transmission FORD TAURUS 2000 4.G User Guide

3.0L V6 Vulcan engine
4. Check the fluid level on the
dipstick. It should be between the
arrows in the FULL HOT range. Do
not add fluid if the level is within
this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL HOT range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec engine
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
FULL HOT
MINMAX
Maintenance and care
163

Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
Maintenance and care
164

High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transaxle failure. An
overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
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.
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
Maintenance and care
165

²Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
²Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
²Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
²Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
²Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant Specifications.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
Maintenance and care
187

windows ..................................203
wiper blades ............................201
woodtone trim ........................203
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............18
Clock .......................................31,38
Console ........................................56
Controls
power seat .................................75
Coolant
checking and adding ..............157
refill capacities .................161,206
specifications ...................207,208
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................44
Customer Assistance ................130
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................219
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................212
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............218
Getting roadside assistance ...130
Getting the
service you need ....................212
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................223
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................215
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............218
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................16
Defrost
rear window ..............................17
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................163
engine oil .................................152
Doors
door ajar warning .......................9
lubricant specifications ..........207Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................124
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................142
Emission control system ..........188
Engine ........................................208
check engine/
service engine soon light ...........9
cleaning ...................................201
coolant .....................................157
idle speed control ...................171
lubrication
specifications ...................207,208
refill capacities ........................206
service points ...................150,151
starting after a collision .........131
Engine block heater .................111
Engine oil ..................................152
checking and adding ..............152
dipstick ....................................152
filter, specifications .........154,205
recommendations ...................154
refill capacities ........................206
specifications ...................207,208
Exhaust fumes ..........................112
Floor mats ...................................56
Fluid capacities .........................206
Fuel ............................................178
calculating fuel economy .......184
cap ...........................................181
capacity ...................................206
choosing the right fuel ...........182
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................187
detergent in fuel .....................184
filling your vehicle
with fuel ....................178,181,185
filter, specifications .........184,205
fuel pump shut-off switch .....131
gauge .........................................15
improving fuel economy ........184
Index
226

Speed control ..............................44
Speedometer ...............................13
Starting your vehicle .........108,110
jump starting ..........................142
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................49
Tachometer .................................14
Tires ......................138,174,175,176
changing ...........................138,139
checking the pressure ............176
replacing ..................................177
rotating ....................................176
snow tires and chains ............177
tire grades ...............................175
treadwear ................................175
Towing ................................125,176
recreational towing .................128
trailer towing ..........................125
wrecker ....................................147
Traction control ...................43,116
active light ..................................8
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............118
fluid, refill capacities ..............206
lubricant specifications ..........208
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................163lubricant specifications ..........207
Trip odometer .............................15
Trunk ............................58,60,61,72
remote release ..........................57
Turn signal ...............................8,47
Vehicle dimensions ...................208
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................211
Vehicle loading ..........................123
Ventilating your vehicle ...........112
Warning chimes ...........................13
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................156
Water, Driving through .............124
Windows
power .........................................53
rear wiper/washer .....................48
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....156
checking and cleaning .....173,174
liftgate reservoir .....................157
operation ...................................47
replacing wiper blades ...........174
Wrecker towing .........................147
Index
229

1Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant (green in color). DO NOT USE Ford
Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding engine
coolant, in the Maintenance and Care chapter.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONtand MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance
Guide to determine the correct service interval.
Filling station information
232