There is a way to drop the pan without dropping the y-pipe. The instructions and pictures are here and it does work because I did it.
http://www.taurusclub.com/forum/82-maintenance-repair/163572-raise-engine-remove-y-pipe.html
there is no oil pressure in my 1997 ford taurus, but the oil is full?
According to the 2000 Ford Taurus Owner Guide ( 5W-30 )
The motor oil that is recommended for a 2000 Ford Taurus is 5W 20. This oil can be purchased at any retail or auto parts store.
You must remove the oil pan.
An oil can with 3 little drips
Remove oil pan
According to the 2000 Ford Taurus Owner Guide : For the 3.0 L , DOHC , " Duratec " V6 engine : With engine oil filter change : ( 5.2 litres / 5.5 U.S. quarts )
The dip stick comes out on Taurus 95-'05 so you can check oil level.The dip stick comes out on Taurus 95-'05 so you can check oil level.
In a 1995 Ford Taurus : ( 5W-30 is the PREFERRED engine oil for the 3.0 and 3.8 )
According to the 2000 Ford Taurus Owner Guide : With engine oil filter change : The 3.0 liter " Vulcan " V6 engine takes ( 4.5 quarts ) Also , the 3.0 liter " Duratec " DOHC - V6 engine takes ( 5.5 quarts )
According to the 1996 Ford Taurus Owner Guide : The 3.4 liter V8 engine in a 1996 Ford Taurus SHO takes : ( 6.5 U.S. quarts of 5W-30 engine oil with engine oil filter change )
The 2002 Ford Taurus Owner Guide shows ( 5W-20 )