1996 Ford Taurus Owners Manual

*[SR21000(ALL)08/95]

RWARNING

Passengers should not be allowed to ride in the cargo area. Persons not riding in a seat with a fastened seat belt are much more likely to suffer serious injury in a collision. Cargo should always be secured to prevent it from shifting and causing damage to the vehicle or harm to passengers.

When possible, put children in the rear seat of your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions.

RWARNING

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions included with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.

RWARNING

Safety belts and seats can become hot in a vehicle that has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn a small child. Check seat covers and buckles before you place a child anywhere near them.

RWARNING

Never leave a child unattended in your vehicle.

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Safety Seats for Children Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight of the child. Always follow the safety seat manufacturer’s instructions when installing and using the safety seat.

Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top tether strap. Install the child safety seat in a seating position which is capable of providing a tether anchorage. For more information on top tether straps see Attaching Safety Seats With Tether Straps in this chapter.

When installing a child safety seat, be sure to use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating position, and make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle. For a shoulder/lap belt combination with a sliding tongue, make sure the retractor is in the automatic locking mode.

Your vehicle is equipped with a right front passenger air bag. Air bags deploy with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. Front passengers, especially children and small adults, must never sit on the front edge of the seat, stand near the glove compartment of the instrument panel, or lean over near the air bag cover when the vehicle is moving. All occupants should sit with their backs against the seatback, move the seat to the most rearward position if possible and use the safety belts. Children weighing less than 40 lbs. (18 kg) always should use child or infant seats.

RWARNING

When using forward-facing child seats move the passenger seat as far back from the instrument panel as possible. NEVER SECURE REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS IN THE FRONT SEAT.

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The force of the rapidly inflating passenger air bag could push the top of the rear-facing seat against the vehicle seatback, armrests or console. Rear-facing infant seats must always be secured in the rear seat.

All child restraint systems are designed to be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or by the lap portion of a lap-shoulder belt.

RWARNING

If you do not properly secure the safety seat, the child occupying the seat may be injured during a collision or sudden stop. An unsecured safety seat could also injure other passengers.

RWARNING

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions included with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.

RWARNING

Never use child safety seats in the third seat of a wagon.

RWARNING

Always keep the buckle release button pointing upward and away from the child seat, with the tongue between the child seat and the release button as shown in the following illustration.

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Safety belt buckle placement for child seats Installing Child Safety Seats in the Front Passenger Seat and Outer Rear Seating Positions

Your vehicle is equipped with a dual locking mode retractor on the shoulder belt portion of the combination lap/shoulder safety belt for the front passenger seat and rear outer seats. The automatic locking mode must be used when installing a child seat or infant carrier in the front passenger seat or rear outer seats.

RWARNING

Never install a rear-facing child seat or infant carrier in the right front passenger seat.

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If you choose to install a child safety seat in the front seating position, move vehicle seat as far back as possible.

1. Position the child seat on the passenger seat

of the vehicle.

2. Pull down on shoulder belt, then grasp shoulder belt and lap belt together. See Figure 1.

Pulling out belt webbing

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3. While holding the shoulder and lap belt

portions together, route the tongue through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. See Figure 2. Be sure that the belt webbing is not twisted.

Routing the lap/shoulder belt

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Buckling the belt

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4. Grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and

pull downward until all of the belt is extracted and a click is heard. At this time, the retractor is in the automatic locking mode (child seat restraint mode). See Figure 4.

Setting the retractor to automatic locking mode

5. Allow the belt to retract. Pull up on the

shoulder webbing. A clicking sound will be heard as the belt retracts. This indicates the retractor is in the automatic locking mode. Push down on the child seat while you pull up on the belt to remove any slack in the belt. Figures 5 and 6.

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Allowing shoulder belt to retract

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Removing slack from belt

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6. Before placing the child in the child seat, forcibly tilt the seat from side to side, and tug it forward to make sure that the seat is securely held in place, Figure 7.

Checking that the seat is secure

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7. Double check that the retractor is in the

automatic locking mode. Try to pull more belt out of the retractor. If you cannot, the belt is in the automatic locking mode, Figure 8.

Checking the retractor

8. Check to make sure that the child seat is properly secured prior to each use. If the retractor is not locked, repeat steps 4
through 7.

