1997 Ford Taurus electrical problems

Filed Apr 5, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 127,700 miles · ID · fire

On 4/3/2015 my mother in law pulled into the driveway after a 10 mile trip to town. Upon pulling in the driveway the car started on fire immediately, at first she thought the car was overheating (white smoke) then realized the car was actually on fire (black smoke). She had to be helped by an idaho power employee who was driving by. A total of two 15lb fire extinguishers and garden hose were used to keep the fire at bay until the fire department arrived. The car was destroyed from the dash panel forward. The fire department determined the fire started at the power distribution box located by the master cylinder on the firewall. The fire department determined the cause as an "electrical fire", up until the fire the car had no known electrical or major mechanical problems. The car had no modifications and was completely stock. No insurance claim was filed as I only carried liability coverage on the car.

Filed Jun 30, 2009 · Electrical · MD

My door switches in my 97 ford taurus need replaced again. I had all 4 replaced 3 years ago and they keep leaving the dome light on again. Having the dome light on at night makes it difficult for me to see. I know there are several other people that are having or have had the same problem, someone should look into it.

Filed Apr 16, 2008 · Electrical · 114,500 miles · WI

Every time I put it in reverse, my radio goes out, my pl, ps, and pw stop working. If I drive longer than 5 - 10 miles, the lights and all electrical start blinking and the ps goes on and off. I almost hit a car along side of me the 1st time it happened, I only drove it out of town one time after that, now I don't drive it out of town at all. Even in town if I'm driving all over, it does it. I tried talking to ford corp. And they blew me off, even though I told them nobody knows what it is. Help!!

Filed Apr 10, 2008 · Electrical, Visibility · IL

My car has a electrical prob or something it makes my steering hard and won't let windows roll down and makes all lights in flash. Have taken it in to several garages and they can see what's wrong. But do not know what causes it. I have almost been in several accidents. I need help figuring out what this is so I can get it fixed!!!!

Filed Sep 30, 2007 · Electrical, Steering · 142,000 miles · IL

Power steering intermittent failure; first began when placing shift lever into reverse gear, then later occurred also in forward drive gears. Suspect electrical/electronic problem since radio speakers also go silent and power windows do not operate when this occurs. All other fuses working properly. Dealer is not yet contacted.

Filed Mar 1, 2006 · Electrical · 79,985 miles · TX

This incident has happened before the date below but this time I decided to make a complaint after it happened again. When there is a lot of water and you turn right, my car turns off, the battery light comes on and then it makes this squealing noise. And then it starts right back up. I had this checked out but nothing was found wrong with my ford 97 taurus. I've driven through a lot of water going forward in the car and it doesn't turn off or make any noise, just when turning right. I never noticed it when turning left.

Filed Dec 23, 2005 · Electrical · 85,000 miles · MD

Overhead dome light shorted out, repaired short, $110.00. Three months later the alarm system stopped working, replaced alarm system with 2005, and replaced complete wiring harness.

Filed Nov 19, 2005 · Electrical · 96,500 miles · NY

Interior lighting will not turn off, this is a continuous problem with this car as it has been repaired more than once for the same problem.

Filed Aug 31, 2004 · Electrical, Lights · 13,000 miles · OH

While driving it was hard to shift gears/steer the vehicle. The brake and tail lights failed to work. *ak the electrical system was intermittent, the radio would go off when the steering wheel was turned and when the vehicle was in drive. The problem would start when the vehicle was in park, reverse, or neutral. The seat belt light flickered on and off without cause. *sc

Filed Jun 4, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · 27,000 miles · GA

While driving at any speed ABS light appeared on the dashboard. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for inspection. *ak the check engine soon had also come on. The consumer stated that the lights would come on intermittently, both at different times.