warning FORD TAURUS 1996 Owner's Guide

60
*
[ST04350(ALL)05/95]
ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning
lights (except the brake system warning light) to
make sure they work before you start the
engine. The key returns to the ON position once
the engine is started and remains in this position
while the engine runs.
*
[ST04375(ALL)03/95]
START cranks the engine. Release the key once
the engine starts so that you do not damage the
starter. The key should return to ON when you
release it. The START position also allows you
to test the brake warning light.
%*
[ST04500(ALL)02/95]
Removing the Key From the Ignition
[ST06000(ALL)02/95]
Procedures for removing the key from the
ignition will be the same for both the column-
and console-mounted gearshifts.
*
[ST06300(ALL)06/95]
1. Put the gearshift in P (Park).
*
[ST06400(ALL)01/95]
2. Set the parking brake fully.
[ST06500(ALL)11/94]
3. Turn the ignition to the LOCK position.
*
[ST06600(ALL)03/95]
4. Remove the key.
[ST07310(ALL)05/95]
If you have difficulty in turning the key, rotate
the steering wheel slightly because it may be
binding.
%*
[ST07520(ALL)05/95]
If the driver's door is open while the key is still
in the ignition, a warning chime sounds.
*
[ST07525(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is securely latched
in P (Park).
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61
*
[ST07575(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable adults,
or pets alone in your vehicle. They could
accidentally injure themselves or others
through inadvertent operation of the
vehicle. Further, on hot, sunny days,
temperatures in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause
severe and possibly fatal injuries to
people as well as animals.
*
[ST08200(ALL)03/95]
Starting Your Vehicle
%*
[ST08300(ALL)05/94]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
*
[ST08350(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in
a stopped vehicle for more than a short
period of time with the engine running.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. SeeGuarding
Against Exhaust Fumesin this chapter for
more instructions.
*
[ST08400(ALL)01/95]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
*
[ST08500(ALL)08/95]
1. Make sure all occupants in the vehicle
buckle their safety belts. SeeSafety Restraints
in the Index for more details.
*
[ST08600(ALL)03/95]
2. Make sure your headlamps and other
accessories are turned off and the parking
brake is set.
[ST08850(ALL)11/94]
3. Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park)
before you turn the key.
*
[ST09150(ALL)03/95]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to theWarning
Lights and Gaugeschapter.
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64
*
[ST10250(ALL)07/95]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
*
[ST10325(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
*
[ST10350(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[ST10500(ALL)03/95]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero
temperatures, use an engine block heater (if
your vehicle has this option).
%*
[ST10600(ALL)06/95]
Engine Block Heater (If equipped)
*
[ST10700(ALL)03/95]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10ÊF (-23ÊC) orbelow. An engine block heater
warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
*
[ST10900(ALL)02/95]
To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a
grounded 110-volt outlet. Ford recommends that
you use a 110-volt circuit that is protected by a
ground fault circuit interrupter.
File:04fcstt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:50 1996
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65
*
[ST11000(ALL)03/95]
For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before you start your vehicle. Using the
heater for longer than three hours will not
damage the engine, so you can plug it in at
night to start your vehicle the following
morning.
*
[ST11100(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To prevent electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
%
*
[ST11200(ALL)03/95]
If the Engine Cranks but Does
Not Start or Does Not Start After
a Collision
%*
[ST11300(ALL)11/95]
Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch
*
[ST11400(ALL)11/95]
If the engine cranks but does not start or does
not start even after a small collision, the fuel
pump shut-off switch may have been activated.
The shut-off switch is a device intended to stop
the fuel pump when your vehicle has been
involved in a substantial jolt.
[ST11500(ALL)10/95]
Once the shut-off switch is activated, you must
reset the switch by hand before you can start
your vehicle. If you have asedan, the switch is
on the right side of the trunk behind the trunk
liner. If you have awagon, it is behind the
service panel on the right side of the cargo area.
File:04fcstt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:50 1996
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66 [ST11600(ALL)11/94]
half page art:0000399-EThe right side of the trunk in the sedan
[ST11700(ALL)11/94]
one third page art:0000516-E
Inside the right side service panel in the wagon
*
[ST11800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.