NOTE: To remove the retractor from automatic

lock mode, allow seat belt to retract fully to its stowed position and the retractor will automatically switch back to the vehicle sensitive locking mode for normal adult usage.

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RWARNING

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions included with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.

Attaching Safety Seats With Tether Straps

Some manufacturers make safety seats that include a tether strap that goes over the back of the vehicle seat and attaches to an anchoring point. Other manufacturers offer the tether strap as an accessory. Contact the manufacturer of your child safety seat for information about ordering a tether strap.

Front Seats

To install a tether from a child safety seat in the front seat:

1. Buckle the lap/shoulder belt (in the seat

directly behind the front passenger seat in which the child safety seat will be installed).

2. Pull all the stored belt out of the rear seat

retractor to switch the retractor to automatic locking mode.

3. Let the retractor wind up the slack from the

lap/shoulder belt.

4.

Install the child safety seat in the front seat. Refer to the previous section on Installing Safety Seats. Hook the tether strap hook around the webbing near the center of the shoulder portion of the locked lap/shoulder belt.

5. Tighten the tether strap.

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Rear Seats

If you use a tethered safety seat on one of the rear seats, you can anchor the strap to the appropriate tether anchor directly behind that seat position. Tether anchorage hardware

Attachment holes (at each rear outboard seating position) have been provided in your vehicle to attach anchor hardware, if required. Kits can be obtained at no charge from any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.

Be sure to follow the child safety seat manufacturer’s instructions.

RWARNING

Tighten the anchor according to specifications. Otherwise, the safety seat may not be properly secured and the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.

In a station wagon, you simply attach the tether strap to one of the anchors that are already installed for you. Tether anchorage hardware

All wagons have a tether anchor installed for each of the second row seating positions.

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Finding the tether anchors in the wagon

1. Behind the second seat, find the plastic

snap-on covers for the floor anchors.

2. Use a screwdriver or coin to snap the covers

off the anchor in a rearward and upward direction. Remove the covers completely.

3. Snap the tether strap hook onto the

U-shaped tether anchor.

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Built-In Child Seat (Wagon — If equipped)

The second row seat may include an optional built-in child safety seat on the passenger side. The child restraint is to be used only by children who are at least one year old, weigh between 9
and 27 kilograms (20 and 60 pounds) and whose shoulders (top) are below the shoulder harness slots in the seatback.

If your child is less than one year old or weighs less than 9 kilograms (20 pounds), always use a rear facing infant or convertible seat because a child of that size is not sufficiently developed to withstand crash forces in a front facing position. Follow the specific manufacturer’s instructions for weight and height restrictions.

Children must be properly buckled before riding in the vehicle. It is the law in every state and province. This child seat conforms to all Federal/Canadian motor vehicle safety standards.

Built-in child seat belt retractors

The belts on the built-in child seat are equipped with a retractor that locks when both belt tongues are latched into the crotch safety belt buckle.

The retractor will automatically snug the belts around the child. Frequently check the child seat’s lap and shoulder harness belts for correct placement and tightness. Use the child seat only if the harness belts will stay snug with a child buckled in the seat. If belts do not remain snug, take the vehicle to the dealer for child seat repair.

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RWARNING

Always adjust the lap and shoulder harness belts provided with this child seat snugly around your child.

RWARNING

Never leave a child unattended in your vehicle.

RWARNING

Safety belts and seats can become hot in a vehicle that has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn a small child. Check seat covers and buckles before you place a child anywhere near them.

RWARNING

Failure to follow all of the instructions on the use of this child restraint system can result in your child striking the vehicle’s interior during a sudden stop or crash.

How to use the Built-In Child Seat

Read the following procedures and all of the labels on the Built-In Child Seat before using the seat.

RWARNING

Never use the Built-In Child Seat as a booster cushion with the adult safety belts. A child using the adult belts could slide forward and out from under the safety belts.

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1. Pull and release flap from top of seatback.

See Figure 1.

NOTE: The child seat cannot be opened unless

the seatback is latched in the upright position.

Figure 1: Releasing the flap

2. Grasp the child seat at the top of the

seatback and pull the top forward to release the latch. See Figure 2.

