Page 254 of 369
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 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.
*
[SV01900(ALL)06/95]
q FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 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.
*
[SV01900(ALL)06/95]
q](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-253.png)
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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[SV02200(ALL)06/95]
q
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
*
[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.
*
[SV02550(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine off:
*
[SV02600(ALL)03/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
*
[SV02625(ALL)06/95]
2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
*
[SV02650(ALL)06/95]
3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
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258
*
[SV02700(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine on:
*
[SV02800(ALL)03/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
*
[SV02825(ALL)03/95]
2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[SV03000(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
%*
[SV03100(ALL)03/95]
Opening the Hood
%*
[SV03200(ALL)01/95]
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release
handle located under the bottom left corner
of the instrument panel.
%*
[SV03300(ALL)02/95]
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the
auxiliary latch that is located under the hood
at the center of the vehicle.
*
[SV03400(ALL)01/95]
3. Lift the hood until the lift cylinders hold it
open.
*
[SV03500(ALL)01/95]
Whenever you close the hood, latch it securely.
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Page 261 of 369
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 264 %
*
[SV05075(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[SV06000(ALL)07/95]
A clean engine is more efficient because the
engine is able to cool properly. A build up of
grease and dirt acts as an insulator, FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 264 %
*
[SV05075(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[SV06000(ALL)07/95]
A clean engine is more efficient because the
engine is able to cool properly. A build up of
grease and dirt acts as an insulator,](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-260.png)
264 %
*
[SV05075(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Engine
*
[SV06000(ALL)07/95]
A clean engine is more efficient because the
engine is able to cool properly. A build up of
grease and dirt acts as an insulator, keeping the
engine warmer than normal.
*
[SV06020(ALL)07/95]
q
Extreme care must be used if a power washer
is used to clean the engine. The high pressure
fluid could penetrate sealed parts and
assemblies causing damage or malfunctions.
*
[SV06040(ALL)08/95]
q
In order to avoid possible cracking of the
engine block or fuel injection pump, do not
spray a hot engine or injection pump with
cold water.
*
[SV06060(ALL)07/95]
q
The alternator, distributor and air intake must
be covered. Covering these components will
help prevent water damage.
*
[SV06080(ALL)04/95]
q
Never wash or rinse the engine while it is
running. Water getting into the engine may
cause internal damage.
%
*
[SV06100(ALL)03/95]
Filling the Fuel Tank
[SV06800(ALL)04/95]
1. Turn the engine off. After opening the fuel
door, remove the cap carefully and slowly
by turning it counterclockwise 1/4 turn until
it stops. Pull to remove the cap. A tether
attaches the cap to the fuel filler pipe.
[SV06825(ALL)04/95]
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Page 262 of 369
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 265 [SV06850(ALL)04/95]
RWARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If
the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the cap.
Otherwi FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 265 [SV06850(ALL)04/95]
RWARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If
the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the cap.
Otherwi](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-261.png)
265 [SV06850(ALL)04/95]
RWARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If
the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the cap.
Otherwise, fuel may spray out and injure
you or others.
*
[SV06900(ALL)05/95]
2. Make sure that you pump unleaded fuel and
put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel
filler pipe.
[SV06950(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: To help reduce early nozzle shutoffs
and fuel spillage, park your vehicle so
that the fuel filler door is not
downhill. Do not tilt or turn the nozzle
upside down when filling. Avoid
excessively fast fuel dispensing rates
(over 10 gallons [38 liters] per minute).
*
[SV07150(ALL)08/95]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of
your vehicle, clean it off immediately.
The fuel may dull or soften the paint
if you do not wash it off.
[SV07200(ALL)10/95]
3. To replace the fuel cap, align the tabs on the
cap with the notches on the filler pipe. Turn
it clockwise until it stops.
*
[SV07250(ALL)10/95]
4. Push the fuel door closed.
[SV07275(ALL)04/95]
If the Service Engine Soon warning light comes
on and stays on when you start the engine, the
fuel cap may not be properly seated. Turn off
the engine, remove the fuel cap and replace it,
being careful to align the cap properly. For more
information, seeWarning lightsin the Index.
*
[SV07290(ALL)07/95]
If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an
authorized Motorcraft or equivalent part.
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![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 278 [SV18300(ALL)11/94]
RWARNING
Never remove the pressure cap while the
engine is running or hot to avoid personal
injury that can be caused by escaping
steam or engine coolant.
[SV18500(ALL)04/95]
1 FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 278 [SV18300(ALL)11/94]
RWARNING
Never remove the pressure cap while the
engine is running or hot to avoid personal
injury that can be caused by escaping
steam or engine coolant.
[SV18500(ALL)04/95]
1](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-274.png)
278 [SV18300(ALL)11/94]
RWARNING
Never remove the pressure cap while the
engine is running or hot to avoid personal
injury that can be caused by escaping
steam or engine coolant.
[SV18500(ALL)04/95]
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine
off and let it cool. Even when the engine is
cool, be careful when you remove the cap.
[SV18600(ALL)02/95]
2. When the engine is cold, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap and turn it slowly
counterclockwise to relieve pressure.
*
[SV18700(ALL)09/95]
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
*
[SV18800(ALL)09/95]
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has
been released, use the cloth to turn and
remove cap.
*
[SV18900(ALL)02/95]
5. Stand away from the reservoir opening. Hot
steam may blow out or hot engine coolant
may even splash out.
*
[SV19000(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Failure to follow these instructions could
result in serious personal injury from hot
engine coolant or steam blowout and/or
damage to the engine cooling system or
engine.
*
[SV19050(ALL)09/95]
To find out how much engine coolant mixture
your vehicle's coolant system can hold, seeRefill
capacities for fluidsin the Index.
