light FORD TAURUS 2006 4.G Repair Manual

STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
2. LOCK, locks the automatic
transmission gearshift lever and
allows key removal.
3. OFF, shuts off the engine without
locking the steering wheel. This
position also allows the automatic
transmission shift lever to be moved from the P (Park) position without
the brake pedal being depressed.
When the key is in the ignition and in the OFF position, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted
vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.
4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated with
engine off. Key position when driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage.
1
23
4
5
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
140

Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate or illuminate briefly. If a
light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.
•If the driver’s safety belt is fastened, the
light may not illuminate.
Starting the engine
1. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without
turning the key to 5(START).
2. Turn the key to 5 (START), then
release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
Note:If the engine does not start
within five seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait 10 seconds
and try again. If the engine still fails to start, press the accelerator to the
floor and try again; this will allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut
off in case the engine is flooded with fuel.
Cold weather starting (flexible fuel vehicles only)
In cold weather, ethanol fuel distributors should supply winter grade
(E
d85) ethanol. If summer grade (Ed85) ethanol is used in cold weather,
you may experience increased cranking times, rough idle or hesitation
until the engine has warmed up. Consult your fuel distributor for the
availability of winter grade (E
d85) ethanol. High-quality blends of winter
grade (E
d85) ethanol will produce satisfactory cold weather starting and
driving results.
Cold starting performance can also be improved by using an engine block
heater. Engine block heaters are available as an option and can be
obtained from your Ford dealer. Consult the engine block heater section
for proper use of the engine block heater.
If you experience cold weather starting problems on (E
d85) ethanol, and
neither an alternative brand of (E
d85) ethanol nor an engine block
heater is available, adding unleaded gasoline to your tank will improve
cold starting performance. Your vehicle is designed to operate on (E
d85)
ethanol, unleaded gasoline alone, or any mixture of the two.
If the engine fails to start using the preceding instructions
(flexible fuel vehicles only)
1. Press and hold down the accelerator 1/3 to 1/2 way to floor, then
crank the engine.
3
4
1 2
5
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
143

“continuous squeal” sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel
while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Refer toBrake system warning
lightin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s
anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check after you start
the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be
heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS
warning light will come on.
The ABS operates by detecting the onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when the brakes are firmly applied.
Using ABS
•In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four-wheel
ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel
ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain steering
control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will
enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled
stop.
•The anti-lock system does not reduce stopping distance. Always leave
enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to
stop.
•We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
P!
BRAKE
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
145

ABS warning lamp
The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately.)
Parking brake
To set the parking brake (1), press
the parking brake pedal down until
the pedal stops.
To release, pull the lever (2).
Always set the parking
brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
The BRAKE warning lamp will
illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake
is released.
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
ABS
P!
BRAKE
2
1
P!
BRAKE
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
146

Park brake warning chime
Sounds when the parking brake is set, the engine is running, the vehicle
speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h), and the transaxle is not in P
(Park) or N (Neutral). The chime will shut off when the parking brake is
disengaged.
TRACTION CONTROL(IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Traction Control
system. This
system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle,
especially on slippery road surfaces such as snow- or ice-covered roads
and gravel roads. The system will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction in these conditions.
During Traction Control
operation,
the traction control active light will
illuminate, you may hear an electric
motor type of sound coming from
the engine compartment and the
engine will not “rev-up” when you push further on the accelerator. This
is normal system behavior and should be no reason for concern.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of a Traction Control

event is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded
their ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
The Traction Control
switch,
located on the right-hand side of the
instrument cluster, has an indicator
light that illuminates when the
system is off. The Traction Control

system will automatically turn on
every time the ignition is turned off
and on. The Traction Control
system should normally be left on.
If you should become stuck in snow or ice or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching the Traction Control
system off. This may allow
excess wheel spin to “dig” the vehicle out and enable a successful
“rocking” maneuver.
T/C O
F
F
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
147

If a system fault is detected, the traction control active light will
illuminate, the Traction Control
button will not turn the system on or
off and your vehicle should be serviced.
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system, never hold the steering
wheel at its furthest turning points (until it stops) for more than a few
seconds when the engine is running.
It is also important to maintain a proper power steering fluid level in the
power steering fluid reservoir:
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level.
SeeChecking and adding power steering fluidin theMaintenance
and Specificationschapter.
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the maximum
level, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir. SeeChecking and
adding power steering fluidin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the ON position unless brake pedal is depressed.
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
148

Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transaxle
This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy.
Adaptive Shift Strategy offers the optimal transmission operation and
shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected for any
type of service or repair, the transmission will need to relearn the normal
shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset your radio stations
when your vehicle battery has been disconnected. The Adaptive
Transmission Strategy allows the transmission to relearn these operating
parameters. This learning process could take several transmission
upshifts and downshifts; during this learning process, slightly firmer
shifts may occur. After this learning process, normal shift feel and shift
scheduling will resume.
P (Park)
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
151

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
If necessary, try turning the Traction Control
system off. This will allow
the wheels to spin, which may help to free your stuck vehicle. For more
information, refer toTraction Control
(if equipped)in this chapter.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the
bottom of the wheel rims (for cars). When driving through water,
traction or brake capability may be limited. Also, water may enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine or your vehicle may
stall.Driving through deep water where the transmission vent
tube is submerged may allow water into the transmission and
cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
153

The fuses are coded as follows.
Fuse/relay
locationFuse amp
ratingPassenger compartment fuse panel
description
1 — Accessory delay relay
2 — Driver one touch down relay
3 — Blower motor relay
4 — Flasher relay
5 — Not used
6 — Not used
7 20A Rear defrost relay coil feed
8 40A Blower motor
9 — Rear defrost relay
10 30A CB Power seats, Delayed accessory
11 10A Right headlamp
12 15A Highbeam headlamps
13 — Not used
14 — Not used
15 10A Left headlamp
16 10A Not used (spare)
17 15A Stop lamp, Speed control deactivation
switch
18 15A Parklamps, PWM (backlighting), Autolamps
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
158

Fuse/relay
locationFuse amp
ratingPassenger compartment fuse panel
description
19 10A Heated mirrors, Rear defrost switch
indicator
20 10A Restraints (air bag module/OCS module)
21 15A Transmission range sensor (transmission
position switch)
22 15A Front washer pump, Cluster (RUN/ACC),
Integrated Control Panel (ICP) logic,
Electrochromatic mirror
23 30A Front wiper motor
24 — Not used
25 20A Power point
26 20A Power locks, Trunk release
27 10A Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Speed
control, Traction control, Brake-shift
interlock, A/C function switch (manual A/C
only), Temperature blend door (manual A/C
only), Defrost coil
28 15A Turn signals, Back-up lamps
29 20A Cigar lighter
30 10A Courtesy lighting, Battery saver, Power
mirrors, Decklid lamp, Glove box lamp
31 10A Blower motor relay coil, Electronic
Automatic Temperature Control (EATC)
logic
32 10A Cluster, Flex fuel module, ICP logic, Passive
anti-theft module (GEM power), Compass
33 15A Hazard flasher, Cluster power, ICP power,
EATC
34 5A GEM logic
35 10A Backlighting, Ashtray light
36 2A Powertrain Control Module (PCM) relay,
Fuel pump relay, A/C clutch
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
159