Figure 2: Releasing the latch

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3. Continue to unfold the child seat until it

rests on the seat as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3: Opening the built-in child seat

4. Read the information and warnings on the child seat cushion and shoulder safety belt. Refer to Figure 4. Check the child’s size, weight and age to be sure the child is not too small or too large for the child seat.

Figure 4: Child seat information and warnings

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5.

If connected, squeeze the top and the bottom of the right half of the chest clip and pull to separate both halves.

6. Place the child on the child seat and position the shoulder belts over each shoulder. Refer to Figure 5.

Figure 5: Shoulder safety belt placement on the child

NOTE: Read the following steps carefully to

become familiar with the indicator windows located on each safety belt tongue and the chest clip. When either of the tongues or the chest clip is unbuckled, the color red appears in the window. When the tongues or chest clip are securely buckled, the color green appears.

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7.

Insert either the left or right safety belt tongue into the single opening of the crotch safety belt buckle as shown in Figure 6. (It does not matter which tongue is inserted first.) Then insert the other tongue. Allow belts to retract and fit snugly.

NOTE: The indicator window on each tongue

must appear green when buckled.

NOTE: If a belt locks during extraction, allow

belts to retract FULLY and repeat procedure.

RWARNING

If both tongues do not latch in the buckle, do not use the child seat. See your dealer for repairs.

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Figure 6: Fastening the crotch safety belt buckle

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8. Fasten both halves of the chest clip below

the child’s shoulders and adjust it to comfortably hold the shoulder belts in place on the child’s chest. The color green must appear in the indicator window when fastened. (The purpose of this clip is to position the shoulder belts correctly on the child’s shoulders. The clip can be easily pulled apart and is designed to pull apart during a collision. The clip helps keep the belts on the shoulders of a sleeping or squirming child.) Refer to Figure 7.

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Figure 7: Securing the chest clip

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9. Pull the shoulder belts out to ensure that the crotch safety belt buckle is securely fastened and the retractor is locked. Refer to Figure 8.

Figure 8: Checking for securely latched buckle and locked retractor

10. If the belts become too tight, unbuckle the

crotch safety belt buckle, allow belts to retract, then reinsert both belt tongues.

To remove the child from the built-in child seat:

1. Squeeze the tabs on the top and bottom of the chest clip and pull the halves apart to open the chest clip. Refer back to Figure 7.

2. Press the release button on the crotch safety

belt buckle.

3. Slide the shoulder belts off the child’s

shoulders and remove the child. Refer back to Figure 5.

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To stow the built-in child seat: 1. Return the child seat cushion to the upright

position.

2. Press firmly in the center and top of the

child seat to place it in the stowed position. 3. Reattach the flap on the child seat to the top

of the seatback.

The seat can now be used by an adult or the seatback can be folded down. NOTE: The seatback cannot be folded down unless the child seat is fully stowed.

Inspection after a collision

RWARNING

All built-in child restraints, including seats, buckles, retractors, seat latches, interlocks, and attaching hardware should be inspected by a qualified Dealer technician after any collision. If the child seat was in use during a collision, Ford recommends replacing it. However, if the collision was minor and a qualified technician finds that the child restraints do not show damage and continue to operate properly, they do not need to be replaced. Built-in child seats not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.

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Built-in child seat maintenance Regularly inspect the lap and shoulder belts system of your child seat. See your Ford dealer if the shoulder belt webbing is frayed, or if the buckle and tongue are damaged and/or do not function properly. Cleaning Your built-in child seat may be cleaned with mild soap and water. Do not use household cleaners as they may weaken the webbing or damage the plastic parts. For your convenience, the liner is removable and can be machine-washed and air-dried. Safety Belts for Children Children who are too large for child safety seats should always wear safety belts. (See instructions with your child seat, or contact its manufacturer, to determine maximum size of child that will safely fit in the seat.)

RWARNING

If safety belts are not properly worn and adjusted as described, the risk of serious injury to the child in a collision will be much greater.

If the shoulder belt portion of one of the lap and shoulder belts can be positioned so that it does not cross or rest in front of the child’s face or neck, the child should wear the lap and shoulder belt. Moving the child closer to the center of the vehicle may help provide a good shoulder belt fit.

