maintenance FORD TAURUS 2019 Owner's Guide

7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the
fluid level. The fluid should be in the
designated areas for normal operating
temperature.
Moving the Air Filter Assembly
(Accessing the Dipstick) WARNING: Do not start the engine
with the air filter removed. This can
cause damage not covered by the
vehicle Warranty and can result in
serious injury.
1. Switch the engine off. 2. Clean the area around the clamp that
connects the air filter assembly to the
rubber hose and then loosen it.
3. Remove the bolt cover. 4. Remove two bolts that attach the air
filter assembly to the front of the
vehicle.
5. Remove the harness retaining clip by pulling up.
6. Do not disconnect the sensor. 245
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201806, First-Printing MaintenanceE173335
2
3 E173334
654 E173400

7. Pull the air filter assembly up to
disconnect it from the seated
grommets located under the air filter
assembly.
8. Rotate the air filter assembly 90 degrees counterclockwise. Make sure
the rubber hose is still connected to the
air filter assembly.
9. Tighten the clamp.
You can now access the transmission fluid
level indicator.
Checking the Fluid Level
Low Fluid Level If the fluid level is below the MIN range of
the dipstick, add fluid to reach the hash
mark level.
Note: If the fluid level is below the
MIN
level, do not drive the vehicle. An underfill
condition may cause shift or engagement
concerns or possible damage.
Correct Fluid Level Check the transmission fluid at the normal
operating temperatures between 180°F
(82°C) and 200°F (93°C) on a level
surface. Drive your vehicle until you warm
it up to the normal operating temperature
after approximately
20 mi (30 km).
Target the transmission fluid level within
the cross-hatch area if at the normal
operating temperature between 180°F
(82°C) and 200°F (93°C).
High Fluid Level If the fluid level is above the MAX range of
the dipstick, remove fluid to reach the
hashmark level.
Note:
Fluid level above the
MAX level may
cause shift or engagement concerns or
possible damage. An overheating condition
can cause high fluid levels. If you operate
your vehicle for an extended period at high
speeds, in city traffic during hot weather or
pulling a trailer, you should switch your
vehicle off until your vehicle reaches normal
operating temperatures. Depending on
vehicle use, cooling times could take up to
30 minutes or longer.
246
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201806, First-Printing MaintenanceE158842 E158843 E158844

Adjusting Automatic Transmission Fluid
Levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the
correct type is used. The type of fluid is
normally indicated on the dipstick. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
293).
Note: An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift or engagement
concerns or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission
fluid additives, treatments or cleaning
agents. The use of these materials may
affect transmission operation and result
in damage to internal transmission
components. Reinstall the air filter
assembly. After you check the fluid level
and adjust as necessary, do the following:
1. Switch the engine off.
2. Loosen the clamp holding the air filter assembly to the rubber hose.
3. Seat the air filter assembly back into the grommets by pushing down on the
air filter assembly.
4. Tighten the clamp. 5. Install and tighten the two bolts that
attach the air filter assembly to the
front of the vehicle.
6. Install the bolt cover.
7. Reinstall the harness retaining clip into
the front of the air filter assembly.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK WARNING:
Do not use any fluid
other than the recommended brake fluid
as this will reduce brake efficiency. Use
of incorrect fluid could result in the loss
of vehicle control, serious personal injury
or death. WARNING:
Only use brake fluid
from a sealed container. Contamination
with dirt, water, petroleum products or
other materials may result in brake
system damage or failure. Failure to
adhere to this warning could result in the
loss of vehicle control, serious personal
injury or death. WARNING:
Do not allow the fluid
to touch your skin or eyes. If this
happens, rinse the affected areas
immediately with plenty of water and
contact your physician. WARNING:
A fluid level between
the MAX and MIN lines is within the
normal operating range and there is no
need to add fluid. A fluid level not in the
normal operating range could
compromise the performance of the
system. Have your vehicle checked
immediately.
247
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201806, First-Printing MaintenanceE158845 E158846

To avoid fluid contamination, the reservoir
cap must remain in place and fully tight,
unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets Ford
specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 293).
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric
power steering (EPS) system. There is no
fluid reservoir to check or fill.
WASHER FLUID CHECK WARNING:
If you operate your
vehicle in temperatures below 40°F
(5°C), use washer fluid with antifreeze
protection. Failure to use washer fluid
with antifreeze protection in cold
weather could result in impaired
windshield vision and increase the risk
of injury or accident. Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is
low. Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 293).
State or local regulations on volatile
organic compounds may restrict the use
of methanol, a common windshield washer
antifreeze additive. Washer fluids
containing non-methanol antifreeze
agents should be used only if they provide
cold weather protection without damaging
the vehicle ’s paint finish, wiper blades or
washer system.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime
fuel filter that is integrated with the fuel
tank. Regular maintenance or replacement
is not needed.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY WARNING:
Batteries normally
produce explosive gases which can
cause personal injury. Therefore, do not
allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery.
When working near the battery, always
shield your face and protect your eyes.
Always provide correct ventilation. WARNING:
When lifting a
plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure
on the end walls could cause acid to flow
through the vent caps, resulting in
personal injury and damage to the
vehicle or battery. Lift the battery with a
battery carrier or with your hands on
opposite corners.
248
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201806, First-Printing MaintenanceE170684

