1996 Ford Taurus Gear-Shift Electrical Fault Fix

1996 FORD TAURUS
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SCARS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have a 1996 ford tars gl 148,000 3.0. When the car is in park or neutral the radio, power steering, power windows and windshield wipers work. however when i shift into reverse nothing works and when I shift into drive they will work for awhile then stop working and sometimes they will just come back on for awhile and then stop working. I don't know what the problem is and I need help. I don't know what could be causing this. Thanks
Mar 7, 2007 at 7:08 AM
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TAURUSWHEEL
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 718 POSTS
Sounds like a classic example of the mlps sensor, multi-lever-position-sensor, failing.. aka neutral safety switch.. it sits on top of the trans, usually underneath the air cleaner hose, the shift linkage is hooked to it along with a big wire connector..for some reason, when it starts to go south, the items you listed start acting up.. 9 times out of ten it's that sensor.. you can replace it yourself, it does need some sort of alignment tool to set it to operate correctly with the gearshift, you may be able to jury-rig a tool.. sometimes it will show up as the check engine light, other times not
Mar 7, 2007 at 10:32 AM
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SCARS
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I replaced it and it fixed the problem. THANK YOU!
Mar 14, 2007 at 2:54 AM

Suggested Repair

Replace the transmission MLPS (multi-lever position sensor), also called the neutral safety switch, and align it with the shift linkage using the proper alignment tool or a suitable substitute.

Conversation Summary

A 1996 Ford Taurus with a 3.0 engine had radio, power steering, power windows, and wipers that worked in park or neutral but failed in reverse and intermittently in drive. The expert identified a failing MLPS/neutral safety switch on top of the transmission. The owner replaced it and confirmed the problem was fixed.

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