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 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and 2011 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.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).
- 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 MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK -- FUSION, MILAN & MKZ article, No Power To The Scan Tool, to diagnose no power to the scan tool.
- 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 MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK -- FUSION, MILAN & MKZ article 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 MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK -- FUSION, MILAN & MKZ article.
- 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 - High Voltage Traction Battery (BCM-HVTB) and PCM.
- If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to the Battery Control Module - High Voltage Traction Battery (BCM-HVTB) DTC Table, refer to HIGH VOLTAGE TRACTION BATTERY -- FUSION HYBRID, MILAN HYBRID & MKZ HYBRID article. For all other DTCs, refer to MULTIFUNCTION ELECTRONIC MODULES -- FUSION, MILAN & MKZ article.
- If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to SYMPTOM TABLE - ENGINE PERFORMANCE .
NOTE:
Make sure to use the latest scan tool software release.
NOTE:
The Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) LED prove out confirms power and ground from the DLC are provided to the VCM.
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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.