1997 Ford Taurus Exterior lighting Problems

“A progressive deterioration of the front headlight lens. Headlight lens is so foggy that visibility is poor enough that it must be replaced. Ford says the deterioration is due to automatic car wash soap. However, car was hand washed. The approximate cost for parts alone is $500 as the lens is not sold separately. Cars in the junk yard also have same condition.”

“While driving it was hard to shift gears/steer the vehicle. The brake and tail lights failed to work. The electrical system was intermittent, the radio would go off when the steering wheel was turned and when the vehicle was in drive. The problem would start when the vehicle was in park, reverse, or neutral. The seat belt light flickered on and off without cause.”

“Random changes in the windshield wiper speed, regardless of setting. Hazard signals failed or only one side flashing. Turn signal failure (of exterior and interior console lights). Failure of interior lighting to turn off after doors closed. Failure of power windows (all four). Short in electrical system resulting in required replacement of gem module. Turn signal/wiper controls replaced. Gem module replaced.”

“While driving on i95 during a rainstorm, I experienced a total failure of the windshield wipers when I activated my left directional signal. Visibility suddenly became zero and I narrowly avoided a serious crash. I finally was able to restore partial use of the windshield wipers by switching on my high-beam headlights. I tried this procedure because the headlights as well as the directional signals are all controlled by the same handle. I believe there is a defect inside the stalk that houses the wiring for these controls. …”

“Many problems since purchase, very disatisfied, car was not checked out prior to sale, car was missing basic fluids, car had lights out which I was ticketed for, car was running horrible needed brakes, also needed what was thought to be a tuneup but car continued to run horrible which looks to have turned out to be engine problems which LED to replacement of engine.”