I have a 2001ford taurus and my check engine light came on after buying it from a private party. when I drive and apply the gas it seems like it takes awhile to accellarate. Also when I'm stop at a red light it will rev up and down not loud but noiceable. Is this serious?

thanks

 

You can take it to major parts houses like Autozone-Advanced and they will read the codes for free. Post back with the EXACT code numbers and we can help you.

 

Depending on how the vehicle was driven and maintained, it may just be a dirty MAF and or IAC. Like "way2old" stated, have the code(s) pulled and post them here. We'll get you pointed in the right direction for a fix.

The flex-fuel engine is the 3.0 VULCAN engine. Ford has used the 3.0 Vulcan since first designed and used in 1986. You have to be super abusive to kill a Vulcan so there's no worries there. These are known to go 300,000+ miles. The vehicle may not make it, but the engine will.