Ford 1998 Taurus User Manual

Before drivingIntroduction 2Instrumentation 4Controls and features 16Seating and safety restraints 55Starting and drivingStarting 85Driving 90Roadside

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (If equipped)Momentarily illuminateswhen the ignition isturned on and theengine is off. If thelight does not illuminate m

malfunction. You should contact your dealer as soonas possible or damage to the transaxle could occur.2 (Second - if equipped)Use 2 (Second) forstart-

When parking, do not use the gearshift inplace of the parking brake. Always set theparking brake fully and make sure that thegearshift is securely lat

• GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) :Maximum combined weight of towing vehicle(including passengers and cargo) and the trailer.The GCWR indicates th

DRIVING THROUGH WATERDo not drive quickly through standing water,especially if the depth is unknown. Traction or brakecapability may be limited and if

3.0L 2-Valve Vulcan EngineModel PassengerLoad-#/kg(lbs.)LuggageLoad-kg(lbs.)Max TrailerWt.-kg (lbs.)Sedan 5/340 (750) 0 365 (800)4/270 (600) 70 (150)

Towing trailers beyond the maximumrecommended gross trailer weight exceedsthe limit of the vehicle and could result in enginedamage, transaxle damage,

Trailer brakesElectric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-typebrakes are safe if installed properly and adjusted tothe manufacturer’s specification

Servicing after towingIf you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehiclewill require more frequent service intervals. Refer tothe Severe Duty Sched

Towing your vehicle behind another vehicleAt times, you may want to tow your vehicle behindanother vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle, caror a tr

HAZARD LIGHTS CONTROLUse only in an emergency to warn traffic of vehiclebreakdown, approaching danger, etc. The hazardflashers can be operated when th

needed. Refer to Engine oil in the Maintenanceand Care chapter.This lamp also illuminates when the ignition isturned to ON and the engine is off.Charg

If your vehicle is asedan, the fuel pumpshut-off switch islocated on the rightside of the trunkbehind the trunk liner.If your vehicle is awagon, the f

Standard fuse amperage rating and colorFuse rating Color5 amp Tan7.5 amp Brown10 amp Red15 amp Light blue20 amp Yellow20 amp fuse link Light blue25 am

The fuses are coded as follows.Fuse/RelayLocationFuseAmpRatingDescription1 — Not Used2 5A Instrument Illumination3 10A Left Low Beam Headlamp4 10A Rig

Fuse/RelayLocationFuseAmpRatingDescription24 5A ICP, RCC, Speedometer25 10A Data Link Connector26 15A Trunklid27 10A Battery Saver Relay28 15A Speed C

Always disconnect the battery beforeservicing high current fuses.Always replace the cover to the PowerDistribution Box before reconnecting thebattery

Fuse/RelayLocationFuseAmpRatingDescription7 40A** Rear Window Defrost Relay8 30A** Thermactor Air ByPassSolenoid, EAM Solid StateRelay9 40A** High Spe

Fuse/RelayLocationFuseAmpRatingDescription29 — Fuel Pump Relay30 — PCM Relay31 — Low Speed Cooling Fan Relay32 — PCM Diode33 — A/C Clutch Diode34 — No

When driving with the temporary spare tire do not:• exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) under anycircumstances• load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle loadrating

3. To remove the wheelcover, pry it loose byinserting the taperedend of the lug wrenchbetween the wheelcover and wheel.To replace the wheel cover:1. O

Removing the anti-theft lug nut1. Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Make sureyou hold the key square to the lug nut. If you holdthe key at an a

Key-in-ignition warning chimeSounds when the key is left in the ignition in theOFF/LOCK or ACC position and either front door isopened.Headlamps on wa

If the vehicle slips off the jack, you orsomeone else could be seriously injured.2. Place gearshift leverin P (Park), block thediagonally oppositewhee

4. Put the jack in thejack notch next to thedoor of the tire you arechanging. Turn the jackhandle clockwise untilthe wheel is completelyoff the ground

JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLEThe gases around the battery can explode ifexposed to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes.An explosion could result in injury

Connecting the jumper cables1. Connect the positive (+) booster cable to thepositive (+) terminal of the discharged battery.Note: In the illustrations

4. Make the final connection of the negative (-)cable to an exposed metal part of the stalledvehicle’s engine, away from the battery and thecarburetor

Jump starting1. Start the engine of the booster vehicle and runthe engine at moderately increased speed.2. Start the engine of the disabled vehicle.3.

