check engine light FORD TAURUS 2012 6.G User Guide

•Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax
to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is
washed. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges, and latches with a light
grade oil. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contain contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add a quality gas stabilizer
product to the vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage
periods exceed 30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label.
The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to circulate the
additive throughout the fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure
battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset
memory features.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Engine oil/coolant change intervals
Engine oilAs indicated by the message center: do not
exceed one year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Engine coolant,
initial change6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, after
initial changeEvery 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Check every month
Engine oil level
Function of all interior and exterior lights
Tires for wear and proper pressure, including spare
Windshield washer fluid level
Check every six months
Battery connections; clean if necessary
Body and door drain holes for obstructions; clean if necessary
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
Door weatherstrips for wear; lubricate if necessary
Hinges/latches/outside locks for proper operation; lubricate if necessary
Parking brake for proper operation
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
Washer spray/wiper operation; clean or replace blades as necessary
Scheduled Maintenance
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A
Accessory delay ..........................84
Adaptive Cruise Control .............89
AdvanceTrac ..............................245
AdvanceTrac Sport Mode .........250
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................171–172, 180, 182
and child safety seats ............173
description ..............172, 180, 182
disposal ....................................186
driver airbag ............174, 181, 183
indicator light .................180, 185
operation .................174, 181, 183
passenger airbag .....174, 181, 183
side airbag ...............................180
Air cleaner filter ...............363, 367
Air conditioning ....................51, 54
automatic temperature
control system ..........................57
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................51
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................273
Ambient mood/lighting ...............69
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................339
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................243
Anti-theft system ..............131, 136
arming the system ..................136
disarming a triggered
system .....................................136
Audio system (see Radio) .........32
Automatic transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............368
fluid, specification ..................368Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................253, 255
fluid, adding ............................358
fluid, checking ........................358
Selectshift (SST) ....................257
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....42
B
Battery .......................................337
acid, treating emergencies .....337
jumping a disabled battery ....307
maintenance-free ....................337
replacement, specifications ...367
servicing ..................................337
Belt-Minder.............................167
Blind Spot Information
System .......................................267
Blind spot mirror ......................266
Booster seats .............................199
Brakes ........................................242
anti-lock ...................................243
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................243
fluid, checking and adding ....358
fluid, refill capacities ..............368
fluid, specifications .................368
lubricant specifications ..........368
parking ....................................244
shift interlock ..........................251
Bulbs ............................................70
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....368
Cargo cover ...............................101
Cargo net ...................................106
Cell phone use ..............................9
Index
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running out of fuel .........306, 350
Emission control system ..........354
Engine ........................................372
cleaning ...................................322
coolant .....................................339
fail-safe cooling .......................343
idle speed control ...................337
lubrication specifications .......368
refill capacities ........................368
service points ..................330–331
Engine block heater .................241
Engine oil ..................................333
checking and adding ..............333
dipstick ....................................333
filter, specifications ................367
refill capacities ........................368
specifications ..........................368
Event data recording ....................7
Exhaust fumes ..........................240
F
Fail safe cooling ........................343
Fleet MyKey programming ......109
Floor mats .........................105–106
Fluid capacities .........................368
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................274
Fuel ............................................345
calculating fuel
economy ............................21, 351
cap ...........................................347
capacity ...................................368
choosing the right fuel ...........348
detergent in fuel .....................350
filler funnel .............................350
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................345, 347, 351filter, specifications ........345, 367
fuel pump shut-off ..................282
improving fuel economy ........351
octane rating ...................349, 372
quality ......................................349
running out of fuel .........306, 350
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................345
Fuses ..........................................282
G
Garage door opener ..................101
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............347
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................351
Gauges .........................................17
H
Hazard flashers .........................281
Headlamps ...................................62
aiming ........................................67
autolamp system .......................62
bulb specifications ....................71
daytime running lights .............66
flash to pass ..............................66
high beam .................................63
replacing bulbs .........................71
turning on and off ....................62
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...........................51, 54, 57
Homelink wireless control
system ........................................101
Hood ..........................................329
I
Ignition ...............................235, 372
Index
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O
Octane rating ............................349
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................333
Overdrive ...................................253
P
Parental MyKey
programming .............................109
Parking brake ............................244
Parts
(see Motorcraftparts) ...........367
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................159
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................87
Power adjustable foot
pedals .....................................87–88
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................287
Power door locks ......................115
Power mirrors .............................86
Power point .................................82
Power steering ..........................250
fluid, checking and adding ....357
fluid, refill capacity ................368
fluid, specifications .................368
Power Windows ...........................83
Power windows
opening using remote entry
system .....................................123
Push button start system .........238
R
Radio ............................................326-CD in dash .............................32
Rear heated seats .....................156
Rear-view camera system .........260
Recommendations for
attaching safety restraints for
children ......................................188
Relays ........................................282
Remote entry system .......121–122
illuminated entry ............127–128
locking/unlocking
doors ................................122–123
opening the trunk ...................124
opening the windows .............123
panic alarm .............................124
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................127
replacing the batteries ...........125
Reverse sensing system ...........258
Roadside assistance ..................280
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..160, 162–163, 165–166
Safety Canopy ...........................182
Safety defects, reporting ..........319
Safety
restraints ...160, 162–163, 165–166
Belt-Minder...........................167
extension assembly ................165
for adults .................162–163, 165
for children .............................186
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................159
warning light and chime ........166
Safety restraints - LATCH
anchors ......................................194
Safety seats for children ..........190
Index
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Owners Guide, 1st Printing
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