FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual

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.
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295
*
[SV28950(ALL)05/95]
q
Put the chains on the front tires tightly with
the ends held down securely. Retighten the
chains after driving 1/2 mile (1 km). Follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[SV28975(ALL)05/95]
q
Do not drive faster than 30 mph (50 km/h)
or the chain manufacturer's recommended
speed limit, whichever is lower. Avoid
bumps, holes and sharp turns. If you can
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
*
[SV29025(ALL)11/94]
q
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive
carefully and avoid hard braking.
*
[SV29050(ALL)11/94]
q
Do not use chains on temporary spare tires.
They may damage the vehicle and the tire.
*
[SV29150(ALL)05/94]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
%*
[SV29160(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV29170(ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
*
[SV29180(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
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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.
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297 [SV29380(ALL)04/95]
one inch art:0000717-E
Automatic overdrive transaxle fluid dipstick
[SV29388(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Your vehicle should not be driven until
some fluid has been added if the fluid
level is below the bottom hole on the
dipstick and the outside temperature is
above50ÊF (10ÊC). Addonly enough
fluid to bring the level above the
bottom hole.
[SV29395(ALL)04/95]
If the vehicle has not been driven and the fluid
level is above the bottom hole on the dipstick,
do not add fluid. Recheck the fluid level after
your vehicle has reached normal operating
temperature.
*
[SV29396(ALL)05/95]
Normal operating temperature is reached after
driving approximately 20 miles (30 km). The
fluid level should be within the crosshatched
area on the dipstick.
*
[SV29397(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds, driven
in city traffic during hot weather, or
has been pulling a trailer, the vehicle
should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow the fluid to cool
before checking.
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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.
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299
*
[SV30475(ALL)07/95]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with
running water for 15 minutes. Get medical
attention if irritation persists. If taken internally,
drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical
attention immediately.
*
[SV30500(ALL)10/95]
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove
the cap from the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to
the MAX line with Ford High Performance DOT
3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB or equivalent
DOT 3 fluid meeting Ford specification
ESA-M6C25-A.
*
[SV30800(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT
3, you will cause permanent damage to
your brakes.
*
[SV30900(ALL)01/95]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
*
[SV31000(ALL)01/95]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low
Ð below the seam or ridge on the outside of the
plastic reservoir Ð have the brake system
inspected.
*
[SV31100(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
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300 [SV31140(ALL)11/94]
one third page art:0000672-BThe brake fluid reservoir
%*
[SV31200(ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV31300(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[SV31400(ALL)03/95]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
*
[SV31500(ALL)02/95]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[SV31600(ALL)01/95]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[SV31700(ALL)05/95]
3. Turn the engine off.
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301 [SV31800(ALL)04/95]
3.0L Vulcan engine:
%*
[SV31900(ALL)03/94]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
*
[SV32100(ALL)07/94]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the FULL HOT range.
Do not overfill.
[SV32150(ALL)02/95]
half page art:0000311-C
Dipstick for power steering fluid (3.0L Vulcan)
*
[SV32175(ALL)03/95]
6. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
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302 [SV32200( T)02/95]3.0L Duratec and 3.4L SHO:
*
[SV32250(ALL)11/94]
4. Check the fluid level in the power steering
fluid reservoir. The fluid level should be
between the MIN and MAX lines on the side
of the reservoir.
*
[SV32300(ALL)11/94]
5. If the power steering fluid is below the MIN
mark, add fluid in small amounts until the
level is between the MIN and MAX lines on
the side of the reservoir.
[SV32350( T)02/95]
half page art:0001388-A
Reservoir for power steering fluid (3.0L Duratec and 3.4L
SHO)
[SV32400(ALL)04/95]
Use only MerconHATF power steering fluid.
*
[SV32700(ALL)01/95]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive
your vehicle for a long period of time before
adding fluid. This can damage the power
steering pump.
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303 [SV32900( T)02/95]
If you check the power steering fluid when it is
cold, make sure that the fluid reaches the FULL
COLD range on the dipstick (3.0L Vulcan) or
MIN on the reservoir (3.0L Duratec or 3.4L
SHO). The reading will only be accurate if the
fluid temperature is approximately 50 to85ÊF (10
to 30ÊC).
% [SV32910(ALL)02/95]Fuses and Relays
[SV32915(ALL)04/95]
Fuses (conventional and high current) and relays
protect your vehicle's wiring system from
overloading. If electrical parts in your vehicle are
not working, the system may have been
overloaded and blown a fuse. Before you replace
or repair any electrical parts, check the
appropriate circuit protector. High current fuses
should only be repaired or replaced by your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
[SV33400(ALL)02/95]
The following charts tell you which circuit
protector protects each electrical part of your
vehicle. If a fuse blows, all the parts of your
vehicle that use the circuit will not work.
*
[SV33410(ALL)05/95]
Once you have determined which fuses to check,
follow the procedures underChecking and
replacing fuseslater in this chapter.
*
[SV33500(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
Always remove the key from the ignition
before working on or replacing fuses.
File:15fcsvt.ex
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