3. Remove the jumper cable from the positive (+)terminal of the booster vehicle’s battery.4. Remove the jumper cable from the positive (+)terminal of

WRECKER TOWINGIf you need to have your vehicle towed, contact aprofessional towing service or, if you are a member,your roadside assistance center.It

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONSTo help you service your vehicle:• We highlight do-it-yourself items in the enginecompartment for easy location.• We provide a

2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle frommoving unexpectedly.Working with the engine on1. Set the park

SpeedometerIndicates the current vehicle speed.• Standard instrumentcluster• Optional instrumentclusterTachometerIndicates the engine speed in revolut

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINECOMPARTMENT3.0L V6 Vulcan engine1. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick2. Brake fluid reservoir3. Air filter asse

3.0L V6 Duratec engine1. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick2. Brake fluid reservoir3. Air filter assembly4. Battery5. Engine oil filler cap6. Engin

3.4L-32V V8 SHO engine1. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick2. Brake fluid reservoir3. Air filter assembly4. Battery5. Engine oil dipstick6. Engine

ENGINE OILChecking the engine oilRefer to the 9Service Guide9 for the appropriateintervals for checking the engine oil .1. Make sure the vehicle is on

• If the oil level isbelow the ADD orMIN mark, addenough oil to raisethe level within theADD-FULL or withinthe MIN-MAX range.• Oil levels above the F

Engine oil and filter recommendationsLook for thiscertification mark.Ford oil specification is WSS-M2C153-G.Use SAE 5W-30 motor oil certified for gaso

BRAKE FLUIDChecking and adding brake fluidBrake fluid should bechecked and refilled asneeded. Refer to the“Service Guide” for theservice intervalsched

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUIDChecking and adding washer fluidCheck the washer fluidwhenever you stop forfuel. The reservoir ishighlighted with asymbol.If th

If the engine coolant has not been checked at theabove recommended interval, the engine coolantreservoir may become empty. If this occurs, addengine c

Never remove the coolant reservoir capwhile the engine is running or hot.If you must remove the coolant reservoir cap, followthese steps to avoid pers

Engine coolant temperature gaugeIndicates thetemperature of theengine coolant. Atnormal operatingtemperature, theneedle remains withinthe normal area

additives in your vehicle. These additives may harmyour engine cooling system. The use of an impropercoolant may void your warranty of your vehicle’se

increase the engine coolant concentration above60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant andwater in your vehicle year-round in non-extremeclimates

5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts,continuously checking the level until it reaches theFULL HOT range. Be sure to put the dipstick bac

2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage theparking brake.3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot onthe brake pedal, start the engine

High fluid levelFluid levels above thesafe range may resultin transaxle failure. Anoverfill condition of transmission fluid may causeshift and/or enga

However, for severe usage or in high temperatureclimates, check the battery electrolyte level. Refer tothe “Service Guide” for the service intervalsch

When lifting a plastic-cased battery,excessive pressure on the end walls couldcause acid to flow through the vent caps, resultingin personal injury an

• If the battery has been disconnected or a newbattery has been installed, the clock and thepreset radio stations must be reset once thebattery is rec

To replace the filter, perform the followingprocedure:1. Release and openthe hood.2. Rotate and removethe four push pinslocated on the cowlvent screen

