parking brake FORD TAURUS X 2008 1.G User Guide

•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 X(219)
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Driving
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Stopping and securing the vehicle
1. Park on a level surface, set the
parking brake and activate hazard
flashers.
2. Place gearshift lever in P (Park)
and turn engine off.
Removing the spare tire and jack
If the 3rd row seat (if equipped) is stowed in the floor, you will need to
unstow it to access the spare tire and jack. Refer toUnstowing the 3rd
row seatin theSeating and Safety Restraintchapter for this
procedure.
1. Remove the carpeted floor panel
located in the rear of the vehicle,
remove the wing nut that secures
the spare tire by turning it
counterclockwise.
2. Lift and remove the spare tire
from the trunk.
3. Remove the second wing nut that
secures the jack retention bracket
by turning it counterclockwise,
remove the jack kit from the
vehicle.
4. Remove the jack and the wrench
from the felt bag. Fold down the
wrench socket to use to loosen the
lug nuts and to operate the jack.
2008 Taurus X(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Roadside Emergencies
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Tire change procedure
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the transaxle
alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the
jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park).
To help prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire,
be sure to place the transaxle in P (Park), set the parking brake
and block (in both directions) the wheel that is diagonally opposite
(other side and end of the vehicle) to the tire being changed.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be
seriously injured.
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close
to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the
danger of being hit when operating the jack or changing the wheel.
1. Block the diagonally opposite
wheel.
2. Remove wheel cover (if
equipped) with the lug wrench tip
and loosen each wheel lug nut
one-half turn counterclockwise but
do not remove them until the wheel
is raised off the ground.
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Note:Inspect the wheel pilot hole
prior to installation. If there is
visible corrosion in wheel pilot hole,
remove loose particles by wiping
with clean rag and apply grease.
Apply grease only to the wheel pilot
hole surface by smearing a “dime”
(1 square cm) sized glob of grease
around the wheel pilot surface (1)
with end of finger. DO NOT apply
grease to lugnut/stud holes or
wheel-to-brake surfaces.
JUMP STARTING
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes and
clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your automatic transmission
vehicle. Automatic transmissions do not have push-start
capability. Attempting to push-start a vehicle with an automatic
transmission may cause transmission damage.
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
automatic transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the
transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation.
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
2008 Taurus X(219)
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Roadside Emergencies
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SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle, we providescheduled maintenance
informationwhich makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your authorized dealer can
provide the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guideto
find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burning (cigarettes) material away
from the battery and all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or personal burn
injuries, do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the engine is running.
2008 Taurus X(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Maintenance and Specifications
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To replace the wiper blade:
1. Lift and hold the wiper blade off
the glass.
2. Press the release tab to unlock
wiper blade from wiper arm.
3. Pull the wiper blade toward the
base of the wiper arm and remove it
from the arm.
4. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level dipstick.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully, then remove it again.
2008 Taurus X(219)
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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.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds.Wash hands after handling.
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. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Release the parking brake. With your foot on the brake pedal and with
the A/C on, put the vehicle in D (Drive) and allow the engine to idle for
at least one minute.
7. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 km) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and radio settings must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
2008 Taurus X(219)
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BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range the performance of the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
TRANSAXLE FLUID
Checking automatic transaxle fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes.Your transaxle does not consume
fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not
working properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
2008 Taurus X(219)
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A
Accessory delay ........................103
AdvanceTrac ..............................248
Air cleaner filter ...............332–333
Air conditioning ........76, 78, 80, 82
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................180–181, 189, 191
and child safety seats ............182
description ..............181, 189, 191
disposal ....................................194
driver airbag ............183, 190, 192
indicator light .................189, 194
operation .................183, 190, 192
passenger airbag .....183, 190, 192
side airbag ...............................189
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................258
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................313
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................246
Anti-theft system ..............147, 150
arming the system ..................150
disarming a triggered
system .....................................151
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................16, 20, 28
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................330
fluid, checking ........................330
fluid, refill capacities ..............334
fluid, specification ..................334
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................253
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....36
B
Battery .......................................311acid, treating emergencies .....311
jumping a disabled battery ....281
maintenance-free ....................311
replacement, specifications ...333
servicing ..................................311
Belt-Minder.............................175
Booster seats .............................195
Brakes ........................................246
anti-lock ...................................246
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................246
fluid, checking and adding ....330
fluid, refill capacities ..............334
fluid, specifications .................334
lubricant specifications ..........334
parking ....................................247
shift interlock ..........................252
Bulbs ............................................91
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....334
Cargo cover ...............................129
Cargo net ...................................129
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................273
Child safety restraints ..............195
child safety belts ....................195
Child safety seats ......................199
in front seat ............................200
in rear seat ..............................200
tether anchorage hardware ...203
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................195
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............298
instrument panel ....................300
interior .....................................300
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
341

autolock ...................................133
keypad .....................................145
locking and unlocking doors ..146
programming entry code .......145
Keys ...................................131, 148
positions of the ignition .........241
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................87
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................92
daytime running light ...............89
fog lamps ...................................88
headlamps .................................87
headlamps, flash to pass ..........88
instrument panel, dimming .....89
interior lamps .....................91–92
replacing bulbs ...................92, 95
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................91
Liftgate ......................125, 129, 140
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........246
Load limits .................................231
Locks
autolock ...................................133
childproof ................................136
doors ........................................132
Lubricant specifications ...........334
Lug nuts ....................................280
Luggage rack .............................130
Lumbar support, seats .............154
M
Message center .........................116
english/metric button .............121system check button ..............120
warning messages ...................123
Mirrors ...............................103–104
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ......................................103
fold away .................................105
heated ......................................105
programmable memory ..........140
side view mirrors (power) .....104
Moon roof ..................................111
Motorcraft parts ........302, 317, 333
N
Navigation system .......................73
O
Octane rating ............................322
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................308
Overdrive ...................................253
P
Parking brake ............................247
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....333
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................168
Power adjustable foot pedals ...105
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................270
Power door locks ......................132
Power liftgate ............................125
Power mirrors ...........................104
Power point ...............................100
Power steering ..........................251
fluid, checking and adding ....329
2008 Taurus X(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
344