traction control FORD TAURUS 2002 4.G User Guide

The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
SERVICING YOUR TIRES
Checking the tire pressure
²Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
²Check the tire pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle has been
parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than 5 km
(3 miles).
²Adjust tire pressure to recommended specifications found on the
Certification Label located on the driver's door panel.
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Maintenance and Specifications
229

Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g., ªAll Terrainº, etc.),
as originally offered by Ford.
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle and make it easier for the driver to lose
control and roll over.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use snow tires and chains, it is
recommended that steel wheels are used of the same size and
specifications as those originally installed.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
²Use only cable type chains offered by Ford as an accessory or
equivalent. SAE class ªSº or other conventional link type chains may
cause damage to the vehicle's wheel house and/or body.
²Install cable chains securely, verifying that the cables do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the cables. If this does not work, remove
the cables to prevent damage to your vehicle.
²If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
²Remove the tire cables when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire cables on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and cables.
²Do not exceed 48 km/h (30 mph) with tire cables on your vehicle.
Maintenance and Specifications
231

high beam ...........................14, 52
replacing bulbs .........................58
turning on and off ....................51
warning chime ..........................15
Heating ........................................43
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................40
Hood ..........................................198
I
Ignition ...............................138, 236
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................130
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................223
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................193
cluster ................................10, 193
lighting up panel
and interior ...............................52
J
Jack ............................................168
positioning ...............................168
storage .....................................168
Jump-starting your vehicle ......172
K
Keyless entry system .................91
autolock .....................................94
keypad .......................................91
locking and unlocking doors ....93
programming entry code .........92
Keys .................................94±95, 97
key in ignition chime ...............15
positions of the ignition .........138L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................51
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................56
cargo lamps ...............................52
daytime running light ...............51
headlamps .................................51
headlamps, flash to pass ..........52
instrument panel, dimming .....52
interior lamps .....................54, 56
replacing
bulbs ..................56, 58, 60±62, 64
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................54
Liftgate ..................................81, 88
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....12, 144
anti-theft ...................................14
brake ..........................................12
charging system ........................12
check coolant ............................14
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar ....................................14
fuel cap light .............................11
high beam .................................14
low coolant ................................13
low fuel ......................................13
oil pressure ...............................13
safety belt .................................12
service engine soon ..................10
speed control ............................78
traction control active ..............13
turn signal indicator .................14
Load limits .................................153
GAWR ......................................153
GVWR ......................................153
trailer towing ..........................153
Index
246

SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system .............94±95, 97
Servicing your vehicle ..............197
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................232, 236
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................234, 236
Speed control ..............................75
Speedometer ...............................17
Starting your vehicle ........138±140
jump starting ..........................172
Steering wheel
controls ................................68, 75
tilting .........................................68
T
Tachometer .................................18
Tires ...........................168, 228±229
changing ..........................168±169
checking the pressure ............229
replacing ..................................230
rotating ....................................230
snow tires and chains ............231
tire grades ...............................229
treadwear ................................228
Towing .......................................155
recreational towing .................158
trailer towing ..........................155
wrecker ....................................177
Traction control ........................146
active light ................................13
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............148
fluid, refill capacities ..............233
lubricant specifications ..........236Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................226
lubricant specifications ..........234
Trip odometer .............................18
Trunk .........................81, 84, 86, 88
remote release ..........................80
Turn signal ............................14, 54
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................236
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................239
Vehicle loading ..........................153
Ventilating your vehicle ...........143
W
Warning chimes .............14±15, 146
Warning lights
(see Lights) .................................10
Washer fluid ..............................201
Water, Driving through .............153
Windows
power .........................................69
rear wiper/washer .....................66
Windshield washer fluid
and wipers
checking and adding fluid .....201
checking and cleaning ........67±68
liftgate reservoir .....................202
operation ...................................66
replacing wiper blades .............67
Wrecker towing .........................177
Index
248