Ford Taurus Police Interceptor – The Ultimate Guide To Buying
The Ford Taurus Police Interceptor is a high-performance, over-engineered sedan that offers incredible value for enthusiasts looking for a durable and powerful daily driver. This guide provides a deep dive into the mechanical upgrades, common maintenance pitfalls like the PTU fluid, and practical advice for converting a retired cruiser into a reliable civilian vehicle.
You have likely seen them sitting in government surplus lots or at local auctions, looking a bit weathered but undeniably intimidating. Buying a ford taurus police interceptor (officially known as the Police Interceptor Sedan) is one of the most cost-effective ways to get into a twin-turbocharged, all-wheel-drive platform.
I know the concern: “Isn’t a retired cop car just a beat-up taxi?” While these cars do see hard use, they are also maintained on strict schedules and built with heavy-duty components that civilian models simply don’t have. This article will help you navigate the transition from a fleet vehicle to a personal powerhouse.
We are going to look at the specific engineering that makes these cars unique, the “hidden” maintenance items you must address immediately, and how to spot a gem in a sea of high-mileage units. Whether you want a sleeper or a rugged commuter, we have you covered.
What Sets the ford taurus police interceptor Apart from a Standard Taurus?
The first thing you need to understand is that this is not just a Taurus with a siren. Ford engineers specifically designed the Interceptor Sedan to handle the “pursuit” duty cycle, which involves high-speed maneuvers, curb hopping, and constant idling.
The chassis features significant reinforcements that you won’t find on the civilian Taurus Limited or even the SHO. This includes a heavy-duty subframe and reinforced suspension mounting points designed to survive 75-mph rear-end impacts. This makes the car incredibly stiff and safe, providing a solid foundation for performance mods.
Furthermore, the cooling system is massive. These cars utilize high-output cooling fans and an upgraded radiator to prevent overheating during stationary surveillance in summer heat. You also get an engine oil cooler and a dedicated transmission cooler, which are essential for longevity if you plan on driving the car hard.
The Pursuit-Rated Suspension
The suspension on these cruisers is built for abuse rather than pure comfort. You will find thicker sway bars, larger diameter struts, and heavy-duty springs that give the car a much more planted feel than a standard sedan.
While the ride is firmer, the handling is surprisingly sharp for a vehicle of this size. If you are a DIYer, keep in mind that many suspension components are specific to the Interceptor. Always double-check part numbers at the store to ensure you aren’t getting the softer civilian replacements.
Upgraded Braking Systems
Stopping power is a priority for law enforcement. The Interceptor comes equipped with larger brake rotors and heavy-duty brake pads designed to resist fade during repeated high-speed stops. The ABS system is also calibrated differently to allow for more aggressive braking in pursuit scenarios.
Choosing the Right Powerplant: 3.7L Ti-VCT vs. 3.5L EcoBoost
When shopping for a ford taurus police interceptor, you will generally find two main engine options. Choosing the right one depends on whether you value absolute reliability or raw, tunable power.
The 3.7L Cyclone V6 is the naturally aspirated workhorse of the fleet. It produces roughly 305 horsepower and is known for being incredibly robust. It lacks the complexity of turbochargers, making it the preferred choice for someone who wants a “bulletproof” daily driver with lower maintenance costs.
On the other hand, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is a twin-turbocharged monster. This is essentially the same engine found in the Taurus SHO and the F-150. With 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque stock, it can easily be tuned to over 400 horsepower with simple software adjustments.
The EcoBoost “Sleeper” Potential
If you choose the EcoBoost, you are getting a car that can outrun many modern sports cars while looking like a generic sedan. However, turbos add heat and complexity. You must be diligent about oil change intervals and spark plug gaps to keep an EcoBoost Interceptor running at its peak.
Understanding Idle Hours
One unique feature of the Interceptor dashboard is the idle hour meter. Because police cars spend hours sitting with the engine running to power electronics, the odometer doesn’t tell the whole story. A car with 80,000 miles but 5,000 idle hours has significantly more engine wear than one with 100,000 miles and 500 idle hours.
The Achilles Heel: The PTU and Water Pump
Every vehicle has its weak points, and for the ford taurus police interceptor, there are two major areas you must inspect immediately upon purchase. Ignoring these can lead to catastrophic engine or drivetrain failure.
The Power Take-Off Unit (PTU) is the gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels in the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. It sits very close to the exhaust manifold, which causes the internal gear oil to cook and turn into a “sludge” or “meringue” consistency. Ford originally claimed this was a “lifetime fluid,” but enthusiasts know better.
You should change the PTU fluid every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. If the car you are looking at has a “burnt” smell coming from the front end or visible leaks, the PTU might be on its way out. Replacing a PTU is a labor-intensive job that can cost upwards of $1,500 at a shop.
The Internal Water Pump Disaster
The 3.5L and 3.7L engines use an internal water pump driven by the timing chain. If the pump seal fails, it can leak coolant directly into the oil pan. This creates a “milky” oil mixture that will destroy your engine bearings in minutes.
