check engine light FORD TAURUS 2013 6.G User Guide

•The service engine soon indicator will illuminate.
•The coolant temperature warning light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine will
automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
WARNING:Fail-safe mode is for use during emergencies only.
Operate the vehicle in fail-safe mode only as long as necessary to
bring the vehicle to rest in a safe location and seek immediate repairs.
When in fail-safe mode, the vehicle will have limited power, will not be
able to maintain high-speed operation, and may completely shut down
without warning, potentially losing engine power, power steering assist,
and power brake assist, which may increase the possibility of a crash
resulting in serious injury.
Maintenance291
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Additives and Chemicals
Ford Motor Company recommended additives and chemicals are listed in
this book and in theWorkshop Manual.Additional chemicals or
additives not approved by Ford and are not recommended as part of
normal maintenance. Please consult yourWarranty Manualfor
complete warranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic
and, by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid
needs to be changed. However, discolored fluids that also show signs of
overheating and/or foreign material contamination should be inspected
immediately by a qualified expert such as the factory-trained technicians
at your dealership. Your vehicle’s oils and fluids should be changed at the
specified intervals or in conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viable
way to change fluid for many vehicle sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are flushed only with new fluid
that is the same as that required to fill and operate the system, or using
a Ford-approved flushing chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
every month or at six months intervals.
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
372Scheduled Maintenance
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EXCEPTIONS
There are several exceptions to the Normal Schedule. They are listed
below:
Normal vehicle axle maintenance:Rear axles and power take-off
(PTO) units with synthetic fluid and light-duty trucks equipped with
Ford-design axles are lubricated for life; do not check or change fluid
unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the assembly has been
submerged in water. During long periods of trailer towing with outside
temperatures above 70°F (21°C) and at wide-open throttle for long
periods above 45 mph (72 km/h), non-synthetic rear axle fluids should be
changed every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or three months, whichever comes
first. This interval can be waived if the axle is filled with 75W140
synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part
number F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent. Add friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles (refer toTechnical specificationsin theCapacities and
Specificationschapter for details).
Police/Taxi/Livery vehicle axle maintenance:Change rear axle fluid
every 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Rear axle fluid change may be waived
if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford
specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number FITZ-19580-B or equivalent.
Add four ounces (118 mL) of additive friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles. The axle fluid should be changed anytime the axle has been
submerged in water
California fuel filter replacement:If the vehicle is registered in
California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however, urges you to have all
recommended maintenance services performed at the specified intervals
and to record all vehicle service.
Class A Motorhome:Change brake fluid every two years.
Hot climate oil change intervals:Vehicles operating in the Middle
East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with similar climates
using an American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified for Gasoline
Engines (Certification mark) oil of SM or SN quality, the normal oil
change interval is 5,000 miles (8,000 km).
If the available API “SM” or “SN” oils are not available, then the oil
change service interval is 3,000 mile (4,800 km).
Scheduled Maintenance387
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Brakes ........................................ 204
anti-lock ................................... 205
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ........................... 205
brake warning light ................ 205
fluid, checking and adding .... 297
fluid, refill capacities .............. 356
fluid, specifications ................. 356
lubricant specifications .......... 356
parking .................................... 205
shift interlock .......................... 195
trailer ....................................... 249
C
Capacities for refilling fluids .... 356
Cargo net ................................... 240
CD .............................. 130, 134, 136
CD player .......................... 128, 463
CD voice commands ................. 464
Cell phone use ............................ 16
Changing a tire ......................... 339
Child safety restraints .......... 28, 30
Child safety seats
attaching with tether straps .... 30
automatic locking mode
(retractor) ................................. 36
LATCH ....................................... 28
Child safety seats - booster
seats ............................................. 23
Cleaning the touchscreen ........ 438
Cleaning your vehicle ............... 309
engine compartment .............. 311
instrument panel .................... 313
interior ..................................... 312
plastic parts ............................ 310
washing .................................... 309
waxing ..................................... 311wheels ...................................... 314
wiper blades ............................ 312
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) .......... 142
Climate voice commands ......... 503
Clock .................................. 130, 492
Collision Warning System ......... 234
Compass Display ....................... 112
Console ...................................... 174
overhead .................................. 175
Coolant
checking and adding .............. 287
refill capacities ........................ 356
specifications .......................... 356
Cross Traffic Alert .................... 229
Cruise control ........................... 220
Cupholder(s) ............................. 166
Customer Assistance ................ 257
Ford Extended Service
Plan .................................. 366, 369
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada .............. 267
Getting roadside assistance ... 257
Getting the service you
need ......................................... 263
Ordering additional owner’s
literature ................................. 269
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ................................... 267
Customizing your home
screen ........................................ 437
D
Defrost ............... 142, 144, 146, 148
rear window ............................ 151
Index535
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