4. Remove the twoscrews retaining thecowl top inner panelshield, then the shield.5. Remove the filter.Reverse the procedureto install the new filter.W

Trip odometerRegisters thekilometers (miles) ofindividual journeys. Toreset, depress thecontrol.Fuel gaugeDisplays approximatelyhow much fuel is inthe

Changing the wiper bladesTo replace the wiper blades:1. Pull the wiper armaway from thewindshield and lockinto the serviceposition.2. Turn the blade a

U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire qualitygrades: The U.S. Department of Transportationrequires Ford to give you the following informationabout ti

Temperature A B CThe temperature grades are A (the highest), B, andC, representing the tire’s resistance to thegeneration of heat and its ability to d

Improperly inflated tires can affect vehiclehandling and can fail suddenly, possiblyresulting in loss of vehicle control.Tire rotationBecause your veh

Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle’soriginal tires may also affect the accuracy of yourspeedometer.SNOW TIRES AND CHAINSSnow tires mus

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUTAUTOMOTIVE FUELSImportant safety precautionsDo not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure inan overfilled tank may cause leaka

• Automotive fuels can be harmful or fatal ifswallowed. Fuel such as gasoline is highly toxicand if swallowed can cause death or permanentinjury. If f

2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8of a turn until it stops.3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.4. To install the ca

Choosing the right fuelUse only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuelis prohibited by law and could damage your vehicle.Your vehicle was not designed

3.4L-32V V8 SHO engineYour vehicle isdesigned to use“Premium” gasolinewith an (R+M)/2octane rating of 91 or higher for optimumperformance. Gasolines w

HEADLAMP CONTROLRotate the headlampcontrol to the firstposition to turn on theparking lamps only.Rotate to the secondposition to also turn onthe headl

Cleaner airFord approves the use of gasolines to improve airquality, including reformulated gasolines that containoxygenates up to 10% ethanol or 15%

exhaust emission standards. To make sure that thecatalytic converter and other emission controlcomponents continue to work properly:• Use only unleade

Do not make any unauthorized changes to yourvehicle or engine. By law, vehicle owners and anyonewho manufactures, repairs, items, sells, leases,trades

EXTERIOR BULBSReplacing exterior bulbsCheck the operation of the following lampsfrequently:• Headlamps• Tail lamps• Brakelamps• High-mount brakelamp•

3. Release clip anddisconnect theelectrical connectorfrom the bulb.4. Remove the bulbretaining ring byrotating itcounterclockwise(when viewed from the

High-mount brakelamp bulbsThe followingprocedure is for sedansonly. For wagon, referto a qualifiedtechnician.1. Open trunk.2. Inside trunk, locateacce

Wagon1. Remove screw andthe license plate lampassembly from liftgate.2. Remove bulb socketby turningcounterclockwise .3. Carefully pull thebulb out fr

Function Trade NumberHigh-mount brake lamp 912Rear side marker lamp 168Cargo lamp (wagon) 211-2Dome lamp 211-2Dome/map lamp 578Dome lamp/moon roof 208

Horizontal aim adjustment1. Park the vehicle on alevel surface.2. With the hood open,locate the horizontalindicator and adjustingscrew. Remove theprot

3. The “UP” and “DN” on the bubble label indicatethe directional change (up or down) of the verticalaim.4.Usea7mmwrench or socket to turn the vertical

Flash to passPull toward you toactivate and release todeactivate.PANEL DIMMER CONTROLUse to adjust thebrightness of theinstrument panelduring headlamp

After washing, apply the brakes several times to drythem.Waxing your vehicleWax when water stops beading on the surface. Thiscould be every three or f

• Take care when using a power washer to cleanthe engine. The high pressure fluid couldpenetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.• Do not spray with

• 3.0L Duratec engine• 3.4L SHO engine• Never wash or rinse the engine while it isrunning; water in the running engine may causeinternal damage.Cleani

