Care & Feeding Main - Click for full article / comments This document discusses the reliability of the Taurus SHO, common maintenance recommendations, common problems and their resolution, and repair techniques. It is not intended to be a replacement for your owners manual or the service manuals. How reliable is the Taurus SHO? The SHO engine rarely suffers serious mechanical trouble; the rest of the car is, well, a Ford. Most of the major gotchas are covered in "What should I look for in a used SHO?". General Maintenance Schedule (under construction) Service and Extended Warranties When do I need to adjust the valve lash? Discount parts sources Service Manuals Service ramps Storing your SHO Where can I find that @#$^*( part? Fluids and Filters Gasoline Gasoline smell in/around a SHO. Fuel Filter Should I use synthetic oil? Oil Change Oil Analysis Oil Filters Air Filter Brake Fluids Engine What can kill a SHO engine? Crank Cancer Removing the intake manifold Spark plugs and wires Timing Belt Tensioner - 3.0L vs. 3.2L Timing Belt, Water Pump, CPS and Crank Seal Replacement for the 3.0l MTX Timing Belt, Water Pump, CPS and Crank Seal Replacement for the 3.2l ATX Intake manifold cleaning Adjusting valve lash How to detect a bad motor mount Replacing motor mounts Decarbon procedure Misfires Replacing the crankshaft position sensor The Starter and Starter solenoid Alternators Information Fuel Pump Replacement Engine Control My SHO stalls intermittently; why? My SHO won't start - What's the deal? About the rev limiter My idle stays up until I am not moving; why? My SHO surges at steady throttle; why? Cleaning the IAB valve EEC Self Test Procedure Two-digit EEC codes Three-digit EEC codes Other Diagnostic Tools Check Engine light with EGR Valve Error Code EEC-IV Testing Manual (with codes) offsite link Exhaust How to detect a bad O2 sensor Changing an O2 sensor How to inspect your catalytic converters Cooling System SHO cooling system maintenance Replacing the thermostat (without pictures) Replacing the thermostat (another variation, with pictures) Even more thermostat info Replacing the water pump 5-speed Transaxle Transmission Fluid (MTX) (coming soon) SHO Transaxle Drain Plug Installation Replacing the clutch cable My clutch is stiff My clutch pedal vibrates My clutch pedal "buzzes" above 4000 RPM Clutch Replacement What should I do with the clutch at a stop? Reverse grinding Automatic Transaxle Transmission Fluid (Automatic) (coming soon) Changing transmission fluid in the 93-95 ATX I have an ATX, and my 4th gear stopped working! Suspension and Steering Alignment problems and their effects Alignment Gary Morrell on Alignment Changing power steering fluid Fixing loose steering Fixing noisy power steering Groaning front struts Strut Replacement Sway bar end links and their replacement Tie Rod Ends and their replacement Federal Mogul/TRW Catalog page on Steering. Federal Mogul/TRW Catalog page on Suspension. Wheels/Tires/Brakes What tires should I buy for my SHO? What about snow tires? Brake System Bleeding Brake Job Rear brake squeal Interior and Controls Air Bag System Trivia Air Bag Diagnostic Codes Fixing the steering column switch My low fuel indicator comes on when I have plenty of fuel Keyless Entry Remote keyless entry Changing the keyless entry factory code. How do I stop squeaks, rattles and other noises? Clicking CD Player Fix Stuck tachometer Moonroof maladies Sunshade replacement Sunroof Removal Leather, Rubber, and Vinyl Care Steering wheel/shift knob leather replacement My ignition lock cylinder is worn out. My back windows stopped working Rear seat removal Speedometer Calibration Cruise Control problems and diagnostics How to replace the ATX shifter knob Lumbar Support Repair Replacing the Parking Brake Release Cable Air Conditioning Running the Auto AC self-test Air Conditioner Cooling Fan Changing the AC between Fahrenheit and Celsius My climate control suddenly goes full hot; why? Resetting the gap on the A/C clutch. Auto Climate control button problems Exterior Power antenna replacement How do I stop leaks? Rusty side moldings Maintaining the exterior Fixing Paint Chips and Scratches Cleaning your Battery Tray Headlight condensation fix Washer nozzle aiming High mount brake lamp replacement Published Jul 20, 2002 - 09:20 PM