I have a 97 ford taurus with automatic transmission. Sometimes when I start the car, the RPMs fluctuate up and down and the car moves back and forth. It feels like the engine wants to turn off. Seems to happen when I am in reverse most. Anyone know what the problem is? (I need this car to last a few more months!)

 

the idle air control motor is probably sticking, i would have the codes read to see if any codes are set, could also be dirty mass airflow sensor or throttle plates, but check the idle air control motor first.

life begins when the kids leave home and the dog dies

 

that makes sense... my check engine light is on

 

if it is the IAC sensor you can get them rebuilt and save some money. reall easy to replace yourself two screws and it's on the top of the motor easy access.

 

Where can I get the code read? Autozone doesn't offer it anymore.

How can I know which one is IAC sensor? Any diagrams?

 

I had it read. Code P0340 camshaft position sensor circuit malfunction. How difficult if I wanted to do this myself? Any diagrams on location?

 

when looking at engine right hand side above oil filler cap.
do not buy the autozone brand keep with the oem ford ones better quality, i've heard nightmares of the motormite or dorman brands. if you hear a chriping sound when it's idling you should also replace the synchronizer too.

two bolts on top of unit.

if i knew how to put pictures on i would. lol

 

special tools are required to set the cam sensor properly, I would recommend a dealer

 

If I PM you my email address, will you send me the pics?

 

Shortly after I posted this, I found a website that guides you through replacing a camshaft position sensor on a 1997 ford taurus. Now I am ready to replace it but can't find the website (and didn't bookmark it ). Anyone know the website?

 

A very large AGREED... There is a Thin plastic CAP ( Looks almost like a small Baseball cap) that is REQUIRED to position the Synchronizer back in the engine....If these steps are not followed there is probably a 1 in 100 shot that you will get it right by EYE.

If it isnt right..Catastrophic engine damage will be "Definite and Swift"

I know this because I blew up My wifes motor over this, and still havent heard the end of it

 

One thing you might can do before replacing it...
Is follow the wiring from the sensor to the next connection.
Then, unplug that connector and make sure all the metal tabs on both ends of the connectors are clean.
Once it's all good, plug it back in snug.

Now it might not fix the problem, but it could just be corrosion or dirt.
Won't take 15 minutes.

 

I posted this in another thread but it was getting too long and it was off topic so here goes again....

I found a website that guides you through replacing a camshaft position sensor on a 1997 ford taurus. It was an average guy describing his experience with the procedure and had pictures posted and everything. I am trying to replace the camshaft position sensor on my 97 taurus and all the guides that I have found don't explain how to get under the wiring bundle and none provide pictures. Unfortunately, I did not bookmark the website (because it easily came up in searches back then but not anymore). By any long shot of a chance, does anyone know the website I am describing?

 

Why do you think its the cam sensor? Symptoms ? Engine & trans ? INFORM US

 

The check engine light is on and that's the code I got. I have a guide on how to replace the camshift position sensor but it does not explain how to remove the wiring bundle. If anyone can tell me, or know the website I'm referring to, that would be a huge help.

 

dauf i sent you a pm to the website to check.
bry