brake FORD TAURUS 1996 Owner's Guide

208
*
[DR21000(ALL)03/95]
By moving the vehicle backward and forward,
you may gain enough momentum to move out
of the spot. Do not rock the vehicle for more
than a few minutes. This may overheat the
engine, damage the transaxle, or damage the
tires. If you are still stuck after a minute or two
of rocking, call for a tow truck.
%*
[DR21200(ALL)01/95]
High water
*
[DR21300(ALL)01/95]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are sure that the water is below the bottom of
the wheel rims.
*
[DR21400(ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR21500(ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
%
*
[DR21600(ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[DR21700(ALL)01/95]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry or tow. The total weight of
your vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
%*
[DR21800(ALL)01/95]
You can find your vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on
the left front door lock facing or on the door
latch post pillar.
File:10fcdrt.ex
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215 %
*
[DR29450(ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's brakes
*
[DR29500(ALL)01/95]
Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or
surge-type hydraulic brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them according
to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure that
your trailer's brakes meet local and federal
regulations.
*
[DR29600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your vehicle's brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances
of having a collision greatly increase.
%*
[DR29650(ALL)01/95]
Connecting the trailer's lights
*
[DR29700(ALL)01/95]
Do not connect a trailer's lighting system
wiring directly to your vehicle's lighting system
wiring.To get the proper equipment for
hooking up your trailer's lights, see your local
trailer dealer and your Ford dealer. Be sure to
follow their instructions carefully.
*
[DR29800(ALL)01/95]
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you
may cause damage to the vehicle's lighting
system.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com

216 %
*
[DR29900(ALL)01/95]
Driving While You Tow
*
[DR30000(ALL)05/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
[DR30175(ALL)04/95]
When you tow in steep hills, move the
automatic transaxle to 1 (First) (vehicles without
O/D OFF switch) or 2 (Second) (vehicles with
O/D OFF switch) when descending. This will
give more engine braking on downgrades. The
automatic transaxle will automatically downshift
to the proper gear on upgrades.
[DR30200(ALL)04/95]
If you tow in Overdrive while riding through
hilly country, your vehicle may frequently shift
between Overdrive and Third gears. To prevent
your vehicle from shifting too much, move the
gearshift to D (Drive) (column shift without
O/D OFF switch) or push the O/D OFF switch
(column or console shift). This will also give
better braking going down hills.
%*
[DR30300(ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
% [DR30400(ALL)04/95]
Servicing Your Vehicle When You Tow
*
[DR30500(ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet for additional information.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com

218
*
[RE00850(ALL)07/95]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water
first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.
*
[RE00900(ALL)03/95]
To avoid damaging your vehicle or your battery,
and to avoid injury to yourself, follow these
directions for preparing your vehicle to
jump-start and connecting the jumper cables in
the order they are given. If in doubt, call for
road service.
*
[RE01000(ALL)03/95]
Preparing Your Vehicle
*
[RE01100(ALL)03/95]
1. Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so
you need to use a 12-volt jumper system.
You will damage your starting motor,
ignition system, and other electrical parts if
you connect them to a 24-volt power supply
(either two 12-volt batteries in series or a
24-volt generator set).
*
[RE01200(ALL)03/95]
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle. You could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
*
[RE01300(ALL)04/95]
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of
the disabled vehicle.Make sure the vehicles
do not touch each other.Set the parking
brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[RE01400(ALL)03/95]
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any
excessive corrosion before you attach the
jumper cables.
[RE01500(ALL)04/95]
5. Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles. If
you have electronic climate control, press the
VF-DEF button. Turn off all other switches
and lights.
File:12fcret.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 16:01:15 1996
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222
*
[RE04450(ALL)03/95]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBattery
in theServicing Your Vehiclechapter.
%
*
[RE04500(ALL)03/95]
Changing a Tire
*
[RE04600(ALL)01/95]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off
the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on
the hazard flashers.
[RE04610(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Tire sealants that are injected through
the valve stem are not to be used to
service punctured tires because they
can produce wheel rust and tire
imbalance.
%*
[RE04700(ALL)03/95]
The Temporary Spare Tire
*
[RE04800(ALL)03/95]
You may have a high pressure temporary spare
tire. This spare tire is smaller than a regular tire
and is designed for emergency use only. Use it
only when you get a flat tire and replace it as
soon as you can. This spare tire is marked with
the words ªTEMPORARY USE ONLYº so that
you can easily identify it.
*
[RE04900(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire
continuously or do not follow these
precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly
injuring yourself or others.
File:12fcret.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 16:01:15 1996
ProCarManuals.com

