The Ford Taurus, a distinguished mid-size sedan produced from 1986 to 2007, underwent a significant redesign for its 1996 model year, adopting the aerodynamic 'New Edge' styling and the versatile DEW98 platform. This generation offered robust engineering, with standard models featuring a 3.0L Vulcan OHV V6 engine producing 145 horsepower, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Optional for the performance-oriented SHO model was a potent 3.4L DOHC V8 engine delivering 235 horsepower and a 5-speed manual transmission. Known for its market presence and often recognized by automotive critics, the Taurus provided a balance of comfort, style, and performance, competing effectively against contemporaries like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
This technical service bulletin and procedure manual excerpt provides in-depth guidance in English for the 1996 Ford Taurus, focusing on engine management and sensor systems. It details specific procedures for the Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP), including its removal, installation, testing, and diagnostic troubleshooting for circuit faults. The manual covers related components within the ignition, electrical, and emission control systems, offering step-by-step instructions, component testing procedures, and troubleshooting charts. Designed for intermediate to advanced users, it also touches upon using OBD-II scan tools and interpreting diagnostic trouble codes, making it an essential resource for maintaining and repairing this vehicle.
Generation Code:
Third Generation (1996-1999)
Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size Sedan
Key Competitors 1996:
Chevrolet Lumina, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Chrysler Concorde
Platform Introduction:
Ford DEW98 platform, a rear-wheel-drive derived platform adapted for front-wheel-drive applications.
Specific Procedure:
Camshaft Position Sensor Removal
Estimated Pages:
N/A (Digital Format)
Type:
Technical Service Bulletin/Procedure Manual Excerpt
Specific Focus:
Component repair and diagnostic procedure
Engine Management:
Engine Control Module (ECM) related components and diagnostics
Sensors:
Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) function, testing, and replacement
Ignition System:
Ignition system components related to CMP sensor operation
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams and troubleshooting for the CMP sensor circuit
Emission Control:
Components and systems related to emissions control, as sensor faults can impact emissions.
Diagnostic Steps:
Troubleshooting steps for CMP sensor circuit faults
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step removal and installation instructions for the CMP sensor
Component Testing:
Testing the CMP sensor's output signal and resistance values
Troubleshooting Charts:
Flowcharts for diagnosing CMP sensor related issues
Depth Level:
Intermediate to Advanced (specific component repair)
Diagnostic Tools:
Guidance on using OBD-II scan tools for retrieving diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and live data.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF
Cd Rom Type:
CD-ROM containing digital manual files
Printability:
Printable pages
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Format)
Engine Code:
SEA (3.0L Vulcan OHV V6)
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (182 cu in)
Configuration:
Overhead Valve (OHV), V6
Horsepower 3.0L:
145 hp @ 4900 rpm
Torque 3.0L:
180 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm
Injection Type:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Optional Engine Code:
ZNA (3.4L DOHC V8 - SHO model)
Optional Engine Displacement:
3.4 Liters (207 cu in)
Optional Engine Configuration:
Double Overhead Cam (DOHC), V8
Optional Engine Horsepower:
235 hp @ 6000 rpm (SHO)
Optional Engine Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (SHO)
ECU Identification:
PCM (Powertrain Control Module) managing fuel and ignition timing based on sensor inputs, including CMP.
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (AX4N)
Transmission Type Sho:
5-Speed Manual (T5/T45)
Overdrive:
All automatic transmissions feature overdrive (4th gear)
Curb Weight Min:
3,436 lbs (Approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
4,440 lbs (Approx.)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:
4 Stars (1996 Model Year)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:
4 Stars (1996 Model Year)
ABS:
Standard on some trims, optional on others
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Frontal and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Optional AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player, premium sound systems available.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Connectivity Options:
Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on vehicle diagnostics and basic electronic systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to owner's manual for specific recommendation based on usage)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual for exact viscosity and approval)
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Mercon V (check manual for specific type for AX4N)
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent; 50/50 mix with distilled water
Power Steering Fluid:
Mercon ATF or Ford Power Steering Fluid (check owner's manual)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 brake fluid
Common Issues:
Head gasket leaks (especially on 3.0L Vulcan engine), transmission solenoid issues (AX4N), ignition coil failures, power steering pump leaks, HVAC blend door actuator failures.
Camshaft Position Sensor Failure Symptoms:
Poor engine performance, rough idling, stalling, increased emissions, check engine light illumination (P0340 code).
Ford History:
Ford Motor Company, a long-standing American automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and volume production.
Taurus History:
The Taurus was a highly successful model for Ford, often leading sales charts in the 1980s and early 1990s. The 1996 model represented a significant redesign, moving to a more aerodynamic and rounded 'New Edge' styling, and introducing the DEW98 platform.
Production Years:
1986-2007 (North America)
Manufacturing Locations:
Chicago, Illinois; Atlanta, Georgia; and other Ford assembly plants.
Car And Driver 10Best:
Ford Taurus (various models and years, though not specifically 1996) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best list, highlighting its market appeal and engineering.
