battery FORD TAURUS 1999 3.G User Guide

nottouch. Set the parking brake on both vehicles
and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other
moving parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any
excessive corrosion before you attach the battery
cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect
any electrical surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables, 3.0L Vulcan, 3.0L
Duratec and 3.4L SHO engines
1. Connect the positive (+) booster cable to the
positive (+) terminal of the discharged battery.
Note:In the illustrations,lightning boltsare used
to designate the assisting (boosting) battery.
2. Connect the other end of the positive (+) cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the assisting battery.
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3. Connect the negative (-) cable to the negative (-)
terminal of the assisting battery.
4. Make the final connection of the negative (-)
cable. For the 3.0L Vulcan and 3.4L SHO, make the
connection to an exposed metal part of the stalled
vehicle's engine, away from the battery and the
carburetor/fuel injection system. For the 3.0L
Duratec, make the connection to the hood latch of
the disabled engine, away from the battery and the
carburetor/fuel injection system.
The preferred locations of an exposed metal part (to
groundthe circuit) are the alternator mounting
brackets or an engine liftingeye.Do notuse fuel
lines, engine rocker covers or the intake manifold as
groundingpoints.
Do not connect the end of the second cable
to the negative (-) terminal of the battery to
be jumped. A spark may cause an explosion of the
gases that surround the battery.
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5. Be sure that the cables are clear of fan blades,
belts and other moving parts of both engines.
Jump starting
1. Start the engine of the booster vehicle and run
the engine at moderately increased speed.
2. Start the engine of the disabled vehicle.
3. Once the disabled vehicle has been started, run
both engines for an additional three minutes before
disconnecting the jumper cables.
Removing the jumper cables, 3.0L Vulcan, 3.0L
Duratec and 3.4L SHO engines
Remove the jumper cables in the reverse order
that they were connected.
1. Remove the jumper cable. For the 3.0L Vulcan
and 3.4L SHO, remove the jumper cable from the
groundmetal surface. For the 3.0L Duratec, remove
the jumper cable from the hood latch.
2. Remove the jumper cable on the negative (-)
connection of the booster vehicle's battery.
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138

3. Remove the jumper cable from the positive (+)
terminal of the booster vehicle's battery.
4. Remove the jumper cable from the positive (+)
terminal of the disabled vehicle's battery.
After the disabled vehicle has been started and the
jumper cables removed, allow it to idle for several
minutes so the engine computer canrelearnits idle
conditions.
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SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine
compartment for easy location.
²We provide a Scheduled Maintenance Guide which
makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your
dealership can provide necessary parts and service.
Check your ªWarranty Guideº to find out which parts
and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and
service parts conforming to specifications. Motorcraft
parts are designed and built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR
VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing
your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, keep loose clothing,
jewelry or long hair away from moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running
in an enclosed space, unless you are sure you
have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit
material away from the battery and all fuel related
parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly, as explained in theBatterysection in
this chapter.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake, and ensure the gearshift is
securely latched in park.
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
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141

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE
COMPARTMENT
3.0L V6 Vulcan engine
1. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Air filter assembly
4. Battery
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Engine oil dipstick
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
12
3
4567
8
9
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143

3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec engine
1. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Air filter assembly
4. Battery
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Engine oil dipstick
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Power steering fluid reservoir
8912
3
4
56
7
Maintenance and care
144

3.4L-32V V8 SHO engine
1. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Air filter assembly
4. Battery
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Engine oil filler cap
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Power steering fluid reservoir
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the
appropriate intervals for checking the engine oil .
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for
the oil to drain into the oil pan.
V8 32 VALVE
8
9123
456
7
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145

If an overfill occurs,
excess fluid should be
removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid may
cause shift and/or engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is
equipped with a
Motorcraft
maintenance-free
battery which normally
does not require
additional water during
its life of service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature
climates, check the battery electrolyte level. Refer to
the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the service
interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the
ªlevel indicatorº. Do not overfill the battery
cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can
add plain tap water to the battery, as long as you do
not use hard water (water with a high mineral or
alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill
the battery cells with distilled water. If the battery
needs water often, have the charging system
checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it
is reinstalled after the battery has been
cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of
the battery clean and dry. Also, make certain the
battery cables are always tightly fastened to the
battery terminals.
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
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157

If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals,
remove the cables from the terminals and clean with
a wire brush. You can neutralize the acid with a
solution of baking soda and water.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases
which can cause personal injury. Therefore,
do not allow flames, sparks or lighted substances
to come near the battery. When working near the
battery, always shield your face and protect your
eyes. Always provide proper ventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery,
excessive pressure on the end walls could
cause acid to flow through the vent caps, resulting
in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or
battery. Lift the battery with a battery carrier or
with your hands on opposite corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid. Avoid contact
with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes when
working near the battery to protect against
possible splashing of acid solution. In case of acid
contact with skin or eyes, flush immediately with
water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get
prompt medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call
a physician immediately.
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically
controlled by a computer, some control conditions
are maintained by power from the battery. When the
battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed,
the engine must relearn its idle and fuel trim
strategy for optimum driveability and performance.
To begin this process:
1. Set your parking brake.
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158