1996 Ford Taurus Owners Manual

Your application will be reviewed and if it is determined to be eligible, you will receive an acknowledgment indicating the file number assigned to your application and the local Board address. At the same time, your dealer and Ford Motor Company representative are asked to submit statements.

To review your case properly, the Board needs the following information:

legible copies of all documents and maintenance or repair orders that relate to the case

the year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN)

the date you bought your vehicle

the date of repair and the mileage at the time of repair

the current mileage

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*[HS06360(ALL)01/95]

*[HS06380(ALL)01/95]

the name of the dealer who sold you the vehicle or who serviced your vehicle

a brief description of your unresolved complaint

a brief summary of actions that were taken with the dealer and Ford Motor Company

the names (if known) of all people you contacted at the dealership

a description of the action you want done to resolve your concern.

Should your application NOT qualify for review, an explanation will be mailed to you. Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only) If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Ford Motor Company.

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or Ford Motor Company.

To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in the Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, Washington D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

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*[HS08080(ALL)04/95]

Ford of Canada Customer Assistance Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited

If you live in Canada and have any questions or concerns that the dealership cannot answer, contact the Customer Assistance Centre.

Please have the following information available when contacting the Customer Assistance Centre:

your telephone number (both business and home)

your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) listed on your owner card and/or your vehicle ownership license.

the year and make of your vehicle

the date purchased

the name of the dealer and the city where the dealership is located

the current mileage on your vehicle.

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*[HS08450(ALL)09/95]

*[HS08500(ALL)10/95]

Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only)

In those cases where you continue to feel that the efforts by Ford and the dealer to resolve a factory-related vehicle service concern have been unsatisfactory, Ford of Canada participates in an impartial third party mediation/arbitration program administered by the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP).

The CAMVAP program is a straight-forward and relative speedy alternative to resolve a disagreement when all other efforts to produce a settlement have failed. This procedure is without cost to you and is designed to eliminate the need for lengthy and expensive legal proceedings.

In the CAMVAP program, impartial third-party Arbitrators conduct hearings at mutually convenient times and places in an informal enviroment. These impartial Arbitrators review the positions of the parties, make decisions and, where appropriate, render awards to resolve disputes. CAMVAP decisions are fast, fair and final as the Arbitrator’s award is binding on both you and Ford of Cananda.

CAMVAP services are available in all territories and provinces, except Quebec. For more information, without charge or obligation, call your CAMVAP Provincial Administrator directly at 1-800-207-0685.

This plan is not available in the province of Quebec.

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one inch art:0095024-A

Getting Help Outside the U.S. and Canada Before you export your vehicle to a foreign country, contact the appropriate foreign embassy or consulate to make sure local regulations do not prevent you from registering your vehicle. Officials at the embassy can also help you decide whether you should import your vehicle to that country.

Officials at the embassy or consulate can tell you where to get unleaded fuel. If you cannot get unleaded fuel or can get only fuel with an anti-knock index that is lower than your vehicle needs, contact a district or owner relations office before you leave the U.S. or Canada.

Use of leaded fuel in your vehicle without a proper conversion may damage the effectiveness of your emissions control system and may cause engine knocking or serious engine damage. Ford Motor Company is not responsible for any damage that is caused by use of improper fuel.

You may also have difficulty importing your vehicle back into the U.S. if you use leaded fuel.

If your vehicle must be serviced while you are traveling or living in Central or South America, the Caribbean, or the Middle East, contact the nearest Ford dealership. If the dealership cannot help you, write to:

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If you are in other foreign countries, contact the nearest Ford dealership. If the dealership cannot help you, they can direct you to the appropriate Ford affiliate office. If you buy your vehicle in North America and then relocate outside of the U.S. or Canada, register your Vehicle Identification Number and new address with Ford Motor Company Export Operations.

