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.

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HOMESERVICE MANUALSFORD2010TAURUS SEL, FWDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT VARIANT/TRIMSECTION 2 (TRANSFER CASE - POWER TRANSFER UNIT (PTU))DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGPOWER TRANSFER UNIT (PTU)SYMPTOM CHART

2010 Ford Taurus SEL, FWD

Symptom Chart

2010 Ford Taurus SEL, FWDSECTION Symptom Chart

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

SYMPTOM CHART

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) makes noise	Tire inflation pressure Tire and wheel size	MAKE SURE all tires and wheels are the same size and brand and the inflation pressures are correct.
	Fluid level	FILL with the correct type and amount of lubricant. REFER to POWER TRANSFER UNIT (PTU) DRAINING AND FILLING .
	Internal components	OPERATE the vehicle in all gears. If there is noise in the transaxle in NEUTRAL, or in some gears and not in others, REMOVE and REPAIR the transaxle. Refer to the appropriate procedure for the procedure. If there is noise in all gears, INSTALL a new PTU . REFER to POWER TRANSFER UNIT (PTU) - 3.5L or POWER TRANSFER UNIT (PTU) - 3.5L GTDI .
Leaking fluid from the PTU vent	PTU over filled	REFER to ANALYSIS OF LEAKAGE .
Leaking automatic transmission fluid	PTU intermediate shaft seal PTU compression seal	REFER to ANALYSIS OF LEAKAGE .
Leaking gear lubricant from the seals	The PTU vent is plugged (located on top of the PTU )	INSTALL a new PTU . REFER to POWER TRANSFER UNIT (PTU) - 3.5L or POWER TRANSFER UNIT (PTU) - 3.5L GTDI .
Leaking gear lubricant from the seals	Damaged seals	REFER to ANALYSIS OF LEAKAGE .
Vehicle has no or inadequate torque at rear wheels	Rear axle	REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .
Vehicle has no or inadequate torque at rear wheels	PTU mechanical failure	REFER to POWER TRANSFER UNIT (PTU) - 3.5L or POWER TRANSFER UNIT (PTU) - 3.5L GTDI .
Vehicle binds in a turn or resists turning/pulsates or shudders in a straight line	Wheels/tires	REFER to WHEELS & TIRES .
	Brake system	REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .
	Wheel bearings	REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .
	Halfshafts	REFER to DRIVELINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .
	Wheel speed sensor(s)	REFER to VEHICLE DYNAMIC SYSTEMS .
	ABS module	REFER to VEHICLE DYNAMIC SYSTEMS .

RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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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.