Cleaning the exterior lampsWash with the same detergent as the exterior ofyour vehicle. Use glass cleaner or tar remover ifnecessary.To avoid scratchi

Cleaning leather seats (if equipped)For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft,damp cloth. For more thorough cleaning, wipe thesurface with a

available at many local automotive after marketstores.3M “Type T” Clean And Finish Scrubbing Pads (UPC04011–01276) are available through your local 3M

MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERSComponent 3.0L V6Vulcanengine3.0L V6Duratecengine3.4L-32VV8 SHOengineAir filter FA-1630 FA-1630 FA-1630Fuel filter FG-800-A FG-

REFILL CAPACITIESFluid Ford PartNameApplication CapacityBrakefluidHighPerformanceDOT 3MotorVehicleBrake FluidAll Fill to lineonreservoirEnginecoolant1

Fluid Ford PartNameApplication CapacityAutomatictransaxle -AX4NMotorcraftMERCONtVATF3.0L V6Vulcanengine12.8L (13.5quarts)3.0L V6Duratecengine and3.4L

LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONSItemsFord PartName orequivalentFordPartNumberFordSpecificationBrake fluid HighPerformanceDOT 3MotorVehicleBrake FluidC6AZ-1954

REAR WINDOW DEFROSTERClears the rear window of thin ice and fog. Tooperate:1. Turn the ignition to the ON position.2. Press and releasethe control onc

ItemsFord PartName orequivalentFordPartNumberFordSpecificationEnginecoolantFordPremiumEngineCoolant(green incolor)E2FZ-19549-AAESE-M97B44-AFordExtende

Engine 3.0L V6Vulcanengine3.0L V6Duratecengine3.4L-32VV8 SHOengineSpark pluggap1.07-1.17mm(0.042-0.046inch)1.3-1.4mm(0.052-00.056inch)1.07-1.17mm(0.04

352523Capacities and specifications182

1414Capacities and specifications183

IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLESafety compliance labelThe National HighwayTraffic SafetyAdministrationRegulations requirethat a SafetyComplianceCertification

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (U.S. ONLY)If you believe that yourvehicle has a defectthat could cause acrash, or could causeinjury or death, youshould imme

Air bag supplementalrestraint system ... 67and child safetyseats ... 69description ... 67disposal ...

filling your vehiclewith fuel ... 155,156quality ... 159running out of fuel 160safety informationrelating toautomotive fuels ..

Panic alarm feature,remote entrysystem ... 45Parking brake ... 92Power distribution box(see Fuses) ... 113Powe

rear wiper/washer ... 33Windshield washer fluidand wiperschecking andcleaning ... 149operation ... 33replacing wiperblades

Mode selector controlControls the directionof the airflow to theinside of the vehicle.The air conditioningcompressor will operate in all modes except

190

Recommendedfuel-3.0L V6 enginesUnleaded fuel only - 87octaneRecommendedfuel-3.4L SHO V8engineUnleaded fuel only - 91octaneFuel tank capacity 60.6L (16

Power steering fluidcapacity-3.0L V6Duratec and 3.4L V8SHO engineFill to line on reservoir.Automatic transaxlecapacity (AX4N)-3.0LV6 Vulcan engine12.8

ICONSIndicates a safety alert.Read the followingsection on Warnings .Indicates vehicleinformation related torecycling and otherenvironmentalconcerns w

• (Panel and floor)-Distributes outside airthrough the instrument panel registers and thefloor ducts. Heating and air conditioningcapabilities are pro

• Don’t put objects under the front seat that willinterfere with the airflow to the back seats.• Remove any snow,ice or leaves fromthe air intake area

Electronic Automatic Temperature Control(EATC) system (if equipped)The EATC system will maintain a selectedtemperature and automatically control airfl

Automatic operationPress AUTO and select the desired temperature.The selected temperature and the word AUTO willappear in the display window. The EATC

