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2003 Ford Taurus

theft light comes on, then engine stalls while driving

electrical problem

7.0

pretty bad

Typical Repair Cost:

no data

Average Mileage:

47,000 miles

Number of complaints:

2 complaints

Most common solutions:

keep water/rain off of insides of doors/windows (1 reports)
not sure (1 reports)

Helpful Websites About 2003 Ford Taurus theft light comes on, then engine stalls while driving

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

problem #2

2005Oct 18

Taurus SES

Automatic transmission
40,000 miles

I came to this site with a different problem, but was shocked to find an entry that almost perfectly described my previous problem. After buying this car in 2005, I started having trouble with the car trying to die--kind of hesitating. Different lights would come on in the instrument panel, and then it would be fine. This usually occurred while I was braking and rolling my window up or down. After parking the car, I would have trouble removing my key, but the car would not start. The theft light would be on, and a loud clicking sound. Eventually, it would all stop, and I could remove the key or start the car. I had the same problem with dealerships not finding the problem because it wouldn't do it for them. I have also had the battery go dead because of it multiple times.

I finally figured out that water/rain getting on the inside of the door has some connection to it. As long as I keep the door dry--which is really hard to do sometimes--it doesn't have this problem.

As recently as this past summer (2008), I was running errands when it started raining. The doors got wet, but I tried to dry them off. I didn't have the problem occur, but a couple of days later my battery was dead. It's really horrible because I've already spent a whole lot of money trying to get it fixed--such as having it towed in with the dead battery hoping maybe just maybe they would find it. I could have changed the battery myself for under $100 but was instead out more than $300 for labor, towing, AND the battery. And, still not really fixed.

I found this site because I have a new problem that I worry could be connected to the old electrical problem. My instrument panel isn't lighting up and both signals stay on. No bulbs are burned out on the outside of my car. The problem is, it will cost more than $200 to fix a burned out bulb in the instrument panel, plus a diagnostic fee since the guy said it might not be that. And, what if they DON'T find the problem? Then, I'm out more money chasing some sort of ghost. The worst part is, I can't even sell the thing because I don't feel it's safe, and I don't want someone else to get hurt.

I love how the car feels to drive, how it looks, the size of the trunk--great for strollers and wheelchairs. But, I will never, never again buy a Ford or accept one for free. I had a 1990 Chevy suburban prior to this car and would pay a pretty penny to have it again. Wasn't perfect mind you--no A/C, hard to get to pass emissions, bad gas mileage, etc--but, I NEVER worried about it getting me killed. Unfortunately, it was stolen and its parts scattered about over who knows where, and all I have is the remaining shell.

ford--never again!

Fort Worth, TX, USA

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problem #1

2007Sep 22

(reported on)

Taurus SES 3.0L

Automatic transmission
54,000 miles

This has been happening since September or October of 2006 and I bought the vehicle in June of 2006. The dealer can't figure out what is wrong because it will never do it for them. Not until after the 1st year was over did they really start keeping it for more than a day long. This has never been fixed and has been at the shop for the past 3 weeks. I am afraid to drive it because it gives no warning just all of a sudden shuts down while driving and all the gauges drop down to 0 before you know what is happening (including the speedometer). I am currently looking and making a deal with the dealer for them to take my car back. I have replaced the starter 2x, ignition switch, ignition module in the steering wheel, and a GEM module. Nothing has worked.

lhobrebma05

Salina, KS, USA