Tune-Up - v6 Ford Taurus I

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER CODE

The engine can be identified by the eighth character of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is located on the upper left corner of the dash panel. Metal plate is visible through left corner of windshield.

VIN ENGINE CODES

TUNE-UP NOTES

Note. When performing tune-up procedures described in this article, the following notes and precautions must be followed. Always refer to Engine Tune-Up Decal in engine compartment, before tune-up procedures are attempted. In the event manual specifications and decal specifications are different, always use specifications on Engine Tune-Up Decal. Before making a compression check or cranking engine with a remote starter switch, disconnect ignition wire at distributor. Do not remove ignition wires while engine is running. Ignition voltage is extremely high and can cause harmful electrical shock and electronic ignition system damage. When performing tune-up on vehicles equipped with catalytic converters, do not allow or create a condition of engine misfire in more than one cylinder for an extended period of time. Damage to converter may occur due to loading converter with unburned air/fuel mixture.

ENGINE COMPRESSION

Test compression with all spark plugs removed and engine at normal operating temperature. Crank engine through at least 5 compression strokes before recording reading. Maximum variation between cylinders should not exceed 25%.

VALVE CLEARANCE

VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT

VALVE ARRANGEMENT

3.0L

1. Front Bank - I-E-I-E-I-E (Left-to-right).
2. Rear Bank - E-I-E-I-E-I (Left-to-right).

3.8L

1. Right Bank - I-E-I-E-I-E (Front-to-rear).
2. Left Bank - E-I-E-I-E-I (Front-to-rear).

SPARK PLUGS

SPARK PLUG TYPE

SPARK PLUG INSTALLATION

HIGH TENSION WIRE RESISTANCE

Remove spark plug wires from plugs. Remove distributor cap with wires attached. Check resistance of each wire by connecting one ohmmeter lead to cap terminal and the other lead to spark plug end of wire. If resistance is more than 7000 ohms per foot, remove wire from cap and retest. If still more than 7000 ohms per foot, replace wire.

Note. Whenever a high tension wire is disconnected, the interior of the terminal boot must be coated with silicone grease before reconnecting.

DISTRIBUTOR

All models are equipped with TFI-IV ignition systems and no adjustments are required.

3.0L Firing Order & Timing Marks. Scheme 4

3.8L Firing Order & Timing Marks (RWD). Scheme 5

3.8L Firing Order & Timing Marks (FWD). Scheme 6

IGNITION TIMING

Note. Timing light should be connected to No. 1 spark plug using inductive pickup, adapter or snap-on connector. Do not puncture spark plug wire or boot to make connection.

1. Set parking brake and block wheels. Disconnect automatic parking brake. Turn all accessories off. Place transmission in Drive (auto. trans.). Connect timing light to engine. Disconnect single in-line spout connector near distributor.
2. Start engine and warm to normal operating temperature. With engine at timing RPM, adjust timing. Turn off engine, disconnect timing light and reconnect single in-line spout connector.

IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS

3.0L MPFI

Note. This adjustment procedure is only to be performed if curb idle is not to specification. Curb idle speed is controlled by the EEC-IV processor assembly and idle speed control air by-pass valve assembly. If idle RPM is not correct after performing this procedure, EEC-IV diagnosis is necessary.

1. Turn all accessories off. Place transmission in Neutral. Apply parking brake and block wheels. Allow engine to idle and reach normal operating temperature. Ensure ignition timing is set to specifications. After checking ignition timing, leave in-line spout connector disconnected. Turn ignition off.
2. Remove PCV hose and install Orifice (T86P-9600-A) or an orifice with a.200" diameter opening. Disconnect idle speed control air by-pass valve assembly.
3. Start engine. With transmission in Drive (auto. trans.) or Neutral (man. trans.), adjust throttle plate stop screw to 740-780 RPM. (Scheme 7) Turn engine off. Disconnect battery for a minimum of 3 minutes.
4. Reconnect battery and ignition timing in-line spout connector. Remove orifice from PCV hose and reconnect PCV hose. Reconnect idle speed control air by-pass valve assembly connector. Ensure throttle plate is not binding in bore or that linkage is preventing throttle plate from closing. If vehicle is equipped with an Automatic Overdrive Transmission (AOD), check TV pressure adjustment. Refer to underhood engine decal for engine idle RPM specification.