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Accessories

Ford Accessories for Your Vehicle Ford has many fine products available from your dealer to clean your vehicle and protect its finishes. For best results, use the following, or products of equivalent quality:

A wide selection of accessories is available through your local authorized dealer. These fine accessories have been engineered specifically to fulfill your automotive needs. They are custom designed to complement the style and aerodynamic appearance of your Ford-built vehicle. In addition, each accessory is made from high quality materials and meets or exceeds Ford’s rigid engineering and safety specifications. That is why Ford brand accessories are warranted for up to 3 years or 36,000 miles (60,000 km), whichever comes first. See your dealer for complete warranty information and accessory availability.

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Safety, Comfort, and Convenience

twenty-eight pica chart:0000569-M

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NOTE: When adding accessories, equipment,

passengers, and luggage to your vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of the front or rear axle (GVWR, GAWR as shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label). Consult your dealer for specific weight information.

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NOTE: The Federal Communications

Commission (FCC) or the Canadian Radio Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulates the use of mobile communications systems — such as two-way radios, telephones, and theft alarms — that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC regulations and should be installed only by a qualified technician.

NOTE: Mobile communications systems may

harm the operation of your vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive use or are not properly installed. For example, when operated, such systems may cause the engine to stumble or stall. In addition, such systems may themselves be damaged or their operation affected by operating your vehicle. (Citizens band [CB] transceivers, garage door openers, and other transmitters whose power output is 5 watts or less will not ordinarily affect your vehicle’s operation.)

NOTE: Because we have no control over the

installation, design, or manufacture of such systems, Ford cannot assume responsibility for any adverse effects or damage that may result if you use this equipment.

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Servicing Your Taurus

Service Made Easy Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle. 1. When we can, we design parts that do not

need to be serviced.

2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as

easy as possible. To help you:

q We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in the engine compartment so that you can find them easily.

q When possible, we design parts — such as the headlamp bulbs — that can be replaced without tools.

q We give you a Maintenance Schedule that

makes tracking routine service for your vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is located in the Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet.

This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you need to check and service regularly. If your vehicle needs professional servicing, see the Customer Assistance chapter. Check your Warranty Information Booklet to find out which parts are covered.

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Ford Motor Company recommends that you perform the Owner Maintenance Checks listed in the Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet. These services are important for the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition to the conditions listed in the Owner Maintenance Checklist, be alert for any unusual noise, vibration, or other indication that your vehicle may need service. If you do notice something unusual, see that your vehicle is serviced promptly. Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids, and service parts conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to provide the best performance in your vehicle. Using these parts for replacement is your assurance that Ford-built quality stays in your vehicle. NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive

fluids in a responsible manner. Follow your community’s standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call your local recycling center to find out about recycling automotive fluids.

Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle. Here are some general precautions for your safety: q Do not work on a hot engine. The engine cooling fans may come on unexpectedly. Always turn the engine off and let it cool.

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RWARNING

The cooling fans are automatic and may come on at any time. Always disconnect the negative terminal of the battery before working near the fan.

If you must work with the engine running, avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving parts. Take appropriate precautions with long hair.

q Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed

space with the engine running, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.

q Never get under a vehicle while it is

supported by a jack only. If you must work under a vehicle, use safety stands.

q Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking materials away from the battery and all fuel-related parts.

If you disconnect the battery, the engine must “relearn” its idle conditions before your vehicle will drive properly. To find out how the engine does this, see Battery in this chapter. Working with the engine off: 1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure

that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).

2. Remove the key from the ignition after you

turn the engine off.

3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your

vehicle from moving unexpectedly.

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Working with the engine on: 1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure

that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).

2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your

vehicle from moving unexpectedly.

RWARNING

Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.

Opening the Hood 1.

Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release handle located under the bottom left corner of the instrument panel.

2. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the auxiliary latch that is located under the hood at the center of the vehicle.

3. Lift the hood until the lift cylinders hold it

open.

Whenever you close the hood, latch it securely.

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The hood release, hood latch, and lift cylinder assembly

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NOTE: Read and understand Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle at the beginning of this chapter before opening the hood.

Engine Compartment Your vehicle has one of these types of engines:

a 3.0L Vulcan engine a 3.0L Duratec engine a 3.4L SHO engine

The following pages show diagrams of each engine type and where to find items that you should regularly service.

