[I LUV WI]

96 Taurus 3.0L 115,000 miles
Service engine light came on today. Haven't had a chance to call for a garage to check what the code is. Car runs ok, just hesitates on takeoff and when you accelerate. It's like there is a 1 second pause before it takes off. Anyone have any ideas where to look? Will post what the garage says the code is if I can get it in Friday.

 

[SaturdaysSHO]

My Vulcan does this aswell, is there any reason why? It could be the CPS (Crank Position Sensor) mine has also had the SES (service engine soon/check engine light) go on for that, and it would seem that that is the reason. But my SES light went out. If im not mistaken if the part is failing/malfunctioning (like mine is/was) the computer has to assume where the crank is in its rotation probably causing the hesitation. Or I may be way off? But once you get to autozone and get the code, you can come back here and Im sure someone will be more then likely to help you answer the question. Oh and welcome to TCCA!

Nick Saturday

 

[99Taurus24V]

Heck, mine's had the 1-second day since the day I brought it home. I'd follow the suggestion above though. Take it to AutoZone (free code reading) and let us know what it pulls up. We'll help you put together a plan of attack after that.

 

[I LUV WI]

Just got back from the garage. Told me it is the camshaft sensor, and when replacing it to also do the synchronizer with it. The computer will not tell them which item it is and if one is worn out the other can't be far behind it. Parts from ford $200. That's what the garage is charging me, I haven't called for prices yet. Labor would be 1.5 hrs. Total around $300.
They said that the car will run fine without fixing this but eventually it will get harder and harder to start until it won't start. After it is running this part is not needed I guess. They said changing it isn't the hard part, timing it after you get it back in is.

Anyone done this? Thoughts?
Have the Haynes manual coming through the library should have it Sat.

 

[SaturdaysSHO]

Yeah I have the same problem, the car does get harder and harder (takes longer, more cranking) to start and sometimes will die out when you start it, and you will need to wait a while if it even will start. I would recommend replacing it you dont want to get stranded. I dont know whats up with mine, but sometimes it acts up sometimes it doesn't. Autozone said the part (cps sensor) would be around 30, and I could take it somewhere and they would do the installation and synchronization. I think your being screwed with.

Nick Saturday