Is the belt missing? Maybe the tensioner is broken. your belt must be broken and missing ,that is about the only answer.
You will destroy the voltage regulator if you unplug the battery while it is running, then you will have to replace the alternator anyways.
Usually the voltage regulator is the problem. Its located inside the alternator. More testing is needed to make sure that the regulator is the fault. If you want to guess. Replace the alternator. Sounds to me like the power steering and alternator belt has fallen off.
I own a 1993 Ford Taurus GL 4 door sedan 3.8 v6 and it has a serpentine belt, that connects pullies for the crankshaft, the air conditioning clutch, the power steering, the alternator, and the water pump! I just replaced my water pump so I know this to be fact. If there is a timing chain it is behind the water pump housing and not visible without removing the water pump housing cover!
It is located within the fuse panel. In order to access it, pull down the fuse panel cover underneath the steering column.
There is no power steering filter
Built into the alternator.
Unless things have changed, the diodes are part of the alternator. The voltage regulator is attached to the alternator but the diodes are part of the alternator.
All Ford Taurus power steering systems take MERCON V Transmission Fluid.
Serpentine belt? You may have to remove to tighten alternator
On the Vulcan engines the alternator was same from '98 to '03.
No, it will only match '95 -'01 Taurus. They changed the mounting frame in late '01
Located inside the alternator
It is internal, in the alternator
I believe that is in the back of the alternator
The standard alternator on a 2004 Ford Taurus is 130 amps. When upgrading a system major audio components the many times the alternator will need to be upgraded as well to provide more required amperage.
According to the 2002 Ford Taurus Owner Guide : ( Motorcraft MERCON automatic transmission fluid is used as the power steering fluid )
No. The serpentine belt controls A/C, alternator, water pump, power steering pump, and that is it. And if the belt is replaced properly, it will not cause damage to anything.
There isn't a fuse for the alternator. The alternator is belt driven, and there'll be two lines coming from the alternator - one goes from the alternator positive to battery positive, and the other goes to ground.
Try checking the power steering fluid. My taurus did the same thing until i filled the power steering fluid.
According to the 1998 Ford Taurus Owner Guide : ( Motorcraft MERCON automatic transmission fluid is used as the power steering fluid )
With the engine running you should read from 13.5 to 15.3 volts at the battery with no lights or accessories on, with a nominal voltage at idle of 13.8 to 14.2, depending on temperature and battery state. Any less or more and the alternator is bad.
Many auto parts stores offer free alternator testing - both on and off the vehicle.
Yes!That is the most reasonable approach to alternator replacement on this generation of Taurus / Sable DOHC vehicles. (some months later...)"Reasonable"?? What was I thinking??It's the ONLY way to get it out! (doofus)
You have to install a new belt tensioner.
The GEM module is to the left of the steering column.