Ford Taurus Police Interceptor 2016 – Buying, Maintaining
The 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Sedan (FPIS) is a heavy-duty, reinforced version of the standard Taurus built for high-speed durability and long idling hours. This guide explores how to identify common mechanical issues like PTU failure, perform essential maintenance, and convert these retired cruisers into reliable, high-performance daily drivers.
You have likely seen them sitting in government auction lots or used car dealerships—the blacked-out, steel-wheeled ford taurus police interceptor 2016. These machines offer a tempting proposition: a heavy-duty drivetrain, reinforced suspension, and a potent engine at a fraction of the cost of a civilian sedan.
However, buying a retired cruiser is not the same as buying a standard family car. These vehicles have lived a hard life, often spending thousands of hours idling or performing high-speed maneuvers that put extreme stress on the cooling and transmission systems.
In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about owning and maintaining the ford taurus police interceptor 2016. We will cover the mechanical differences, the “hidden” maintenance items, and how to spot a well-maintained unit before you hand over your hard-earned cash.
What Sets the Ford Police Interceptor Sedan Apart?
The first thing to understand is that the Interceptor is not just a Taurus with a police package. Ford engineered these vehicles with significant structural and mechanical upgrades to meet the rigorous 75-mph rear-impact crash test standards.
Under the skin, you will find heavy-duty suspension components, including thicker sway bars and beefier subframe mounts. The braking system is also upgraded with larger rotors and heavy-duty brake pads designed to resist fading during pursuit driving.
Inside, the differences are even more apparent. The ford taurus police interceptor 2016 features a column-mounted shifter to make room for equipment consoles between the seats. You also get heavy-duty cloth front seats with “stab plates” and easy-to-clean vinyl flooring in the rear.
Engine Options: 3.7L Ti-VCT vs. 3.5L EcoBoost
Most cruisers you find will be equipped with the 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 engine. This powerplant was exclusive to the Interceptor lineup and produces a respectable 305 horsepower without the complexity of turbochargers.
If you are lucky, you might find a “slick top” unit with the 3.5L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6. This engine turns the sedan into a 365-horsepower beast, sharing much of its DNA with the Taurus SHO but with a more robust cooling system.
Regardless of the engine, all Interceptor sedans come standard with a heavy-duty All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. This system is designed for maximum traction in all weather conditions, making it a favorite for those living in the snow belt.
The Critical Weak Point: The PTU (Power Take-Off Unit)
If there is one thing every owner of a ford taurus police interceptor 2016 needs to know about, it is the PTU. This is the gearbox that sends power from the front-mounted transaxle to the rear wheels.
Ford originally marketed the PTU as having “lifetime fluid,” but mechanics in the field know better. Because the PTU sits right next to the hot exhaust manifold, the gear oil inside can cook and turn into a thick, sludge-like consistency over time.
When the fluid breaks down, the gears wear prematurely, eventually leading to a total failure of the AWD system. If you smell a “propane-like” odor or see “strawberry milkshake” fluid leaking near the passenger side axle, your PTU is in trouble.
Pro Tip: Installing a Drain Plug
Many DIY mechanics choose to drill and tap a drain plug into the PTU housing. This allows you to change the fluid every 20,000 to 30,000 miles, which is the single best way to ensure your AWD system lasts for the life of the car.
If you are not comfortable drilling into the case, you can use a vacuum extraction pump to suck the old fluid out through the fill hole. It is a messy job, but it is much cheaper than a $1,500 replacement unit.
Essential Maintenance for Your ford taurus police interceptor 2016
Maintenance on a police vehicle is measured in more than just miles. You must also account for engine idle hours. Ford suggests that one hour of idling is roughly equivalent to 33 miles of driving wear on the engine components.
When you check the dashboard display, look for the total engine hours and idle hours. A car with 80,000 miles but 5,000 idle hours has effectively “traveled” much further than the odometer suggests.
Start your ownership by flushing the cooling system. These cars use a high-capacity radiator and specialized silicone hoses (usually blue or orange) that are built to withstand extreme temperatures, but the coolant itself still breaks down and can cause internal corrosion.
The Internal Water Pump Warning
The 3.5L and 3.7L engines in these cars use an internal water pump driven by the timing chain. If the pump seal fails, it can leak coolant directly into the oil pan, which will destroy the engine bearings in short order.
