warning FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual

276
%*
[SV17300(ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
%*
[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.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

277 [SV17700(ALL)12/95]
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.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

278 [SV18300(ALL)11/94]
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.
[SV18500(ALL)04/95]
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.
[SV18600(ALL)02/95]
2. When the engine is cold, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap and turn it slowly
counterclockwise to relieve pressure.
*
[SV18700(ALL)09/95]
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
*
[SV18800(ALL)09/95]
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has
been released, use the cloth to turn and
remove cap.
*
[SV18900(ALL)02/95]
5. Stand away from the reservoir opening. Hot
steam may blow out or hot engine coolant
may even splash out.
*
[SV19000(ALL)09/95]
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.
*
[SV19050(ALL)09/95]
To find out how much engine coolant mixture
your vehicle's coolant system can hold, seeRefill
capacities for fluidsin the Index.
[SV19100(ALL)04/95]
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.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

284
*
[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.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

289
*
[SV24500(ALL)02/95]
q
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly
distributed.
*
[SV24550(ALL)10/89]
q
Drive at safe speeds.
*
[SV24700(ALL)01/95]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires
may fail or go flat.
*
[SV24800(ALL)05/95]
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.
% [SV24850(ALL)04/95]
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.
*
[SV24900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, possibly
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

290 % [SV24925(ALL)04/95]Consistent high-speed driving
*
[SV24930(ALL)07/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying
posted speed limits.
*
[SV24950(ALL)05/95]
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.
[SV24975(ALL)02/95]
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.
[SV25025(ALL)02/95]
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.
%*
[SV25100(ALL)02/95]
Tire Rotation
[SV25200(ALL)11/94]
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires
perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly
and last longer, rotate them as indicated in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet.
[SV25300(ALL)11/94]
Rotate the tires according to the following
diagram. Do not include the spare tire as part of
your rotation. If you notice that the tires wear
unevenly, have them checked.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

292
*
[SV26300(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
When replacing full size tires, never mix
radial, bias-belted, or bias-type tires. Use
only the tire sizes that are listed on the
tire pressure decal. Make sure that all tires
are the same size, speed rating, and
load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire
combinations recommended on the decal.
If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle may not drive properly and
safely.
*
[SV26400(ALL)01/95]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your
vehicle's original tires may also affect the
accuracy of your speedometer.
%*
[SV27400(ALL)02/95]
Information About Tire Quality Grades
*
[SV27500(ALL)01/95]
New vehicles are fitted with tires that have their
Tire Quality Grade (described below) molded
into the tire's sidewall. These Tire Quality
Grades are determined by standards that the
United States Department of Transportation has
set.
*
[SV27550(ALL)01/95]
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic
tires for use on passenger cars. They do not
apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires
with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches or
limited production tires as defined in Title 49
Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
*
[SV27600(ALL)01/95]
U.S. Department of Transportation Ð Tire
quality grades:The U.S. Department of
Transportation requires Ford to give you the
following information about tire grades exactly
as the government has written it.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

293 %
*
[SV27799(ALL)01/95]
Treadwear
*
[SV27800(ALL)01/95]
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2)
times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
*
[SV27999(ALL)01/95]
Traction A B C
*
[SV28000(ALL)01/95]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on braking (straightahead) traction tests
and does not include cornering (turning)
traction.
*
[SV28299(ALL)01/95]
Temperature A B C
*
[SV28300(ALL)01/95]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

294represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The temperature
grade for this tire is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
%*
[SV28500(ALL)04/95]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[SV28600(ALL)01/95]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads
that provide traction in rain or snow. However,
during the winter months in some climates, you
may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
*
[SV28700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and
grade as the tires you currently have on
your vehicle.
*
[SV28775(ALL)02/95]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicle's tires, be
aware of the following:
*
[SV28825(ALL)08/93]
q
Tire chains may scratch or chip aluminum
wheels. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT TIRE
CHAINS ARE INSTALLED ON STEEL
WHEELS ONLY. Be sure to remove wheel
covers (if equipped) from steel rims before
using tire chains to avoid scratches or
damage.
[SV28850( T)12/95]
q
Do not use tire chains if your vehicle is
equipped with P225/55VR16 tires (SHO only).
*
[SV28925(ALL)11/94]
q
Local regulations may prohibit or restrict the
use of tire chains. Investigate the laws and
regulations in your area before installing
chains.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

298 %
*
[SV29400(ALL)01/95]
Adding Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV29410(ALL)01/95]
Before adding any fluid, be sure that the correct
type will be used. Correct type is shown on the
dipstick.
[SV29415(ALL)04/93]
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (.25L) increments through
the filler tube to bring the level within the
crosshatched area on the dipstick. If the level is
above the top hole on the dipstick, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified technician.
%*
[SV29425(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.
%
*
[SV30200(ALL)03/95]
Brake Fluid
*
[SV30300(ALL)04/95]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake lining wears.
%*
[SV30400(ALL)06/93]
You should check the brake fluid at every
scheduled engine oil change, but be sure to
check it at least once a year. You can do this by
looking at the fluid level in the plastic reservoir
on the master cylinder. (SeeThe Engine Typesin
this chapter to locate the master cylinder.) The
fluid level should be at or near the MAX mark.
*
[SV30450(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com