3.0L MPFI Throttle Adjustment Screw Location. Scheme 7

Scheme 8

1. Turn all accessories off. Place transmission in Neutral. Apply parking brake and block wheels. Allow engine to idle and reach normal operating temperature. Stop engine. Disconnect idle speed control air by-pass valve assembly connector.
2. Start and run engine at 2500 RPM for 30 seconds. With transmission in Drive (auto. trans.) or Neutral (man. trans.), adjust throttle plate stop screw to 530-570 RPM on RWD vehicles, 680-720 RPM on FWD calibration Nos. 8-16C & 8-16Q, or 620-660 RPM on FWD calibration Nos. 8-16D & 8-16R by turning throttle plate adjusting screw. (Scheme 8) After throttle plate adjustment, back out throttle plate adjustment screw an additional 1/2 turn. Turn engine off.
3. Ensure throttle plate is not binding in bore or that linkage is preventing throttle plate from closing. To check for proper adjustment, start and run engine at 2500 RPM for 30 seconds. Refer to underhood engine decal for engine idle RPM specification.

IDLE MIXTURE ADJUSTMENT

Note. No idle mixture adjustments are possible on 3.0L and 3.8L fuel injected engines.

COLD (FAST) IDLE RPM

Note. No fast idle adjustments are possible on 3.0L and 3.8L fuel injected engines.

THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS)

Note. Two types of Throttle Position Sensors (TPS) are used on EEC-IV system. "Level C" is adjustable and "Level D/RD" is non-adjustable.

1. To adjust "Level C" sensors the use of EEC-IV Breakout Box (Rotunda T83L-50-EEC-IV) should be used.
2. Connect and set digital voltmeter to 20 volt scale. Connect positive lead of voltmeter to pin 47 and negative lead to pin 46.
3. Turn ignition on. Loosen TPS hold down screws. Rotate to adjust TPS until voltmeter reads 1.0 volt. Tighten hold down screws.
4. Move throttle wide open (WOT) and back to idle position. Voltmeter should read from 1.0 volt to at least 4.0 volts and back to 1.0 volt at idle position. Perform EEC-IV Quick Test if not to specification.

FUEL PUMP

Disconnect fuel return line at fuel rail. Connect fuel hose to fuel container. Connect fuel pressure gauge at diagnostic valve on fuel rail. Install jumper wire to FP lead of VIP test connector. (Scheme 9) Turn ignition on. Ground jumper wire to FP lead. Note fuel pump pressure. See FUEL PUMP SPECIFICATIONS table.

Checking Fuel Pressure. Scheme 9

FUEL PUMP SPECIFICATIONS

All models are equipped with Motorcraft TFI-IV distributor.

IGNITION COIL

IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE (OHMS)

FUEL SYSTEM

FUEL INJECTION

BATTERY

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

STARTER

Motorcraft positive engagement type.

STARTER SPECIFICATIONS @ 12 VOLTS

ALTERNATOR

Motorcraft alternators are used on all models.

ALTERNATOR SPECIFICATIONS

ALTERNATOR REGULATOR

Motorcraft solid state electronic regulators are calibrated and preset by manufacturer. No adjustment is required or possible on this unit.

SERVICE INTERVALS

REPLACEMENT INTERVALS

ADJUSTMENTS

BELT ADJUSTMENT TENSION IN LBS. (KG) USING STRAND TENSION GAUGE

CAPACITIES

ENGINE OIL CAPACITIES

COOLING SYSTEM CAPACITIES

TRANSMISSION CAPACITIES

See also:
• FUEL PUMP SPECIFICATIONS