For continuous maximum cooling, push thetemperature control until 16°C (60°F) is shown inthe display window. The EATC will continuemaximum cooling (di

The display will showand a bar graph toindicate manual fanoperation and relativespeed.To return to automatic fan operation, press AUTO.Manual override

• MAX A/C-Uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle.The temperature will remain unchanged and airwill be cooled based on the selected temperature.To e

• F- DEF -Distributes outside air through thewindshield defroster ducts. It can be used to clearice or fog from the windshield. If the outside airtemp

• Remove any snow,ice or leaves fromthe air intake area(at the bottom ofthe windshield).• If your vehicle has been parked with the windowsclosed durin

2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel, automatictransmission gearshift lever and allows key removal.3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all accessorieswithou

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLEThere are no particular breaking-in rules for yourvehicle. During the first 1 600 km (1 000 miles) ofdriving, vary speeds freq

To turn speed control off• Press OFF or• Turn off the vehicleignition.Once speed control is switched off, the previouslyprogrammed set speed will be e

To set a higher set speed• Press and hold SETACC/SET ACCEL.Release the controlwhen the desiredvehicle speed isreached or• Press and releaseSET ACC/SET

To disengage speed control• Depress the brakepedal.Disengaging the speedcontrol will not erasethe previouslyprogrammed set speed.Pressing OFF will era

TURN SIGNAL CONTROL• Push down toactivate the left turnsignal.• Push up to activatethe right turn signal.WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER CONTROLSRotate the wi

Press the washercontrol to activate therear washer. The wiperwill come on when thewasher control ispressed, if it is notalready on.Mist FunctionTo ope

ILLUMINATED VISOR MIRROR (IF EQUIPPED)To turn on the visormirror lamps, lift themirror cover. Adjustthe amount of light bysliding the control.MOON ROO

The map lamps andcontrols are located onthe dome lamp. Pressthe controls on eitherside of each map lampto activate the lamps.If equipped with amoon ro

One touch down• Press AUTOcompletely downand release quickly.The window willopen fully. Depressagain to stopwindow operation.Window lockThe window loc

Liftgate (wagon only)The power liftgate lockis located on the rightinside trim panel in thecargo area. When thislock is pressed, alldoors and the lift

frozen in place. These actions could cause damageto the glass and mirrors.CHILDPROOF DOOR LOCKSWhen these locks areset, the rear doorscannot be opened

EFCHFUEL DOOR>SERVICEENGINESOONLOWCOOLANTTHEFT1020304050607080901001202060100140180P R N D 2 1MPH km/h0000000000P!BRAKE+–110CRUISERPMx1000ABSO/

The center console has the same features as the fullconsole. To open the storage compartment, raise thearmrest and pull the strap on the seat up andto

LIFTGATE (WAGON ONLY)You can open theentire liftgate or justthe liftgate window. Toopen the entire liftgate,press the releasebutton hidden underthe ex

Cargo net (if equipped)The cargo net secureslightweight objects inthe cargo area. Attachthe net to the anchorsprovided. Do not putmore than 22 kg (50l

Rewinding the shadeWith extended use, the cargo shade may lose itsspring tension. If this occurs, the shade must bemanually rewound. This is a two-per

REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)The remote entry system allows you to lock orunlock all vehicle doors and liftgate without a key.The remote entry fea

Sounding a panic alarmPress this control toactivate the alarm.To deactivate thealarm, press thecontrol again or turnthe ignition to ACC orON.This devi

Replacing lost transmittersTake all your vehicle’stransmitters to yourdealer forreprogramming if:• a transmitter is lostor• you want topurchase additi

1. Twist a thin coinbetween the two halvesof the transmitter nearthe key ring. DO NOTTAKE THE FRONTPART OF THETRANSMITTERAPART.2. Place the positive (

• Press 7/8 and 9/0controls on thekeyless entry pad atthe same time tolock the doors(doors opened orclosed).• Open a door and press the power door loc

