Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Inspection and Verification - Engine Performance
2005 Ford Taurus SEL, 4D SedanSECTION Inspection and Verification - Engine Performance
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Milan, 2010 Lincoln MKZ, and 2010 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Verify the customer concern by operating the engine to duplicate the condition.
- Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage. Refer to the following table below.VISUAL INSPECTION TABLE
Mechanical - Engine coolant leaks
- Engine oil leaks
- Fuel leaks
- Damaged or severely worn parts
- Loose mounting bolts, studs and nuts
- If the inspection reveals obvious concerns that can be readily identified, repair as necessary.
- If the cause is not visually evident, connect the scan tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC).NOTE: Make sure to use the latest scan tool software release.
- If the scan tool does not communicate with the VCM
:
- check the VCM connection to the vehicle.
- check the scan tool connection to the VCM .
- refer to PINPOINT TEST AF: NO POWER TO THE SCAN TOOL to diagnose no power to the scan tool.
NOTE: The Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) LED prove out confirms power and ground from the DLC are provided to the VCM . - If the scan tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
- verify the ignition key is in the ON position.
- verify the scan tool operation with a known good vehicle.
- refer to PINPOINT TEST A: THE PCM DOES NOT RESPOND TO THE SCAN TOOL to diagnose no response from the PCM.
- Carry out the network test.
- If the scan tool responds with no communication for one or more modules, refer to INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION .
- If the network test passes, retrieve and record continuous memory DTCs.
- Clear the continuous DTCs and carry out the self-test diagnostics for the Battery Control Module (BCM) and PCM.
- If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to the Battery Control Module (BCM) DTC Table, refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING . For all other DTCs, refer to DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) TABLE .
- If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to SYMPTOM TABLE - ENGINE PERFORMANCE .
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.