Q: Sputtering and other things - 2004 Ford Taurus

asked by on November 10, 2016

2004 Ford Taurus Wagon, okay it will sputter and jolt, and 2 times when my dad was driving out of our parking lot it wouldn't go past two miles per hour... I think it might be spark plugs, I am so broke right now I don't know what to do !
My car has an automatic transmission.

Hi there. Typically the issue you’re describing is ignition or fuel delivery related. It could be as simple as a crankshaft sensor that is faulty or as complex as a fuel / air mixture issue caused by a faulty mass air flow sensor or even the idle control system. The best way to handle this, especially since you’re financially strapped, is to contact one of our local mechanics and have them complete an engine is stalling inspection first before you spend money on parts and repairs that won’t solve the issue. By having a professional mechanic inspect the vehicle, they’ll be able to pinpoint the source of the issue so it can be repaired efficiently.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Both turn signals stopped working at the same time
It seems everywhere we look in the digital age, a computer is performing a job or task that used to be carried out by conventional means. In the case of your turn signals, what was once a simple fuse box...
Why is my transmission overheating?
This answer has to be short and to the point. Your vehicle should be covered by your standard 3yrs/36,000 mile warranty. Before doing anything else you need to take it to your dealer and have them address the issue. This...
What does the check tire pressure warning mean?
Your car’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is designed to alert you if one of your tires drops below the threshold pressure (PSI). It does this by turning on the Low Tire Pressure light on the dash. However, you will...
Noise after oil change
Hi, thanks for writing in. I'd be happy to offer my insight. It seems that the oil pump lost its prime when it drained for 8 hours with the oil filter off. I recommend removing the oil filter and filling...
Reading P2096/P2098/P0420...in the past these have came up but are not clearing this time.
The P2096 and P2098 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p2098-obd-ii-trouble-code-post-catalyst-fuel-trim-system-too-lean-bank-2-by-jay-safford') codes are for both of the downstream oxygen sensors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oxygen-sensor-replacement). The P0420 code (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0420-obd-ii-trouble-code-catalyst-system-efficiency-below-threshold-bank-1-by-jamahl-walker) is for the bank one catalytic converter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/catalytic-converter-replacement) efficiency. It would be best to have a certified mechanic take a look...
How do I get rid of the TPMS warning light even though the exact amount of air is in all of the tires?
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System needs a dealer specific scan tool, or generic TPMS reset tool to reset the system. Why the system is not communicating is the real question. Typically this happens if they have been replaced and have...
Miss firing cutting out rough idling poor acceleration and dies on me
Engine misfires can be caused by many different problems, but there are a few suspects that occur more than others. Generally, misfires are caused by either a spark or fuel issue or in cases, a combination of both. Spark related...
Put car in park, shut off car, still shows in drive and cannot start car 2013 Dodge Dart
Hi there - most likely, this is a failure of the range sensor switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-position-sensor-switch-replacement) (sometimes called the neutral safety switch). This is the switch that recognizes that you are in Park or Neutral in order to allow safe engine...
What would happen if the AC compressor bearings disintegrated while driving 65 mph?
If the compressor bearing fails the bearing race will spin on the front of the compressor and ruin the compressor assembly case. You would need to replace the entire compressor assembly to fix the issue. If pulley seizes it will...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Live in the Country
Living Living in the country is a whole different way of living. You deal with rough and uneven roads, mud, snow, rain, and ice and you need a vehicle that can stand up to these kinds of conditions with ease....
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Throttle Position Sensor
Common signs include lacking power when accelerating, rough or slow idle, stalling, inability to shift up, and the Check Engine Light coming on.
How Long Does a Speed Sensor Last?
Today’s Today’s cars are equipped with a very wide range of sensors. Yours has a mass airflow sensor, at least one oxygen sensor, and many others. The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) is usually located on the transmission’s output shaft (although...