weight FORD TAURUS 1996 User Guide

210
*
[DR22040(ALL)01/95]
If you do not know the actual weights of these
items, use the following procedure to figure the
weight of a load:
*
[DR22045(ALL)01/95]
1. Weigh your vehicle without the driver,
passengers and luggage. You might take
your vehicle to a shipping company or an
inspection station for trucks.
*
[DR22050(ALL)01/95]
2. Then weigh your vehicle with the driver,
passengers and luggage.
*
[DR22055(ALL)01/95]
3. Subtract the first reading from the second to
figure the total weight of the load.
*
[DR22060(ALL)01/95]
After determining this load, you must also make
sure that the total weight of your vehicle, plus
the load it carries, is less than its GVWR. Also,
make sure that the weight your vehicle carries
over each axle is less than the GAWR for the
respective axle.
*
[DR22065(ALL)01/95]
You can find the GVWR and GAWR on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label on the left
front door lock facing or the door latch post
pillar.
*
[DR22070(ALL)01/95]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo
from your vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle
exceeds the GAWR for either axle, shift the load
or remove cargo accordingly.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com

211
%*
[DR22100(ALL)04/95]
Trailer Towing
[DR22125(ALL)04/95]
Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing
vehicle. The amount of weight that you can
safely tow depends on the type of engine in
your vehicle. See the following charts:
[DR22150(ALL)04/95]
sixteen pica chart:0000489-H[DR22190(ALL)10/95]
fourteen pica chart:0001436-CFile:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com

213
*
[DR26500(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer weight exceeds
the limits of the vehicle and could result
in engine damage, transaxle/axle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and
personal injury.
*
[DR26580(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when the temporary
spare tire is being used.
*
[DR26600(ALL)01/95]
Ten to 15% of the loaded trailer's weight should
be on the tongue. However, the tongue load
should never exceed 10% of the maximum
weight that your vehicle can safely tow.
*
[DR28500(ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
*
[DR28600(ALL)01/95]
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[DR28700(ALL)01/95]
Do not use hitches that clamp onto your
vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed to
bear the load.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com

214 %
*
[DR28750(ALL)01/95]
Using the hitch
*
[DR28800(ALL)05/94]
Your vehicle uses a load carrying hitch. Because
this type of hitch places the tongue load of a
trailer on the rear wheels of your vehicle, you
must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10 to 15% of the total weight of the trailer is on
the tongue.
*
[DR28900(ALL)01/95]
Tie down the load so that it does not shift and
change the weight on the hitch. This will
prevent damage to your vehicle and make your
vehicle easier to handle.
%*
[DR28950(ALL)01/95]
Connecting the safety chains
*
[DR29000(ALL)01/95]
Always attach the trailer's safety chains to your
vehicle. They help protect your trailer if the
hitch breaks.
*
[DR29100(ALL)01/95]
To connect the trailer's safety chains:
*
[DR29200(ALL)01/95]
1. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue
and attach them to your vehicle's frame or
hook retainers. Never attach the safety
chains to your vehicle's bumper. The bumper
is not designed to bear the weight of a
trailer.
*
[DR29300(ALL)01/95]
2. Make sure that you leave enough slack in
the chains to allow you to turn corners.
*
[DR29400(ALL)01/95]
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions
that the rental agency gives you.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com

250
*
[AC00350(ALL)06/95]
Safety, Comfort, and Convenience
[AC00400(ALL)07/95]
twenty-eight pica chart:0000569-M*
[AC00600(ALL)01/95]
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.
File:14fcact.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 16:03:51 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

366 Index
Fuses
checking and replacing........ 311
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap).......... 264
Gas mileage (see Fuel economy)..... 270
Gasoline (see Fuel)............ 264
Gauges, Mechanical
engine coolant temperature gauge.... 82
fuel gauge............... 82
odometer................ 84
speedometer.............. 84
tachometer............... 84
trip odometer.............. 84
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
calculating.............. 209
definition............... 208
driving with a heavy load....... 208
location............... 208
Gearshift
automatic operation........192, 195
column-mounted........... 197
console-mounted........... 198
locking the gearshift........... 59
positions.............192, 195
shifting the gears.........192, 195
shift-lock.............192, 196
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
calculating.............. 209
definition............... 208
driving with a heavy load....... 208
location............... 208
File:fcixt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:18:16 1996
ProCarManuals.com

376 Index
Towing your vehicle........... 233
using wheel dollies.......... 233
with a tow truck........... 233
Trailer towing.............. 211
calculating maximum trailer weight . . . 209
safety chains............. 214
tips................. 216
trailer brakes............. 215
trailer lamps............. 215
Transaxle
automatic operation........192, 195
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic)............. 296
fluid, refill capacities......... 328
lubricant specifications......... 330
Trip odometer............... 84
Tune-up specifications (VECI)....... 325
Turn signal
indicator lights............. 81
lever................. 115
U
Used engine oil, disposal......... 275
V
Vanity mirror.............. 155
Variable interval wipers......... 117
VECI (Vehicle Emission Control Information)
decal................. 325
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) . . . 240
Vehicle loading
automatic transaxles.......... 209
calculating the load.......... 209
understanding loading information . . . 208
File:fcixt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:18:16 1996
ProCarManuals.com

Index 377
Vehicle storage............. 331
Ventilating your vehicle
(see Climate control)......... 102
Viscosity (see Engine oil)........ 273
Visor (see Sun visor).......... 154
W
Wagon
cargo cover............. 162
cargo net.............. 161
liftgate window wiper and washer . . . 105
luggage rack............. 163
Warm engine, starting........... 62
Warning chimes
headlamps on............. 77
key in ignition............. 60
safety belt............... 73
Warning lights (see Lights)......... 71
Warranties
basic.................. 4
Canada................ 4
radio................ 190
Warranty Information Booklet....... 4
Washer fluid.............. 116
rear window reservoir........ 284
reservoir............... 283
warning light.............. 87
windshield.............. 283
Weight limits (GAWR, GVWR)...... 208
Wheel dollies (see Towing)........ 233
File:fcixt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:18:16 1996
ProCarManuals.com