1996 FORD TAURUS 255

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[PI00560(ALL)05/95]
Table of ContentsIntroductory Information .............................1
Safety Restraints ............................................9
Starting Your Taurus ..................................59
Warning Lights and Gauges .....................71
Instrument Panel Controls ........................91
Steering Column Controls ......................115
Features ........................................................125
Electronic Sound Systems .......................169
Driving Your Taurus ................................191
Roadside Emergencies ..............................217
Customer Assistance .................................237
Reporting Safety Defects .........................244
Accessories ..................................................249
Servicing Your Taurus .............................255
Quick Index ................................................341
Index .............................................................357
Service Station Information ....................380
File:01fcpit.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:39:52 1996
ProCarManuals.com

26 %
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[SR16250(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
When using forward-facing child seats
move the passenger seat as far back from
the instrument panel as possible. NEVER
SECURE REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS
IN THE FRONT SEAT.
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[SR16255(ALL)11/95]
The force of the rapidly inflating passenger air
bag could push the top of the rear-facing seat
against the vehicle seatback, armrests or console.
Rear-facing infant seats must always be secured
in the rear seat.
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[SR16300(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Do not place objects or mount equipment
on or near the air bag cover on the
steering wheel or in front seat areas that
may come in contact with a deploying air
bag. Failure to follow this instruction may
increase the risk of personal injury in the
event of a collision.
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[SR16350(ALL)07/95]
For further information about the proper
mounting of equipment in the front seat of this
vehicle, please refer to Ford's brochure entitled
Some Important Information About Air Bag
Supplemental Restraint Systemwhich can be
obtained by calling Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356.
Ask for brochure FPS-8602.
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[SR16400(ALL)08/95]
For additional important safety information on
the proper use of seat belts, child seats, and
infant seats, please read the other sections of this
chapter of the Owner Guide, especially sections
entitledSafety Belts for ChildrenandSafety Seats
for Children.
File:03fcsrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:18 1996
ProCarManuals.com

43
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[SR24750(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
Carefully follow all of the manufacturer's
instructions included with the safety seat
you put in your vehicle. If you do not
install and use the safety seat properly,
the child may be injured in a sudden stop
or collision.
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Attaching Safety Seats With Tether Straps
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[SR24950(ALL)06/95]
Some manufacturers make safety seats that
include a tether strap that goes over the back of
the vehicle seat and attaches to an anchoring
point. Other manufacturers offer the tether strap
as an accessory. Contact the manufacturer of
your child safety seat for information about
ordering a tether strap.
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[SR25050(ALL)08/95]
Front Seats
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[SR25150(ALL)08/95]
To install a tether from a child safety seat in the
front seat:
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1. Buckle the lap/shoulder belt (in the seat
directly behind the front passenger seat in
which the child safety seat will be installed).
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[SR25350(ALL)07/95]
2. Pull all the stored belt out of the rear seat
retractor to switch the retractor to automatic
locking mode.
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[SR25375(ALL)08/95]
3. Let the retractor wind up the slack from the
lap/shoulder belt.
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[SR25425(ALL)08/95]
4. Install the child safety seat in the front seat.
Refer to the previous section onInstalling
Safety Seats. Hook the tether strap hook
around the webbing near the center of the
shoulder portion of the locked lap/shoulder
belt.
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[SR25525(ALL)08/95]
5. Tighten the tether strap.
File:03fcsrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:18 1996
ProCarManuals.com

44
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Rear Seats
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If you use a tethered safety seat on one of the
rear seats, you can anchor the strap to the
appropriate tether anchor directly behind that
seat position.
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[SR25725(ALL)06/95]
Tether anchorage hardware
[SR25800(ALL)06/95]
Attachment holes (at each rear outboard seating
position) have been provided in your vehicle to
attach anchor hardware, if required. Kits can be
obtained at no charge from any Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
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[SR26100(ALL)06/95]
Be sure to follow the child safety seat
manufacturer's instructions.
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[SR26500(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Tighten the anchor according to
specifications. Otherwise, the safety seat
may not be properly secured and the child
may be injured in a sudden stop or
collision.
[SR26600(ALL)04/95]
In a station wagon, you simply attach the tether
strap to one of the anchors that are already
installed for you.
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[SR26615(ALL)06/95]
Tether anchorage hardware
[SR26630(ALL)04/95]
All wagons have a tether anchor installed for
each of the second row seating positions.
File:03fcsrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:18 1996
ProCarManuals.com

