2006 Ford Taurus Problems: 3 Known Issues

On the 1996-2007 Ford Taurus, the 1996-2007 Ford Taurus with hydraulic power steering (3.0L Vulcan and 3.0L Duratec V6 engines) is prone to power steering pump failure, often presenting as whining/groaning noises when turning, fluid leaks, and eventual complete loss of power assist. The Taurus Club of America forums document cases of sudden power steering loss that nearly caused accidents. RepairPal estimates replacement cost between $422 and $520 for most model years. The power steering pump bearings wear from heat and normal use, and the pump housing can develop internal leaks. The power steering hose connections are also prone to developing leaks at the high-pressure fitting. This issue is particularly common on Taurus models used for fleet/taxi service due to the increased steering load from constant low-speed maneuvering.

On the 2000-2007 Ford Taurus, the 2000-2007 Ford Taurus experiences premature alternator failure, with some units failing as early as 34,000 miles according to Taurus Club of America forum reports. The 2002-2007 generation appears most affected based on forum complaint density. YourMechanic.com estimates alternator replacement between $533 and $695 for most Taurus model years. Symptoms include dashboard battery warning light, dimming headlights at idle, difficulty starting, and eventual complete electrical system failure and stalling. The internal voltage regulator is a common failure point, along with bearing wear that produces a grinding noise.

On the 2000-2007 Ford Taurus, on the 3.0L Taurus, both the pushrod Vulcan and the DOHC Duratec, P1506 usually turns out to be unmetered air rather than a dead idle air control valve. The PCV valve and its supply hose on these engines are cheap, high-mileage wear items that are awkward to access and notorious for rot; when the plunger sticks or the hose splits, far more crankcase air enters the manifold than the calibration assumes. Because that air enters downstream of the throttle plate and downstream of the MAF, the PCM cannot see it as airflow and cannot trim it out; it simply watches idle sit above target with the IAC already commanded to its minimum position and sets P1506. Hardened PCV hoses, a cracked or uncapped vacuum nipple near the throttle body, a leaking upper intake gasket, and a throttle plate that is not fully returning to its stop all produce exactly the same signature. Owners describe a characteristic behaviour: idle flares high, falls back part way on its own, and then hangs there in park until the car is shifted into drive, at which point it drops toward normal. Some cars only misbehave intermittently, most often on a cold start or in cold weather. A second, less common cause on this platform is the IAC electrical circuit itself - a chafed harness or corroded connector - which Ford lists as an IAC circuit open or shorted condition and which will also set the code. The distinguishing test is whether idle falls when the IAC is unplugged; if it does not, the valve and its wiring are not the problem.