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To improve the fit of lap and shoulder belts on children who have outgrown child safety seats, Ford recommends use of a belt-positioning booster seat that is labelled as conforming to all Federal motor vehicle safety standards. Belt-positioning booster seats raise the child and provide a shorter, firmer seating cushion that encourages safer seating posture and better fit of lap and shoulder belts on the child. A belt-positioning booster should be used if the shoulder belt rests in front of the child’s face or neck, or if the lap belt does not fit snugly on both thighs, or if the thighs are too short to let the child sit all the way back on the seat cushion when the lower legs hang over the edge of the seat cushion. You may wish to discuss the specific needs of your child with your pediatrician.

RWARNING

Do not use a belt-positioning booster with a lap-only belt.

Lap belts and the lap belt portion of lap and shoulder belts should always be worn snugly and below the hips, touching the child’s thighs.

RWARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury in a collision, children should always ride with the seatback upright.

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Starting Your Taurus

Ignition Understanding the Positions of the Ignition

The positions of the key in the ignition

ACCESSORY allows some of your vehicle’s electrical accessories such as the radio and the windshield wipers to operate while the engine is not running.

LOCK locks the steering wheel. It also locks the gearshift for all vehicles with an automatic transaxle.

The automatic transaxle gearshift must be in P (Park) to move the key to the LOCK position.

LOCK is the only position that allows you to remove the key. The LOCK feature helps to protect your vehicle from theft.

If the key is stuck in the LOCK position, move the steering wheel left or right until the key turns freely.

OFF allows you to shut off the engine and all accessories without locking the steering wheel or the automatic transaxle gearshift lever.

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ON allows you to test your vehicle’s warning lights (except the brake system warning light) to make sure they work before you start the engine. The key returns to the ON position once the engine is started and remains in this position while the engine runs.

START cranks the engine. Release the key once the engine starts so that you do not damage the starter. The key should return to ON when you release it. The START position also allows you to test the brake warning light. Removing the Key From the Ignition

Procedures for removing the key from the ignition will be the same for both the column- and console-mounted gearshifts.

1. Put the gearshift in P (Park).

2. Set the parking brake fully.

3. Turn the ignition to the LOCK position.

4. Remove the key.

If you have difficulty in turning the key, rotate the steering wheel slightly because it may be binding.

If the driver’s door is open while the key is still in the ignition, a warning chime sounds.

RWARNING

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).

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RWARNING

Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets alone in your vehicle. They could accidentally injure themselves or others through inadvertent operation of the vehicle. Further, on hot, sunny days, temperatures in a closed vehicle could quickly become high enough to cause severe and possibly fatal injuries to people as well as animals.

Starting Your Vehicle Preparing to Start Your Vehicle

RWARNING

Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in a stopped vehicle for more than a short period of time with the engine running. Exhaust fumes are toxic. See Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes in this chapter for more instructions.

Before you start your vehicle, do the following: 1. Make sure all occupants in the vehicle

buckle their safety belts. See Safety Restraints in the Index for more details.

2. Make sure your headlamps and other

accessories are turned off and the parking brake is set.

3. Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park)

before you turn the key.

Before you start your vehicle, you should test the warning lights on the instrument panel to make sure that they work. Refer to the Warning Lights and Gauges chapter.

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Starting Your Engine

To start your engine:

1. Follow the steps under Preparing to Start

Your Vehicle at the beginning of this section.

2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.

3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when

starting your engine. DO NOT use the accelerator while the vehicle is parked.

4. Turn the key to the START position

(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the key to return to the ON position after the engine has started. If you have difficulty in turning the key, rotate the steering wheel slightly because it may be binding.

For a cold engine: q At temperatures 10˚F (-12˚C) and below: If

the engine does not start in fifteen (15) seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not flood the engine, then try again.

q At temperatures above 10˚F (-12˚C): If the engine does not start in five (5) seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not flood the engine, then try again.

For a warm engine: q Do not hold the key in the START position for more than five (5) seconds at a time. If the engine does not start within five (5) seconds on the first try, turn the key to the OFF position. Wait a few seconds after the starter stops, then try again.

