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1999 Ford Taurus

Question: engine will not get up to temperature...also, no heat

Question

schwenkester, 3.0L V6, Roanoke, VA, November 22, 2010, 06:40
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 Rookie

This summer, I purchased a '99 Taurus. It was running great with a few minor problems here and there. However, as the weather has gotten colder, it has developed an issue with getting up to the proper running temperature (it is running very close to cold...closer when it's colder outside). Last night it was down in the 30s outside, and I drove for two hours at 55-65 mph, and the temperature gauge was still reading cold. I have had the thermostat replaced, and the heater core has been flushed multiple times. The mechanic that has looked at it is not sure what is wrong with it. I'm at a complete loss as to where to go from here. What should I do?

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  • Answer #1

    DaveJHM November 22, 2010, 22:56
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     Master

    The thermostat installed in the vehicle may be too cold; that is, they sell thermostats in different temperature ranges, and the one that was installed may open at a colder temperature than the factory original.

    I would replace the thermostat again with a factory unit from a Ford dealer, Then recheck the performance. Thanks.

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  • Answer #2

    tricky610 January 07, 2011, 11:14
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    it is the water pump, I had the same problem last month. I flushed the entife cooling system. Heater core, radiator, and motor. Still no heat at all. Then find out thar fird had MANY problems with the water pumps from 96 to 2000 on the taurus. When i replaced the water pump I realized what they meant. It was like five razor blades spinning with out the side impellers. The new water pump was about a half inch thick and had a 90 degree turn to it. i will bet my life that it is the water pump. Be careful though, four days after I replaced the water pump the head gasket blew. The water pump must of been like that for several years and weakened the head gasket. When I put the new water pump on it was way too much flow and pressure for the weakened head gasket. Ford should have recalled all the models that had those water pumps on them. So blame ford for all your troubles, I did!!!!! Good luck.

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    DaveJHM, January 07, 2011, 19:40
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     Master

    A failed water pump would cause overheating, not a cold engine.

    The water pump "problems" were actually due to poor coolant circulation, which caused the coolant to turn brown and sludge, and without flushing out caused corrosive failure to the water pump in extreme cases. This concern was repaired in 1998, before the 99 and 2000 models. This was also repaired at no charge during recall 98B23 "Brown Coolant".

    This concern does not apply to this car or this case. The water pumps otherwise are not "known" issues with this vehicle.

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  • Answer #3

    rc parts February 06, 2011, 22:23
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     Technician

    if the engine is not heating up to temp it should start to black smoke for it would teel computer to spray more fuel less air to run as cold engine need to check heater pipes from firewall if they are hot electric mixer door or blend air motor maybe stripped or stuck on cold air.

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