My 1999 Ford Taurus Won't Start?

Question

I have a 99 Ford Taurus. It seems that when it hit 100,000 miles it started giving my trouble. It left me stuck on the highway. I saw it "dying" and pulled over. Got it fixed, it was the alternator. FOUR days later, I went to start it and it was dead. When I took it to mechanic, he said it "looked" like I need a tune up because all wires and cables were original from factory. Ok - got it done. TWO weeks later, same problem, it's not starting. Mechanic said it was "crank sensor". Does this sound right or am I just keeping my mechanic in business?

Answer 1

I just went through a similar problem with a 97 Taurus and unlike many shops, I don't like to throw parts at a car for this reason. I prefer to test everything and then install only the necessary parts. It could very well be the crank sensor or crank sensor connector. That was the problem with the Taurus I fixed after several hours of testing. Something told me this was a common problem when I went to a local Ford dealer and he pulled the crank sensor connector pigtail off of the shelf.

I'm thinking that might have been the problem from the beginning and it will certainly cause the vehicle to die anywhere once the computer can't see the crank sensor signal. It's possible it needed the tuneup, but It rarely if ever happens where all of your plugs & wires go bad at the same time to cause a car not to start.

I understand why some shops throw parts in from an economic standpoint, but I prefer to test and eliminate throwing parts at the problem and frustrating my custmers. He should have fixed the original problem and then offered the other services. If your battery light was not on then chances are it was not the alternator. The crank sensor problem does not surprise me though. Is the check engine light on?

Turn the key on so all of the lights on the cluster illuminate. Crank the engine, if the check engine light goes out during cranking, the ECM is seeing the crank signal. If it is still illuminated during cranking, start looking at the sensor, connector, wiring or ECM probably in that order. i hope this helps.

Answer 2

Before you spend any more money with this mechanic, spend some time getting a second opinion at some other shops. See if they all come up with the same diagnosis.

It could very well have been a combination of everything that's been replaced that has finally lead to the real problem which is more than likely the crank sensor.

Like I said, get another mechanic to scan your car ans see if it still points to the crank sensor. If it does, let your original mechanic complete the repair.

Fact of the matter is, alternators do go bad. And doing a complete tune up, with plug wire replacement after 7 years and over 100K miles was probably long, long, long overdue. I'm betting that your battery probably needs to be replaced, too. Most are shot after 4 to 5 years.

Give your mechanic the benefit of the doubt, but ony after you've had your car checked by someone else.

Good luck.

Answer 3

I would try replacing the battery first. the old alternator may have caused damage from the lack of charging. Or it could be bad. I try to change the battery out every 3 to 4 years. If that does not work then I would find a scond mechanic to diagnose the car and see what they tell you. That way you can go from there with a second opinion.

Answer 4

1999 Ford Tauras

Answer 5

it could be the crank censor-do you trust your mechanic or do you think he is a con-artist. Either way the crank censor is a diffinate possibility ,have the started checked and check your battery connection, also you should pay close attention to your fluid levels.-GOOD LUCK

Answer 6

Buy a new battery .If that doesn't help take it to A Ford dealer and ask for an estimate if they concur with your mechanic then take it back to him ,if not have them fix it correctly

Answer 7

Well my mom has a 1993 Ford Taurus that won't start..

Answer 8

first of all it is a 99 ford. what more can i say? i think your mechanic is nickel and dimeing you to death. you should save the money and purchase a newer vehicle and not a Ford or Chevy product.....

Answer 9

if the crank sensor was going bad you should of had a check engine light on and a computer code set .but it is quite possible

Answer 10

sounds like it is getting ready to die on you man, but it is a 99 and has 100k miles on it, things will go bad. either get ready to fix everything or buy a new car