check engine FORD TAURUS 1996 Owner's Manual
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[SV13605(ALL)02/95]
Self-Service Pointers
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[SV13611(ALL)01/95]
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.
*
[SV13615(ALL)01/95]
The following procedures require only a tire
gauge, a rag, an oil can spout and windshield
washer fluid.
*
[SV13620(ALL)01/95]
q
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
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[SV13625(ALL)01/95]
q
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and
headlights
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[SV13630(ALL)01/95]
q
Check windshield washer fluid
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[SV13633(ALL)02/95]
q
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[SV13636(ALL)01/95]
q
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
%
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[SV13638(ALL)02/95]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[SV13639(ALL)09/95]
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.
*
[SV13650(ALL)03/95]
one third page art:0060021-E
The API Certification Mark
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[SV13670(ALL)01/95]
Neveruse:
*
[SV13680(ALL)01/95]
q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
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[SV13690(ALL)04/95]
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[SV13700(ALL)01/95]
q
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments
or engine treatments
% [SV13710(ALL)02/95]
Engine oils with an SAE 5W-30 viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and
engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
%*
[SV13770(ALL)03/95]
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.
%*
[SV13775(ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800(ALL)03/95]
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.
%*
[SV13900(ALL)04/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[SV14000(ALL)02/95]
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.
*
[SV14025(ALL)03/95]
2. Set the parking brake, making sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[SV14100(ALL)02/95]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
*
[SV14200(ALL)03/95]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
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[SV14300(ALL)01/95]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
[SV14400(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0001397-A
Engine oil dipstick (3.0L Vulcan)
[SV14450( T)02/95]
one inch art:0001398-A
Engine oil dipstick (3.0L Duratec and 3.4L SHO)
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[SV14500(ALL)11/95]
6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full, engine damage
or high oil consumption may occur and
some oil must be removed from the engine.
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[SV14600(ALL)01/95]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
%*
[SV14700(ALL)03/95]
Adding engine oil
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[SV14800(ALL)01/95]
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.
*
[SV15000(ALL)03/95]
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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[SV17300(ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
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[SV17320(ALL)09/95]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[SV17350(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
[SV17400(ALL)10/95]
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.
%*
[SV17600(ALL)05/94]
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 underEngine Type, in this
chapter.
*
[SV17650(ALL)05/95]
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 theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet.
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one third page art:0000305-E
The engine coolant reservoir (3.0L Vulcan shown Ð 3.0L
Duratec and 3.4L SHO similar)
[SV17750(ALL)04/95]
The coolant level in the reservoir should be
maintained within the cold fill range.
[SV17900(ALL)02/95]
There may be a low coolant warning light in the
instrument cluster which will light when the
coolant level is low.
%*
[SV18000(ALL)08/95]
Checking Hoses
*
[SV18050(ALL)11/94]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses and
hose connections for deterioration, leaks, and
loose hose clamps as specified in theMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet. Repair or replace
with Motorcraft hoses or equivalent as necessary.
*
[SV18100(ALL)09/95]
Adding Engine Coolant
*
[SV18200(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
*
[SV18250(ALL)09/95]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or
antifreeze could make it difficult to see through
the windshield.
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[SV19110(ALL)09/95]
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.
%*
[SV19112(ALL)09/95]
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.
*
[SV19115(ALL)09/95]
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.
[SV19150(ALL)11/94]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling
system for leaks if:
[SV19200(ALL)11/94]
q
you have to add engine coolant more than
once a month, or
[SV19250(ALL)11/94]
q
you have to add more than a quart (liter) at a
time
%*
[SV19300(ALL)08/95]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
*
[SV19350(ALL)11/94]
Proper procedures for a complete coolant drain
and flush of the cooling system can be found in
theCar 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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[SV19400(ALL)08/95]
Engine Coolant Refill Procedure
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[SV19450(ALL)01/95]
When the entire cooling system is drained and
refilled, the following procedure should be used
to ensure a complete fill:
[SV19500(ALL)04/95]
q
With the engine OFF and cool, remove the
pressure cap, located on the coolant reservoir.
[SV19550(ALL)04/95]
q
Add a 50/50 mixture of specified coolant and
water to the coolant reservoir. Refer toRefill
Capacitieslater in this chapter for the correct
amount.
[SV19600(ALL)02/95]
q
Continue to fill the reservoir until the coolant
is at the top of the cold fill range.
[SV19650(ALL)04/95]
q
Reinstall the pressure cap until it clicks.
*
[SV19700(ALL)05/95]
q
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).
[SV19750(ALL)04/95]
q
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.
[SV19800(ALL)02/95]
q
Reinstall the pressure cap until a click is
heard and felt.
*
[SV19850(ALL)03/95]
q
Check for leaks at the draincock.
*
[SV19900(ALL)03/95]
q
Recheck the engine coolant level, using the
recommended procedure, after one or two
occasions of vehicle use.
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283 %
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[SV21100(ALL)03/95]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
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[SV21200(ALL)04/95]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that
used lead-acid batteries be returned to an
authorized recycling facility for disposal.
*
[SV21300(ALL)03/95]
one inch art:0000983-A
Battery recycling symbol
%*
[SV21700(ALL)03/95]
Windshield Washer Fluid and
Wipers
%*
[SV21800(ALL)03/95]
Washer Fluid
[SV21900(ALL)11/94]
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.
[SV22205(ALL)11/94]
one third page art:0000308-B
The windshield washer fluid reservoir
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[SV22400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
%*
[SV22500(ALL)01/95]
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 below32ÊF [0ÊC]).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.
[SV22550(ALL)04/95]
RWARNING
Washer solution contains methanol which
is poisonous. Observe all warnings
indicated on label of washer solution.
% [SV22600(ALL)06/94]
Checking the washer fluid for the
liftgate (If equipped)
[SV23100(ALL)04/95]
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,
seeRefill Capacitieslater in this chapter.
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[SV29220(ALL)04/95]
Air Filter
% [SV29240(ALL)02/95]
To replace the engine air filter, unclip the two
latches, separate the housing and remove the old
filter. Wipe the interior of the housing clean
before inserting the new filter. Lock the two
latches.
[SV29260(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Do not use oil-impregnated air filters.
Filters other than the ones specified in
this Owner Guide can cause engine
damage. Your warranties may not
apply if your vehicle is damaged
because you used the wrong air filter.
SeeMotorcraft partsin the Index.
%
*
[SV29300(ALL)05/95]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV29310(ALL)03/95]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transaxle, since your
vehicle does not use up transaxle fluid. Refer to
theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet for
replacement intervals. However, if the transaxle
is not working properly Ð for instance, the
transaxle may slip or shift slowly, or you may
notice some sign of fluid leakage Ð the fluid
level should be checked.
%*
[SV29340(ALL)02/93]
Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV29350(ALL)02/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface and the brake
pedal fully applied, start the engine and move
the gearshift selector through all of the gears.
Allow sufficient time for each position to engage.
Securely latch the gearshift selector in the P
(Park) position. Fully set the parking brake and
leave the engine running.
*
[SV29370(ALL)01/95]
Wipe off the dipstick cap and pull the dipstick
out. Wipe the indicator end clean. Put the
dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure
it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read
the fluid level.
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