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Cleaning the Engine A clean engine is more efficient because the engine is able to cool properly. A build up of grease and dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the engine warmer than normal. q Extreme care must be used if a power washer is used to clean the engine. The high pressure fluid could penetrate sealed parts and assemblies causing damage or malfunctions. In order to avoid possible cracking of the engine block or fuel injection pump, do not spray a hot engine or injection pump with cold water.

q The alternator, distributor and air intake must

be covered. Covering these components will help prevent water damage.

q Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running. Water getting into the engine may cause internal damage.

Filling the Fuel Tank 1. Turn the engine off. After opening the fuel door, remove the cap carefully and slowly by turning it counterclockwise 1/4 turn until it stops. Pull to remove the cap. A tether attaches the cap to the fuel filler pipe.

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RWARNING

The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops before completely removing the cap. Otherwise, fuel may spray out and injure you or others.

2. Make sure that you pump unleaded fuel and

put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel filler pipe.

NOTE: To help reduce early nozzle shutoffs

and fuel spillage, park your vehicle so that the fuel filler door is not downhill. Do not tilt or turn the nozzle upside down when filling. Avoid excessively fast fuel dispensing rates (over 10 gallons [38 liters] per minute).

NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of

your vehicle, clean it off immediately. The fuel may dull or soften the paint if you do not wash it off.

3. To replace the fuel cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the filler pipe. Turn it clockwise until it stops. 4. Push the fuel door closed. If the Service Engine Soon warning light comes on and stays on when you start the engine, the fuel cap may not be properly seated. Turn off the engine, remove the fuel cap and replace it, being careful to align the cap properly. For more information, see Warning lights in the Index. If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an authorized Motorcraft or equivalent part.

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RWARNING

If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the pressure in the fuel tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to work improperly in a collision.

NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an

aftermarket fuel filler cap, the customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.

Choosing the Right Fuel Use only UNLEADED FUEL. Using leaded fuel is prohibited by federal law. Any vehicle damage may not be covered by your warranty. Octane Recommendations All models except SHO 3.4L Your vehicle is designed to use regular fuel with an octane rating of 87. In most cases it is not necessary to use a fuel with an octane rating higher than 87. At service stations, the octane rating is displayed in a label on the pumps.

Typical octane rating label We do not recommend gasolines labeled “regular” that are sold with octane ratings of 86
or even less in high altitude areas.

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Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily under most driving conditions on the recommended octane rating fuel, see your dealer or a qualified service technician to prevent any engine damage. SHO 3.4L engine The SHO 3.4L engine has been designed to operate using premium unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Regular unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 87 may be used if necessary. For optimum performance and driveability, it is recommended that you use premium unleaded fuel. In some high altitude areas, “premium” fuels are sold with octane ratings of less than 91. It is recommended that you use only those “premium” fuels with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Fuel quality Ford approves the use of gasolines, including those reformulated, that contain oxygenates such as ethanol (10% maximum) and MTBE (15% maximum). If methanol is used, the gasoline should contain no more than 5% with cosolvents. If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation problems, try a different brand of fuel. If the condition persists, see your dealer or a qualified service technician. It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel tank if you continue to use a high-quality fuel.

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Safety Information Relating to Automotive Fuels

RWARNING

Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or mishandled.

Gasoline and other automotive fuels are extremely flammable. Turn your vehicle off and do not smoke while refueling your vehicle. Keep sparks and other sources of ignition away from fuels. Automotive fuels can be harmful or fatal if swallowed. Never attempt to siphon any fuel by mouth. If any fuel is swallowed, call a physician or poison control center immediately. Do not delay calling a physician merely because no adverse effects are noticed at first; the toxic effects of fuels may not become apparent for many hours. If gasoline is swallowed, do not induce vomiting. If a gasoline-methanol blend is swallowed, induce vomiting under the direction of a physician or poison control center. Gasoline and gasoline blends may contain small amounts of carcinogens, such as benzene. Long-term exposure to unleaded gasoline vapors has caused cancer in laboratory animals. Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. Be careful not to splash fuel on yourself or your clothing. If fuel is splashed on the skin, promptly remove contaminated clothing and wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water.

