So there's a few small issues with my 2001 Ford Taurus that occasionally bother me. I figured I'd post on here and see if maybe I can learn something new and try to fix these issues myself. I have a very basic understanding of automobiles, but am willing to figure some of this out with help. This is the same way I learned most of what I know about computers. Let me know if you need more information to help me out. Thanks!

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I know this is something that problem comes with use and age, but I have a 2001 Ford Taurus. The driver's side seat-belt doesn't always want to retract. I only recently noticed this, so of course I found out by accidentally slamming my seat-belt in the door.

I was wondering if there was a way to fix this. Now that I'm aware of it, it's not a big deal, as I just wait for the seat-belt to retract before shutting the door.

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Also, it has electric side mirrors, and the passenger side mirror doesn't work the way that it should. It seems like one of the directions doesn't work anymore. So when I move it right or up, it actually moves diagonally up and to the right. Likewise, when I move it left or down it actually moves diagonally down and to the left. But it only moves diagonally. This happened earlier this winter. I think it happened when someone tried to adjust it and the mirror was frozen in place. How can I go about fixing this?

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And the third issue is intermittent. Sometimes my driver side window does not want to "roll" down. When I press the button I can hear a clicking sound coming from under the steering wheel (I believe this is where the fuses are). However, all the other windows still work. After driving for a minute or two, my window will work again. Any suggestions of what to try?

Carefully remove the molding cover to the seat belt retractor. Try cleaning and lubricating the mechanism.

Try spraying the window control buttons and mirror control with WD-40. Replacement mirrors go for around $300, plus installation. They are more involved inside than one would expect.

Read the Ford Section of the Sticky. There are many links pertaining to your Taurus. Be sure to drop and clean the transmission pan, change the filter, and replace with Mercon V ATF every 30,000 miles. The transmission is the weak link on these cars. Best to use Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TxGreaseMonkey

Carefully remove the molding cover to the seat belt retractor. Try cleaning and lubricating the mechanism.

Try spraying the window control buttons and mirror control with WD-40. Replacement mirrors go for around $300, plus installation. They are more involved inside than one would expect.

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I appreciate the reply. I'll try what you suggested. I'm curious why to spray the WD on the controls?

Displaces moisture, improves connectivity, and helps prevent corrosion.

I'd recommend that you also spray inside the ignition lock and the buttons to the Electronic Air Temperature Control:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...ml#post1999642

I own a 2000 Ford Taurus, with the 3.0L Duratec engine.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TxGreaseMonkey

Displaces moisture, improves connectivity, and helps prevent corrosion.

I'd recommend that you also spray inside the ignition lock and the buttons to the Electronic Air Temperature Control:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...ml#post1999642

I own a 2000 Ford Taurus, with the 3.0L Duratec engine.

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I'm not 100% sure what you mean by "Electronic Air Temperature Control". I would assume that you are talking about the controls for the heating and cooling (which are not buttons, but nobs that I turn).

Yes.

Just an update: I've sprayed the WD-40 onto the controls for the mirror and window. So far the window hasn't acted up. I also noticed that the clicking noise happens all the time (even when the window works). So that seems normal. It doesn't happen too often that the window doesn't respond, so I'm still not sure if that worked.

The mirror still doesn't act correctly. To correct what I had stated earlier, the mirror doesn't actually move diagonally. At least not completely. For the most part it only moves left and right, even when I'm using the control to tell it to move up and down.

Did you service the seat belt retractor, yet?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TxGreaseMonkey

Did you service the seat belt retractor, yet?

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No actually. It's too cold outside here in Wisconsin to get to it. The molding is kind of big to try and service from inside the vehicle. So it'll have to wait for a warmer day.