97 taurus problem with power steering

First thing to check tyre`s,tyre pressure`s and wheel balance,failing that check front and rear suspension bushes......

Usually caused by a loose or worn belt,but accompanied by alternator squealing when first started.
But it could be dirt in the steering gear valve.
It can also be air in the system.
To eliminate air in the system, start the car after you're sure you have enough power steering fluid in the reservoir.Turn the steering full left until you hear it bypass,holding it there for 5 seconds.Now do the same while holding the steering fully to the right for 5 seconds.
Check the steering fluid level against what it was a few minutes ago.If it dropped,you had air in the system.
don-ohio (:^)

if the key turns fully as it suppose to the electrical ignition switch is at fault

check to see if you have power steering fluid. if your low fill it up. (most cases thats all it is) check around for any leaks or parts to the power steering unit for and damage (hoses, pump, rer, rack and pinion, any seals or such. you might have a leak somewhere. when your looking for leaks fill the res up with power steering fluid. turn the car on. and have someone turn the wheel so get the fluid to build up pressure in the system.

I won't say 100% that this is your problem, but it is a common problem on 97-ish, through at least 01 Taurus models and affects the key-on accessories and it's easy to check so it's where I'd start. Take the driver's side front wheel off and then remove the splash shield from the wheel well. towards the back of the well is a plastic track that bundles the wires up and they do a switch-back there at the end closest to the driver's seat. The wires like to rub through there causing the engine to not start, or die when put in reverse but run normally in park and key-on accessories (radio, windows, etc) to not work also sometimes better in park. That is where I'd start.

It"s in the steering column...

pull the pully back off ,clean the shaft with emery cloth and also the the shaft hole in the pully then grease it up and try it again

ther is a pulley puller and installer tool for doing that..

check the vacuum hoses and make sure none of them are off and check the timing and also the drive belt

check the vaccum hoses to make sure none are off and check the timing and also the drive belt and also check the vacuum hose behind the throttle body