Where is a water pump located on a 2013 Ford Taurus?

The water pump on a 2013 Ford Taurus is located at the front of the engine, driven by the timing chain, on the passenger side behind the timing cover.

In Taurus models from 2013, the pump's exact placement is tied to the 3.5-liter V6 Duratec engine family, and servicing may require removing part of the front engine cover to access the pump. The general location remains consistent across common Taurus configurations, including the SHO variant, though access steps can vary by submodel. The following details help identify and prepare for service in the typical 3.5L engines used in this year.

Engine layout and water pump location

The 3.5L Duratec V6 engine used in most 2013 Taurus models features a water pump mounted in the front of the engine, behind the timing chain cover. It is on the passenger side of the engine bay and is driven by the timing chain rather than a belt. Access to the pump usually requires removing some front-cover components and, in many cases, the serpentine belt to relieve tension for replacement or inspection. The pump connects to coolant hoses that run to the radiator and heater core, forming part of the engine’s cooling loop.

Inspection and troubleshooting

Common symptoms of a failing water pump include coolant leakage around the pump housing or its weep hole, a grinding or whining noise from the front of the engine, rising engine temperatures, or coolant loss without visible external leaks. If you notice seepage near the timing cover area or staining on the front of the engine, the pump or its seals may be failing and require replacement. Because the pump can be integrated with the timing cover on some Duratec configurations, this work is typically more involved and may require a professional mechanic with the proper seals and gaskets.

Summary

For a 2013 Ford Taurus, the water pump sits at the front of the engine on the passenger side, behind the timing cover, and is driven by the timing chain. This location applies to the common 3.5L V6 Duratec engines used in most Taurus models of that year; Taurus SHO variants with EcoBoost may have similar front-engine placement but can differ in access steps. Regular checks for leaks, temperature changes, and unusual noises help prevent cooling-system failures, and consult a service manual or mechanic for precise disassembly steps relevant to your exact model and engine type.

Where is the water pump located?

A car's water pump is typically located on the front of the engine, the side opposite the transmission. To find it, look for the component driven by the serpentine belt or follow the upper radiator hose from the radiator to where it connects to the engine.
 
This video shows the location of the water pump on the front of the engine: 52sBleepinJeepYouTube · Nov 24, 2014

• On the front of the engine: This is the most common location, where the pump is driven by an accessory belt (serpentine or V-belt) that also powers components like the alternator. 
• Behind the timing cover: In some vehicles, the water pump is driven by the timing belt, which means it is located behind the front engine cover. 

This video shows a closer look at the water pump and how it's connected to the timing chain: 1mC.L.S. ALL-IN-ONE YouTube · Nov 23, 2022

Where is the water pump located in a 2013 Ford Taurus?

2013 Ford Taurus has a well-known issue - the water pump is located under the engine, so any maintenance done on the water pump is a huge, expensive ordeal.

How much does it cost to replace a water pump in a 2013 Ford Taurus?

The total cost to replace the water pump on a 2013 Ford Taurus is estimated to be between $1,500 and $2,500, though some quotes range from approximately $700 to $960. The wide range is due to the vehicle's internal water pump design, which requires significant labor time. The parts cost is generally in the $400–$500 range, while the remaining cost is for labor, which can be over $1,200. 
You can watch this video to learn about the parts and labor costs for replacing the water pump: 1mFlying WrenchesYouTube · Mar 15, 2022

• Total Cost:
  • High End (Dealer/Shop): Up to $2,500, which accounts for the complex labor and recommended OEM parts. 
  • Mid-Range (Independent Shop): Approximately $700 to $819. 
• Parts Cost:
  • The cost for the water pump itself is around $150-$200, but with other necessary parts like coolant and gaskets, the total parts cost is about $400-$500. 
• Labor Cost:
  • Labor is the primary cost driver, estimated at 11 to 12 hours for the 3.5L engine. 
  • At an average rate of $100 per hour, labor could be over $1,100. 
• Design Flaw:
  • The 2013 Taurus's internal water pump is a known design flaw, and some owners have reported needing multiple replacements. 
  • The complexity of accessing the water pump is why replacement is costly and generally requires a professional. 
• Other factors:
  • For a 2013 Ford Taurus, the water pump is internal and requires extensive labor to replace. 
  • This is why independent shops might quote around $700-$800, while dealers may quote a higher price due to their specialized parts and higher labor rates. 

How do I know if my Ford water pump is bad?

6 signs your water pump is failing ​

1. Coolant Leak. The water pump has several gaskets that can be damaged or worn out over time.
2. Engine Overheating.
3. High Pitched, Harmonic Whining Noises.
4. Water Pump Rust and Corrosion.
5. Steam comes out from under your hood.
6. Holes or leakage system on the dry side of the water pump.