Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Vehicle Check and Preparation
2012 Ford Taurus AWD V6-3.5LSECTION Vehicle Check and Preparation
VEHICLE CHECK AND PREPARATION
Before using the scan tool to carry out any test, refer to the important Safety Notice located at the beginning and the necessary visual checks listed below.
Visual Checks
- Inspect the air cleaner and inlet duct.
- Check all engine vacuum hoses for damage, leaks, cracks, kinks, and proper routing.
- Check the electronic engine control (EEC) system wiring harness for proper connections, bent or broken pins, corrosion, loose wires, and proper routing.
- Check the powertrain control module (PCM), sensors, and actuators for physical damage.
- Check the engine coolant for proper level and mixture.
- Check the transmission fluid level and quality.
- Make all necessary repairs before continuing with the quick test. For additional information, refer to Quick Test Description. Quick Test Description
Vehicle Preparation
- Carry out all safety steps required to start and run vehicle tests. Apply the parking brake, place the gear selector lever firmly into the PARK position on automatic transmission vehicles or NEUTRAL on manual transmission vehicles, and block the drive wheels.
- Turn off all electrical loads such as radios, lamps, A/C, blower, and fans.
- Start the engine (if the engine runs) and bring it up to the normal operating temperature before running the quick test.
Before using the scan tool to carry out any test, refer to the important Safety Notice located at the beginning and the necessary visual checks listed below.
Visual Checks
- Inspect the air cleaner and inlet duct.
- Check all engine vacuum hoses for damage, leaks, cracks, kinks, and proper routing.
- Check the electronic engine control (EEC) system wiring harness for proper connections, bent or broken pins, corrosion, loose wires, and proper routing.
- Check the powertrain control module (PCM), sensors, and actuators for physical damage.
- Check the engine coolant for proper level and mixture.
- Check the transmission fluid level and quality.
- Make all necessary repairs before continuing with the quick test. For additional information, refer to Quick Test Description. Quick Test Description
Vehicle Preparation
- Carry out all safety steps required to start and run vehicle tests. Apply the parking brake, place the gear selector lever firmly into the PARK position on automatic transmission vehicles or NEUTRAL on manual transmission vehicles, and block the drive wheels.
- Turn off all electrical loads such as radios, lamps, A/C, blower, and fans.
- Start the engine (if the engine runs) and bring it up to the normal operating temperature before running the quick test.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.