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Fuels can cause severe eye irritation and possibly eye damage. If fuel is splashed in the eyes, remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with large amounts of water for 15 minutes, and seek medical attention. If you are taking the medication “Antabuse” or other forms of disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism, vapor or skin contact with a gasoline-methanol blend may cause the same kind of adverse reaction as drinking an alcoholic beverage. In sensitive individuals, serious personal injury or sickness could result. Consult a physician promptly if you experience an adverse reaction. Fuel line service Fuel injection systems operate with pressurized fuel. The fuel lines are under pressure even when the engine is off. This system should be serviced by an authorized dealer using only Ford approved parts. Using other materials may be hazardous or allow hydrocarbon emissions above the legal levels set by the Federal Government. Running Out of Fuel If your vehicle runs out of fuel, try to stop on level ground away from traffic. Add at least one gallon (four liters) of fuel to start your vehicle again. If your vehicle is not on level ground, you may need as much as five gallons (20 liters) of fuel to start it. You may need to crank the engine several times before the fuel system starts to pump fuel from the tank to the engine. If the engine does not start, check the fuel pump shut-off switch and reset as required. See Fuel pump shut-off switch in the Index.

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RWARNING

Never pour fuel in the throttle body or attempt to start the engine with the air cleaner removed. Doing so could result in fire and personal injury.

Fuel Economy Fuel economy is an estimate of the efficiency of your vehicle and can be calculated as Miles Per Gallon (MPG) or Liters Per 100 Kilometers (L/100K). To calculate fuel economy: 1. Fill the tank completely and record the

initial odometer reading.

2. Every time you buy fuel record the

amount (in gallons or liters) purchased. Keep a record for at least a month. This will give you a more accurate estimate than figuring the fuel economy based on only one or two readings.

3. After at least three to five tankfuls, fill the

fuel tank and record the final odometer reading.

4. Use these equations to calculate your fuel

economy:

q English: MPG = (total miles driven)

쐦 (gallons used)

q Metric: L/100k = (liters used)

쐦 (100 kilometers)

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Comparisons With Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Transport Canada (TC) Fuel Economy Estimates EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from laboratory tests under simulated road conditions and may not reflect the actual conditions you experience or your style of driving. The EPA fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee that you will achieve the fuel economy shown. Improving Fuel Economy Fuel economy is affected by a number of variables which can reduce efficiency. You can improve fuel economy by understanding these variables and minimizing their effect. The following decrease fuel economy: q Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance q Excessive speed q Rapid acceleration and excessive speed q Driving with your foot on the brake

Sudden stops

q Extended engine idling q Using speed control in hilly terrain q Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear window defroster and other accessories

q Underinflated tires q Heavy loads q Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or

luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.

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one third page art:0060021-E

Self-Service Pointers If you choose to do your own fueling, you should also perform a few simple maintenance routines. This extra effort will save you additional money and contribute to the driving efficiency of your vehicle. The following procedures require only a tire gauge, a rag, an oil can spout and windshield washer fluid. q Check the engine oil at every refueling stop q Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and

headlights

q Check windshield washer fluid q Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges q Check the tire pressure at least monthly Engine Oil Recommendations We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the American Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on the front of the container.

The API Certification Mark

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Never use:

“Non-Detergent” oils

q Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG q Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments

or engine treatments

Engine oils with an SAE 5W-30 viscosity are PREFERRED for your vehicle. They provide the best engine performance, fuel economy and engine protection for all climates down to -15˚F (-25˚C). Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and of the preferred viscosity may be used in your engine. The engine oil and oil filter must still be changed according to the maintenance schedule. Checking and Adding Engine Oil Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe engine operation, check the oil using the dipstick each time you put fuel in your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be parked on level ground. Checking the engine oil level: 1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up and allow a few minutes for the engine oil to drain back into the oil pan.

