Page 298 of 369
301 [SV31800(ALL)04/95]
3.0L Vulcan engine:
%*
[SV31900(ALL)03/94]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
*
[SV32100(ALL)07/94]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the FULL HOT range.
Do not overfill.
[SV32150(ALL)02/95]
half page art:0000311-C
Dipstick for power steering fluid (3.0L Vulcan)
*
[SV32175(ALL)03/95]
6. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
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Page 309 of 369
312 [SV36250(ALL)04/95]
fourteen pica chart:0001468-A
*
[SV36300(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has
the specified amperage rating. Using a
fuse with a higher amperage rating can
cause severe wire damage and could start
a fire.
[SV36400(ALL)11/94]
5. Put the cover back on.
*
[SV36600(ALL)01/95]
Even after you replace a fuse, it will continue to
blow if you do not find what caused the
overload. If the fuse continues to blow, have
your electrical system checked.
*
[SV37500(ALL)03/95]
The Lights
*
[SV37600(ALL)01/95]
It is a good idea to check the operation of the
following lights frequently:
*
[SV37700(ALL)01/95]
q
headlamps
*
[SV37800(ALL)01/95]
q
tail lamps
*
[SV37900(ALL)01/95]
q
brakelamps
*
[SV37950(ALL)02/95]
q
high-mount brakelamp
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![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 313
*
[SV38000(ALL)01/95]
q
hazard flasher
*
[SV38100(ALL)01/95]
q
turn signals
*
[SV38200(ALL)01/95]
q
side markers
*
[SV38300(ALL)01/95]
q
license plate lamp
%*
[SV38400(ALL)01/95]
The alignment of FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 313
*
[SV38000(ALL)01/95]
q
hazard flasher
*
[SV38100(ALL)01/95]
q
turn signals
*
[SV38200(ALL)01/95]
q
side markers
*
[SV38300(ALL)01/95]
q
license plate lamp
%*
[SV38400(ALL)01/95]
The alignment of](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-309.png)
313
*
[SV38000(ALL)01/95]
q
hazard flasher
*
[SV38100(ALL)01/95]
q
turn signals
*
[SV38200(ALL)01/95]
q
side markers
*
[SV38300(ALL)01/95]
q
license plate lamp
%*
[SV38400(ALL)01/95]
The alignment of your headlamps should be
checked if:
*
[SV38500(ALL)01/95]
q
oncoming motorists frequently signal you to
turn off your vehicle's high beams when you
do not have the high beams on
*
[SV38600(ALL)01/95]
q
the headlamps do not seem to give you
enough light to see clearly at night
*
[SV38700(ALL)11/92]
q
the headlamps are not aligned so that they
point slightly down and to the right.
%*
[SV38800(ALL)03/95]
Replacing the Headlamp Bulb
*
[SV38900(ALL)01/95]
The headlamps on your vehicle use replaceable
bulbs. When the lamp burns out, simply replace
the bulb, rather than the whole lamp.
*
[SV39000(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully
and keep out of children's reach. Grasp
the bulb only by its plastic base and do
not touch the glass. The oil from your
hand could cause the bulb to break the
next time the headlamps are operated.
*
[SV39100(ALL)01/95]
Do not remove the burned-out bulb unless you
can immediately replace it with a new one. If a
bulb is removed for an extended period of time,
contaminants may enter the headlamp housing
and affect its performance.
File:15fcsvt.ex
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Page 321 of 369

324should be equivalent to genuine Ford Motor
Company parts in performance and durability. It
is the owner's responsibility to determine the
equivalency of such parts. Please consult your
warranty booklet for complete warranty
information.
*
[SV41800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
[SV41900(ALL)04/95]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charging system warning
light, the service engine soon light, or the
temperature warning light. These sometimes
indicate that the emissions system is not
working properly.
*
[SV42000(ALL)01/95]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[SV42100(ALL)01/95]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or
supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device
or prevent it from working. In some of the
United States and in Canada, vehicle owners
may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
*
[SV42200(ALL)02/92]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you
service your vehicle. If the metal collector
contacts any of your vehicle's plastic trim or
bumper parts they could melt or deform.
File:15fcsvt.ex
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![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 331
%*
[SV44000(ALL)01/95]
Vehicle Storage
*
[SV44100(ALL)01/95]
Maintenance Tips
*
[SV44150(ALL)01/95]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
to t FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 331
%*
[SV44000(ALL)01/95]
Vehicle Storage
*
[SV44100(ALL)01/95]
Maintenance Tips
*
[SV44150(ALL)01/95]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
to t](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-327.png)
331
%*
[SV44000(ALL)01/95]
Vehicle Storage
*
[SV44100(ALL)01/95]
Maintenance Tips
*
[SV44150(ALL)01/95]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
*
[SV44200(ALL)01/95]
General
*
[SV44300(ALL)01/95]
q
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[SV44400(ALL)01/95]
q
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[SV44500(ALL)01/95]
q
If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust
and damage.