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*[ST09400(ALL)08/95]

*[ST09410(ALL)05/95]

[ST09420(ALL)09/95]

%*[ST09480(ALL)04/95] *[ST09492(ALL)04/95] *[ST09494(ALL)04/95] *[ST09496(ALL)04/95] *[ST09497(ALL)04/95] *[ST09498(ALL)04/95]

*[ST09500(ALL)04/95]

[ST10200(ALL)12/95]

Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter. After you start the engine, let it idle for a few seconds. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and put the gearshift lever in gear. Release the parking brake. Slowly release the brake pedal and drive away in the normal manner. NOTE: Your vehicle is equipped with an

automatic transaxle and has an interlock that prevents you from shifting out of P (Park) unless your foot is on the brake pedal.

If the engine does not start after two attempts: 1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position. 2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor

and hold it.

3. Turn the ignition key to the START position. 4. Release the ignition key when the engine

starts.

5. Release the accelerator gradually as the

engine speeds up. Then drive away in the normal manner.

If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been triggered. For directions on how to reset the switch see Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch later in this chapter. A computer system controls the engine’s idle speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine’s idle speed normally runs high. These faster engine speeds will make your vehicle coast slightly faster than its normal idle speed. It should, however, slow down after a short time. If it does not, have the idle speed checked by your dealer or a qualified technician.

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*[ST10250(ALL)07/95]

*[ST10325(ALL)05/95]

*[ST10350(ALL)05/95]

*[ST10500(ALL)03/95]

%*[ST10600(ALL)06/95] *[ST10700(ALL)03/95]

*[ST10900(ALL)02/95]

If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle checked.

RWARNING

Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk of fire or other damage.

RWARNING

Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero temperatures, use an engine block heater (if your vehicle has this option). Engine Block Heater (If equipped)

Engine block heaters are strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -10˚F (-23˚C) or below. An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.

To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a grounded 110-volt outlet. Ford recommends that you use a 110-volt circuit that is protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter.

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*[ST11000(ALL)03/95]

*[ST11100(ALL)05/95]

%*[ST11200(ALL)03/95]

%*[ST11300(ALL)11/95] *[ST11400(ALL)11/95]

[ST11500(ALL)10/95]

For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before you start your vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not damage the engine, so you can plug it in at night to start your vehicle the following morning.

RWARNING

To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.

If the Engine Cranks but Does Not Start or Does Not Start After a Collision Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch

If the engine cranks but does not start or does not start even after a small collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been activated. The shut-off switch is a device intended to stop the fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.

Once the shut-off switch is activated, you must reset the switch by hand before you can start your vehicle. If you have a sedan, the switch is on the right side of the trunk behind the trunk liner. If you have a wagon, it is behind the service panel on the right side of the cargo area.

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[ST11700(ALL)11/94]

The right side of the trunk in the sedan

one third page art:0000516-E

*[ST11800(ALL)05/95]

Inside the right side service panel in the wagon

RWARNING

If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the switch or try to start your vehicle. Have all the passengers get out of the vehicle and call the local fire department or a towing service.

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*[ST11900(ALL)03/95]

*[ST11950(ALL)04/95] *[ST12000(ALL)03/95] *[ST12050(ALL)01/95]

*[ST12100(ALL)03/95]

*[ST12150(ALL)03/95]

*[ST12200(ALL)03/95]

*[ST12225(ALL)01/95] *[ST12250(ALL)09/95]

If your engine cranks but does not start after a collision or substantial jolt:

1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.

2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.

3.

If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red reset button on the fuel pump shut-off switch down.

4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for

a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF position.

5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking fuel. If you see or smell fuel, do not start your vehicle again. If you do not see or smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle again.

6. Check all vehicle warning lights before

driving the vehicle.

Pushing Vehicles with automatic transaxles cannot be started by pushing. Follow the directions under If Your Vehicle Needs a Jump-Start in the Roadside Emergencies Chapter.

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%*[ST12300(ALL)05/95] *[ST12400(ALL)02/95]

*[ST12500(ALL)09/95]

*[ST12600(ALL)05/95]

*[ST12700(ALL)01/95]

*[ST12800(ALL)02/95] *[ST12900(ALL)02/95] *[ST13000(ALL)01/95]

Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.

RWARNING

Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in a stopped vehicle for more than a short period of time with the engine running. Exhaust fumes are toxic. See Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes in this chapter for more instructions.

RWARNING

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.

Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:

your vehicle is raised for service

the sound of the exhaust system changes

your vehicle has been damaged in a collision

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*[ST13200(ALL)01/95]

*[ST13300(ALL)08/95]

[ST13600(ALL)03/95]

[ST13900(ALL)03/95]

[ST14000(ALL)03/95]

Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.

If the engine is idling while you are stopped in an open area for long periods of time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm). Also, adjust the heating or air conditioning system to bring in outside air.

If you use the heater, set the fan speed on either medium or HI with the select knob on either R (floor) or VENT.

If you use the air conditioner, set the fan speed on either medium or HI with the select knob on A/C. (Do not use MAX A/C.)

If you use the automatic temperature control, set the fan speed on medium or high and press the S (panel and floor) or R (floor) manual override button. (Do not use AUTO or MAX A/C.)

69

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%*[LG00500(ALL)05/92]

[LG00800(ALL)02/95]

[LG00900(ALL)02/95]

[LG00950( T)02/95] *[LG01100(ALL)05/94]

% [LG02050(ALL)05/95]

[LG02075(ALL)02/95]

Warning Lights and Gauges

In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges are grouped together on the instrument panel. We call this grouping a cluster. Your vehicle has one of the following clusters:

Standard cluster q Optional cluster

SHO cluster

If you are not sure which cluster your vehicle has, check the diagrams on the following pages. The Standard Cluster The following warning lights and gauges are on the standard cluster. All of the warning lights and gauges alert you to possible problems with your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are optional. The following sections detail what each of these indicators means.

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[LG02550(ALL)12/95]

*[LG02600(ALL)03/95]

[LG02650(ALL)12/95]

[LG02700(ALL)02/95]

one inch art:0000107-B

%*[LG02900(ALL)06/95] *[LG03000(ALL)03/95]

Indicator Lights and Chimes Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime This warning light and chime remind you to fasten your safety belt. The following conditions will take place:

If the driver’s safety belt is not buckled when the key is turned to the ON position, the light will activate for 1 to 2 minutes and the chime will sound for 4 to 8 seconds. If the driver’s safety belt is buckled while the light is on or the chime is sounding, both the light and the chime will turn off. If the driver’s safety belt is buckled before the key is turned to the ON position, the light will briefly activate, then shut off and the chime will not activate.

Safety belt warning light Brake System Warning Light The warning light for the brakes can show two things — that the parking brake is not fully released, or that the brake fluid level is low in the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is low, the brake system should be checked by your dealer or a qualified service technician.

73

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[LG03300(ALL)02/95]

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*[LG03500(ALL)01/95]

*[LG03700(ALL)05/95]

%*[LG03800(ALL)01/95] *[LG03900(ALL)03/95]

[LG04000(ALL)02/95]

one inch art:0000278-B

Brake system warning light

This light comes on when the parking brake is set, or if it is not set, it comes on briefly when you turn the ignition to the START position. It normally goes off shortly after the engine starts and you release the parking brake. If the light stays on after you have fully released the parking brake, have the hydraulic brake system serviced by your dealer or a qualified service technician.

RWARNING

The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.

Charging System Light

This light, shown as a battery symbol on your cluster, indicates that your battery is not being charged and that you need to have the electrical system checked.

Charging system light

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File:05fclgt.ex Update:Tue Jan 23 08:14:15 1996

*[LG04300(ALL)11/94]

*[LG04400(ALL)01/95]

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[LG04950(ALL)02/95]

one inch art:0001025-B

[LG05100(ALL)11/94]

*[LG05105(ALL)03/95] *[LG05200(ALL)03/95] *[LG05300(ALL)11/94]

This light comes on every time you turn your ignition key to the ON or START position. The light should go off when the engine starts and the alternator begins to charge.

If the light stays on or comes on when the engine is running, have the electrical system checked as soon as possible. Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light

This light indicates the engine’s oil pressure, not the oil level. However, if the engine’s oil level is low, it could affect the oil pressure. The light should come on every time the ignition key is turned to the ON or START position, and should turn off after the engine is running.

Engine oil pressure warning light

If the light stays on or turns on when the engine is running, the engine has lost oil pressure and continued operation will cause severe engine damage.

If you lose engine oil pressure:

1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.

2. Shut off the engine immediately. If you do

not stop the engine as soon as safely possible, severe engine damage could result.

