warning FORD TAURUS 1999 3.G User Guide

The ABS operates by
detecting the onset of
wheel lockup during
brake applications
and compensating for
this tendency. The
wheels are prevented
from locking even
when the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts the advantage of
an ABS equipped vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with
loss of front braking traction.
ABS warning lamp
The
ABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster
momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned
on and the engine is off. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or
continues to flash, the ABS needs to be serviced.
With the ABS light on,
the anti-lock brake
system is disabled and
normal braking is still
effective unless the brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake released. (If your
brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately).
Using ABS
²In an emergency or when maximum efficiency
from the ABS is required, apply continuous full
force on the brake. The ABS will be activated
immediately, thus allowing you to retain full
steering control of your vehicle and, providing
there is sufficient space, will enable you to avoid
obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled
stop.
²The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time
necessary to apply the brakes or always reduce
P!
BRAKE
Driving
108

stopping distance. Always leave enough room
between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of
you to stop.
²We recommend that you familiarize yourself with
this braking technique. However, avoid taking any
unnecessary risks.
Parking brake
Apply the parking
brake whenever the
vehicle is parked. To
set the parking brake,
press the parking brake
pedal down until the
pedal stops.
The BRAKE warning
lamp in the instrument
cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated
(when the ignition is turned ON) until the parking
brake is released.
Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is securely latched in
P (Park).
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a
moving vehicle. However, if the normal brakes fail,
the parking brake can be used to stop your vehicle
in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies
only the rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance
will increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle
will be adversely affected.
P!
BRAKE
Driving
109

If the parking brake is fully released, but the
brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the
brakes may not be working properly. See your
dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle
Your automatic transaxle electronically controls the
shift feel by using an adaptive learning strategy. This
feature is designed to optimize shift smoothness. It
is normal for your transaxle to shift firmly during the
first few hundred kilometers (miles) of operation
until the adaptive strategy has been learned. The
adaptive learning strategy is maintained by power
from the battery. When the battery is disconnected
or a new battery is installed, the transaxle must
relearn its adaptive strategy. Optimal shifting will
resume within a few hundred kilometers (miles) of
operation.
Your automatic
overdrive transaxle
provides fully
automatic operation in
either
(Overdrive)
or D (Drive). Driving
with the shift selector
in
(Overdrive) gives
the best fuel economy
for normal driving conditions. For manual control
start in 1 (First) and then shift manually.
If your vehicle is
equipped with a
console mounted
gearshift, you must
press the thumb button
on the side of the
gearshift to move the
gearshift from P
(Park).
Driving
112

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.
Illumination of the charging system warning light,
ªService Engine Soonº light or the temperature
warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of oil pressure, could indicate that the emission
control system is not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful
and potentially lethal fumes into the
passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. By law, vehicle owners and anyone
who manufactures, repairs, services, sells, leases,
trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are
not permitted to intentionally remove an emission
control device or prevent it from working.
Information about your vehicle's emission system is
on the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal
located on or near the engine. This decal identifies
engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult your ªWarranty Guideº for complete
emission warranty information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to
pass an I/M test of the on-board diagnostics system.
If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light is
on, refer to the description in theWarning Lights
and Chimessection of theInstrumentation
chapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
Maintenance and care
176

Accessory delay ........ 54
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ... 88,89
and child
safety seats ............. 90
description .............. 89
disposal .................... 93
driver air bag .......... 91
indicator light .... 11,93
operation ................. 91
passenger air bag ... 91
Air cleaner filter ..... 190
Air conditioning ........ 18
automatic temperature
control system ........ 22
Anti-theft
system ......... 64,70,71,72
arming the system .. 64
disarming a
triggered system ..... 66
warning light ............. 9
Automatic
transaxle .................. 111
driving with ........... 113
fluid,
refill capacities ...... 191
fluid,
specification .......... 194
Battery ..................... 157
acid, treating
emergencies .......... 157
charging system
warning light ........... 10
jumping a disabled
battery ................... 135
maintenance-free .. 157
replacement,
specifications ........ 190
servicing ................ 157
Brakes ...................... 107
anti-lock .......... 107,108anti-lock brake
system (ABS)
warning light ...... 9,108
brake
warning light ........... 10
fluid, checking and
adding .................... 148
fluid,
refill capacities ...... 191
fluid,
specifications.. 193,194
lubricant
specifications.. 193,194
parking .................. 109
shift interlock ........ 111
Break-in period ........... 2
Capacities for
refilling fluids .......... 191
Cargo area shade ...... 59
Cargo cover ............... 59
Cargo net ................... 58
CD changer ............... 41
Cellular telephone
(see your Cellular
Phone Guide) ............ 56
Child safety
restraints ................... 94
child safety belts .... 94
child safety
seats .................... 95,96
Child safety seats.. 95,96
attaching with
tether straps ......... 100
built-in child seat ... 95
in front seat ............ 97
in rear seat ......... 97,99
tether anchorage
hardware ............... 100
Cleaning
your vehicle ............. 183
engine
compartment ......... 185
Index
216

