Get the latest advice about your car

Get Started
Advice » Q&A » 2003 Ford Taurus

Q&A

Ask Your Question

2003 Ford Taurus

Question: Check Engine Light/Computer Reprogramming

Question

cottermans2, 3.0L V6, Las Vegas, NV, February 13, 2009, 12:47
Profile_thumbnail
 Rookie

I've had issues with my check engine light being on for some time now. I was told it was the oxygen sensors, had them replaced, and it still came back on. The car runs fine except for when it's stopped at a light or something, idling, there's a studdering/hiccupping thing that happens and it gets worse when the air/heat is on. I just took it in again and was told the computer needed to be reprogrammed and that would solve the problem. Of course, it's gonna cost $1150.00 to do. Am I getting ripped off, yet again? What should I do and how much should this type of thing cost?

3 Answers
Answer It
Flag This

  • Answer #1

    dandd February 13, 2009, 13:30
    Profile_thumbnail
     Master

    Have someone retrieve your Check Engine Light Codes. $1150.00 sounds like a full computer replacement, not just a reprogram. A reprogram usually runs about $130-$150 dollars. I have done them many times at the dealership. Once you know all the codes, we will have a lot more to go on and we can proceed to the next step. You can pay for 1/2 hour of time at a shop to pull the codes.

    Reply
    Flag This

  • Answer #2

    ltcmustang February 18, 2009, 11:16
    Profile_thumbnail
     Rookie

    Also, any Auto Zone will use their OBD-2 tester and give you the codes. They'll even show you the explanations on their computer. The only thing is, its still most likely a multiple choice.

    Reply
    Flag This
  • Medium-star Best Answer
    Visitor, April 19, 2010, 17:07

    YOU HAVE A VACUM LEAK SOMEPLACE COULD BE VACUM HOSE OR A LINKING INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET

    Reply
    Flag This
Answer Ranks

This week's top 10

1 globalhelper 6 carpetvan2
2 milesauto 7 2004toycam
3 csubak30 8 obdcar
4 jose8889 9 Camster
5 Merrimack Auto 10 Transmission-Tech