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New Owner Of Old Car With Problems

1537 Views 18 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  Dan_in_WA
Hi,
I just recently got a 88 Taurus with a 3.8L V6 engine from a friend of mine to hopefully get me by until I can save and get something else. Supposedly this car has about 50,000 miles on it. I was told this car had a problem with the transmission a few years ago with a pin that fell out and was glued back in instead of having the transmission replaced. As of now, the transmission seems to shift fine. I was just told one day that pin could slip out again and it would need a new transmission. However, I am having current problems with this car, and I don't have really much money at all to fix it. So I would like to try to fix what I can myself to keep this thing going for awhile if I can. I was hoping you guys here might be able to help.

1. The check engine light comes on... I jumped the EEC-IV connectors and got a code 89 (torque converter solenoid circuit). In memory I have codes 39(Transmission Torque Converter clutch not engaging ) and 69 (AXOD transmission (O) 3/2 switch closed (possible short circuit) ).

2. My a/c was working when I got the car a few weeks ago, then started spsporaticallyot working, and sometimes it would stop blowing out the panel vents and would blow out the defrost vent. Now the a/c blows hot all the time. I listened for the compressor to come on tonight and I don't think it was coming on. Bad switch?

3. My temperature gauge is showing the car is getting hotter recently. I did replace a small question mark shaped hose when I got the car because it was leaking. The car could use a flush, and there is some rust in the overflow tank and the top of the radiator neck.

My questions for you all are, can anyone help with any of these? Secondly seeing I don't have a lot of money right now, which is more important to fix right now?
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Originally posted by snakeeyes@Jun 20 2004, 02:59 AM
Run a string around all your components except for the A/C then go to NAPA and ask for a belt the length of the string.
Or she can just remove the clutch and hub from the compressor in the meantime, allowing the pulley to spin freely. Unless its the pulley bearings that are bad... then you'll have to replace the pulley and bearing, or remove the compressor and go the shorter belt route.

Or do what I did, and let it seize, stranding you across town in the rain with a passenger. <_<

Sorry I don't know your name, so I'll just call you Regan.
Regan, if the A/C pulley seizes completely, the stoppage will be enough to stop the engine as well, and give the starter one hell of a time restarting the engine, if it does restart at all. Been there; it ain't fun. Trust me. :(

And of course... welcome to the club! :thumb:
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