When inspecting a car, look for any signs of “weeping” from the small hole behind the alternator. If you see dried coolant there, the water pump is failing. This is a 10-12 hour DIY job or a $2,000 professional repair, so factor this into your buying price.
Essential Tools for Maintaining Your Interceptor
If you plan on doing your own maintenance, you don’t need a professional shop, but a few specific tools will make your life much easier. These cars are tightly packed, especially in the EcoBoost engine bay.
- FORScan Software and Adapter: This is a must-have. It allows you to talk to the car’s modules, disable “Dark Mode” (where lights don’t turn on when doors open), and diagnose Ford-specific codes.
- Fluid Extractor: Since many PTUs do not have a drain plug, you will need a vacuum extractor to suck the old oil out of the fill hole.
- Long-Reach Hex Bits: Many of the interior and engine plastics are held on with specific fasteners that require a bit of reach.
- Heavy-Duty Jack and Stands: This car weighs nearly 4,500 lbs. Do not trust a cheap “trunk jack” for any work.
Having a quality torque wrench is also vital. Because the Interceptor is built for high-stress environments, ensuring bolts for the brakes and suspension are torqued to spec is a safety requirement, not a suggestion.
Converting from “Police” to “Civilian” Mode
Most retired ford taurus police interceptor units come with “decommissioned” interiors. This often means holes in the dash from equipment brackets, a lack of a center console, and vinyl rear seats designed for easy cleaning (and prisoner transport).
One of the first mods most owners do is a “center console swap.” You can source a console from a civilian Taurus at a junkyard. It usually bolts right in, though you may need to do some minor wiring if you want the 12V outlets and USB ports to function.
You will also likely want to address the “Dark Mode” setting. In police service, the interior dome lights and exterior perimeter lights are often disabled so officers can remain stealthy. Using FORScan, you can toggle this setting back to “Normal” so your lights work like a regular car again.
Plugging the “Speed Holes”
Police cars often have holes in the roof or trunk from antenna mounts and light bars. Do not just use duct tape. Use weatherproof silicone and rubber plugs, or have a body shop weld them shut. Water intrusion is the fastest way to ruin the electronics and create a musty smell inside the cabin.
Safe Driving and Off-Road Capability
While the ford taurus police interceptor is a sedan, its AWD system and heavy-duty cooling make it surprisingly capable on gravel roads and light trails. It isn’t a Jeep, but it handles forest service roads better than your average commuter car.
If you plan on taking it off the pavement, consider upgrading to a slightly taller tire with a more aggressive tread pattern. The extra sidewall will help protect the heavy-duty wheels from rocks and potholes. Just be mindful of the ground clearance; the underbody shielding is robust, but it isn’t a skid plate.
Always carry a portable jump starter and a basic tool kit. These cars have complex electrical systems, and a battery drain can happen if there is leftover police wiring that wasn’t properly capped off by the fleet department.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ford taurus police interceptor
Is the Police Interceptor faster than the Taurus SHO?
In a straight line, they are very similar if both have the 3.5L EcoBoost. However, the Interceptor is often slightly slower due to the extra weight of the structural reinforcements and heavy-duty equipment. The Interceptor does have a more aggressive cooling profile, allowing it to maintain high speeds for longer without heat-soaking.
Can I use regular 87 octane gas in the Interceptor?
Yes, the Ford Taurus Police Interceptor is calibrated to run on regular 87 octane fuel. However, if you have the EcoBoost engine, using 91 or 93 octane will result in better performance and timing advancement, especially in hot weather or under heavy load.
Why does my car have a column shifter instead of a floor shifter?
Police versions moved the shifter to the steering column to make room for the “police tray” or equipment console between the front seats. This is a signature feature of the Interceptor and is actually preferred by some drivers because it opens up a lot of storage space in the center area.
How do I know if my AWD is actually working?
The easiest way to check is to have a friend watch the rear wheels while you accelerate briskly on a loose surface like gravel. If only the front wheels spin, your PTU or rear viscous coupler may have failed. You can also check for AWD communication codes using a diagnostic tool like FORScan.
Are parts expensive for the Interceptor?
Most mechanical parts are shared with the standard Taurus or Explorer, making them relatively affordable and easy to find at any local parts store. However, Interceptor-specific parts like the heavy-duty brake calipers or specific suspension struts can be more expensive than their civilian counterparts.
Final Thoughts for the Aspiring Owner
Owning a ford taurus police interceptor is a unique experience that combines the utility of a sedan with the heart of a performance machine. These cars were built to serve, and with the right maintenance, they can continue to serve you for hundreds of thousands of miles.
The key to success is being proactive. Don’t wait for the PTU to fail or the water pump to leak. Address the fluids, check the idle hours, and clean up the old wiring. If you treat this car with the respect a heavy-duty machine deserves, it will reward you with incredible grip, surprising speed, and a level of durability that modern “disposable” cars just can’t match.
Stay safe on the road, keep an eye on those fluid levels, and enjoy the drive in one of the toughest sedans ever built!
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