WARNING: Keep batteries out of
reach of children. Batteries contain
sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin,
eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes when
working near the battery to protect
against possible splashing of acid
solution. In case of acid contact with skin
or eyes, flush immediately with water for
a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed,
call a physician immediately. WARNING:
Battery posts,
terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash your hands
after handling
. WARNING: This vehicle may have
more than one battery. Removing the
battery cables from only one battery
does not disconnect your vehicle
electrical system. Make sure you
disconnect the battery cables from all
batteries when disconnecting power.
Failure to do so may cause serious
personal injury or property damage.
Your vehicle is fitted with a Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery which normally
does not require additional water.
When a battery replacement is required,
you must use a recommended
replacement battery that matches the
electrical requirements of the vehicle.
Note: After cleaning or replacing the
battery, make sure you reinstall the battery
cover or shield. Note:
If you add electrical accessories or
components to the vehicle, it may adversely
affect the low voltage battery performance
and durability. This may also affect the
performance of other electrical systems in
the vehicle.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the
top of the battery clean and dry.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or
terminals, remove the cables from the
terminals and clean with a wire brush. You
can neutralize the acid with a solution of
baking soda and water.
Because your vehicle ’s engine is
electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained
by power from the battery. When the
battery is disconnected or a new battery
is installed, the engine must relearn its idle
and fuel trim strategy for optimum
driveability and performance. Flexible fuel
vehicles (FFV) must also relearn the
ethanol content of the fuel for optimum
driveability and performance.
To restore the settings, do the following:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
3. Switch off all accessories.
4. Press the brake pedal and start your vehicle.
5. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature. While the
engine is warming up, complete the
following: Reset the clock. Reset the
power windows bounce-back feature.
See Windows and Mirrors (page 74).
Reset the radio station presets. See
Audio System
(page 308).
6. Allow the engine to idle for at least one
minute.
7. Drive the vehicle at least 10 mi (16 km)
to completely relearn the idle trim and
fuel trim strategy.
249
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201806, First-Printing Maintenance

Note:
If you do not allow the engine to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy, the
idle quality of your vehicle may be adversely
affected until the engine computer
eventually relearns the idle trim and fuel
trim strategy.
Note: For flexible fuel vehicles, if you are
operating on E85, you may experience poor
starts or an inability to start the engine and
driveability problems until the fuel trim and
ethanol content have been relearned.
Make sure that you dispose of old batteries
in an environmentally friendly way. Seek
advice from your local authority about
recycling old batteries.
If storing your vehicle for more than 30
days without recharging the battery, we
recommend that you disconnect the
negative battery cable to maintain battery
charge for quick starting.
Battery Management System (If
Equipped)
The battery management system monitors
battery conditions and takes actions to
extend battery life. If excessive battery
drain is detected, the system temporarily
disables some electrical systems to
protect the battery.
Systems included are:
• Heated rear window.
• Heated seats.
• Climate control.
• Heated steering wheel.
• Audio unit.
• Navigation system.
A message may appear in the information
displays to alert you that battery
protection actions are active. These
messages are only for notification that an
action is taking place, and not intended to
indicate an electrical problem or that the
battery requires replacement. After battery replacement, or in some
cases after charging the battery with an
external charger, the battery management
system requires eight hours of vehicle sleep
time to relearn the battery state of charge.
During this time your vehicle must remain
fully locked with the ignition switched off.
Note:
Prior to relearning the battery state
of charge, the battery management system
may temporarily disable some electrical
systems.
Electrical Accessory Installation
To make sure the battery management
system works correctly, do not connect an
electrical device ground connection
directly to the battery negative post. This
can cause inaccurate measurements of
the battery condition and potential
incorrect system operation.
Note: If you add electrical accessories or
components to the vehicle, it may adversely
affect battery performance and durability.
This may also affect the performance of
other electrical systems in the vehicle.
CHECKING THE WIPER
BLADES Run the tip of your fingers over the edge of
the blade to check for roughness.
Clean the wiper blades with washer fluid
or water applied with a soft sponge or
cloth.
250
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201806, First-Printing MaintenanceE142463

