ignition FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual

30
*
[SR18400(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
If the air bag is inflated, THE AIR BAG
WILL NOT FUNCTION AGAIN AND
MUST BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. If
the air bag is not replaced, the unrepaired
area will increase the risk of injury in a
collision.
*
[SR18425(ALL)07/95]
To ensure that the air bag system will operate as
intended in a crash, the system is equipped with
a diagnostic module, which controls a readiness
lamp and a warning tone. The diagnostic
module monitors its own circuits, the air bag
electrical system, the air bag readiness light, the
air bag power, and the air bag inflators.
%*
[SR18450(ALL)05/95]
The air bag system uses a readiness light on the
instrument cluster and a tone to indicate the
condition of the system. When you turn the
ignition key to the ON position, this light will
illuminate for approximately six (6) seconds and
then turn off. This indicates that the system is
operating normally. NOTE: Maintenance of the
air bag system is not required.
%*
[SR18475(ALL)06/95]
A problem with the system is indicated by one
or more of the following:
*
[SR18501(ALL)06/95]
q
the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
*
[SR18525(ALL)06/95]
q
or it will not light immediately after ignition
is turned on,
*
[SR18550(ALL)06/95]
q
or a group of five beeps will be heard. The
tone pattern will repeat periodically until the
problem and light are repaired.
*
[SR18575(ALL)08/95]
If any of these things happen, have the air bag
system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the air bag
Supplemental Restraint System may not function
properly in the event of a collision.
File:03fcsrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:18 1996
ProCarManuals.com

59
Starting Your Taurus
*
[ST03300(ALL)03/95]
Ignition
%*
[ST03400(ALL)01/95]
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
[ST03725(ALL)11/94]
quarter page art:0000017-D
The positions of the key in the ignition
%*
[ST04050(ALL)07/95]
ACCESSORY allows some of your vehicle's
electrical accessories such as the radio and the
windshield wipers to operate while the engine is
not running.
% [ST04100(ALL)10/89]
LOCK locks the steering wheel. It also locks the
gearshift for all vehicles with an automatic
transaxle.
*
[ST04175(ALL)08/95]
The automatic transaxle gearshift must be in P
(Park) to move the key to the LOCK position.
*
[ST04200(ALL)01/95]
LOCK is the only position that allows you to
remove the key. The LOCK feature helps to
protect your vehicle from theft.
%*
[ST04300(ALL)05/95]
If the key is stuck in the LOCK position, move
the steering wheel left or right until the key
turns freely.
[ST04325(ALL)04/95]
OFF allows you to shut off the engine and all
accessories without locking the steering wheel or
the automatic transaxle gearshift lever.
File:04fcstt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:50 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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).
File:04fcstt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:50 1996
ProCarManuals.com

62 %
*
[ST09310(ALL)02/95]
Starting Your Engine
*
[ST09320(ALL)06/95]
To start your engine:
*
[ST09330(ALL)05/95]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
*
[ST09340(ALL)03/95]
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
*
[ST09350(ALL)06/95]
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
*
[ST09360(ALL)02/95]
4. Turn the key to the START position
(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the
key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.
*
[ST09370(ALL)02/95]
If you have difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.
%*
[ST09375(ALL)04/95]
For a cold engine:
*
[ST09381(ALL)06/95]
q
At temperatures10ÊF (-12ÊC) andbelow:If
the engine does not start infifteen (15)
secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you
do not flood the engine, then try again.
*
[ST09385(ALL)04/95]
q
At temperaturesabove10ÊF(-12ÊC):If the
engine does not start infive (5) secondson
the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait
approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.
%*
[ST09387(ALL)05/95]
For a warm engine:
*
[ST09390(ALL)04/95]
q
Do not hold the key in the START position
for more thanfive (5) secondsat a time. If
the engine does not start within five (5)
seconds on the first try, turn the key to the
OFF position. Wait a few seconds after the
starter stops, then try again.
File:04fcstt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:50 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com

77 %
*
[LG06500(ALL)03/95]
Door Ajar Light and Chime
[LG06800(ALL)03/95]
This light comes on and a single chime sounds if
one of the doors or the liftgate or liftgate
window (wagon) is not completely shut and the
ignition is in the ON position.
[LG06850(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0000113-B
Door ajar light
%*
[LG07000(ALL)05/95]
Chime for Headlamps On
*
[LG07100(ALL)07/95]
This chime sounds if the driver or any passenger
door is open when the parking lamps or
headlamps are on. The chime sounds until you
close the door, turn off the lamps or turn the
ignition to the ON position.
[LG07200(ALL)03/95]
A 3-second chime sounds after a 20-second delay
if the ignition has been turned to the OFF
position, the parking lamps or headlamps are
on, and no door has been opened.
%*
[LG07400(ALL)01/95]
Air Bag Readiness Light
*
[LG07620(ALL)05/95]
A problem with the system is indicated by one
or more of the following: the readiness light will
either flash or stay lit, or it will not light, or a
group of five beeps will be heard.
*
[LG07640(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If any of these things happen, even
intermittently, have the air bag system
serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer immediately.
File:05fclgt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:14:15 1996
ProCarManuals.com

79 [LG07825(ALL)03/95]
This light comes on when you turn the ignition
key to ON, but should turn off when the engine
starts. If the light does not come on when you
turn the ignition to ON or if it comes on and
stays on when you are driving, have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible. This
indicates a possible problem with one of the
vehicle's emission control systems. You do not
need to have your vehicle towed in.
[LG07851(ALL)10/95]
If the light turns on and off at one (1) second
intervals while you are driving the vehicle, it
means that the engine is misfiring. If this
condition persists, damage could occur to the
engine or catalytic converter. Avoid heavy
acceleration and have your vehicle serviced at
the first opportunity. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed in.
*
[LG07875(ALL)05/95]
If the light turns on and off on rare occasions
while you are driving, it means that a
malfunction occurred and the condition corrected
itself.
[LG07900(ALL)03/95]
An example of a condition which corrects itself
occurs when an engine running out of fuel
begins to misfire. In this case, the Service Engine
Soon Warning Light may turn on and will then
set a Diagnostic Trouble Code indicating that the
engine was misfiring while the last of the fuel
was being consumed. After refueling, the Service
Engine Soon Warning Light will turn off after
the vehicle has completed three consecutive
warm up cycles without a misfire condition
occurring. A warm up cycle consists of engine
start from a cold condition (engine at ambient
temperature) and running until the engine
reaches normal operating temperature.
File:05fclgt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:14:15 1996
ProCarManuals.com