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1997 Ford Taurus when select "reverse", no power

Tiny
FOXHOLE
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 72,000 MILES
Whenever I select the transmission to "Reverse", steering is heavy and appears the power steering is not functioning. Also, the power windows will not work, the radio has no sound output (but I can change the AM/FM and select different channel). Otherwise the car is driverable.
The car is with low mileage but I have been spending $3K to $4k per year fixing the car for the last three years. Need advise to have it fix or to move on with a new vehicle.
Thanks in advance.
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Sunday, April 5th, 2009 AT 5:16 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JAMES W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,394 POSTS
All of this only happens when you put the car in reverse?
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Monday, April 6th, 2009 AT 10:19 AM
Tiny
FOXHOLE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yes, only in Reverse. Otherwise, the car behaves well when in "Drive" and all other gears.
There is no power steering, no radio output but the head light, tune signals operate OK.
Could it be the gear lever pinches or dislodge some wiring harness when I move from Park to Reverse or from Drive to Reverse?
Thanks.
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Monday, April 6th, 2009 AT 5:14 PM
Tiny
JAMES W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,394 POSTS
Take a look under the hood at the transmission shifting linkage to see any wire harnesses are touching any moving parts. Also, check all wire harness connections from the body to the engine. You're looking for any connection that is stressed by the engine torque in reverse.
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Monday, April 6th, 2009 AT 5:25 PM
Tiny
FOXHOLE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
James, many thanks to show me the right track.
After I randomly tighten up all connectors in the engine compartment and tidy up all wiring with cable ties, I have power steering when I switch to "Reverse". The radio refuses to sound but the power windows work! The car is kind of back to normal now.
The steering pump makes a lots of tapping noise when I turn my steering wheel either in Park, Reverse or Drive but quiet when I do not touch it. Looks like a new pump might be needed but it is unwise to keep pouring money into a 12 years of car. I think it is time to shop for another one.
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Sunday, April 12th, 2009 AT 4:26 PM
Tiny
JAMES W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,394 POSTS
The ticking noise is probably the PS pump, BUT it may be the rack and pinion making the pump bypass. A pressure test would tell the story.
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Sunday, April 12th, 2009 AT 4:41 PM

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