225 [RE06300(ALL)11/94]
In the wagon, the temporary spare tire is stored
in the left side rear trim panel.
[RE06400(ALL)02/95]
one third page art:0000392-B
The temporary spare tire in the wagon
[RE06700(ALL)11/94]
To remove the cover for the temporary spare
tire in the wagon:
[RE06800(ALL)04/95]
1. Twist the three fasteners 90 degrees into a
vertical position.
[RE06900(ALL)02/95]
2. Lift the the cover to disengage the three
retainers.
[RE07000(ALL)05/94]
3. Pull the front of the cover out slightly and
remove the cover by sliding it toward the
front of the vehicle.
*
[RE07100(ALL)01/89]
4. Lift out the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench.
%*
[RE07400(ALL)03/95]
Preparing to Change the Tire
*
[RE07500(ALL)05/94]
You should only raise your vehicle with a jack
properly placed at the front or rear jacking
points.
*
[RE07600(ALL)03/95]
1. Make sure that your vehicle will not move
or roll. Put the gearshift in P (Park). Set the
parking brake and block the wheel that is
diagonally opposite the tire that you are
changing.
File:12fcret.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 16:01:15 1996
ProCarManuals.com

235
*
[RE18000(ALL)03/95]
Towing Your Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle
*
[RE18100(ALL)03/95]
At times, you may want to tow your vehicle
behind another vehicle, such as a recreational
vehicle, a car, or a truck.
*
[RE18200(ALL)03/95]
Before you have your vehicle towed:
*
[RE18300(ALL)03/95]
q
Release the parking brake.
*
[RE18400(ALL)03/95]
q
Move the gearshift to N (Neutral).
[RE18500(ALL)01/95]
q
Turn the key in the ignition to OFF.
*
[RE18600(ALL)03/95]
q
Unlock the steering wheel.
[RE18700(ALL)01/95]
Do not tow your vehicle at a speed faster than
35 mph (56 km/h) or for a distance greater than
50 miles (80 km), unless the drive wheels are
placed on dollies.
*
[RE19000(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
Never use a tow bar that attaches to the
bumper when you tow your vehicle. This
could damage the bumper and cause an
accident.
File:12fcret.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 16:01:15 1996
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257 [SV01850(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.
*
[SV01900(ALL)06/95]
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
*
[SV02000(ALL)06/95]
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
*
[SV02100(ALL)08/95]
q
Never get under a vehicle while it is
supported by a jack only. If you must work
under a vehicle, use safety stands.
*
[SV02200(ALL)06/95]
q
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
*
[SV02250(ALL)03/95]
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle
will drive properly. To find out how the engine
does this, seeBatteryin this chapter.
*
[SV02550(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine off:
*
[SV02600(ALL)03/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
*
[SV02625(ALL)06/95]
2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
*
[SV02650(ALL)06/95]
3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

258
*
[SV02700(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine on:
*
[SV02800(ALL)03/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
*
[SV02825(ALL)03/95]
2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[SV03000(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
%*
[SV03100(ALL)03/95]
Opening the Hood
%*
[SV03200(ALL)01/95]
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release
handle located under the bottom left corner
of the instrument panel.
%*
[SV03300(ALL)02/95]
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the
auxiliary latch that is located under the hood
at the center of the vehicle.
*
[SV03400(ALL)01/95]
3. Lift the hood until the lift cylinders hold it
open.
*
[SV03500(ALL)01/95]
Whenever you close the hood, latch it securely.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

271 %
*
[SV13540(ALL)08/95]
Comparisons With Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and Transport
Canada (TC) Fuel Economy Estimates
*
[SV13545(ALL)05/95]
EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from
laboratory tests under simulated road conditions
and may not reflect the actual conditions you
experience or your style of driving. The EPA
fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee that
you will achieve the fuel economy shown.
%*
[SV13555(ALL)08/95]
Improving Fuel Economy
*
[SV13561(ALL)05/95]
Fuel economy is affected by a number of
variables which can reduce efficiency. You can
improve fuel economy by understanding these
variables and minimizing their effect.
*
[SV13564(ALL)05/95]
The following decrease fuel economy:
*
[SV13568(ALL)05/95]
q
Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
*
[SV13572(ALL)05/95]
q
Excessive speed
*
[SV13576(ALL)05/95]
q
Rapid acceleration and excessive speed
*
[SV13581(ALL)05/95]
q
Driving with your foot on the brake
*
[SV13584(ALL)05/95]
q
Sudden stops
*
[SV13589(ALL)05/95]
q
Extended engine idling
*
[SV13591(ALL)05/95]
q
Using speed control in hilly terrain
*
[SV13593(ALL)05/95]
q
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
*
[SV13596(ALL)05/95]
q
Underinflated tires
*
[SV13598(ALL)05/95]
q
Heavy loads
*
[SV13599(ALL)05/95]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com