maintenance FORD TAURUS 2001 4.G Manual PDF

Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use a cleaning fluid with a
clean cloth to remove any bugs before waxing your vehicle. Use tar
remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield, or on any surfaces which appear
coarse or bumpy. If you have wax applied at a commercial car wash, it is
recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris may be repaired with
the Ultra Touch Prep and Finishing Kit (F7AZ-19K507±BA), Lacquer
Touch-up Paint (ALBZ-19500±XXXXA), or Exterior Acrylic Spray
Lacquer (ALAZ-19500±XXXXA) from the Ford Car Care Chemicals line.
Please note that the part numbers (shown as XXXX above) will vary with
your vehicle's specific coloring. Observe the application instructions on
the products.
Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect remains, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout immediately.
Cleaning the wheels
Wash with the same detergent as the body of your vehicle. Do not use
acid-based or alcohol-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, fuel or strong
detergents. Never use abrasives that will damage the finish of special
wheel surfaces. Use a tar remover to remove grease and tar.
The brushes used in some automatic car washes may damage the finish
on your wheels. Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
Cleaning non-painted plastic exterior parts
Use vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning. Clean with a tar remover if
necessary. Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
Cleaning mirrors
Do not clean your mirrors with a dry cloth or abrasive materials. Use a
soft cloth and mild detergent and water. Be careful when removing ice
from outside mirrors because you may damage the reflective surface.
Maintenance and care
217

Cleaning the exterior lamps
Wash with the same detergent as the exterior of your vehicle. If
necessary, use a tar remover such as Ford Extra Strength Tar and Road
Oil Remover (B7A-19520±AA).
To avoid scratching the lamps, do not use a dry paper towel, chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Cleaning the windshield, wiper blades and rear window
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the wiper blade rubber
element with undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild detergent.
To avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
If the wiper still does not wipe properly, this could be caused by
substances on the windshield or rear window such as tree sap and some
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes. Clean the outside of
the windshield or rear window with a non-abrasive cleaner such as Ford
Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner, (E4AZ-19C507±AA), available from your
Ford Dealer.Do notuse abrasive cleansers on glass as they may cause
scratches. The windshield or rear window is clean if beads do not form
when you rinse it with water. The windshield, rear window and wiper
blades should be cleaned on a regular basis, and blades or rubber
elements replaced when worn.
Cleaning the engine
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
²Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The high
pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
²Do not spray a hot engine with cold water to avoid cracking the
engine block or other engine components.
²Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
Maintenance and care
218

²3.0L Vulcan engine
²3.0L Duratec engine
²Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
Maintenance and care
219

Cleaning the instrument panel
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver
from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
Cleaning the instrument cluster lens
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the lens.
Cleaning seats equipped with side air bags
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Follow the directions that come with
the cleaner. Do not saturate the seat cover with upholstery cleaner.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the seat mounted side air bag. Such products could contaminate
the side air bag system and affect performance of the side air bag in a
collision.
Woodtone trim
Wipe stains with a soft cloth and a multi-purpose cleaning solution.
Inside windows
Use Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (E4AZ-19C507±AA) for the inside
windows if they become fogged.
Maintenance and care
220

Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts
Clean the safety belts with a mild soap solution recommended for
cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the belts, because
these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
Check the safety belt system periodically to make sure there are no
nicks, tears or cuts. If your vehicle has been involved in an accident,
refer to theSafety belt maintenancesection in theSeating and safety
restraintschapter.
Cleaning leather seats (if equipped)
To clean, simply use a soft cloth dampened with water and a mild soap.
Wipe the leather again with a damp cloth to remove soap residue. Dry
with a soft cloth. For tougher soiling concerns, Ford recommends using
the Deluxe Leather Care Kit F8AZ-19G253±AA, which is available from
your Ford Dealer. This mild cleaner and special pad, cleans the leather
and maintains its natural beauty. Follow the instructions on the cleaner
label. Regular cleaning of your leather upholstery helps maintain its
resiliency and color.
Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions,
solvents or cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl or plastics.
Cleaning the interior fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Do not use household or glass cleaners.
These agents can stain and discolor the fabric. Use a mild soap and
water solution if necessary.
Maintenance and care
221

ItemsFord Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Constant velocity
jointsCV Joint Grease
(High Temp.)E43Z-19590-A ESP-M1C207-A
Engine coolant Motorcraft
Premium Engine
Coolant
(green-colored)VC-4±A (US) or
CXC-10
(Canada)ESE-M97B44-A
Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)VC-7±A WSS
-M97B51±A1
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AC ESR-M17P5-A
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONtand MERCONtV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONttype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONtV type fluid.
MERCONtand MERCONtV type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCONtand MERCONtV) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONtmay
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
Capacities and specifications
225

