Questions and Answers

Some Ford Taurus Concerns
Q. I've got a question regarding my car. Below are the details, and the problems I am having. I own a 1989 Ford Taurus, with a 3.0 liter V-6 and automatic transmission. Now, for my couple of questions.

First off, would a bad fuel tank sending unit still cause the gas gauge to work partially? Sometimes, my gas gauge will be at fall, and slowly make it's way down to empty as I'm driving, and visa versa.. Somebody told me it could be a ground, or a bad sending unit, which i'm hoping its not, because they are expensive to replace.

Secondly, when I am driving down the street, the car shakes (shaking increases in intensity the faster I am going), and the steering wheel shakes side to side when driving. I just had a wheel hub and bearing replaced, and a tie rod replaced, I was wondering if it could be the other tie rod, or the ball joints.

And lastly, if you don't mind me asking, occasionally, my car will idle down to almost stalling, and shake back and forth when I'm stopped at a light or stop sign, or when I take off from one. It stopped doing it for a long time, and occasionally it does it. What could be the problem ?

A. There is a TSB on your fuel gauge/sending unit problem.

Article No.: 95-2-3
Date: 01/30/95

• Gauge - Erratic Distance-To-Empty And Fuel Gauge Readings - Vehicles Built Before 1/1/94
• Gauge - Fuel - Electronic - "Co" Displayed In Electronic Cluster With Two Top/Bottom Bars Highlighted - Vehicles Built Before 1/1/94

Ford:
1986-92 Taurus
1989-94 Probe
1990-94 Crown Victoria
1993-94 Thunderbird

Lincoln-Mercury:
1985-92 Mark VII
1986-94 Continental, Sable
1990-94 Grand Marquis, Town Car
1993-94 Cougar, Mark VIII

Light Truck:
1990-94 Aerostar

ISSUE:
There may be erratic Distance-To-Empty (DTE) and fuel gauge readings, or circuit open "CO" displayed in the electronic cluster with two (2) top/bottom bars highlighted. This is caused by fuel sender card overprint material and/or an intermittent connection between the spring and contact on the sender card.

ACTION:
Install a revised sender assembly or fuel pump/sender assembly. Refer to the appropriate vehicle Service Manual, Fuel System Section, for removal and installation procedures. Refer to the Parts Block in this article for correct parts usage.

The shaking you describe can be caused by bad front end parts and/or bad or out of balance tires. A quick tire rotation and balance should reveal or cure the tire possibilities and a through inspection of the front end and maybe a wheel alignment should reveal any front end and steering problems.

As for the idle problem, I would check the computer for codes. If any are found they should be verified and addressed

If there are no codes you should check the basics such as spark plug condition, ignition wires and so on. If everything is okay I would check to see if your throttle body is cleanable and if it is, to give it a good cleaning. DIY: Cleaning Throttle Bodies.

I would also check the Coolant Temperature Sensor to make sure it is telling the PCM the actual engine temperature.