I recently purchased a 2001 Ford Taurus. As soon as I brought it home, the AC Compressor broke. Shortly after, the Check Engine light came on, as well as the Gas Cap light. I had replaced all of the Motor Mounts (There was Virtually nothing left) in hopes that that might take care of the problem of Shifting from Park to Drive (it would jerk REALLY hard) It took care of the kicking problem, however, I have noticed another problem: When driving at high speeds, the car seems to "kick" a little. When breaking, the engine gives a good kick. And as of today, I have noticed the RPM's slipping out of gear, or not wanting to shift. (At least it feels this way) I am wondering if this is all related to the Gas Cap? I had replaced it, but to no avail. I am wondering if there might be a crack somewhere? A hole? Could there be getting oxygen in the tank? I don't know very much about cars as it is. Thanks in advanced.
I'm not sure what you mean by "kick". But the gas cap light will not affect the performance of the engine or transmission.
I would recommend having the computer scanned for trouble codes next.
The gas cap light means the computer has found a vac leak in the venting system for the gas tank and it could be allowing fumes into the air. The most common reason is the gas cap has been left off or is not tight. But if you have replaced it the problem is elsewhere in the venting system. The trouble code stored for the check engine light would point a mechanic in the direction of the actual problem.
SOURCE: 97 ford taurus wagon does not accelerate ,check engine light on
You need to have a code scanner hooked up to see why the light is on. One or more sensors are faulty. If there is an autozone near you, go there, and ask them to scan the car, it will show what sensor is faulty, it's free, takes about 30 seconds. If not, call around, some places charge to have it done.
SOURCE: 2001 Focus: Speedometer at 0, blank odometer, rough shifting
needs a vehicle speed sensor, its on the trans. if the engine was just put in( within like 2 or 3 days, not weeks) then it may have been busted in the engine swap. hope this helps and good luck
SOURCE: 1993 Ford Mustang LX 2.3L 38,000 miles automatic
Try getting the codes pulled at a car parts shop. Usually the computer will keep it in its history. It sounds like it is an ignition problem. If there is no stored code I would look at things in this order: spark plugs, ignition wires, distributor/coil. If none of these seem to be the problem you may have to take it to a shop. If it was just the start and idle problem I would say it is something with what I said but that high RPM thing seems strange.
SOURCE: The car starts jerking & loses RPMs while
Clogged fuel filters can cause these symtoms. restrict the flow of fuel. this could cause a lean 02 code.
Testimonial: "Thank you."
SOURCE: Sluggish acceleration, frequent jerking and engine knock at high RPM
Sounds to me like the timing is off! it COULD be bad gas though! run that tank through, and refill, then see how it feels!
When you replaced the cap, did you reset the "check engine" light. The problem codes stay in the memory until you reset them. To reset, you can disconnect the battery or remove the fuses that power the computer. The fuses will be marked, with CP or ECH or some similar marking. They may have a number behind it. You can take all these fuses out for about 5 minutes or disconnect the battery for 5 minutes. When you restart watch the light, it should be out. If it comes back on in the first minute or so you still have a problem. Check the code again. Likely the light will stay off once you reset it.
Thanks for using FixYa.
Gaker
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