73
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Indicator Lights and Chimes
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Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime
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This warning light and chime remind you to
fasten your safety belt. The following conditions
will take place:
[LG02550(ALL)12/95]
q
If the driver's safety belt is not buckled when
the key is turned to the ON position, the
light will activate for 1 to 2 minutes and the
chime will sound for 4 to 8 seconds.
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[LG02600(ALL)03/95]
q
If the driver's safety belt is buckled while the
light is on or the chime is sounding, both the
light and the chime will turn off.
[LG02650(ALL)12/95]
q
If the driver's safety belt is buckled before the
key is turned to the ON position, the light
will briefly activate, then shut off and the
chime will not activate.
[LG02700(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0000107-B
Safety belt warning light
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Brake System Warning Light
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[LG03000(ALL)03/95]
The warning light for the brakes can show two
things Ð that the parking brake is not fully
released, or that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by
your dealer or a qualified service technician.
File:05fclgt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:14:15 1996
ProCarManuals.com

238
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How to use Roadside Assistance
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[HS00250(ALL)06/94]
Your Roadside Assistance identification card can
be found in the Owner Guide portfolio in your
glove compartment. Complete the card and place
it in your wallet for quick reference.
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[HS00255(ALL)04/95]
To receive roadside assistance in the United
States call 1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call
1-800-665-2006).
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[HS00260(ALL)04/95]
Should you need to arrange for roadside
assistance yourself, Ford Motor Company will
reimburse the reasonable cost. To obtain
information about reimbursement call
1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
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[HS00300(ALL)01/95]
If You Have a Service Problem
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[HS00400(ALL)01/95]
Ford Motor Company has authorized Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealerships that can service
your vehicle for you. This chapter tells you how
to get service or maintenance for your vehicle.
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[HS00505(ALL)02/95]
Service/Maintenance Concerns
(U.S. or Canada)
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[HS00600(ALL)04/95]
Ford recommends taking your vehicle to your
selling dealer who wants to ensure your
continued satisfaction. You may, however, take
your vehicle to any authorized Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer. In most cases, your
dealer will be able to resolve your concern.
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[HS00700(ALL)04/95]
If you are not satisfied with the service you
received from your dealership's service
department, talk to the service manager at the
dealership, or if you still are not satisfied, talk to
the owner or general manager of the dealership.
In most cases, you will have your concern
resolved at this level.
File:13fchst.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 16:02:19 1996
ProCarManuals.com

255
Servicing Your Taurus
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Service Made Easy
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Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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[SV00500(ALL)01/95]
1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
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[SV00600(ALL)01/95]
2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
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[SV00700(ALL)01/95]
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We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
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[SV00800(ALL)01/95]
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When possible, we design parts Ð such as
the headlamp bulbs Ð that can be replaced
without tools.
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[SV00900(ALL)05/94]
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We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet.
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[SV01000(ALL)01/95]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
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[SV01100(ALL)03/95]
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, see
theCustomer Assistancechapter.
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[SV01200(ALL)03/95]
Check yourWarranty Information Bookletto find
out which parts are covered.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

257 [SV01850(ALL)10/95]
RWARNING
The cooling fans are automatic and may
come on at any time. Always disconnect
the negative terminal of the battery before
working near the fan.
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[SV01900(ALL)06/95]
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
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[SV02000(ALL)06/95]
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
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[SV02100(ALL)08/95]
q
Never get under a vehicle while it is
supported by a jack only. If you must work
under a vehicle, use safety stands.
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[SV02200(ALL)06/95]
q
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
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[SV02250(ALL)03/95]
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle
will drive properly. To find out how the engine
does this, seeBatteryin this chapter.
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[SV02550(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine off:
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[SV02600(ALL)03/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
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[SV02625(ALL)06/95]
2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
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[SV02650(ALL)06/95]
3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com