Disarming the systemYou can disarm the system by any of the followingactions:• Unlock the doors byusing your remoteentry transmitter.• Unlock the door

BASSTREBBALFADEREWFFEJECT123456wTAPE SIDETAPER-DEFTUNESEEKSCANAMFMMHLOHIOFFA/CMAXA/CVENTVOLPUSH-ONwSTFM 12AMCBL RFClimatecontrolsystems(pg. 18)Gearshi

KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEMWith the keyless entrykeypad, you can:• lock or unlock thevehicle doors and liftgate (wagons) without usingthe key.• arm and disar

Your personal code does not replace the permanentcode that the dealership gave you. You can useeither code to unlock your vehicle. If a secondpersonal

3. To unlock the trunkor liftgate (wagon),enter the five-digitfactory-set code, thenpress the 5/6 controlwithin five seconds.AutolockAutolock is a fea

You must complete steps 1 through 5 within 30seconds or the procedure will have to be repeated. Ifthe procedure needs to be repeated, you must wait30

Spare SecuriLocky keys can be purchased fromyour dealership and programmed to yourSecuriLocky anti-theft system. Refer toProgramming spare SecuriLocky

SEATINGHead restraintsPush or pull the headrests to the desiredposition.Adjusting the front manual seatNever adjust the driver’s seat or seatbackwhen

Pull lever up to adjustseatback.Adjusting the power seats (if equipped)Never adjust the driver’s seat or seatbackwhen the vehicle is moving.Press to m

Press the other side of the control to adjustsoftness.REAR SEATS2nd seat/Split-folding rear seat (if equipped)One or both rear seatbacks can be folded

3. Lift the remote latchrelease on the left sideof the compartmentand fold the remainingfloor panel until itlatches. Make sure theseatback is locked i

All occupants of the vehicle, including thedriver, should always properly wear theirsafety belts, even when an air bag SRS is provided.It is extremely

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMESStandard instrument clusterOptional instrument clusterTurn signalIlluminates when theleft or right turn signalor the hazard l

2. To unfasten, pushthe release button andremove the tonguefrom the buckle.The front and rear outboard safety restraints in thevehicle are combination

How to use the automatic locking mode• Buckle thecombination lap andshoulder belt.• Grasp the shoulderportion and pulldownward until theentire belt is

To lower the shoulder belt height, push the buttonand slide the height control down. To raise theheight of the shoulder belt, slide the height adjuste

The lap belts should fit snugly and as low aspossible around the hips, not around thewaist.Insert the tongue intothe correct buckle. Tolengthen the be

Before you reach and latch a combination lap andshoulder belt having an adjust tongue into thebuckle, you may have to lengthen the lap beltportion of

Due to folding rear seats, sometimes the buckles andtongues toward the center of the vehicle may behidden by the rear edge of the seat cushion. Pullth

Conditions of operationIf... Then...The driver’s safety beltis not buckled beforethe ignition switch isturned to the ONposition...The safety belt warn

Failure to inspect and if necessary replacethe safety belt asembly under the aboveconditions could result in severe personal injuriesin the event of a

All occupants of the vehicle including thedriver should always properly wear theirsafety belts even when air bag SRS is provided.Always transport chil

Do not attempt to service, repair, or modifythe Air Bag Supplemental Restraint Systemor its fuses. See your Ford or Lincoln-Mercurydealer.Children and

Safety beltMomentarily illuminateswhen the ignition isturned to the ONposition to remind youto fasten your safety belts. For more information,refer to

How does the air bag supplemental restraintsystem work?The air bag SRS isdesigned to activatewhen the vehiclesustains sufficientlongitudinaldecelerati

there is the risk of death or serious injuries such asfractures, facial and eye injuries or internal injuries,particularly to occupants who are not pr

Determining if the system is operationalThe SRS uses a readiness light in the instrumentcluster or a tone to indicate the condition of thesystem. Refe