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*[LG05400(ALL)10/95]

*[LG05500(ALL)11/94]

%*[LG06200(ALL)01/95] *[LG06300(ALL)03/95]

[LG06350(ALL)02/95]

[LG06400(ALL)02/95]

one inch art:0000111-B

3. Check the engine’s oil level, following the

instructions on checking and adding engine oil in this Owner Guide. (See Engine oil in the Index.) If you do not follow these instructions, engine damage could result. To ensure an accurate reading, your vehicle should be on level ground.

4.

If the level is low, add only as much oil as necessary to bring it to the full level before you start the engine again. Do not overfill. Do not operate the engine if the light is on, regardless of the oil level. Contact your nearest dealer for further service actions.

High Beam Light

This light comes on when the headlamps are turned to high beam or when you flash the lights.

If your vehicle is equipped with Daylight Running Lamps (DRL), the high beam light will not come on when you flash the lights.

High beam light

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%*[LG06500(ALL)03/95] [LG06800(ALL)03/95]

[LG06850(ALL)02/95]

one inch art:0000113-B

%*[LG07000(ALL)05/95] *[LG07100(ALL)07/95]

[LG07200(ALL)03/95]

%*[LG07400(ALL)01/95] *[LG07620(ALL)05/95]

*[LG07640(ALL)05/95]

Door Ajar Light and Chime

This light comes on and a single chime sounds if one of the doors or the liftgate or liftgate window (wagon) is not completely shut and the ignition is in the ON position.

Door ajar light Chime for Headlamps On

This chime sounds if the driver or any passenger door is open when the parking lamps or headlamps are on. The chime sounds until you close the door, turn off the lamps or turn the ignition to the ON position.

A 3-second chime sounds after a 20-second delay if the ignition has been turned to the OFF position, the parking lamps or headlamps are on, and no door has been opened. Air Bag Readiness Light

A problem with the system is indicated by one or more of the following: the readiness light will either flash or stay lit, or it will not light, or a group of five beeps will be heard.

RWARNING

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the air bag system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately.

77

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one inch art:0000653-C

%*[LG07700(ALL)11/94] *[LG07750(ALL)03/95]

*[LG07775(ALL)05/95]

[LG07800(ALL)02/95]

one inch art:0000282-B

Air bag readiness light Service Engine Soon Warning Light

The Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II) system consists of the hardware and software necessary to monitor the operation of the powertrain. The OBD II system is designed to check the function of the vehicle’s powertrain control system during normal operation. If an emission problem is detected, the Service Engine Soon light (in the cluster) is turned on.

Modification or additions to the vehicle may cause incorrect operation of the OBD II system. Additions such as burglar alarms, cellular phones, and CB radios must be carefully installed. Do not install these devices by tapping into or running wires close to powertrain control system wires or components.

Service engine soon light

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This light comes on when you turn the ignition key to ON, but should turn off when the engine starts. If the light does not come on when you turn the ignition to ON or if it comes on and stays on when you are driving, have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. This indicates a possible problem with one of the vehicle’s emission control systems. You do not need to have your vehicle towed in.

If the light turns on and off at one (1) second intervals while you are driving the vehicle, it means that the engine is misfiring. If this condition persists, damage could occur to the engine or catalytic converter. Avoid heavy acceleration and have your vehicle serviced at the first opportunity. You do not need to have your vehicle towed in.

If the light turns on and off on rare occasions while you are driving, it means that a malfunction occurred and the condition corrected itself.

An example of a condition which corrects itself occurs when an engine running out of fuel begins to misfire. In this case, the Service Engine Soon Warning Light may turn on and will then set a Diagnostic Trouble Code indicating that the engine was misfiring while the last of the fuel was being consumed. After refueling, the Service Engine Soon Warning Light will turn off after the vehicle has completed three consecutive warm up cycles without a misfire condition occurring. A warm up cycle consists of engine start from a cold condition (engine at ambient temperature) and running until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.

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% [LG08020(ALL)12/95]

one inch art:0000116-C

On the fourth engine start up, the Service Engine Soon Warning Light will turn off as soon as the engine begins to crank. It is not necessary to have the engine serviced.