*
[SV44600(ALL)01/95]
Body
*
[SV44700(ALL)01/95]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[SV44800(ALL)01/95]
q
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations.
*
[SV44900(ALL)01/95]
q
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent
rust.
*
[SV45000(ALL)01/95]
q
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.
[SV45100(ALL)04/95]
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk latches
with a light grade oil.
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![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 332 [SV45150(ALL)04/95]q
Lubricate trunk lid or wagon liftgate hinges
with a light grade oil. (Do not lubricate hood
and door hinges.)
*
[SV45200(ALL)01/95]
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fadin FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 332 [SV45150(ALL)04/95]q
Lubricate trunk lid or wagon liftgate hinges
with a light grade oil. (Do not lubricate hood
and door hinges.)
*
[SV45200(ALL)01/95]
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fadin](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-328.png)
332 [SV45150(ALL)04/95]q
Lubricate trunk lid or wagon liftgate hinges
with a light grade oil. (Do not lubricate hood
and door hinges.)
*
[SV45200(ALL)01/95]
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[SV45300(ALL)01/95]
q
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
%*
[SV45350(ALL)01/95]
Engine
*
[SV45400(ALL)01/95]
q
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle
until it reaches normal operating temperature.
*
[SV45500(ALL)01/95]
q
With your foot on the brake, shift through all
the gears while the engine is running.
%*
[SV45600(ALL)01/95]
Fuel system
%*
[SV45700(ALL)07/94]
q
Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel
pump nozzle.
*
[SV45900(ALL)03/95]
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle
storage (60 days or more), fuel may
deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in
the fuel system and may also clog
small orifices.
*
[SV46000(ALL)01/95]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever
actual or expected storage periods exceed 60
days. Follow the instructions on the label. The
vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to
circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
*
[SV46100(ALL)01/95]
A volatile corrosion inhibitor added to the fuel
system will protect the fuel system's inner
surfaces from corrosion. Follow the instructions
packaged with the product.
File:15fcsvt.ex
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![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 333 %
*
[SV46200(ALL)01/95]
Cooling system
*
[SV46300(ALL)01/95]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[SV46400(ALL)01/95]
Battery
*
[SV46500(ALL)01/95]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[SV4 FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 333 %
*
[SV46200(ALL)01/95]
Cooling system
*
[SV46300(ALL)01/95]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[SV46400(ALL)01/95]
Battery
*
[SV46500(ALL)01/95]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[SV4](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-329.png)
333 %
*
[SV46200(ALL)01/95]
Cooling system
*
[SV46300(ALL)01/95]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[SV46400(ALL)01/95]
Battery
*
[SV46500(ALL)01/95]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[SV46600(ALL)01/95]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
%*
[SV46650(ALL)02/95]
q
If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days
without recharging the battery, 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 any memory features (eg.
radio presets).
%*
[SV46700(ALL)01/95]
Brakes
*
[SV46800(ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully
released.
%*
[SV46900(ALL)01/95]
Tires
*
[SV47000(ALL)05/95]
q
Maintain recommended air pressure.
*
[SV47100(ALL)01/95]
Miscellaneous
*
[SV47200(ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and
clevis pins under vehicle are covered with
grease to prevent rust.
*
[SV47300(ALL)05/95]
q
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (10 m) every 15
days to lubricate working parts to prevent
corrosion.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
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Page 347 of 369

Index 357
Index
A
ABS warning light
(see Anti-lock brake system)....... 81
Accessory position on the ignition..... 59
Additives, engine oil.......... 273
Air bag supplemental
restraint system............. 23
and child safety seats........ 26,33
description............... 23
disposal................ 31
driver air bag............. 23
indicator light............. 77
operation............... 27
passenger air bag............ 23
proper seating............. 24
service and information labels...... 27
tone generator............. 30
wearing safety belts........... 24
Air cleaner filter
location............... 260
replacing............... 296
specifications............. 329
Air conditioning
electronic automatic temperature
control system............ 95
manual heating and air
conditioning system......... 93
Alarm, activating remote personal.... 135
Antenna, radio
(see Electronic sound system)..... 176
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 276
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description.............. 203
see also Brake............ 202
warning light.............. 81
File:fcixt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:18:16 1996
ProCarManuals.com