/ power brakes. What could happen in this auto with such a failure at highway speed?

Filed Apr 10, 2001 · Engine, Steering · TX

Freeze plugs blew out without warning at 65 MPH on interstate hwy; temp gauge within normal range and "check engine" light did not come on until engine died. Required head gasket job as well as repair of freeze plugs. Temporary loss of power steering when turning corners on wet streets. Windshield fogs over completely when defrost/defog is turned on before it clears. Temporary loss of vision through windshield resulting in extremely hazardous driving conditions...

Filed Aug 1, 2000 · Steering · OH

Twice the power steering pulley has cracked no accident. Possible result no steering, electrical cooling & then engine shutdown while driving.

Filed Dec 16, 1999 · Electrical, Engine · CT · crash

First incident driving under wet roads every time the vehicle ran a puddle of water the car stalls battery light comes on, very little or no steering can be done .

Filed Dec 28, 1998 · Steering · OH

No steering and my insurance company will not subregate ford unless there has been prior crashes. The company I have it at now doesn't know what to look for. I had no steering. Please call me for more details.

Filed Jul 20, 1998 · Steering · NC

Consumer was driving at approximately 45 MPH and was making a sharp turn at the outer part of curve, automatic steering control became inoperative, causing loss of steering control, almost resulting in accident.

Filed Mar 31, 1998 · Steering · LA

When driving over a puddle of water, the power steering belt got wet, causing the vehicle to lose power steering. Also belt slips.

Filed Feb 5, 1998 · Steering · AL

Power steering failed.

Filed Nov 28, 1997 · Steering · GA

While driving the defective power steering causing noises in the right side of the vehicle and no power steering which caused loss of control of the vehicle. Dealer replaced rack pinion and power steering pump. Dealer cannot determine problem.