What is the cylinder layout and firing order for Taurus 3.0 3.8 engines?

The Taurus 3.0L and 3.8L V6 engines (generally the Vulcan and Essex series, respectively, though there were variations) use a 90-degree V6 cylinder layout. This means the two banks of three cylinders each are arranged at a 90-degree angle.

However, there isn't a *single* firing order across all years and specific engine variations. The firing order varies slightly. To find the correct firing order for your specific Taurus engine, you must consult your owner's manual or a reliable repair manual specific to your vehicle's year and engine code (often found on a sticker under the hood or in the engine bay).

The firing order will be listed as a sequence of numbers (1-6) representing the cylinders firing in order. For example, a common firing order for these engines might be 1-2-3-4-5-6, but that's not guaranteed to be correct for your car. Using the incorrect firing order can cause serious engine damage.