Under certain conditions, the Service Engine Soon light may come on if the fuel cap is not properly installed. If the Service Engine Soon light comes on and you suspect that the fuel cap is not properly installed, pull off the road as soon as it is safely possible and turn off the engine. Remove and replace the fuel cap, making sure it is properly seated.

After completing the three consecutive warm up cycles and on the fourth engine start up, the Service Engine Soon warning light should turn off. If the light does not go off after the fourth engine restart, have your vehicle serviced by your dealer or a qualified technician. Low Fuel Light

This light comes on when your fuel gauge indicates approximately 1/16 of a tank. The ignition must be turned to the ON position for this light to come on. This light will glow steadily.

Low fuel light

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one inch art:0010525-A

% [LG08251(ALL)11/94]

[LG08301(ALL)02/95]

[LG08351(ALL)02/95]

one inch art:0001376-A

%*[LG08391(ALL)02/95]

*[LG08392(ALL)01/95]

Turn Signal Indicator Lights

The turn signal arrow will flash to indicate the direction in which you are going to be turning.

Cruise Control Indicator Light (If equipped)

This light comes on when the cruise control ON switch is pressed. It turns off when the cruise control OFF switch is pressed or when the ignition is turned to the OFF position.

Cruise control indicator light Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light (If equipped)

This light comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition key to the START position. It should go off shortly after the engine starts. If it stays on longer than five (5) seconds, it indicates that your anti-lock brake system may not be working properly. Normal braking is not affected unless the BRAKE system warning light also remains on for longer than six (6) seconds.

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*[LG08625(ALL)06/93]

[LG08725(ALL)11/94]

%*[LG08800(ALL)01/95] *[LG08900(ALL)03/95]

*[LG09000(ALL)08/95]

You should have your vehicle serviced immediately by your dealer or qualified service technician to restore the benefits of the anti-lock feature. See Anti-lock brakes in the Index for more information.

Anti-lock brake system warning light Gauges Fuel Gauge The fuel gauge displays approximately how much fuel is in the fuel tank only when the ignition is in the ON position. For proper fuel gauge indication after adding fuel, the ignition should be in the OFF position while the vehicle is being refueled. The fuel gauge indicator may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion. With the ignition in the OFF position, the fuel gauge indicator may drift from the ignition ON indication. Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the gauge indication will not be accurate. The pointer moves from the C (cold) mark into the Normal band as the engine coolant warms up. It is acceptable for the pointer to fluctuate within the Normal band under normal driving

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[LG09415(ALL)11/94]

conditions. Under certain driving conditions, such as heavy stop and go traffic or driving up hills in hot weather, the pointer may move to the top of the Normal band.

Engine coolant temperature gauge

If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves above the Normal band, the engine coolant is overheating and continued operation may cause engine damage.

If your engine coolant overheats:

1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.

2. Turn off the engine.

3. Let the engine cool.

4. Check the coolant level following the

instructions on checking and adding coolant to your engine, see Engine Coolant in the Index. If you do not follow these instructions, you or others could be injured.

If the coolant continues to overheat, have the cooling system serviced.

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%*[LG10000(ALL)01/95] *[LG10100(ALL)01/95]

%*[LG10200(ALL)11/94] *[LG10300(ALL)11/94]

%*[LG10320(ALL)02/95] [LG10340(ALL)02/95]

% [LG10350(ALL)12/95]

[LG10360( T)02/95]

[LG10365( T)12/95]

[LG10370( T)02/95]

Speedometer

The speedometer tells you how many miles (kilometers) per hour your vehicle is moving. Odometer

The odometer tells you the total number of miles (kilometers) your vehicle has been driven. Trip Odometer

The trip odometer tells you how many miles (kilometers) your vehicle has been driven since the last reset. Press the reset button to return the trip odometer to zero. Tachometer

The tachometer tells you the approximate engine revolutions per minute (how fast the engine is running). You may damage the engine if you drive with the indicator in the red zone. The Optional and SHO Clusters The optional cluster and the SHO cluster have indicator lights that are not on the standard cluster. For details about these lights, read the information below. To learn about the standard warning lights and gauges that come on all clusters, see The Standard Cluster earlier in this chapter.

The optional cluster has a 120 mph (200 km/h) speedometer and a 7,000 rpm tachometer.

The SHO cluster also has a 150 mph (240 km/h) speedometer and an 8,000 rpm tachometer.

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