1997 Ford Taurus: fuel pump failure

Filed Dec 2, 2003 · Electrical, Fuel system · 76,340 miles · PA

The vehicle's fuel pump wires arched which could have caused a fire in the vehicle. Please provide additional information. *nlm fuel pump had to be replaced.

Filed Oct 23, 2003 · Fuel system · MA

Fuel pump shut off switches off by itself for unknown reason while driving at various speeds. This caused vehicle to stall. Vehicle was driven to a local repair shop, and they informed consumer that the fuel pump shut off switch should only operate when the vehicle was involved in a crash.

Filed Jun 4, 2003 · Fuel system · 36,193 miles · VA

1997 ford taurus wagon. Over the past two months, the vehicle stopped dead in traffic 5 times at various speeds with no advance warning. It would not restart. The fuse to the fuel pump repeatedly blew, but no other problems were evident each time the car was towed to the garage. The engine would run roughly, stall, and surge, but the problem was intermittent, and gradually became worse. The mechanic suspected a problem with the fuel system. An investigation revealed that a wire to the fuel pump inside the fuel tank had its insulation worn off down to the bare wire, and had shorted out. Other wires also show signs of wear, but are not yet worn through. I have digital pictures of the wires. The wires were damaged due to the way the fuel pump was assembled within the gas tank. This is an obvious manufacturing defect and is not limited to only our car. Ford has issued 3 tsb's relating to this problem (98251, 5226, and 12189) and I have also found several related complaints in the federal safety agency database (odi id 549996, 707889, 713208, 807546, 838030, 853283, 879245, 10018293, and 8012733). I am concerned that this problem could not only cause complete vehicle failure (loss of power steering and brakes) at any speed, but also that the possibility of a spark inside the gas tank is not out of the question. This wiring problem should be investigated as a possible cause for any ford taurus fires, or accidents involving loss of power. We are convinced that this is a manufacturing defect and that the possibility of more related accidents increases as current vehicles age. Ford evidently is aware of this problem, or they would not have revised the wiring harness and given special installation instructions to their technicians.

Filed Jun 26, 2002 · Fuel system · MA

While consumer was driving the vehicle, it stalled in the middle of traffic. Consumer had taken vehicle to the mechanic, and they found that the fuel pumps positive wire was cut on a sharp edge inside of fuel tank, which left the wire exposed to the fuel tank, and caused it to short circuit.*ak consumer adds that ford is aware of the defect, and now places a protective cover on the wires.

Filed Dec 27, 2001 · Fuel system · MN

While driving 55 MPH vehicle began to lose power. Shortly afterwards, vehicle completely shutdown. Problem occurred due to the fuel pump. Please give any further details.

Filed Dec 26, 2001 · Fuel system · MA

While driving fuel pump malfunctioned, causing vehicle to stop. Consumer had vehicle serviced. Mechanic stated that it was fuel pump, and has to be replaced. Please provide further details if needed.

Filed Jan 29, 2001 · Fuel system · IL

While driving about 55 MPH vehicle suddenly stalled without a prior warning, and had to be towed to service shop where they find out that a fuse was blown in fuel pump.

Filed Nov 27, 2000 · Brakes, Fuel system · FL

Vehicle would hesitate & wouldn't stay running. Wires for fuel pump had rubbed against flex hose, causing it to expose the wires & short out. Dealer cold do nothing because no recall. *ak also the cv joints failed and the transmission pan cracked. The brakes vibrated causing the steering to vibrate terrebly. The vehicle, the consumer says, must be defective.

Filed Dec 15, 1999 · Fuel system · KS

The poor design in fuel system resulted in fuel pump wires rubbing against the fuel feed line and shorting. Yh

Filed Oct 12, 1999 · Fuel system · WI

This vehicle quit on the highway and was towed back to our shop. The fuel pump fuse had blown. The wires to the fuel pump inside the fuel tank had been rubbing against a hose clamp and had shorted together. Ford does have a tsb concerning this problem. The number is 98-25-1. It concerns me that the wires are shorting out in the highly flammable environment of the inside of a tank full of fuel and vapor. I cannot believe this is only covered by a tsb and not a recall.

Filed Sep 6, 1998 · Fuel system, Transmission · LA

Vehicle initially lost power on incline and regained on decline, until total loss of power after 2-5 MPH. Occurred on four occasions, on highway trips. Dealer initially reprogrammed computer then replaced fuel pump relay. After fourth occasion, replaced fuel pump. Also, transmission is sluggish, difficulty gaining speed on initial acceleration. Then suddenly surges/hesistates and moves erratically into gear. Vehicle hesitates and acts as if it stalls out.

Filed Aug 29, 1997 · Fuel system · MS

Engine stalled in traffic, nearly caused crash, owner told by dealer, to never allow fuel to get below fourth tank, fuel pump naturelizer stopped operating. Dealer is replacing naturelizer .