So Fix it

Having electrically powered windows on your Ford Taurus is a great convenience, but in the event that the power windows fail to function correctly, it can be an equally irritating inconvenience. The problem may be a simple circuit issue, a relay switch, a blown or faulty fuse or a regulator, among other possibilities. It is important that, before buying any new components, you do some troubleshooting to determine the exact reason for the fault.

Instructions

1

Check the fuses first by locating the fuse panel. On the Ford Taurus, you will note that there is a fuse box under the hood as well as another one under the driver-side foot well. The fuses for the electric power windows are on the underside of the foot well and near the steering column.

2

Unclip the panel and reveal the fuses. Take out the appropriate fuses that correspond to the power windows and check their condition. Good fuses will be clean and silver with a good connection to the circuit.

3

Assess the condition of the electrical switches. If all four windows are working intermittently but not fully operational for the remainder of the time, the problem could lie in the relay switch. If one window is having trouble but the other three are all working correctly, it could be the motor for that particular window. Usually the drivers window is the first to fail because it gets far more use than the others.

4

Remove the door panel by unclipping the plastic grommets and the screws around the door. One small screw will be located just above the door latch on the inside of the panel. Pop the panel off and locate the screw inside the door pull.

5

Unclip the switch cover and dislocate the relay plugs from the connectors inside the door panel. You will note that they are bundled up inside the metal door skin. Check the plug connections and replace them. If the windows still do not work, you may need to replace the motor for the window. The motor is attached to the bottom of an "X" shaped frame inside the door skin and is a small, silver and black barrel in the lower center of the frame. These are hard to remove, so you may need to take your car to a mechanic to have the motor replaced.

The Ford Taurus is a mid-sized family sedan first introduced in the early 1980s. The Taurus uses a conventional front suspension, with ball joints connecting the knuckle to the wheel hub. The ball joints carry the weight of the front of the vehicle and must meet specific torque specifications when replaced.

Testing and Inspection

Raise the vehicle until its wheels fall to full down position and are off the ground. Have an assistant grasp the lower edge of a tire and move the wheel assembly in and out. As the wheel is being moved in and out, observe the upper end of the wheel spindle and the rear suspension arm and bushing. Any movement will indicate abnormal joint wear.

Torque Specifications

The torque specification for the front lower and upper ball joint nut is 68 to 92 Nm, or 50 to 67 ft. lbs.

Part Replacement

The OEM part number for a ball joint for a 1999 Taurus is 5F1Z3050A. This part is supplied by Ford and available at dealerships.

Spark plugs ignite the fuel in your engine to create even-burning combustion. Without properly functioning spark plugs, your car cannot burn gasoline efficiently. The only way to repair spark plugs is to replace them. Removing and replacing the spark plugs in your 2002 Ford Taurus is a very straightforward operation. With the right instructions and few tools, you can replace your own spark plugs to save a few bucks and a trip to the dealership.

Instructions

1

Park your car on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Allow your engine to thoroughly cool before you begin to remove and replace the spark plugs.

2

Pop open your 2002 Ford Taurus hood and located the spark plugs. If you cant find the spark plugs, consult your owners manual (if you have lost your manual, see the link in the Resources section).

3

Gently remove the spark plug wire by pulling on the boot and not the wire itself to avoid any damage.

4

Attach a spark plug socket to a socket wrench (attach a swivel or extension if you need any added length to reach the spark plug) and remove the spark plug by turning it counterclockwise. Thoroughly clean the spark plug hole with rubbing alcohol and a clean rag.

5

Apply a thin coat of anti-grease onto the new spark plug. Start the spark plug in the spark plug hole using just your hand. Tighten the spark plug with the spark plug socket until its tight, but be sure not too over tighten. Reconnect the spark plug wire. Remove and replace all the spark plugs one by one until you have finished replacing all damaged spark plugs.

The 2002 Ford Taurus came with standard incandescent headlight bulbs. Newer, HID bulbs, however, provide a stronger and more precise beam of light, as well as last longer. HID kits are available at most auto parts stores to help drivers replace the Taurus standard bulbs with the newer HIDs.



and make the job a snap.

Instructions

1

Park the Taurus on a level surface. Apply the parking brake and wait about 20 minutes or until the engine area is cool before beginning work.

2

Locate the wiring harness behind the headlight. Unplug it by squeezing the base of the plug and pulling it free.

3

Slide the assembly out a couple inches in order to reach in and unscrew the old light bulb. Do this by pushing the light in slightly and turning it to the left.

4

Insert the HID light bulb and turn it to the right to lock it in place. Then reposition the headlight assembly back to its original position.

5

Attach the ballast that comes with the HID kit to the rear of the assemble. Use the double-sided tape that comes with the kit for this task.

6

Connect the wiring harness to the ballast. Then use the separate connecting wire that comes with the kit and connect the ballast to the headlight assembly. Repeat steps for the other headlight.