20 Most Recent 2003 Ford Taurus - Page 4 Questions & Answers

There are three different 3.0L engines that come in that model year car. There are two configurations for belt routing. Check your VIN and select the one below that applies to yours. VIN "S" VIN "U" and VIN "2"

The P0316 DTC code is a generic code that applies to all vehicles. This code means the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a misfire shortly after startup, specifically within the first 1,000 revolutions. This code may also be triggered with another of the other misfire codes which are P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306, P0307, P0308, P0309, P0310, P0311, P0312. If you have another misfire trouble code also, you should diagnose and repair that code(s) first. Symptoms Symptoms of a P0316 DTC may include: MIL (Malfunction indicator lamp) illumination Rough engine start or idle Potential Causes Potential causes of this misfire code may include: Damaged or defective Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) CKP sensor wiring or connector fault Poor fuel quality Ran out of fuel Ignition system malfunction Fuel system malfunction: injector or fuel pump Mechanical engine problem Damaged PCM Possible Solutions First off, you'll want to repair any other misfire DTC codes if present prior to diagnosing this code. If you own a Ford vehicle and you have a P0316 along with one of the other misfire codes, you should check for appropriate TSBs (technical service bulletins), as there are some TSBs that in part involve reprogramming the PCM. Doing that requires specialized equipment. Some Ford vehicles even needed a new cylinder head as a result of the valve. Regardless, if you have a Ford with multiple misfire codes including this one, check for TSBs. If the P0316 is the only code, then it's time to do a bit more diagnosing of the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors, and their associated connectors and wiring. A tip we've found is "Since this code indicates a start up misfire, pay attention to items which may expand or contract when cold (if the code sets when the engine is cold), or hot (if the code sets on a hot restart)." Realistically, the freeze frame data from the PCM will be helpful in tracking down the problem. As will a good DVOM (digital volt-ohm meter), so you can perform tests on the wiring and the sensors. Read more at: http://www.obd-codes.com/p0316 Copyright OBD-Codes.com

fuse box should be under the hood, next to the battery, if it's anything like where it is on my Contour. I did have an older Taurus, had the fuses under the dash on the driver side.

The coolant bottle is the plastic container to the left as you face the engine bay, only top up to the minimum line when cold.

Your Ford dealer sounds just like our local Ford dealer... They probably just cut plain none-transponder keys or didn't follow the key programming instructions properly. Perhaps the keys and security system need reprogramming together. Whatever the reason it is quite unacceptable to take a Ford car to a Ford dealer and be told they don't know how to fix it. I strongly suggest you take someone there gently by the throat and question the parentage while threatening to contact Ford customer service. A local auto locksmith might be able to further advise you.

check inside the dist cap it usually is in there. However not real sure due to it being a Ford.

Code 316 means the engine computer has detected a miss-fire on startup. You normally get a code for the cylinder causing the problem. If the spark plugs are original, I would start with checking them for signs of damage or excessive wear.

Wild guess based on some experience. The PVC assembly is attached at both ends with rubber tubing. It is common for this to crack and oil will leak out and make the motor look terrible.

May have a blocked fuel filter.

http://www.taurusclub.com/wiki/images/b/b1/LateG41.jpg

if its clicking when you try to start it and then all of a sudden turns over and starts, it sounds like the starter has a bad spot in it and needs to be replaced.

you have to remove the whole housing to change it

did you check the fuse first?

All 2003 Ford vehicles were shipped with vacuum line routing diagrams printed on a sticker, which should be affixed inside your engine compartment. It is important that you use THAT diagram, as vacuum routing varies widely from vehicle to vehicle depending upon options and regional configuration.

Probably the solenoid not pulling in. Check connections to solenoid from battery. You should hear a loud click when turning ignition switch to start. Also, a real trap, make sure your auto park switch is working. Like, if you are in drive, the starter won't crank. Cheers dave

Cylinder # 3 has a misfire...#1) Defective coil on plug or the spark plug itself...#2) Contaminated fuel injector...See drawings below...The coil pack is the smaller of the two and sits to the rear of engine it is the most probable cause...Although the spark plug or the ignition wire (connection between plug and coil pack) could be at fault...so, before you invest in a new coil pack...Remove from both ends the wire from #3 and switch it with #2...if the fault code changes to p0302 that wire is bad...next Install a new set of plugs....Fault still present? replace the coil pack.....Unless recently changed new plugs and wires are a plus even if fault remains...saailer Cost= about $90 I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/david_6df67de3b14de867

Hi Joe: You've got me tricked. Which bolts? PSI refers to air pressure. Are we working on tires?

In front of the cat

These are the main causes: faulty plug wires, vacuum hose leak, computer faults, weak fuel pressure. Check the manifold for cracks. God-Bless!

Possibly a battery cable terminal or the connection at the starter. Sometimes a loose or faulty wire can barely work until a load is put on it then it just shuts down. Test power flow at starter before and after turning the key. Replace battery cable ends and if the problem persists, replace entire cable.