brake light FORD TAURUS 1999 3.G Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: FORD, Model Year: 1999, Model line: TAURUS, Model: FORD TAURUS 1999 3.GPages: 224, PDF Size: 1.42 MB
Page 6 of 224

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Standard instrument cluster
Optional instrument cluster
Turn signal
Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal
or the hazard lights are
turned on. If one or
both of the indicators stay on continuously or flash
faster, check for a burned-out turn signal bulb. Refer
toExterior bulbsin theMaintenance and care
chapter.
High beams
Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps
are turned on.
CRUISE
RPMx1000
0 1234
5
6
7EFC H
FUEL DOOR>
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON1020304050 60
70
80
90
100
110
00 20406080100
120
140
160
180P R N D D 1MPH km/h
00
122
00013
P!
BRAKEABS
+ –
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
THEFT LOW
COOLANTO/D
OFF
EFC H
FUEL DOOR>
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
THEFT102030405060
70
80
90
100
1202060100
140
180
P R N D 2 1MPH km/h
00
000
00000
P!
BRAKELOW
COOLANT
+ –
110CRUISE
RPMx1000
ABSO/D
OFFPREMIUM UNLEADED
FUEL RECOMMENDED0 1234
5
6
78
Instrumentation
6
Page 9 of 224

of a tank indicated on the fuel gauge (refer toFuel
gaugein this chapter for more information). The
ignition must be in the ON position for this lamp to
illuminate. The lamp will also illuminate for several
seconds after the ignition is turned to the ON
position regardless of the fuel level.
Low coolant (if equipped)
This lamp will
illuminate when the
engine coolant inside
the reservoir is low.
This lamp will come on
when the ignition is first turned on, but then should
turn off. If the lamp stays on, you should check the
coolant level inside the reservoir. For instructions on
adding coolant, seeEngine coolantin the
Maintenance and carechapter.
Anti-theft system (if equipped)
Refer toPerimeter
alarm system (if
equipped)and
SecuriLockypassive
anti-theft systemin theControls and features
chapter.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (If equipped)
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.
LOW
COOLANT
THEFT
ABS
Instrumentation
9
Page 10 of 224

Speed control (if equipped)
This light comes on
when either the
SET/ACCEL or
RESUME controls are
pressed. It turns off
when the speed control OFF control is pressed, the
brake is applied or the ignition is turned to the OFF
position.
Brake system warning
Momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is
turned to the ON
position, the engine is
off and the parking brake is engaged. If the brake
warning lamp does not illuminate at this time, seek
service immediately. Illumination after releasing the
parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the
brake system should be inspected immediately.
Engine oil pressure
Momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is
turned to the ON
position and the engine
is off. Illuminates when the oil pressure falls below
the normal range. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible and switch off the engine immediately.
Check the oil level and add oil if needed. Refer to
Engine oilin theMaintenance and Carechapter.
Charging system
Illuminates when the
ignition is turned to
the ON position and
the engine is off. The
light also illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring electrical system
service.
CRUISE
P!
BRAKE
Instrumentation
10
Page 49 of 224

Indicator light
This light comes on
when either the SET
ACC/SET ACCEL or
RES/RSM/RESUME
controls are pressed. It
turns off when the speed control OFF control is
pressed, the brake is applied or the ignition is
turned to the OFF position.
TURN SIGNAL CONTROL
²Push down to
activate the left turn
signal.
²Push up to activate
the right turn signal.
WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER CONTROLS
Rotate the windshield
wiper control to the
desired interval, low or
high speed position.
The bars of varying length are for intermittent
wipers. When in this position rotate the control
upward for fast intervals and downward for slow
intervals.
Push the control on
the end of the stalk to
activate washer. Push
and hold for a longer
wash cycle. The washer will automatically shut off
after ten seconds of continuous use.
CRUISE
LOF
OFFS
HI
LOF
OFFS
HI
Controls and features
49
Page 104 of 224

Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate briefly.
If a light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle
serviced.
²If the driver's safety belt is fastened, the
light
may not illuminate.
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Turn the key to 5
(START) without
pressing the
accelerator pedal and
release as soon as the
engine starts. The key
will return to 4 (ON).
2. If the temperature is above ±12É C (10É F) and
the engine does not start within five seconds on the
first try, turn the key to OFF, wait ten seconds and
try again.
3. If the temperature is below -12ÉC (10ÉF) and the
engine does not start in fifteen seconds on the first
try, turn the key OFF and wait ten seconds and try
again. If the engine does not start in two attempts,
depress the accelerator and start the engine while
holding the accelerator down to the floor. Release
the accelerator when the engine starts.
4. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake
and release the parking brake.
CRUISE
RPMx1000
0 1234
5
6
7EFC H
FUEL DOOR>
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOONP!
BRAKEABS
+ –
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
THEFT LOW
COOLANTO/D
OFF102030405060
70
80
90
100
1202060100
140
180
P R N D 2 1MPH km/h
00
000
00000
110
1
23
4
5
Starting
104
Page 107 of 224

BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled
maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not
indicate a performance concern with the vehicle's
brake system. In normal operation, automotive brake
systems may emit occasional or intermittent squeal
or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such
noises are usually heard during the first few brake
applications in the morning; however, they may be
heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as
cold, heat, moisture, road dust, salt or mud. If a
ªmetal-to-metalº, ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking,
the brake linings may be worn-out and should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking
system (ABS), a noise from the hydraulic pump
motor and pulsation in the pedal may be observed
during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled
with noise while braking under panic conditions or
on loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy roads is
normal and indicates proper functioning of the
vehicle's anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a
self-check at 17 km/h (10 mph) after you start the
engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical
noise may be heard during this test. This is normal.
If a malfunction is found, the ABS warning light will
come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Driving
107
Page 108 of 224

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
Page 111 of 224

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock
feature that prevents the gearshift from being moved
from P (Park) unless the brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift out of P (Park)
with the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to
LOCK, then remove the key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake
pedal and shift to N (Neutral).
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to
move the gearshift, it is possible that a fuse has
blown or the vehicle's brakelamps are not operating
properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify
that the brakelamps are working.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be
rocked out by shifting from forward and reverse
gears, stopping between shifts, in a steady pattern.
Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few
minutes. The transmission and tires may be
damaged or the engine may overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park).
Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your
vehicle.
Driving
111
Page 118 of 224

weight added should not exceed the Front Axle
Reserve Capacity (FARC). Additional frontal weight
may be added to the front axle reserve capacity
provided you limit your payload in other ways (i.e.
restrict the number of passengers or amount of
cargo carried).
You may add equipment throughout your vehicle if the
total weight added is equal to or less than the Total
Axle Reserve Capacity (TARC) weight. You should
NEVER exceed the Total Axle Reserve Capacity.
Always ensure that the weight of passengers, cargo
and equipment being carried is within the weight
limitations that have been established for your
vehicle including both Gross Vehicle Weight and
Front and Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating limits.
Under no circumstance should these limitations be
exceeded. Exceeding any vehicle weight rating
limitation could result in serious damage to the
vehicle and/or personal injury.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water,
especially if the depth is unknown. Traction or brake
capability may be limited and if the ignition system
gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also
enter your engine's air intake and severely damage
your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is
unavoidable, proceed very slowly. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom of the hubs.
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet
brakes do not stop the vehicle as effectively as dry
brakes. Drying can be improved by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the
brake pedal.
Driving through deep water where the
transmission is submerged may allow water
into the transmission and cause internal
transmission damage.
Driving
118
Page 119 of 224

TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing
vehicle. The amount of weight you can safely tow
depends on the type of engine you have in your
vehicle. Your vehicle does not come from the factory
fully equipped to tow. No towing packages are
available through Ford or Mercury/Lincoln dealers.
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 800 km (500 miles). If towing with a
station wagon, inflate the rear tires to 35 psi.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your
vehicle's engine, transaxle, brakes, tires and
suspension. Inspect these components carefully after
towing.
In order to identify your vehicle's engine, refer to
Identifying components in the engine
compartmentin the Maintenance and Care chapter.
The amount of weight that you can tow depends on
the type of engine in your vehicle. See the following
charts:
3.0L 2-Valve Vulcan Engine
Model Passenger
Load-#/kg
(lbs.)Luggage
Load-kg
(lbs.)Max Trailer
Wt.-kg (lbs.)
Sedan 5/340 (750) 0 365 (800)
4/270 (600) 70 (150) 365 (800)
2/135 (300) 70 (150) 500 (1 100)
2/135 (300) 0 565 (1 250)
Wagon 4/270 (600) 0 365 (800)
2/135 (300) 70 (150) 430 (950)
2/135 (300) 0 500 (1 100)
The above chart is based on the specified vehicle at
a maximum GCW (Vehicle weight + Trailer weight)
equal to 2 245 kg (4 950 lbs.).
Driving
119