weight FORD TAURUS 2003 4.G User Guide

Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is
attached to a metal tag and is
located on the driver side
instrument panel. (Please note that
in the graphic XXXX is
representative of your vehicle
identification number.)
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake type and gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR)
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
Engine number
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block and transaxle.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Maintenance and Specifications
206

For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
compliance certification label). Consult your dealer for specific weight
information.
•The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems - such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service
technician.
•Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use or are not properly installed. When operated, such systems may
cause the engine to stumble or stall or cause the transmission to be
damaged or operate improperly. In addition, such systems may be
damaged or their performance may be affected by operating your
vehicle. (Citizens band [CB] transceivers, garage door openers and
other transmitters with outputs of five watts or less will not ordinarily
affect your vehicle’s operation.)
•Ford cannot assume responsibility for any adverse effects or damage
that may result from the use of such equipment.
Accessories
209

refill capacities ........................200
specifications ..................201, 203
Exhaust fumes ..........................116
F
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....180
Floor mats ...................................58
Fluid capacities .........................200
Fuel ............................................180
calculating fuel economy .......186
cap ...........................................183
capacity ...................................200
choosing the right fuel ...........184
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................189
detergent in fuel .....................186
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................180, 183, 187
filter, specifications ........186, 199
fuel pump shut-off switch .....130
improving fuel economy ........186
octane rating ...................184, 203
quality ......................................185
running out of fuel .................186
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................180
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .................................180, 184
Fuses ..................................132–133
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............183
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................186
Gauges .........................................13
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................123definition .................................123
driving with a heavy load ......123
location ....................................123
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................123
calculating ...............................123
definition .................................123
driving with a heavy load ......123
location ....................................123
H
Headlamps ...................................30
aiming ........................................32
autolamp system .......................30
bulb specifications ....................35
daytime running lights .............30
flash to pass ..............................31
high beam .................................31
replacing bulbs .........................37
turning on and off ....................30
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................24, 26
Hood ..........................................166
I
Ignition ...............................112, 203
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................103
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................191
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................162
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................31
J
Jack ............................................138
Index
212