Unknown Electrical issue 2011 Ford Taurus

50

Asked by SeanMcRae Apr 14, 2014 at 07:55 PM about the 2011 Ford Taurus SEL AWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2011 Ford Taurus. I have been having electrical problems with it since i bought it. What happens is while driving randomly the dash sensors all go off(e-brake, traction, door/trunk open, low tire pressure),also the radio shuts off and so does the air system(heat/AC), and none of my sterring wheel controls work.  But everytime i bring it to the dealer it stops doing it and they tell me nothing is wrong with it and it shows no codes when plugged in, even though i have shown video of it happening. has anyone ever heard of this happening and what was the issue?

21 Answers

57,865

I hope you didn't pay much for a diagnosis. There shouldn't be any codes. In my opinion, they should have checked all power and ground connections - especially at the battery, Block and Starter. With a concern like this, you'll need a mechanic that you can trust (not the shop but the mechanic him/herself). You should be willing and prepared to leave your car for several days and allow the Mechanic to drive the vehicle home, to the store or under whatever circumstances the problem occurs. Be prepared to pay a significant amount of money. Yours is not an easy fix.

4 people found this helpful.
90

I am experiencing the exact same problem as SeanMcRae. and the problem just started this evening. trunk, door and tire sensors appear while radio and air shut off then back on after a short period. Any help is greatly appreciated.

9 people found this helpful.
30

Yes I have one and they know it was a electrical problem when I purshase it and didn't bother to tell me now they want do anything about it it's a. $10,000 car and they knew it.

3 people found this helpful.

Having the same problem. Had anyone figured out what it is? I have a 2011 Taurus too.

50

So there was a recall on the 2011 Taurus for the rear license plate light wire for corrosion, after I had it replaced 2 years ago I haven’t had the problem since. Hope this helps

5 people found this helpful.
40

Went to someone I know. He hooked my 2011 Ford Taurus up and these were the codes: B10D7 (pats) key/anti theft, U0184 lost communication with (BMC) and U0184 lost communication with Radio. I was told ford will try and do everything but the (BMC) which is their responsibility at know cost to us

4 people found this helpful.
30

I have a 2010 Taurus with the same issues. Has anyone else tried replacing the rear license plate light wire? If so, did it fix the issue?

1 people found this helpful.
20

Eric, my ac/radio is doing the same thing. I am getting the light replaced tomorrow. Will let you know if it fixes it.

2 people found this helpful.
10

Mine had the same issue it was the alternator over am ping too 20

1 people found this helpful.
20

I figured it out all of controls were out until I did a process of elimination....it said the trunk was open and several systems were shut down immediately after turning the key...I figured that even without the motor or trans all of these should work the whole back of the car could be gone and this should work so that eliminates all other components besides the radio face it self and the computer/pats system or the ignition switch it self.I removed all of the components and all connections was good but all functions began to work after I took everything out...which only left one item left that wasn’t testable and that was the ignition switch that goes on the back of the cylinder...I got mine at shop cost from the dealer for $68 and I tore it all down like I said replaced the switch with the ground off and like 30 bolts later and walah it’s magic problem solved

2 people found this helpful.
80

I'm having the exact same issue with my 2011 taurus se. I unhooked the battery for a few minutes hoping to reset the computer then hooked it back up. After restarting the car the alarms were still there. I let it run for a few minutes then heard a click from the engine and the dash lights went off and everything went back to normal. It was fine for a few days then did it again, I unhooked the battery again and it went back to normal. It's happened 3 times over the last 2 weeks and can't figure it out. I have not had the recall light fixed so i will try that. The ac/heater has not worked since the last time it happened. The car has been great except this issue.

4 people found this helpful.
80

I suspect the alternator or light after reading these posts. The battery is less then 1 year old but I haven't had to replace the alternator and I haven't had the recall light fixed.

20

Also happens when there is a wiring issue with the stereo. Just bought one 6 months ago. The previous owner had put in an after market stereo then put the stock one back in before selling it to the dealer. A wire was messed up and it cause all sorts of issues.

2 people found this helpful.
80

I’m having all the same problems too. Since it started I have had the recall light replaced, changed the battery, new battery cables, new starter and taken it to the dealer who had it for a week. The problem is still happening after all that. The dealer did all the work and thought they fixed it until 2 days later it started again. I’m gonna change the alternator next but at this point I’m just throwing parts at it. I’m wondering if it might be the computer itself. I’m gonna change the alternator myself but if that doesn’t fix it I’m gonna have the dealer look at it again.

I have the same exact problem... I took it to the mechanic and he changed the rear license plate. It was good for a few days but now it came on again. It goes on and off it’s weird. Anyone has a solution for the problem?

30

I ended bringing mine to the dealership and they found a burnt wire inside the dashboard. After they repaired the wire it was like brand new again. Charged me approx. $600 tho. Hope this helps, because I messed with that problem for over a year. smh

2 people found this helpful.

I went to the FORD dealership. They charged me $780 to fix the problem. I thought everything was good until 2 days later when the problem started again... Any ideas? Are they going to charge me more money to fix the problem?

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