brakes FORD TAURUS 2004 4.G User Guide

Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
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•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transaxle cooling.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a
recreational vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.
All Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles:
It is not recommended to tow front wheel drive vehicles with the front
drive wheels on the ground. It is recommended to tow your vehicle with
the drive wheels on a dolly or two wheel car hauling trailer.
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
140

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.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the“MIN”and
“MAX”lines are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of your
brake system could be
compromised, seek service from
your dealer immediately.
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.
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
MINMAX
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
204

A
Accessory delay ..........................47
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................101–102, 107
and child safety seats ............103
description ......................102, 107
disposal ....................................109
driver air bag ..........102, 104, 108
indicator light .........................107
operation .................102, 104, 108
passenger air bag ...102, 104, 108
side air bag ..............................107
Air cleaner filter .......................220
Air conditioning ..........................25
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................187
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................127
Anti-theft system ........................79
arming the system ....................80
disarming a triggered
system .......................................80
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................15–16, 19
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................204
fluid, checking ........................204
fluid, refill capacities ..............221
fluid, specification ..................224
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................132
Auxiliary power point .................46
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........222
B
Battery .......................................185acid, treating emergencies .....185
jumping a disabled battery ....156
maintenance-free ....................185
replacement, specifications ...220
servicing ..................................185
BeltMinder ...................................96
Brakes ........................................126
anti-lock ...................................127
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................127
fluid, checking and adding ....204
fluid, refill capacities ..............221
fluid, specifications .........222, 224
lubricant specifications ..222, 224
parking ....................................128
shift interlock ..........................130
Bulbs ............................................33
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....221
Cargo area shade ........................65
Cargo cover .................................64
Cargo net .....................................64
CD changer .................................21
CD-single premium .........15–16, 19
Cell phone use ............................53
Certification Label ....................226
Changing a tire .........................151
Child safety restraints ..............110
child safety belts ....................110
Child safety seats ......................113
attaching with tether
straps .......................................117
in front seat ............................114
in rear seat ......................114, 117
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
Index
232

K
Keyless entry system .................74
Keys
positions of the ignition .........122
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................29
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................34
daytime running light ...............29
headlamps .................................29
headlamps, flash to pass ..........30
instrument panel, dimming .....30
interior lamps .....................32–34
replacing
bulbs ..................33, 35, 37–40, 42
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................32
Liftgate ........................................63
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........127
Load limits .................................134
Locks
childproof ..................................68
doors ..........................................67
Lubricant specifications ...222, 224
Lumbar support, seats ...............82
M
Message center .....................53–54
english/metric button ...............58
system check button ................59
warning messages .....................59
Mirrors ...................................46–47automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................47
heated ........................................48
side view mirrors (power) .......48
Moon roof ....................................52
Motorcraft parts ................197, 220
O
Octane rating ............................195
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................182
Overdrive ...................................131
P
Parking brake ............................128
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....220
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................86
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................49
Power adjustable foot pedals .....49
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................149
Power door locks ........................67
Power point .................................46
Power steering ..........................129
fluid, checking and adding ....203
fluid, refill capacity ................221
fluid, specifications .........222, 224
Power Windows ...........................47
R
Radio ................................15–16, 19
Rear window defroster ...............28
Relays ........................................151
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
235