Ford Extended Service Plan
You can get more protection for your new car or light truck by
purchasing Ford Extended Service Plan (Ford ESP) coverage. Ford ESP
is an optional service contract which is backed by Ford Motor Company
or Ford Motor Service Company (in the U.S.) and Ford of Canada (in
Canada). It provides the following:
²Benefits during the warranty period depending on the plan you
purchase (such as: reimbursement for rentals; coverage for certain
maintenance and wear items).
²Protection against covered repair costs after your Bumper-to-Bumper
Warranty expires.
You may purchase Ford ESP from any participating Ford and Lincoln
Mercury and Ford of Canada dealer. There are several plans available in
various time, distance and deductible combinations which can be tailored
to fit your own driving needs. Ford ESP also offers reimbursement
benefits for towing and rental coverage.
When you buy Ford ESP, you receive Peace-of-Mind protection
throughout the United States and Canada, provided by a network of
more than 5,000 participating Ford or Lincoln Mercury and Ford of
Canada dealers.
If you did not take advantage of the Ford Extended Service Plan at the
time of purchasing your vehicle, you may still be eligible. Please contact
your dealer for further information. Since this information is subject to
change, please ask your dealer for complete details about Ford Extended
Service Plan coverage options, or visit the Ford ESP website at
www.ford-esp.com.
GETTING THE SERVICES YOU NEED
At home
Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada have authorized dealerships to
service your vehicle. It is preferred that you return to the Ford dealer
where your vehicle was purchased when warranty repairs are needed.
However, you may also take your vehicle to another Ford Motor
Company or Ford of Canada dealership authorized for warranty repairs.
Certain warranty repairs require special training though, so not all
dealers are authorized to perform all warranty repairs. That means that
depending on the warranty repair needed, the vehicle may need to be
Customer assistance
230

THE DISPUTE SETTLEMENT BOARD (U.S. ONLY)
The Dispute Settlement Board is:
²an independent, third-party arbitration program for warranty disputes
²available free to owners and lessees of qualifying Ford Motor Company
vehicles
The Dispute Settlement Board may not be available in all states. Ford
Motor Company reserves the right to change eligibility limitations, modify
procedures and/or to discontinue this service without notice and without
incurring obligations per applicable state law.
What kinds of cases does the Board review?
Unresolved warranty repair concerns or vehicle performance concerns as
on Ford and Lincoln Mercury cars and Ford and Lincoln Mercury light
trucks which are within the terms of any applicable written new vehicle
warranty are eligible for review, except those involving:
²a non-Ford product
²a non-Ford dealership
²sales disputes between customer and dealer except those associated
with warranty repairs or concerns with the vehicle's performance as
designed
²a request for reimbursement of consequential expenses unless a
service or product concern is being reviewed
²items not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty (including
maintenance and wear items)
²alleged personal injury/property damage claims
²cases currently in litigation
²vehicles not used primarily for family, personal or household purposes
(except in states where the Dispute Settlement Board is required to
review commercial vehicles)
²vehicles with non-U.S. warranties
Concerns are ineligible for review if the New Vehicle Limited Warranty
has expired at receipt of your application and, in certain states eligibility
is dependent upon the customer's possession of the vehicle.
Eligibility may differ according to state law. For example, see the unique
brochures for California, West Virginia, Georgia and Wisconsin
purchasers/lessees.
Customer assistance
233

Board membership
The Board consists of:
²three consumer representatives
²a Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership representative
Consumer candidates for Board membership are recruited and trained by
an independent consulting firm. The dealership Board member is chosen
from Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealership management, recognized for
their business leadership qualities.
What the Board needs
To have your case reviewed you must complete the application in the
DSB brochure and mail it to the address provided on the application
form. Some states will require you to use certified mail, with return
receipt requested.
Your application is reviewed and, if it is determined to be eligible, you
will receive an acknowledgment indicating:
²the file number assigned to your application
²the toll-free phone number of the DSB's independent administrator
Your dealership and a Ford Motor Company representative will then be
asked to submit statements.
To properly review your case, the Board needs the following information:
²legible copies of all documents and maintenance or repair orders
relevant to the case
²the year, make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) listed
on your vehicle ownership license
²the date of repair(s) and mileage at the time of occurrence(s)
²the current mileage
²the name of the dealer(s) who sold or serviced the vehicle
²a brief description of your unresolved concern
²a brief summary of the action taken by the dealer(s) and Ford Motor
Company
²the names (if known) of all the people you contacted at the
dealership(s)
²a description of the action you expect to resolve your concern
Customer assistance
234

A
Accessory delay ..........................63
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................104, 106, 110
and child safety seats ............107
description ......................106, 110
disposal ....................................112
driver air bag ..........105, 109, 111
indicator light ...................13, 108
operation .................105, 109, 111
passenger air bag ...105, 109, 111
side air bag ..............................110
Air cleaner filter .......................222
Air conditioning ..........................19
automatic temperature
control system ..........................22
Air filter, cabin ..........................180
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................171
Anti-lock brake system (see
Brakes) ..............................127±128
Anti-theft system ........................73
arming the system ....................73
disarming a triggered system ..75
warning light .............................11
Audio system (see Radio) .........30
Automatic transaxle .................132
driving with .............................134
fluid, adding ............................178
fluid, checking ........................178
fluid, refill capacities ..............223
fluid, specification ..................226
Auxiliary power point .................29
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........224B
Battery .......................................185
acid, treating emergencies .....185
charging system
warning light .............................13
jumping a disabled battery ....156
maintenance-free ....................185
replacement, specifications ...222
servicing ..................................185
Belt minder ...............................100
Brakes ........................................127
anti-lock ...........................127±128
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........12, 128
brake warning light ..................12
fluid, checking and adding ....169
fluid, refill capacities ..............223
fluid, specifications .........224, 226
lubricant specifications ..224, 226
parking ....................................129
pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) ...............................51
shift interlock ..........................132
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....223
Cargo area shade ........................68
Cargo cover .................................67
Cargo net .....................................67
CD changer .................................47
Cellular telephone
Wireless Interface Module .......60
Certification Label ....................228
Child safety restraints ..............113
child safety belts ....................113
Index
243