98 ford taurus. Jerky and jumping mostly when idling.

10

Asked by JustAnotherBetty Oct 15, 2020 at 06:05 PM about the 1998 Ford Taurus SE

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

98 ford taurus. Started getting jumpy when I would put it in reverse and held
brake, but once I started driving, all was good. Suddenly started jerking and
jumping when stopped (no matter what gear), does it a little when moving
but barely noticeable when moving. Doesn't die and starts fine. I checked
transmission fluid, cleaned battery terminals and checked for loose cables.
Air filter looked good but installing new one tomorrow just in case.  No
engine noise, no smoke from exhaust. I'm thinking dirty injectors and hoping
not a bad fuel pump. Guesses?

7 Answers

159,355

Is the check engine light illuminated?

1 people found this helpful.
Best Answer Mark helpful
20

Weak coil sounds like and or possible spark plugs too gapped

1 people found this helpful.
10

Bob, the check engine light is illuminated, yes. Guru99KFZG, I had not even considered a faulty coil. Would the spark plug's gaps get bigger over time? (old plugs, new problem)

10

Also, sorry for marking one of the answers as best. I appreciate all answers and meant to mark as helpful, and it won't let me change it.

20

Yes over time spark plug gaps wear which stresses the coil even more bc its harder to jump the gap and it can damage a coil.. or if the resistance is too high itll actually take the easier path and go down the side of the plug and leave black burn lines on the plug

10

Used a hand-held diagnostic tool and it displayed two problems: P0136 02 Sensor circuit Bank 1 sensor 2... and P0156 02 Sensor circuit Bank 2 sensor 2. Going to get the sensors and have someone put them on. Then I read that 02 sensor trouble is the most commonly misdiagnosed problem when using a diagnostic tool. Very frustrating!

Your Answer:

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