2. Set the parking brake, making sure the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).

3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine

heat.

4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in

yellow) and carefully pull it out of the engine.

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5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into

position, making sure it is fully seated.

Engine oil dipstick (3.0L Vulcan)

Engine oil dipstick (3.0L Duratec and 3.4L SHO) 6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil level is below the “ADD 1 QT” line, add engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is beyond the letter “F” in Full, engine damage or high oil consumption may occur and some oil must be removed from the engine. 7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is

fully seated.

Adding engine oil It may be necessary to add some oil between oil changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your vehicle’s warranty coverage may not apply if engine damage is caused by the use of improper engine oil. Add engine oil through the oil filler cap highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine. Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.

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Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter Change the engine oil and oil filter per the following, whichever occurs first.

Refer to the Maintenance Schedule and Record Booklet for additional information. NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive

fluids in a responsible manner. Follow your community’s standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call your local recycling center to find out about recycling automotive fluids.

RWARNING

Continuous contact with USED motor oil has caused cancer in laboratory mice.

Protect your skin by washing with mild soap and water.

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Engine Coolant Checking the Engine Coolant NOTE: Be sure to read and understand Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle at the beginning of this chapter.

RWARNING

The cooling fans are automatic and may come on at any time. Always disconnect the negative terminal of the battery before working near the fan.

Your vehicle’s coolant protects your engine from overheating in the summer and from freezing in the winter. Check the level of the coolant at least once a month. Simply look at the engine coolant reservoir located in the engine compartment. To locate the reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle’s engine under Engine Type, in this chapter. The coolant additives also protect the entire cooling system from internal passageway corrosion and these additives lubricate the water pump. The coolant should be serviced as noted in the Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet.

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The engine coolant reservoir (3.0L Vulcan shown — 3.0L Duratec and 3.4L SHO similar) The coolant level in the reservoir should be maintained within the cold fill range. There may be a low coolant warning light in the instrument cluster which will light when the coolant level is low. Checking Hoses Inspect all engine and heater system hoses and hose connections for deterioration, leaks, and loose hose clamps as specified in the Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet. Repair or replace with Motorcraft hoses or equivalent as necessary. Adding Engine Coolant

RWARNING

Do not put engine coolant in the container for the windshield washer fluid.

If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or antifreeze could make it difficult to see through the windshield.

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RWARNING

Never remove the pressure cap while the engine is running or hot to avoid personal injury that can be caused by escaping steam or engine coolant.

1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool. Even when the engine is cool, be careful when you remove the cap. 2. When the engine is cold, wrap a thick cloth

around the cap and turn it slowly counterclockwise to relieve pressure. 3. Step back while the pressure releases. 4. When you are sure that all the pressure has

been released, use the cloth to turn and remove cap.

5. Stand away from the reservoir opening. Hot

steam may blow out or hot engine coolant may even splash out.

RWARNING

Failure to follow these instructions could result in serious personal injury from hot engine coolant or steam blowout and/or damage to the engine cooling system or engine.

To find out how much engine coolant mixture your vehicle’s coolant system can hold, see Refill capacities for fluids in the Index. Add engine coolant only to the coolant reservoir. If the coolant level is low, add to the reservoir a 50/50 mixture of water and the type of engine coolant that Ford specifies. You may add water by itself only in an emergency, but you should replace it with a 50/50 mixture as soon as possible.

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Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid is an optimized formula that will protect all metal and rubber elastomers used in Ford engines for four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km). It is not necessary and not recommended to use supplemental coolant additives in your vehicle. These additives may harm your engine cooling system. Follow the recommended service interval for changing your engine coolant. NOTE: When you change or add engine

coolant, it is important to maintain your engine coolant concentration between 40% (-11˚F [-24˚C]) and 60% (-62˚F [-52˚C]), depending on your local climate conditions. Below 40% you will lose freeze protection and above 60% your engine may overheat on a warm day.

