1997 Ford Taurus: loss of power steering

Filed Apr 23, 2004 · Transmission · 171,500 miles · MO

(1) intermittently, radio turned off when backing up or during forward turn. (2) while driving, seatbelt light began flashing with seat belt fastened, then power steering failed and radio turned off simultaneously (3) vehicle was towed to mechanic who one month previously fixed same problem on 1997 taurus by changing the park-neutral switch.

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 Mar 1, 2002 · Electrical, Steering · NY

While driving and without warning lost power steering. Only warning that was received by consumer was a short in electrical components.

Filed Sep 6, 2001 · Brakes, Electrical · FL

A/c compressor seized causing drivebelt failure and loss of steering, alternator, and power brakes.

Filed Jun 20, 2000 · Electrical, Engine · KS

While driving through a water puddle, the vehicle and driver experienced an approximate 4-5 second loss of power steering and the alternator light came on. *ak

Filed Jun 14, 2000 · Body, Engine · TX

While driving either in rain or over a puddle of water and making a right hand turn , water will get into the serpentine belt, causing loss of power steering for about 30-60 seconds . There is no guard or shield to protect belts from getting wet. Ford claims they cannot fix defect. *ak

Filed Aug 17, 1999 · Steering · FL

Power steering is lost and battery-warning light comes on for about 5 to 10 seconds whenever I drive through a puddle more than about an inch deep. Ford seems to be aware that this is a defect (they said the part replacement was mandatory and covered by warranty), but the dealership still wants me to continue to drive the car --at the height of south florida's rainy season-- for another week while a part is on order for the repair. They don't seem to appreciate how dangerous it is to drive with intermittent loss of power steering (if they did, they would use a faster method to ship the replacement part).

Filed Nov 23, 1998 · Acceleration, Steering · TX

The consumer has been experiencing problems with power steering and accelerator. While driving power steering went out, and vehicle constantly decelerated and accelerated. The manufacturer has yet to be contacted.

Filed Apr 21, 1998 · Brakes, Steering · DC

While driving the steering locked up and there was no steering in the vehicle. Tried to turn the wheel and there was no reaction in the wheel. So the driver tried to apply the brakes and there were no brakes in the vehicle. This problem happened all of a sudden.

Filed Jan 6, 1998 · Steering · FL

While driving over water puddles the water wets a belt which squeals, and cause no power steering which almost caused an accident. Haven't taken to dealer yet.