1997 Ford Taurus: engine overheating

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 Mar 17, 2008 · Brakes, Engine · 123,100 miles · NH

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford taurus. The contact noticed a strong gasoline smell and noticed gasoline on the ground under the vehicle. The mechanic stated that three failures were present: the fuel tank, a coolant leak, and brake line corrosion. There were no warning indicators prior to the failures. The vehicle was repaired. The contact would like ford to reimburse him for the cost of the repairs, but they refused. The failure mileage was 123,100 and current mileage was 123,900. Updated 04/02/08.

Filed Dec 4, 2007 · Engine · IL

1997 ford taurus with anti freeze leak. Consumer states she had the cooling system flushed and they replaced the thermostat. Dealer told her she needed the engine repaired and it would cost $300 or $400 dollars. *kb the consumer stated when the vehicle was returned to her, it was overheating. The dealer informed the consumer a campaign had been issued for engine corrosion.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · CA

Bought 97 taurus with 53,000 miles in 03-2001 at a dodge dealership, with extended warranty [chrysler 24/24]. Took in for oil leak 3,000 miles after purchase. Oil pan gasket repair work was said to be done. Approx. 8,000 miles after that, I took car in again for oil leak and possible coolant leak. Again gasket repairs were suppossedly done; no report or repair on suspected coolant leak. Approximately 9,000 miles after that, car breaks down on fwy; will not crank/turn over. Had car towed to same dealership; reported findings were: no coolant in radiator, coolant in oil basket, no compression. Extended warranty expired 2 months prior to break down. They say the previous complaints aren't related to present problem. I feel the repair work each time I took the car in for service was incomplete, overlooked, or mis diagnosed.

Filed Sep 26, 2003 · Electrical · 130,000 miles · PA

Headlights fail without warning headlight plug melts from overheating and electrical contact is lost causing lights to go out

Filed Jul 16, 2003 · Engine · 128,500 miles · IN

1997 ford taurus - 3.0l v6 ohv type u tensioner puller seized up while driving on highway - result: serpentine belt sheared off the tension pulley assembly. Pulley and belt needed to be replaced, engine overheated due to water pump not running because no belt was operating the pump due to the tensioner pulley seizing. Mechanics stated that they have to replace this item on the 3.0 l v6 engine and subsequent damage to other items within the engine compartment on 4 to 5 cars per week. (the brake shop - centerville, in).

Filed Jun 17, 2003 · Acceleration, Transmission · MO

The pump that is attached to the transmission is aluminum and is causing the part to fail and overheat. While the vehicle is in drive it will not move at all and will accelerate without prior warning.

Filed Nov 4, 2002 · Engine · MI

The frost plugs in the engine block failed catastrophically due to internal corrosion. This caused rapid loss of nearly all coolant from the engine. The loss of coolant caused the engine to overheat, the head gasket to fail, and the heads to crack. Within ninety seconds, the engine shut down and consumer was left without power.

Filed Oct 28, 2002 · Engine · MI

Cam failure; apparently rotated relative to camshaft. Occured at light tip in under 45mph, under 3200 RPM. Engine started missing, (running on 4 cylinders) and loss of power brakes. Engine started overheating while driven 1/2 mile to find parking lot. Dealer estimated costs at $3000 - $9000. Dt

Filed Oct 25, 2002 · Engine · WA

We were driving on the freeway when the car began to lose power. We were close to an off ramp, and exited. At that time, the temperature gauge started to climb, and the engine stopped. We had the car towed to a garage near our home. An engine core plug had failed, the resultant lose caused the engine to overheat, and damage the head gasket. We had to replace the engine for $3900. I have contacted ford motor company, but they state that there is no recall for this engine problem, so I am sueing them in small claims court. Dt

Filed Sep 21, 2002 · Engine · IA

Driving down freeway, car overheated, then stalled, then wouldnt start. The engine was blown, head gasket blown and there was water in the oil. Have extended warranty thru universal and they are not honoring warranty. Was never informed on the cooling recall.

Filed Jun 28, 2002 · Engine · NY

Screw in engine sheared off, causing engine to overheat. Please provide further information.