check engine light FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual

63
*
[ST09400(ALL)08/95]
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key
as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
*
[ST09410(ALL)05/95]
After you start the engine, let it idle for a few
seconds. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and
put the gearshift lever in gear. Release the
parking brake. Slowly release the brake pedal
and drive away in the normal manner.
[ST09420(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic transaxle and has an
interlock that prevents you from
shifting out of P (Park) unless your
foot is on the brake pedal.
%*
[ST09480(ALL)04/95]
If the engine does not start after two attempts:
*
[ST09492(ALL)04/95]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ST09494(ALL)04/95]
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
*
[ST09496(ALL)04/95]
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
*
[ST09497(ALL)04/95]
4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.
*
[ST09498(ALL)04/95]
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up. Then drive away in the
normal manner.
*
[ST09500(ALL)04/95]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been triggered. For
directions on how to reset the switch seeFuel
Pump Shut-Off Switchlater in this chapter.
[ST10200(ALL)12/95]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idle speed normally runs high. These faster
engine speeds will make your vehicle coast
slightly faster than its normal idle speed. It
should, however, slow down after a short time.
If it does not, have the idle speed checked by
your dealer or a qualified technician.
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.
File:04fcstt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:50 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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

75
*
[LG04300(ALL)11/94]
This light comes on every time you turn your
ignition key to the ON or START position. The
light should go off when the engine starts and
the alternator begins to charge.
*
[LG04400(ALL)01/95]
If the light stays on or comes on when the
engine is running, have the electrical system
checked as soon as possible.
%*
[LG04800(ALL)02/95]
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
[LG04900(ALL)02/95]
This light indicates the engine's oil pressure, not
the oil level. However, if the engine's oil level is
low, it could affect the oil pressure. The light
should come on every time the ignition key is
turned to the ON or START position, and
should turn off after the engine is running.
[LG04950(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0001025-B
Engine oil pressure warning light
[LG05100(ALL)11/94]
If the light stays on or turns on when the engine
is running, the engine has lost oil pressure and
continued operation will cause severe engine
damage.
*
[LG05105(ALL)03/95]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
*
[LG05200(ALL)03/95]
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[LG05300(ALL)11/94]
2. Shut off the engine immediately. If you do
not stop the engine as soon as safely
possible, severe engine damage could result.
File:05fclgt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:14:15 1996
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76
*
[LG05400(ALL)10/95]
3. Check the engine's oil level, following the
instructions on checking and adding engine
oil in this Owner Guide. (SeeEngine oilin
the Index.) If you do not follow these
instructions, engine damage could result. To
ensure an accurate reading, your vehicle
should be on level ground.
*
[LG05500(ALL)11/94]
4. If the level is low, add only as much oil as
necessary to bring it to the full level before
you start the engine again. Do not overfill.
Do not operate the engine if the light is on,
regardless of the oil level. Contact your
nearest dealer for further service actions.
%*
[LG06200(ALL)01/95]
High Beam Light
*
[LG06300(ALL)03/95]
This light comes on when the headlamps are
turned to high beam or when you flash the
lights.
[LG06350(ALL)02/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with Daylight
Running Lamps (DRL), the high beam light will
not come on when you flash the lights.
[LG06400(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0000111-B
High beam light
File:05fclgt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:14:15 1996
ProCarManuals.com

