maintenance FORD TAURUS 1996 Owner's Manual

296
*
[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.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

323
%*
[SV41000(ALL)03/95]
Emission Control System
[SV41100(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with catalytic
converters which enable your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requirements.
*
[SV41200(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes into
the passenger compartment. Under
extreme conditions excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the fuel
system, the interior floor covering, or
other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
*
[SV41300(ALL)05/95]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
*
[SV41400(ALL)01/95]
q
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[SV41500(ALL)01/95]
q
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[SV41600(ALL)01/95]
q
Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high speeds.
*
[SV41700(ALL)03/95]
q
Have the services listed in yourMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet performed
according to the specified schedule.
*
[SV41710(ALL)03/95]
The Scheduled Maintenance Services listed in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet are
required because they are considered essential to
the life and performance of your vehicle and to
its emissions system.
*
[SV41720(ALL)05/95]
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine
Ford replacement parts. If other than Ford or
Motorcraft parts or Ford authorized
remanufactured parts are used for maintenance
replacements or for the service of components
affecting emission control, such non-Ford parts
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

325
*
[SV42300(ALL)01/95]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate
properly. See your dealer if the engine runs on
for more than five seconds after you shut it off
or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
%*
[SV42400(ALL)05/95]
Information about your vehicle's emission
control system is on the Vehicle Emission
Control Information decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement
and gives some tune-up specifications.
%*
[SV42405(ALL)07/95]
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance
Testing
*
[SV42410(ALL)07/95]
In some localities it may become a legal
requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) II system. If the
vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has
just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to
a not ready for I/M testing condition. To
prepare for I/M testing, the law specifies a
ªneed for additional mixed city and highway
driving to complete the checkº of the OBD II
system. As soon as all of the OBD II system
checks are successfully completed, the OBD II
system is set to the ready condition. The amount
of driving required to reach the ready condition
varies with individual driving patterns. To
complete this requirement in the minimum
amount of time, refer to the OBD II Drive Cycle
defined below. If the vehicle owner cannot or
does not want to do the additional driving
required by law, a service center can perform
this drive cycle as it would any other type of
repair work.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
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331
%*
[SV44000(ALL)01/95]
Vehicle Storage
*
[SV44100(ALL)01/95]
Maintenance Tips
*
[SV44150(ALL)01/95]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
*
[SV44200(ALL)01/95]
General
*
[SV44300(ALL)01/95]
q
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[SV44400(ALL)01/95]
q
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[SV44500(ALL)01/95]
q
If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust
and damage.
*
[SV44600(ALL)01/95]
Body
*
[SV44700(ALL)01/95]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[SV44800(ALL)01/95]
q
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations.
*
[SV44900(ALL)01/95]
q
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent
rust.
*
[SV45000(ALL)01/95]
q
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a
thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the
vehicle is washed.
[SV45100(ALL)04/95]
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk latches
with a light grade oil.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

370 Index
Load limits............... 208
GAWR................ 208
GVWR................ 208
trailer towing............. 211
Lubricant specifications......... 330
Luggage compartment.......... 158
Luggage rack.............. 163
Lug nuts
anti-theft............... 232
standard............... 227
tightening sequence.......... 229
Lumbar support pad........... 149
M
Maintenance schedule and record
(see separate Maintenance Schedule
and Record booklet)........... 3
Maintenance (see Servicing)....... 255
Master cylinder, brakes......... 298
Mileage, calculating fuel economy..... 270
Mirrors
heated................ 104
side view mirrors........... 153
vanity mirror, illuminated....... 155
Moon roof............... 144
Motorcraft parts............. 329
N
National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration......... 244
New vehicle break-in........... 5
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Update:Tue Jan 23 08:18:16 1996
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Index 373
Safety restraints
adjusting the safety belts.... 12,15,21
automatic locking mode......... 14
center front lap belt........... 21
center rear lap belt........... 21
cleaning the safety belts......... 23
extension assembly........... 22
for adults............... 9
for children.............. 31
for infants............... 31
head................. 145
lap and shoulder belts......... 12
lap belt................ 21
maintenance.............. 23
proper use............... 9
replacement.............. 23
warning light and chime........ 73
Safety seats for children
and air bags............ 26,33
attaching with tether straps....... 43
automatic locking mode (retractor) . . 14, 33
in front seat.............. 35
in rear outboard............ 35
tether anchorage hardware....... 43
Seat belts (see Safety restraints)....... 9
Seats
adjusting the seat, manual....... 147
adjusting the seats, power....... 148
child safety seats............ 33
cleaning upholstery.......... 151
head restraints............ 145
lumbar support............ 149
split-folding rear seat......... 149
Semi-Active ride control......... 202
Serial number (VIN)........... 240
Service concerns............ 238
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Index 375
Steering, power............. 201
Steering wheel
horn................. 119
locking................ 59
speed controls............ 120
tilting................ 119
Storage compartments
cargo area.............. 160
cargo net.............. 161
center console............ 156
locking storage............ 161
Storing your vehicle........... 331
Sunroof (moon roof)........... 144
Sun visor................ 154
Supplemental air bag readiness light.... 77
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).... 23
T
Tachometer................ 84
Tail lamps, cleaning........... 108
Temperature control (see Climate control) . . 93
Tether anchor installation
(see Child restraints).......... 43
Tilt steering wheel........... 119
Tires.................. 288
changing............... 222
checking the pressure......... 288
cleaning............... 295
inspection and maintenance...... 288
replacing............... 291
rotating............... 290
snow tires and chains......... 294
spare tire.............. 222
storing your vehicle.......... 333
tire grades.............. 292
treadwear.............. 293
wear bands............. 291
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing) . . . 211
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Update:Tue Jan 23 08:18:16 1996
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378 Index
Wheels
anti-theft lugnuts........... 232
cleaning............... 295
covers................ 229
inspection and maintenance...... 288
lug nuts............... 227
ornaments.............. 226
Windows
liftgate window............ 159
one-touch down............ 143
power windows, operating....... 142
rear, defrosting............ 104
Windshield
defrosting............ 95,103
washing............... 116
Windshield washer fluid and wipers
checking and adding fluid....... 283
checking and replacing wiper blades . . 285
liftgate reservoir........... 284
low washer fluid light.......... 87
operation............... 116
reservoir............... 283
variable interval wipers........ 117
Windshield wipers and washer...... 116
Wrecker towing............. 233
File:fcixt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:18:16 1996
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