warning light FORD TAURUS 2008 5.G Owner's Manual

The RSS detects obstacles up to six
feet (two meters) from the rear
bumper with a decreased coverage
area at the outer corners of the
bumper, (refer to the figures for
approximate zone coverage areas).
As you move closer to the obstacle,
the rate of the tone increases. When
the obstacle is less than 10 inches
(25.0 cm) away, the tone will sound
continuously. If the RSS detects a
stationary or receding object further
than 10 inches (25.0 cm) from the
side of the vehicle, the tone will
sound for only three seconds. Once
the system detects an object
approaching, the tone will sound
again.
While receiving a warning, the radio volume will be reduced to a
predetermined level. After the warning goes away, the radio will return
to the previous value.
The RSS automatically turns on
when the gear selector is placed in
R (Reverse) and the ignition is ON.
An RSS control on the instrument
panel allows the driver to turn the
RSS on and off. To turn the RSS off
in any gear, the ignition must be ON. An indicator light on the control
will illuminate when the system is turned off. If the indicator light
illuminates when the RSS is not turned off, it may indicate a failure in
the RSS.
Keep the RSS sensors (located on the rear bumper/fascia) free
from snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt (do not clean the
sensors with sharp objects). If the sensors are covered, it will
affect the accuracy of the RSS.
If your vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving
it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Driving
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•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or rollover. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
If your vehicle gets stuck
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 your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control™, it may be beneficial
to disengage the Traction Control™ system while attempting to rock the
vehicle.
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 few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your authorized dealer.
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle (i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency). Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
232

Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems, try a different brand of unleaded gasoline. “Premium”
unleaded gasoline is not recommended for vehicles designed to use
“Regular” unleaded gasoline because it may cause these problems to
become more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your authorized
dealer.
Do not add aftermarket fuel additive products to your fuel tank. It
should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. These products have not been approved for your engine and
could cause damage to the fuel system. Repairs to correct the effects of
using an aftermarket product in your fuel may not be covered by your
warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-Wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-Wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-Wide Fuel Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality, per the recommendations in theChoosing the Right
Fuelsection.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than 1
gallon (3.8L) may be required.
•The
indicator may come on. For more information on the “check
engine” or the “service engine soon” indicator, refer toWarning lights
and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of MPG (L/100 km)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed inscheduled maintenance information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed inscheduled maintenance
informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the
indicator, charging system warning light or the
temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or loss of
engine power could indicate that the emission control system is not
working properly.
An improperly operating or damaged exhaust system may allow exhaust
to enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly operating exhaust
system inspected and repaired immediately.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
299

A
Accessory delay ..........................95
AdvanceTrac ..............................221
Air cleaner filter ...............304–306
Air conditioning ....................73, 75
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................159, 168, 170
and child safety seats ............161
description ..............159, 168, 170
disposal ....................................173
driver airbag ............161, 169, 171
indicator light .................167, 173
operation .................161, 169, 171
passenger airbag .....161, 169, 171
side airbag ...............................168
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................231
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................286
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................219
Anti-theft system ..............132, 135
arming the system ..................135
disarming a triggered
system .....................................136
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................16, 20, 27
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................302
fluid, checking ........................302
fluid, refill capacities ..............307
fluid, specification ..................307
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................226
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....36B
Battery .......................................284
acid, treating emergencies .....284
jumping a disabled battery ....254
maintenance-free ....................284
replacement, specifications ...306
servicing ..................................284
Belt-Minder.............................154
Booster seats .............................174
Brakes ........................................218
anti-lock ...................................219
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................219
fluid, checking and adding ....302
fluid, refill capacities ..............307
fluid, specifications .................307
lubricant specifications ..........307
parking ....................................220
shift interlock ..........................225
Bulbs ............................................83
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....307
Cargo net ...................................116
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................246
Child safety restraints ..............174
child safety belts ....................174
Child safety seats ......................177
attaching with tether
straps .......................................181
in front seat ............................178
in rear seat ..............................178
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................174
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
314

positioning ...............................246
storage .....................................246
Jump-starting your vehicle ......254
K
Keyless entry system ...............130
autolock ...................................119
keypad .....................................130
locking and unlocking
doors ........................................132
programming entry code .......130
Keys ...................................117, 133
positions of the ignition .........215
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................79
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................84
daytime running light ...............81
fog lamps ...................................80
headlamps .................................79
headlamps, flash to pass ..........81
instrument panel, dimming .....81
interior lamps .....................83–84
replacing bulbs .............84–85, 88
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................83
Liftgate ......................................126
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........219
Load limits .................................205
Locks
autolock ...................................119
childproof ................................122
doors ........................................118
Lubricant specifications ...........307
Lug nuts ....................................254Lumbar support, seats .............139
M
Message center .........................107
english/metric button .............112
system check button ..............111
warning messages ...................113
Mirrors ...................................95–96
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................95
fold away ...................................96
heated ........................................97
programmable memory ..........126
side view mirrors (power) .......96
Moon roof ..................................102
Motorcraft parts ........276, 291, 306
N
Navigation system .......................70
O
Octane rating ............................294
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................281
Overdrive ...................................226
P
Parking brake ............................220
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....306
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................147
Power adjustable foot pedals .....97
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................243
Power door locks ......................118
Power mirrors .............................96
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
317

Power point .................................92
Power steering ..........................224
fluid, checking and adding ....301
fluid, refill capacity ................307
fluid, specifications .................307
Power Windows ...........................93
R
Radio ................................16, 20, 27
Rear seat entertainment
system ..........................................43
Relays ........................................239
Remote entry system .......124–125
illuminated entry ............128–129
locking/unlocking doors .........125
opening the trunk ...................126
panic alarm .............................126
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................128
replacing the batteries ...........127
Reverse sensing system ...........228
Roadside assistance ..................237
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........153
Safety belts (see
Safety restraints) ......145, 149–152
Safety Canopy ...................168, 170
Safety defects, reporting ..........269
Safety restraints ........145, 149–153
Belt-Minder...........................154
extension assembly ................153
for adults .........................150–152
for children .....................173–174
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................147safety belt maintenance .........153
warning light and chime ........154
Safety seats for children ..........177
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................310
Satellite Radio Information ........40
Seats ..........................................138
child safety seats ....................177
front seats ...............138, 140, 142
heated ........................................75
memory seat ...................126, 143
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................132
Servicing your vehicle ..............277
Setting the clock
AM/FM single CD .....................21
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................28
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........250
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................306, 309
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................307
Speed control ..............................97
Starting your vehicle ........215–217
jump starting ..........................254
Steering wheel
controls ....................................100
tilting .........................................90
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................90
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Roadside Emergencies ...........246
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....200
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
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Tires ...........................185–186, 246
alignment ................................193
care ..........................................189
changing ..........................246, 250
checking the pressure ............189
inflating ...................................187
label .........................................199
replacing ..................................191
rotating ....................................193
safety practices .......................192
sidewall information ...............195
snow tires and chains ............205
spare tire .................................247
terminology .............................186
tire grades ...............................186
treadwear ........................185, 190
Towing .......................................211
recreational towing .................213
trailer towing ..........................211
wrecker ....................................260
Traction control ........................223
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................302
fluid, refill capacities ..............307
lubricant specifications ..........307
Transmission .............................225
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....225
Trunk .................................123, 126remote release ........................116
Turn signal ..................................83
U
USB port ......................................37
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................310
Vehicle loading ..........................205
Ventilating your vehicle ...........218
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................280
Water, Driving through .............236
Windows
power .........................................93
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................89
checking and adding fluid .....280
replacing wiper blades ...........281
Wrecker towing .........................260
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
319