78 [LG07650(ALL)11/94]
one inch art:0000653-CAir bag readiness light
%*
[LG07700(ALL)11/94]
Service Engine Soon Warning Light
*
[LG07750(ALL)03/95]
The Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II)
system consists of the hardware and software
necessary to monitor the operation of the
powertrain. The OBD II system is designed to
check the function of the vehicle's powertrain
control system during normal operation. If an
emission problem is detected, the Service Engine
Soon light (in the cluster) is turned on.
*
[LG07775(ALL)05/95]
Modification or additions to the vehicle may
cause incorrect operation of the OBD II system.
Additions such as burglar alarms, cellular
phones, and CB radios must be carefully
installed. Do not install these devices by tapping
into or running wires close to powertrain control
system wires or components.
[LG07800(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0000282-B
Service engine soon light
File:05fclgt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:14:15 1996
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87 [LG14750(ALL)12/95]
Low Coolant Light and Chime
[LG14850(ALL)04/95]
This light indicates that the level of the engine
coolant is low inside the coolant reservoir.
[LG14950(ALL)04/95]
one inch art:0000114-C
Low coolant light
[LG15000(ALL)12/95]
This light comes on for a few seconds when
your ignition key is turned to the ON position,
but should turn off when the engine starts. If the
coolant is low, the light will come on and a
single chime will sound. If this light stays on,
check the level of coolant inside the coolant
reservoir. For instructions on adding coolant
mixture, seeEngine coolantin the Index.
% [LG15150(ALL)12/95]
Low Washer Fluid Light
*
[LG15250(ALL)02/95]
This light comes on if the reservoir is less than a
quarter full when you turn on the windshield
washers.
[LG15350(ALL)04/95]
one inch art:0000118-B
Low washer fluid light
% [LG16100(ALL)12/95]
Rear Lamp Out Indicator
[LG16200(ALL)12/95]
This light indicates that a rear tail lamp or
brakelamp is not functioning. It comes on
momentarily when the ignition is turned to the
ON position, then goes out.
File:05fclgt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:14:15 1996
ProCarManuals.com

201
*
[DR10175(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is securely latched
in P (Park).
*
[DR10225(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running.
[DR10275(ALL)11/94]
You can tell a console-mounted gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park) if you cannot move
it without pushing in the thumb button.
%
*
[DR15600(ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[DR15800(ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
[DR15970(ALL)11/94]
Your vehicle has variable-assist steering. This
system provides light power steering efforts for
parking and heavier power steering efforts for
highway driving. If you notice that the power
steering effort does not change according to the
speed you are traveling, or if the power steering
system is not working, have the system checked.
%*
[DR16100(ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
*
[DR16150(ALL)01/95]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com

204
*
[DR17600(ALL)05/95]
Each time you turn the ignition key to the ON
position, the ABS will function through one test
cycle. When this happens, the ABS light will
come on for up to five seconds. If the light stays
on longer than five seconds, shut off the engine
and restart. If it remains on, it means the ABS is
disabled and should be serviced immediately to
restore the benefits of the anti-lock feature.
Normal braking is not affected unless the red
BRAKE system warning light is also lit.
*
[DR17650(ALL)05/95]
ABS has self-check capabilities. As described
above, the system turns on the ABS light each
time you start your engine. After the engine is
started and the ABS light turns off, the system
performs another test the first time the vehicle
reaches 4-9 mph (6-15 km/h). The system turns
on the ABS pump motor for approximately 1/2
second. At this time, a mechanical noise may be
heard. This is a normal part of the self-check
feature. If a malfunction is found during this
check the ABS light will come on.
[DR17675(ALL)02/95]
Vehicles with ABS are identified with a label on
the front door pillar.
*
[DR17700(ALL)08/95]
Ford Motor Company has not found any
negative effects of mobile radio transmitting
equipment installed on vehicles with the ABS
system providing that the radio is installed
according to the radio manufacturer's
instructions. However, if you have had a mobile
radio transmitter installed and the ABS light
comes on (at any time other than immediately
after turning the key to the ON position) have
your mobile radio dealer inspect the radio
installation. Also, if the ABS system is activated
other than during maximum braking, have your
mobile radio installation checked.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com

206
*
[DR19000(ALL)06/95]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
*
[DR19050(ALL)03/95]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each
time you start your engine. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
%
*
[DR19100(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[DR19200(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[DR19300(ALL)07/95]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
*
[DR19400(ALL)03/95]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
%*
[DR19750(ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR19800(ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
*
[DR19900(ALL)03/95]
On some slippery road surfaces, front-wheel
drive may provide better acceleration than
rear-wheel drive. However, this does not mean
that your vehicle can stop any faster or any
better than a vehicle with rear-wheel drive.
Exercise the same caution while driving on
slippery roads with your front-wheel drive
vehicle as you would with a rear-wheel drive
vehicle.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com