exterior .................. 185
exterior lamps ....... 187
instrument panel .. 188
interior ................... 188
plastic parts .......... 187
safety belts ............ 189
washing .................. 184
waxing ................... 184
wheels .................... 185
wiper blades .......... 187
Clock ..................... 33,41
Console ...................... 56
Controls
power seat ............... 75
Coolant ...... 150,152,153
checking
and adding ............ 151
refill
capacities ........ 153,191
specifications.. 193,194
Customer
Assistance ................ 200
Ford accessories for
your vehicle .......... 209
Ford Extended
Service Plan .......... 201
Getting assistance
outside the U.S.
and Canada ........... 208
Getting roadside
assistance .............. 200
Getting the service
you need ............... 202
Ordering additional
owner's literature... 214
The Dispute
Settlement Board... 204
Defrost
rear window ............ 18
Dipstick
engine oil ............... 145Doors
central unlocking .... 54
door ajar warning ..... 7
Driving under special
conditions
through water ....... 118
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ........ 135
Emission
control system ......... 175
Engine ............... 194,195
check engine/service
engine soon light ...... 7
coolant ................... 150
idle speed control.. 157
lubrication
specifications.. 193,194
refill capacities ...... 191
service
points ....... 143,144,145
starting after a
collision ................. 124
Engine
block heater ............ 105
Engine oil ................ 145
checking and
adding ............. 145,147
dipstick .................. 145
filter,
specifications.. 147,190
recommendations... 147
refill
capacities ........ 145,191
specifications ........ 145
147,193,194
Exhaust fumes ........ 105
Floor mats ................. 56
Fluid capacities ....... 191
Fuel .......................... 165
calculating fuel
economy ................ 171
cap ......................... 167
Index
217

capacity ................. 191
choosing
the right fuel ......... 168
comparisons with
EPA fuel economy
estimates ............... 175
detergent in fuel ... 170
filling your vehicle
with fuel .. 165,167,171
filter,
specifications.. 170,190
fuel pump shut-off
switch .................... 124
gauge ....................... 15
improving fuel
economy ................ 171
low fuel
warning light ............. 8
octane
rating ....... 169,194,195
quality .................... 170
running
out of fuel ............. 170
safety information
relating to
automotive fuels ... 165
Fuses ................. 125,126
Gas cap
(see Fuel cap) ......... 167
Gas mileage (see
Fuel economy) ........ 171
Gauges ....................... 12
engine coolant
temperature gauge... 13
fuel gauge ................ 15
odometer ................. 14
speedometer ........... 12
tachometer .............. 13
trip odometer .......... 14
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight Rating) ........ 116
definition ............... 116driving with a heavy
load ........................ 116
location .................. 116
GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating) ........ 116
calculating ............. 116
definition ............... 116
driving with
a heavy load .......... 116
location .................. 116
Hazard flashers ....... 124
Head restraints ......... 74
Headlamps ................. 16
aiming ............. 182,183
autolamp system ..... 17
bulb
specifications ........ 181
daytime
running lights .......... 16
flash to pass ............ 17
high beam ............ 6,16
turning on and off .. 16
warning chime ........ 11
Heating ...................... 18
heating and air
conditioning
system ..................... 18
Hood ........................ 142
Ignition .............. 194,195
positions of the
ignition .................... 45
Infant seats (see
Safety seats) ........ 95,96
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ............ 176
Instrument panel ........ 6
cleaning ................. 188
lighting up panel
and interior ............. 17
location of
components ............... 6
Index
218

