Final Question on 98 Taurus still confused. - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

clydefrog69 · 02-01-2010, 12:28

So I gotta ask this question. I had been posting on my 98 Taurus with all the problems it was having but I’m still not sure what was causing what. It started running like crap as soon as the check engine light came on but the light was the torque converter and then they found the vacuum hose that was bad. So my question is can the torque converter make the car run rough while idling in or out of gear? I just find it impossible to believe that the vacuum hose had a hole burned in it simultaneously as the torque converter caused the engine light to come on.

**360ci** · 02-03-2010, 17:13

The TC is a self contained unit and shouldn't make the vehicle run rough. If the TC is broken internally, then it can cause some problems, but you wouldn't be able to drive the car if it was in fact broken, or a part decided to fail.

Don't forget, the car is going on 12 years old. Rubber vac lines can fail and rupture easily enough. I spray all mine down with a silicone spray to help prolong the life of some components, but really I'm just putting off the inevitable of having to replace parts no matter what I do. If you have the AX4N transmission, it's a built a bit better versus the AX4S transmission, both were used in Taurus manufacturing. My '99 was lucky to get the AX4N which has better reliability, and to date I have had no trans trouble in the last 126K - I run Amsoil ATF synthetic which no doubt helps prolong life.

If the vehicle is vibrating enough, who knows, it could have loosened a vac line and it might have come in contact with a hot engine component causing a slow leak. I haven't had any problems other than a seat belt issue (covered under warranty in 2000).

**chipset** · 02-03-2010, 17:46

Taurus transmission problems were eliminated in late production 94. Date code 8, august
which is the 95 Taurus which is still and axo transmission.

clydefrog69 · 02-05-2010, 11:03

Well thanx but its just weird how the light came on at the same time th eproblems started and then it turns out the hose was causing the dying and sputtering, and I could hear the air leak so loud but could not find it. It was a 5-6 inch horsheshoe hose and I still cant find where it is but at least the replaced it for no extra charge in the $2295.00 price of a rebuilt tranny.

RickMN · 02-27-2010, 13:38

Chip meant to say that trans problems were REDUCED in 94 and beyond, not eliminated. The AX4 series still has an above normal failure rate (IMHO). Changing fluid and filter every 30M miles is mandatory for long life. Do that and don't beat the H out of it and it will be nice to you. Skip a change and you'll pay dearly.