Location of the Ford Taurus Canister Purge Control Valve
by Steve LaNore
The Ford Taurus canister purge control valve is a part of the evaporative emission control system, which keeps fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. Pressure inside the gas tank fluctuate due to fuel level, environmental conditions and driving style. The extra vapor is vented into a storage canister under the rear of the car, outside the fuel tank, and is fed into the purge control valve through a rubber hose. The power-train control module monitors fuel tank pressure through a tank pressure sensor. It opens the canister purge valve as necessary to keep this pressure within design limits.
Step 1
Park the Taurus on a level surface, set the parking brake and turn off the engine. Chock the wheels.
Step 2
Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable.
Step 3
Stand on the passenger’s side and shine the flashlight along the firewall.
Step 4
Look for a plastic cylindrical object about 2 inches high, mounted on the firewall near the right fender. This is the purge valve. You should see a thick black hose entering it from the driver’s side of the unit.
References
- "Ford Taurus Service Manual"; Ford Motor Company; 2004
- "Haynes Repair Manual, Ford Taurus 1996-2005"; Ken Layne and John H. Haynes; 2005
- RepairPal: Canister Purge Valve
Things You'll Need
- Rag
- Flashlight
Writer Bio
Steve LaNore has written and produced broadcast reports/specials and printed literature since 1985 and been a Web writer since 2000. His science blogs/reports can be seen on the Web site of KXII-TV. LaNore is a five-time award-winning meteorologist and member of the American Meterological Society as well as a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist sealholder. He holds a Bachelor of Science in meteorology from Texas A&M University.