NOTE: Less than 40% of coolant concentration

may cause engine corrosion and overheating. Plain water may be used in an emergency only. Replace it with the specified coolant as quickly as possible.

NOTE: The use of an improper coolant may

void your warranty for the engine cooling system. Use only a premium, nationally recognized brand name engine coolant. Do not use alcohol, methanol antifreeze or engine coolant mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. If you do not use the proper coolant, the aluminum engine on your vehicle will corrode.

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Ford Motor Company expressly authorizes the Ford Rotunda engine coolant recycling process and chemicals. Use only Ford Rotunda recycled engine coolant or an equivalent recycled engine coolant that is certified by the supplier to meet Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A. NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive

fluids in a responsible manner. Follow your community’s standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call your local recycling center to find out about recycling automotive fluids.

Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid E2FZ-19549-AA (in Canada, Motorcraft CXC-8-B) or an equivalent engine coolant that meets Ford Specification ESE-M97B44-A. Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if:

you have to add engine coolant more than once a month, or you have to add more than a quart (liter) at a time

Engine Coolant Drain and Flush Proper procedures for a complete coolant drain and flush of the cooling system can be found in the Car Service Manual. Following these recommended procedures will ensure that the specified coolant level and a 50/50 or appropriate mixture of coolant and water is maintained.

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Engine Coolant Refill Procedure When the entire cooling system is drained and refilled, the following procedure should be used to ensure a complete fill: q With the engine OFF and cool, remove the

pressure cap, located on the coolant reservoir. q Add a 50/50 mixture of specified coolant and water to the coolant reservoir. Refer to Refill Capacities later in this chapter for the correct amount.

q Continue to fill the reservoir until the coolant

is at the top of the cold fill range.

q Reinstall the pressure cap until it clicks.

Start and idle the engine until the radiator upper hose is warm (this indicates the thermostat is open and coolant is flowing through the entire system). Immediately shut off the engine and let cool. Cautiously remove the pressure cap and add a 50/50 mixture of specified coolant and water until the coolant is within the cold fill range in the coolant reservoir.

q Reinstall the pressure cap until a click is

heard and felt.

q Check for leaks at the draincock. q Recheck the engine coolant level, using the recommended procedure, after one or two occasions of vehicle use.

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About Your Battery Your vehicle may have a Motorcraft maintenance-free battery. When the original equipment battery is replaced under warranty, it may be replaced by a Motorcraft Low-Maintenance Battery. Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer, some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. If you ever disconnect the battery or install a new battery, you must allow the computer to “relearn” its idle conditions before your vehicle will drive properly. To begin this process, put the gearshift in P (Park), set the parking brake, turn off all the accessories, and start the vehicle. Bring the engine to normal operating temperature. Allow the engine to idle for one minute in N (Neutral) and one minute in Drive or Overdrive. Perform the previous procedure with the air conditioning on and off (conditions permitting). The relearning process will complete automatically as you drive the vehicle. Driveability may be deteriorated slightly until all drive modes are “relearned.” If you do not let the engine relearn its idle, the idle quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle is relearned. Your vehicle will eventually relearn its idle while you drive it, but it takes much longer than if you use the previous procedure.

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Help Us Protect Our Environment Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that used lead-acid batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility for disposal.

Battery recycling symbol Windshield Washer Fluid and Wipers Washer Fluid Check the level of the windshield washer fluid every time you stop for fuel. The reservoir for washer fluid is located on the passenger’s side of the engine compartment and is highlighted with a washer symbol.

The windshield washer fluid reservoir

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RWARNING

Do not put windshield washer fluid in the container for the engine coolant.

Use specially formulated windshield washer fluid rather than plain water, because specially formulated washer fluids contain additives that dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such as methanol should be used in freezing weather (temperatures below 32˚F [0˚C]). State or local regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) may restrict use of the most common antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades, and windshield washer system.

RWARNING

Washer solution contains methanol which is poisonous. Observe all warnings indicated on label of washer solution.

