1989 Ford Taurus Won't Start

180,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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SWEAT05
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I own a 1989 Ford Taurus Lx 3.8 L. When i first got it everything was running fine, but one trip we noticed that when going up-hill the car would sort of shake a little, quick little successions like "ta ta ta ta ta ta" and then loose speed.
It continued to due this for at least two more lengthy trips, and the car seem to run fine when not going uphill.
Well, one day I was running some errands around town and had been driving around for awhile when i stopped at a stop sign(on a hill by the way) and the car just started puttering and died out.
It sounded kinda like when you run out of gas, or can't quite get the engine to turn over but you can here it trying to.
Now, the car just cranks and doesn't even sound like it is about to turn over.
I was thinking it may be the fuel pump?
Please let me know what you think!!
Jun 21, 2010 at 7:00 AM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
Lets do below for a start to determine if its fuel or spark related issue and get back with some results

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs,coil's resistances,cap and rotor,distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it
Jun 21, 2010 at 1:07 PM
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