File:04fcstt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:50 1996
ProCarManuals.com

67
*
[ST11900(ALL)03/95]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
*
[ST11950(ALL)04/95]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ST12000(ALL)03/95]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ST12050(ALL)01/95]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button on the fuel pump shut-off
switch down.
*
[ST12100(ALL)03/95]
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.
*
[ST12150(ALL)03/95]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
*
[ST12200(ALL)03/95]
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving the vehicle.
*
[ST12225(ALL)01/95]
Pushing
*
[ST12250(ALL)09/95]
Vehicles with automatic transaxles cannot be
started by pushing. Follow the directions under
If Your Vehicle Needs a Jump-Startin theRoadside
EmergenciesChapter.
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Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:50 1996
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68
%*
[ST12300(ALL)05/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
*
[ST12400(ALL)02/95]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and
odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
*
[ST12500(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in
a stopped vehicle for more than a short
period of time with the engine running.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. SeeGuarding
Against Exhaust Fumesin this chapter for
more instructions.
*
[ST12600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
*
[ST12700(ALL)01/95]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:
*
[ST12800(ALL)02/95]
q
your vehicle is raised for service
*
[ST12900(ALL)02/95]
q
the sound of the exhaust system changes
*
[ST13000(ALL)01/95]
q
your vehicle has been damaged in a collision
File:04fcstt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:50 1996
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71
Warning Lights and
Gauges
%*
[LG00500(ALL)05/92]
In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges
are grouped together on the instrument panel.
We call this grouping a cluster. Your vehicle has
one of the following clusters:
[LG00800(ALL)02/95]
q
Standard cluster
[LG00900(ALL)02/95]
q
Optional cluster
[LG00950( T)02/95]
q
SHO cluster
*
[LG01100(ALL)05/94]
If you are not sure which cluster your vehicle
has, check the diagrams on the following pages.
% [LG02050(ALL)05/95]The Standard Cluster
[LG02075(ALL)02/95]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the standard cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible problems with
your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are
optional. The following sections detail what each
of these indicators means.
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Update:Tue Jan 23 08:14:15 1996
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73
*
[LG02400(ALL)01/95]
Indicator Lights and Chimes
%*
[LG02500(ALL)07/95]
Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime
*
[LG02510(ALL)09/95]
This warning light and chime remind you to
fasten your safety belt. The following conditions
will take place:
[LG02550(ALL)12/95]
q
If the driver's safety belt is not buckled when
the key is turned to the ON position, the
light will activate for 1 to 2 minutes and the
chime will sound for 4 to 8 seconds.
*
[LG02600(ALL)03/95]
q
If the driver's safety belt is buckled while the
light is on or the chime is sounding, both the
light and the chime will turn off.
[LG02650(ALL)12/95]
q
If the driver's safety belt is buckled before the
key is turned to the ON position, the light
will briefly activate, then shut off and the
chime will not activate.
[LG02700(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0000107-B
Safety belt warning light
%*
[LG02900(ALL)06/95]
Brake System Warning Light
*
[LG03000(ALL)03/95]
The warning light for the brakes can show two
things Ð that the parking brake is not fully
released, or that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by
your dealer or a qualified service technician.
File:05fclgt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:14:15 1996
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74 [LG03300(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0000108-DBrake system warning light
*
[LG03500(ALL)01/95]
This light comes on when the parking brake is
set, or if it is not set, it comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition to the START position. It
normally goes off shortly after the engine starts
and you release the parking brake. If the light
stays on after you have fully released the
parking brake, have the hydraulic brake system
serviced by your dealer or a qualified service
technician.
*
[LG03700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
%*
[LG03800(ALL)01/95]
Charging System Light
*
[LG03900(ALL)03/95]
This light, shown as a battery symbol on your
cluster, indicates that your battery is not being
charged and that you need to have the electrical
system checked.
[LG04000(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0000278-B
Charging system light
File:05fclgt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:14:15 1996
ProCarManuals.com