The ECM (electronic control module) on the Ford Taurus is located behind the glove box. If the ECM malfunctions, your Ford Taurus will not start, since the ECM controls the ignition, fuel delivery and spark timing of your engine. Essentially, the ECM is the computer that runs your Taurus. When the ECM does fail, you must remove it so you can replace it with a working unit.
Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery terminal with the socket set.
Open the door to the glove box and remove everything from inside it.
Remove the screws that secure the front of the glove box to the bottom of the dash with a Phillips screwdriver.
Pull the glove box down from the dash until you can see the socket for the glove box light bulb. Pull the socket out of the glove box and then pull the glove box all the way to the floor of the Taurus.
Locate the silver box behind the glove box. The box has a wiring harness with approximately 100 wires connected to it. The box is silver with a long white product sticker on it. This is the ECM.
Pull the locks on each side of the wiring harness up and then pull the harness off the ECM.
Remove the four bolts that secure the ECM to the firewall with a socket and ratchet and remove the ECM from the Taurus.
Place the new ECM against the firewall and secure it using the four bolts and socket set.
Plug the wiring harness into the side of the ECM and push down on the locks to secure it into place.
Reconnect the bulb socket to the top of the glove box and position the glove box against the bottom of the dash. Secure it using the screws and screwdriver.
Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery terminal.