Check the “weep hole” located behind the alternator on the side of the engine block. If you see any signs of dried coolant or moisture there, do not ignore it. Replacing the water pump is a labor-intensive job, but it is a necessary preventative measure for high-mileage cruisers.
- Change engine oil every 5,000 miles or 150 idle hours.
- Inspect the heavy-duty alternator (220-amp) for bearing noise.
- Check all suspension bushings for cracks or dry rot from hard use.
- Service the Rear Drive Unit (RDU) fluid along with the PTU.
Upgrading and Modifying for Civilian Life
Once you have the mechanicals sorted, you will likely want to make the ford taurus police interceptor 2016 a bit more comfortable. Most retired units come with “decommissioning” scars, such as holes in the roof or a stripped-out center console.
Finding a center console from a civilian Taurus is a popular mod. Since the Interceptor uses a column shifter, you gain a massive amount of storage space in the middle. Most civilian consoles will bolt right into the existing floor studs with minor modifications.
For those who want more performance, the 3.5L EcoBoost models respond incredibly well to an aftermarket tune. A simple software flash can unlock significant horsepower and torque, though you should ensure your PTU and cooling system are in top shape first.
Handling the Exterior “Police Look”
If your car has holes in the roof from a light bar, do not just use duct tape. Use silicone-sealed plugs or have a body shop weld them shut to prevent water from ruining your headliner and electronics.
Many owners also choose to swap the heavy steel wheels for lighter aluminum wheels from a Taurus Limited or SHO. This reduces unsprung weight and improves ride quality, though you lose that iconic “cop car” aesthetic that many enthusiasts love.
Buyer’s Checklist: How to Spot a “Lemon” Cruiser
Not all retired ford taurus police interceptor 2016 units are created equal. A car used by a small-town detective will likely be in much better shape than a city patrol car that spent three shifts a day idling in traffic.
- Check the Idle Hours: Keep an eye out for units with under 2,000 idle hours. Anything over 5,000 indicates a very hard life.
- Listen for Timing Chain Noise: A rattling sound on a cold start could mean the timing chain tensioners are worn, a common issue on high-hour 3.7L engines.
- Test the AWD: Find a gravel patch and accelerate hard. If the front wheels spin excessively before the rears kick in, the PTU or clutch pack in the RDU may be failing.
- Inspect the Wiring: Police departments often “hack” into the wiring harness to install lights and sirens. Look for messy electrical tape or butt connectors under the dash.
If you find a car with a clean service record and reasonable hours, you are getting a vehicle that is significantly more robust than a standard sedan. These cars were built to be tools of the trade, and with the right care, they can last well beyond 200,000 miles.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ford taurus police interceptor 2016
Is the 2016 Interceptor faster than a regular Taurus?
The 3.7L version is slightly faster due to the increased displacement over the civilian 3.5L. The EcoBoost version is essentially a Taurus SHO in a plain wrapper, offering similar 0-60 times but with a higher top-speed governor and better cooling.
Can I use regular gas in the ford taurus police interceptor 2016?
Yes, both the 3.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost engines are designed to run on 87-octane regular unleaded. However, using premium fuel (91+ octane) in the EcoBoost models will provide better performance and timing advancement, especially in hot weather.
Why does my car have a weird “dark mode” button?
Police vehicles often feature a “Surveillance Mode” or a dome light override. This allows the officer to open the doors without the interior lights turning on. You can usually toggle this through the onboard computer or a physical switch on the dash.
Are parts expensive for the Interceptor?
Most mechanical parts are shared with the standard Taurus or Explorer, making them affordable and easy to find at local auto parts stores. However, police-specific parts like the heavy-duty cooling fans or specialized suspension links can be more expensive than their civilian counterparts.
Summary of the Pursuit Special Experience
Owning a ford taurus police interceptor 2016 is a unique experience that combines utility with a heavy-duty pedigree. While the threat of PTU failure or water pump issues requires a vigilant maintenance schedule, the payoff is a rugged, AWD sedan that handles better than almost anything else in its price bracket.
Always remember to prioritize fluid health and keep a close eye on those engine hours. If you treat it like the professional-grade machine it is, your Interceptor will reward you with years of dependable service on the open road.
Stay safe, keep your wrenches turning, and enjoy the power of a purpose-built pursuit vehicle!
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