CHANGING THE WIPER
BLADES
Replace the wiper blades at least annually
for optimum performance.
You can improve poor wiper quality by
cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield. See Cleaning the Windows
and Wiper Blades (page 257).
Changing the Windshield Wiper
Blades
Note: Do not hold the wiper blade when
lifting the wiper arm.
Note: Make sure that the wiper arm does
not spring back against the glass when the
wiper blade is not attached. 1. Lift the wiper arm and then press the
wiper blade locking buttons together.
2. Slightly rotate the wiper blade.
3. Remove the wiper blade.
4. Install in the reverse order.
Note: Make sure that the wiper blade locks
into place. ADJUSTING THE HEADLAMPS
Vertical Aim Adjustment
The headlamps on your vehicle are
properly aimed at the assembly plant. If
your vehicle has been in an accident, have
the alignment of your headlamps checked
by your authorized dealer.
Headlamp Aiming Target
8 feet (2.4 meters)
A
Center height of lamp to ground
B
25 feet (7.6 meters)
C
Horizontal reference line
D
Vertical Aim Adjustment
1. Park the vehicle directly in front of a wall or screen on a level surface,
approximately
25 ft (7.6 m) away.
2. Measure the height from the center of your headlamp indicated by a 3.0
millimeter circle on the lens to the
ground and mark an
8 ft (2.4 m)
horizontal reference line on the vertical
wall or screen at this height (a piece of
masking tape works well).
Note: To see a clearer light pattern for
adjusting, you may want to block the light
from one headlamp while adjusting the
other.
251
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201806, First-Printing MaintenanceE129990
1
1 2 E142592

3. Turn on the low beam headlamps to
illuminate the wall or screen and open
the hood. Cover one of the headlamps
so no light hits the wall. 4.
There is a distinct cut-off (change from
light to dark) in the left portion of the
beam pattern. Position the top edge of
this cut-off 2 in (5 cm) below the
horizontal reference line. 5. Locate the vertical adjuster on each
headlamp. Use a Phillips #2
screwdriver to turn the adjuster either
clockwise or counterclockwise to
adjust the vertical aim of the
headlamp. The horizontal edge of the
brighter light should touch the
horizontal reference line.
6. Repeat Steps 3 through 7 to adjust the
other headlamp.
7. Close the hood and turn off the lamps. Horizontal Aim Adjustment
Horizontal aim is not required for this
vehicle and is not adjustable.
CHANGING A BULB
WARNING: Bulbs can become hot.
Let the bulb cool down before removing
it. Failure to do so could result in
personal injury. WARNING:
Switch the lamps and
the ignition off. Failure to follow this
warning could result in serious personal
injury.
Use the correct specification bulb. See
Bulb Specification Chart
(page 307).
Install in the reverse order unless otherwise
stated.
High-Intensity Discharge
Headlamps
These lamps operate at a high voltage.
See an authorized dealer if they fail.
Front Fog Lamp
(If Equipped) 1.
Switch all of the lamps and the ignition
off.
252
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201806, First-Printing MaintenanceE142465 E167359 E163826

2. Disconnect the electrical connector.
3.
Turn the bulb holder counterclockwise
and remove it.
Note: Do not touch the bulb glass.
Note: You cannot separate the bulb from
the bulb holder.
LED Lamps
LED lamps are not serviceable items. See
an authorized dealer if they fail.
The following lamps are LED:
• Front parking lamps.
• Front side marker lamps.
• Front direction indicators.
• Side direction indicators.
• Brake and rear lamps.
• Central high mounted brake lamp.
• Rear direction indicators.
• Reversing lamps.
License Plate Lamp
1. Switch all of the lamps and the ignition
off. 2. Remove the screws that secure the
lamp assembly. 3. Remove the bulb.
CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER
WARNING: Do not start the engine
with the air cleaner removed. This can
cause damage not covered by the
vehicle Warranty and can result in
serious injury.
When changing the air filter element, use
only the air filter element listed. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
293).
For vehicles with EcoBoost engines, when
servicing the air cleaner, it is important that
no foreign material enters the air induction
system. The engine and turbocharger are
susceptible to damage from even small
particles.
Change the air filter element at the correct
interval. See
Scheduled Maintenance
(page 442).
Note: Failure to use the correct air filter
element may result in severe engine
damage. Resulting component damage
may not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
To replace the air filter element do the
following:
253
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201806, First-Printing MaintenanceE178598 E178599

1. Switch the ignition off.
2. Remove the clips that secure the air
filter housing cover.
3. Carefully lift the air filter housing cover.
4. Remove the air filter element from the
air filter housing.
5. Wipe any dirt or debris from the air filter
housing and cover to make sure no dirt
gets in the engine and that you have a
good seal.
6. Install a new air filter element.
7. Install the air filter housing cover. Be careful not to crimp the filter element
edges between the air filter housing
and cover. This could cause filter
damage and allow unfiltered air to
enter the engine if it is not properly
seated.
8. Engage the clips to secure the air filter housing cover to the air filter housing.
254
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201806, First-Printing MaintenanceE173520