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2002 Ford Taurus LX Standard 4dr Sedan

2002 Ford Taurus
Trim Info:
Front Wheel Drive, 4 Door Sedan, Mid-Size
20 mpg city / 28 mpg hwy
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November 12, 2012, 10:00 am

Bryan H
 

Question: what could it be?

check engine light came on a couple months ago she ignored it.I finally had a computer read it and it said O2 sensor.she kept driving it a couple of days ago she came out of work wouldnt start.will only stay running with foot slightly pressed on gas pedal.changed fuel filter had computer re-read it and it said keep alive memory(kam).car still wont stay running without foot slightly pressed on gas pedal what do you think it could be?


November 18, 2012, 9:48 am

Ron W
Expert Mechanic

I need the exact codes to give you an informed opinion. There are a lot of codes for one system and each are specific to a particular type of issue with that system.

What I will say is the O2 sensor issue shouldn't have caused the keep alive memory code (which is a very unusual code). If you ran it for a while with the O2 code, the fuel trim (adaptive learning) may be wrong. If you clea the codes it will reset to factory and then the car may run correctly, but the code needs to be fixed or it will happen again.

Also, for all hard starting or engine performance issues, you should always start with the basics. Make sure the tune up items are done and check the charging and starting systems. The engine must have the basics done in order for it to be able to run correctly. Many things can cause this type of problem, and the simplest sometimes get overlooked


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