Important child restraint precautionsYou are required by law to use safety restraints forchildren in the U.S. and Canada. If small childrenride in you

Children and safety beltsIf the child is the proper size, restrain the child in asafety seat.Children who are too large for child safety seats (asspec

SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDRENChild and infant or child safety seatsUse a safety seat that is recommended for the sizeand weight of the child. Carefully fo

Ford recommends the use of a child safety seathaving a top tether strap. Install the child safety seatin a seating position which is capable of provid

2. Pull down on theshoulder belt and thengrasp the shoulder beltand lap belt together.3. While holding theshoulder and lap beltportions together, rout

7. Pull the lap beltportion across the childseat toward the buckleand pull up on theshoulder belt whilepushing down withyour knee on the childseat.8.

fastened to the buckle by pulling on tongue.5. Push down on the child seat while pulling on theloose end of the lap belt webbing to tighten the belt.6

What you should do if the Service Engine Soonlight illuminatesLight turns on solid:This means that the OBD II system has detected amalfunction.Tempora

1. Behind the secondseat, find the plasticsnap-on covers for thefloor anchors.2. Use a screwdriver orcoin to snap the coversoff the anchor in arearwar

Built-in child seat retractorsThe belts on built-in child seats are equipped with aretractor that locks when both tongues are latchedinto the crotch s

1. Grasp the child seatat the top of theseatback and pull thetop forward to releasethe latch.2. Continue to unfoldthe child seat until itrests on the

5. Place the child on the child seat and position theshoulder belts over each shoulder.6. Insert either the leftor the right safety belttongue into th

Removing your child from the built-in child seat1. Squeeze the tabs on the top and the bottom ofthe chest clip and pull the halves apart to open thech

PREPARING TO START YOUR VEHICLEEngine starting is controlled by the ignition system.This system meets all Canadian Interference-CausingEquipment stand

If you smell exhaust fumes inside yourvehicle, have your dealer inspect yourvehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smellexhaust fumes.Important safe

5. Turn the key to 4(ON) without turningthe key to 5 (START).Make sure the corresponding lights illuminatebriefly. If a light fails to illuminate, hav

3. If the temperature is below -12°C (10°F) and theengine does not start in fifteen seconds on the firsttry, turn the key OFF and wait ten seconds and

If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kindinside your vehicle, have your dealer inspectand fix your vehicle immediately. Do not drive ifyou smell exh

Low fuelIlluminates when thefuel tank hasapproximately eightliters (two gallons)remaining. The lamp will also illuminate when theignition key is turne

BRAKESYour brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the “ServiceGuide” for scheduled maintenance.Occasional brake noise is normal and often does notindicat

an ABS equipped vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABSequipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking withloss of front braking traction.ABS warning lampTheAB

Parking brakeApply the parkingbrake whenever thevehicle is parked. Toset the parking brake,press the parking brakepedal down until thepedal stops.The

Pull the release leverto release the brake.Driving with theparking brake on willcause the brakes towear out quickly andreduce fuel economy.STEERINGYou

SEMI-ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL(TAURUS SHO ONLY)Firm shock absorber performance enhances ride andhandling during certain road conditions. The shockabsorber i

Always set the parking brake fully and makesure the gearshift is latched in P (Park).Turn off the ignition whenever you leave yourvehicle.Driving with

Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle(column or console gearshift with O/D offswitch)Your automaticoverdrive transaxleprovides fullyautomatic

Understanding gearshift positionsP (Park)Always come to acomplete stop beforeshifting into P (Park).Make sure the gearshiftis securely latched in P(Pa

N (Neutral)With the gearshift inthe N (Neutral)position, the vehiclecan be started and isfree to roll. Hold thebrake pedal downwhile in this position.

If the O/D OFF indicator light (if equipped) isflashing on and off when the vehicle is started ordoes not come on when the O/D OFF switch ispressed, i