Jump-starting
your vehicle ............. 135
Keyless entry
system ........................ 66
autolock ................... 69
keypad ..................... 66
locking and
unlocking doors ...... 68
programming
entry code ............... 67
Keys
key in ignition
chime ....................... 11
positions of the
ignition .................... 45
Lamps
autolamp system ..... 17
cargo lamps ............. 17
daytime running
light .......................... 16
headlamps ........ 16,178
headlamps,
flash to pass ............ 17
instrument panel,
dimming ................... 17
interior lamps .. 51,181
replacing bulbs ..... 177
178,179,180,181
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ...... 49
Liftgate ...................... 61
remote release ........ 57
Lights, warning and
indicator ...................... 6
air bag ...................... 11
anti-lock
brakes (ABS) ..... 9,108
anti-theft ................... 9
brake ........................ 10
charging system ...... 10
cruise indicator ....... 10
door ajar .................... 7high beam ................. 6
low coolant ................ 9
low fuel ...................... 8
oil pressure ............. 10
safety belt ................. 7
service engine soon .. 7
speed control .......... 49
turn signal
indicator .................... 6
Load limits ............... 116
GAWR .................... 116
GVWR .................... 116
trailer towing ........ 116
Locks
childproof ................ 55
Lubricant
specifications .... 193,194
Lumbar support,
seats ........................... 76
Mirrors ....................... 52
heated ...................... 55
side view mirrors
(power) ................... 54
Moon roof .................. 52
Motorcraft
parts .................. 170,190
Octane rating .......... 169
Odometer ................... 14
Overdrive ................. 112
Panic alarm feature,
remote entry
system ........................ 62
Parking brake .......... 109
Parts (see
Motorcraft parts) .... 190
Power distribution
box (see Fuses) ...... 129
Power door locks ...... 54
Power steering ........ 110
fluid, checking
and adding ............ 153
Index
219

fluid,
refill capacity ........ 191
fluid,
specifications.. 193,194
Radio .......................... 29
Relays ............... 125,132
Remote entry
system ................... 60,62
illuminated entry .... 62
locking/unlocking
doors ........................ 61
opening the trunk ... 61
panic alarm ............. 62
replacement/additional
transmitters ............. 63
replacing
the batteries ............ 63
Roadside
emergencies ......... 70,72
Roof rack ................. 123
Safety belts (see
Safety restraints) ...... 11
78,79,80,81,82,83
Safety Compliance
Certification Label .. 198
Safety defects,
reporting .................. 215
Safety restraints ........ 78
79,80,81,82,83,85
cleaning the safety
belts .................. 88,189
extension
assembly .................. 86
for adults .. 79,80,81,82
for children ........ 93,94
lap belt ............... 83,84
warning light
and chime ........ 7,11,87
Safety seats
for children ........... 95,96
Seat belts (see
Safety restraints) ...... 78Seats .......................... 74
child safety
seats .................... 95,96
cleaning ................. 188
Servicing your
vehicle ...................... 141
Spark plugs,
specifications ........... 190
194,195
Special notice .............. 3
Specification chart,
lubricants .......... 193,194
Speed control ............ 45
Speedometer ............. 12
Starting your
vehicle ........ 102,103,104
jump starting ........ 135
preparing to start
your vehicle ....... 70,72
Steering wheel
tilting ....................... 51
Tachometer ............... 13
Tilt steering wheel .... 51
Tires .... 132,160,161,162
changing ................ 132
checking the
pressure ................. 162
replacing ................ 163
rotating .................. 162
snow tires
and chains ............. 164
tire grades ............. 161
treadwear .............. 161
Towing ..................... 119
trailer towing ........ 119
wrecker .................. 140
Transaxle
automatic
operation ............... 111
fluid,
refill capacities ...... 191
Index
220

lubricant
specifications ........ 194
Transmission
fluid, checking
and adding
(automatic) ........... 155
Trip odometer ........... 14
Trunk ......................... 61
remote release ........ 57
Turn signal ............. 6,49
Vehicle dimensions . 195
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) ......... 199
Vehicle loading ........ 116
Ventilating
your vehicle ............. 106
Warning chimes ......... 11Warning lights
(see Lights) ................. 6
Washer fluid ............ 149
Water,
Driving through ....... 118
Windows
power ....................... 53
rear wiper/washer ... 50
Windshield washer
fluid and wipers
checking
and cleaning .......... 159
operation ................. 49
replacing
wiper blades .......... 160
Wrecker towing ....... 140
Index
221