What size is the gas tank in a 1986-2008 Ford Taurus - Mercury Sable?

Answer 1

1986-1995

16 gal standard

SHO and Optional upgrade

18.4 or 18.6

1996-1999

16 gal ALL

2000-2007

18 gal

2008

20 or 20.5 gal

Answer

Based on my experience only..........I believe all 1999 Ford Tauruses have a 16 gallon tank. Mine does. Whether you ever are able to get to 16 gallons on a fill-up, is highly unlikely unless the tank is bone dry. There is a reserve. And even then, the pumps these days fill the cars so fast, that my 99 Taurus always takes at least another gallon or more, after auto shut off, ( I'm in NJ where they pump it for you, and get you the heck out!) if you stand there and pump it manually to more or less, "top it off".

The low fuel indicator will come on, but its based on what the gauge actually reads, not a preset indicator based on amt. of gas left in the tank. ( safely goes at least 25 miles if not more after that light comes on). And that fuel gauge varies quite a bit during a driving session, with going up and down hills, etc.. The gauge always registers higher when going downhill, and lower while going uphill. I've had the fuel light on and off and on again, back and forth because the gauge reads differently based on level, uphill, downhill.

Another thing.....be careful not to park your Taurus uphill with little fuel in the tank, it might not start the next time you use it. Seriously!

The best source of this information (and much more!) is the Owners Manual. See "Related Questions" below

my book says 16 gallons

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I have a 1998 Taurus and according to the VIN I should be only able to max out at 16 gal. But on multiple occassions I have put over 16 gal (16.8 on time) without the low fuel light coming on (and yes the gauge does work :-) )

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Then Why Do ALL of the Aftermarket Fuel Tank replacement companies, like Spectra & Doorman Products OFFER AN 18 GALLON REPLACEMENT TANK FOR ALL 1996-1999 TAURUS'? SPECTRA LISTS AN 18 GALLON AS P/N F39B & DOORMAN OFFERS P/N 576-140. BOTH LIST THE FORD "ID" # THAT IS ON THE OEM TANK AS EXAMPLE: 1997 FORD# F8DC-CB FROM DOORMAN'S WEBSITE & SPECTRA LISTS AS AN EXAMPLE 1997 FORD ID# F7DC-BA thru F7DCBD?? JUST CURIUOS....I KNOW WHAT THE OWNERS MANUAL SAYS (at least for my 1998 SHO) AS BEING 16 GALLONS. JUST DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY A(2) DIFFERENT AFTERMARKET MANUFACTURERS WOULD SPEND THE $$ FOR "TOOLING" AN 18 GALLON, IF THERE WAS NO NEED TO DO SO.....JUST A THOUGHT & REQUIRES FURTHER INVESTIGATION IN MY OPINION.