Checking the washer fluid for the liftgate (If equipped) If your wagon has a rear window wiper, check the reservoir for its washer fluid regularly. This is not the same reservoir that your windshield wipers use. The opening for this reservoir is on the right side of the liftgate opening, below the tail lamp. Refill this reservoir with the same solution you use for your windshield. To find out how much washer fluid the reservoir holds, see Refill Capacities later in this chapter.

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Wiper Blades Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice a year. Also check them whenever they seem less effective than usual. Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades. If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield and the wiper blades. Use undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents to clean your wiper blades. These will damage your blades. To make reaching the wiper blades easy, simply turn the ignition to the ACC position and turn your wipers on. Wait for them to reach a vertical position and turn the ignition to the OFF position. Do not move the wipers manually. Manually moving the wipers across the windshield may damage them. Wiper blade replacement If the wiper blades still do not work properly after you clean them, you may need to replace the wiper blade assembly or the blade element. When replacing the wiper blade assembly, blade refill, or wiper arm always use a Motorcraft part or equivalent. To replace the blades, follow the instructions that come with them. Your vehicle uses a 24" wiper on the driver side and a 20" wiper on the passenger side.

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MicronAir쑓 Air Filter Replacement In your climate control system, you may have a filter that cleans the air before it enters the interior of the vehicle. This filter should be replaced at the intervals in the Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet. To replace the MicronAir쑓 air filter: 1. Open the hood. Move the vacuum hose at

the rear passenger side of the engine compartment by pulling the hose clips off the leaf screen and removing the loose clip. With a coin or screwdriver, turn the four retainers on the leaf screen 90˚ and pull them straight out. Remove the leaf screen.

Removing the vacuum hose clips

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4.

Removing the leaf screen 2. With a wrench or socket, remove the two

screws that hold the water shield. Move the water shield toward the center of the vehicle until there is enough clearance to remove it.

Removing the water shield 3. Remove the old filter by sliding it forward

out of the plastic tray then towards the center of the vehicle until there is enough clearance to remove it. Install the new filter by compressing it and sliding it into the plastic tray. Push the left rear corner back and down to seat it in the tray. Push the other edges of the filter down to seat the filter completely.

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Installing the new filter 5. Reinstall the water shield, sliding it from the

center of the vehicle toward the fender. As you position it over the filter, guide the hinged flap on the left side of the shield down between the filter and the fender. Slide the shield toward the fender until the holes on the shield align with the holes on the vehicle body. Reinstall the two screws that hold the shield in place.

6. Reinstall the leaf screen. Tuck the left rear corner of the screen under the top of the fender, then lower the screen into position. Reinstall the four retainers, turning them 90˚ to lock them into place. Reinstall the vacuum line hose clips and the one loose clip in the notches in the leaf screen.

Tires Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel tank. If one tire looks lower than the others, check the pressure in all of them. Always follow these precautions: q Keep your tires inflated to the recommended

pressures. Stay within the recommended load limits (see Load limits in the Index).

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q Make sure the weight of your load is evenly

distributed.

q Drive at safe speeds. If you do not take these precautions, your tires may fail or go flat.

RWARNING

Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of loss of vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for extended periods of time may result in damage to vehicle components.

At least once a month, check the pressure in all your vehicle’s tires, including the spare. Use an accurate tire pressure gauge. Check the tire pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle has been parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than 3 miles (5 km). You can find the proper cold pressure and load limits of recommended size tires on the Tire Pressure Decal inside the glove compartment.

RWARNING

Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control.

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Consistent high-speed driving Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.

RWARNING

Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of loss of vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for extended periods of time may result in damage to vehicle components.

In the event of continuous operation at high speed, the cold air pressure in all tires must be increased by 4 p.s.i. (28 kpa) when compared to the inflation pressure shown on the tire decal posted in the glove compartment. Under no circumstances should you exceed maximum tire inflation pressure which is molded on the tire outer side wall. Your vehicle has been equipped with proper speed rated tires to meet its speed capabilities. For further details, consult your Tire Warranty Booklet provided with the vehicle in the glove compartment. Tire Rotation