2002 Ford Taurus Power Steering Fluid Overfill - Suspected

Tiny
NOLONGERTHEDOUBTINGTHOMAS
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
3.0L V6 Vulcan engine. I've run into a problem that's hard to diagnose. The engine will not turn over. There is relay clicking, but nothing more. The new starter is less than 1-1/2 yrs old. The alternator was making bearing noise just before it quit running, so the alt. Was replaced. Upon closer inspection it was discovered that the power steering fluid had been overfilled at the last service, there was fluid still dripping onto everything directly below the fill cap - even when the engine was cold. We've removed the excess fluid in the resivour and dryed the electrical connections below to the best of our ability. We also checked the fuses in the power distribution box - all are ok. There is power to the cabin lights and the battery is fully charged. Still, the engine will not turn over. What are we missing and/or what can be done?
Saturday, August 29th, 2009 AT 9:39 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
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http://www.2carpros.com/first_things/car_will_not_crank.htm
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Saturday, August 29th, 2009 AT 9:49 PM
Tiny
NOLONGERTHEDOUBTINGTHOMAS
  • MEMBER
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Thank you very much for the web-link;
http://www.2carpros.com/first_things/car_will_not_crank.htm

Item B is where the problem was discovered, thanks to the simple (& in-expensive) headlight check. Then I verified it by tapping on the starter with a hammer - she cranked right over.

So...would that be the winding or the brushes that are bad? My suspicion is the winding shorted out because of the brake fluid overflow.

In either case, I'll replace the starter & get that beast back on the road. By the way, I like your wagon-wheel link.

Thanks, NoLongerTheDoubtingThomas

P.S. Sorry I can't afford to donate anything right now.
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2009 AT 11:14 AM
Tiny
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Glad it worked out.

Looking forward to the donation when you can afford it.
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Tuesday, September 8th, 2009 AT 7:57 PM

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