[SV19100(ALL)04/95]
Add engine coolant only to the coolant
reservoir.If the coolant level is low, add to the
reservoir a 50/50 mixture of water and the type
of engine coolant that Ford specifies. You may
add water by itself only in an emergency, but
you should replace it with a 50/50 mixture as
soon as possible.
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![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 288 [SV23760(ALL)04/95]
one third page art:0001386-AInstalling the new filter
[SV23765(ALL)04/95]
5. Reinstall the water shield, sliding it from the
center of the vehicle toward the fender. As
you pos FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 288 [SV23760(ALL)04/95]
one third page art:0001386-AInstalling the new filter
[SV23765(ALL)04/95]
5. Reinstall the water shield, sliding it from the
center of the vehicle toward the fender. As
you pos](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-284.png)
288 [SV23760(ALL)04/95]
one third page art:0001386-AInstalling the new filter
[SV23765(ALL)04/95]
5. Reinstall the water shield, sliding it from the
center of the vehicle toward the fender. As
you position it over the filter, guide the
hinged flap on the left side of the shield
down between the filter and the fender.
Slide the shield toward the fender until the
holes on the shield align with the holes on
the vehicle body. Reinstall the two screws
that hold the shield in place.
[SV23770(ALL)04/95]
6. Reinstall the leaf screen. Tuck the left rear
corner of the screen under the top of the
fender, then lower the screen into position.
Reinstall the four retainers, turning them 90Ê
to lock them into place. Reinstall the vacuum
line hose clips and the one loose clip in the
notches in the leaf screen.
%
*
[SV23800(ALL)03/95]
Tires
*
[SV23900(ALL)03/95]
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel
tank. If one tire looks lower than the others,
check the pressure in all of them. Always follow
these precautions:
*
[SV24200(ALL)03/95]
q
Keep your tires inflated to the recommended
pressures.
*
[SV24300(ALL)02/95]
q
Stay within the recommended load limits (see
Load limitsin the Index).
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![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 296
*
[SV29220(ALL)04/95]
Air Filter
% [SV29240(ALL)02/95]
To replace the engine air filter, unclip the two
latches, separate the housing and remove the old
filter. Wipe the interior of the housing cl FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 296
*
[SV29220(ALL)04/95]
Air Filter
% [SV29240(ALL)02/95]
To replace the engine air filter, unclip the two
latches, separate the housing and remove the old
filter. Wipe the interior of the housing cl](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-292.png)
296
*
[SV29220(ALL)04/95]
Air Filter
% [SV29240(ALL)02/95]
To replace the engine air filter, unclip the two
latches, separate the housing and remove the old
filter. Wipe the interior of the housing clean
before inserting the new filter. Lock the two
latches.
[SV29260(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Do not use oil-impregnated air filters.
Filters other than the ones specified in
this Owner Guide can cause engine
damage. Your warranties may not
apply if your vehicle is damaged
because you used the wrong air filter.
SeeMotorcraft partsin the Index.
%
*
[SV29300(ALL)05/95]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV29310(ALL)03/95]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transaxle, since your
vehicle does not use up transaxle fluid. Refer to
theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet for
replacement intervals. However, if the transaxle
is not working properly Ð for instance, the
transaxle may slip or shift slowly, or you may
notice some sign of fluid leakage Ð the fluid
level should be checked.
%*
[SV29340(ALL)02/93]
Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV29350(ALL)02/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface and the brake
pedal fully applied, start the engine and move
the gearshift selector through all of the gears.
Allow sufficient time for each position to engage.
Securely latch the gearshift selector in the P
(Park) position. Fully set the parking brake and
leave the engine running.
*
[SV29370(ALL)01/95]
Wipe off the dipstick cap and pull the dipstick
out. Wipe the indicator end clean. Put the
dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure
it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read
the fluid level.
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Page 312 of 369
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 315
*
[SV39501(ALL)02/95]
4. Remove the bulb retaining ring by rotating it
counterclockwise (when viewed from the
rear) about an eighth of a turn to free it
from the bulb socket, and by sliding the ri FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 315
*
[SV39501(ALL)02/95]
4. Remove the bulb retaining ring by rotating it
counterclockwise (when viewed from the
rear) about an eighth of a turn to free it
from the bulb socket, and by sliding the ri](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-311.png)
315
*
[SV39501(ALL)02/95]
4. Remove the bulb retaining ring by rotating it
counterclockwise (when viewed from the
rear) about an eighth of a turn to free it
from the bulb socket, and by sliding the ring
off the plastic base. Keep the ring. It is to be
used again to retain the new bulb.
[SV39550(ALL)02/95]
5. Carefully remove the bulb from its socket by
gently pulling it straight back out of the
socket. Do not turn the bulb while you
remove it.
*
[SV39601(ALL)03/95]
To install a bulb:
*
[SV39650(ALL)02/95]
1. With the flat side of the bulb's plastic base
facing upward, insert the glass end of the
bulb into the socket. You may need to turn
the bulb left or right to line up the grooves
in the plastic base with the tabs in the
socket. When the grooves are aligned, push
the bulb into the socket until the plastic base
contacts the rear of the socket.
*
[SV39701(ALL)08/95]
2. Slip the bulb retaining ring over the plastic
base until it contacts the rear of the socket.
Lock the ring into the socket by rotating it
clockwise until you feel a ªstop.º
*
[SV39750(ALL)02/95]
3. Push the electrical connector into the rear of
the plastic base until it snaps, locking it into
position.
*
[SV39800(ALL)02/95]
4. Turn the headlamps on and make sure that
they work properly. If the headlamp was
correctly aligned before you changed the
bulb, you should not need to align it again.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com