1996 FORD TAURUS engine oil

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.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

298 %
*
[SV29400(ALL)01/95]
Adding Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV29410(ALL)01/95]
Before adding any fluid, be sure that the correct
type will be used. Correct type is shown on the
dipstick.
[SV29415(ALL)04/93]
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (.25L) increments through
the filler tube to bring the level within the
crosshatched area on the dipstick. If the level is
above the top hole on the dipstick, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified technician.
%*
[SV29425(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
%
*
[SV30200(ALL)03/95]
Brake Fluid
*
[SV30300(ALL)04/95]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake lining wears.
%*
[SV30400(ALL)06/93]
You should check the brake fluid at every
scheduled engine oil change, but be sure to
check it at least once a year. You can do this by
looking at the fluid level in the plastic reservoir
on the master cylinder. (SeeThe Engine Typesin
this chapter to locate the master cylinder.) The
fluid level should be at or near the MAX mark.
*
[SV30450(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
File:15fcsvt.ex
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ProCarManuals.com

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
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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
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362 Index
Coolant (see Engine coolant)
checking and adding......... 276
drain and flush............ 280
preparing for storage......... 333
refill capacities............ 328
specifications............. 330
temperature gauge........... 82
Cooling fan............... 256
Cruise control............. 120
Cupholder(s).............. 156
Customer Assistance Center, Ford (U.S.) . . 239
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada..........239, 245
D
Dashboard (see Instrument panel)...... 91
Daytime running light system...... 107
Defects, reporting............ 244
Defrost
rear window and side view mirrors. . . 104
windshield............ 95,103
Dipstick
automatic transaxle fluid........ 296
engine oil.............. 273
power steering fluid.......... 300
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 233
Dispute Settlement Board........ 240
Doors................. 125
childproof locks............ 125
door ajar warning light......... 77
lubricant specifications......... 330
Driving under special conditions
bad weather............. 206
heavy load.............. 208
high speed.............. 290
high water.............. 208
slippery roads............ 206
tips for safe driving.......... 206
towing a trailer............ 211
File:fcixt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:18:16 1996
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364 Index
Engine coolant (continued)
proper solution............ 278
recovery reservoir........... 277
refill capacities............ 328
specifications............. 330
temperature gauge........... 82
Engine coolant temperature gauge..... 82
Engine fan............... 256
Engine oil
changing oil and oil filter....... 275
checking and adding......... 273
dipstick............... 274
disposal............... 275
engine oil pressure warning light..... 75
filter, specifications.......... 329
refill capacities............ 328
specifications............. 330
synthetic oil............. 273
ªbreak-inº oils............. 5
viscosity............... 273
Entry system, keyless.......... 128
Exhaust fumes.............. 68
Extended Service Plan, Ford........ 4
F
Fan, engine fan, avoiding injury..... 256
Flashers, hazard............. 118
Flashing the lights............ 116
Flat tire................. 222
Floor mats............... 152
Fluid refill capacities........... 328
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Update:Tue Jan 23 08:18:16 1996
ProCarManuals.com

Index 369
L
Lamps
autolamp delay system........ 108
bulb replacement specifications chart . . 322
daytime running light system..... 107
dome lamps............. 111
flashing the lamps.......... 116
hazard flashers............ 118
headlamps.............. 106
high beams............. 115
illuminated mirrors.......... 155
instrument panel, dimming...... 110
interior lamps............ 110
map lamps.............. 111
trailer................ 215
Lane change indicator (see Turn signal) . . 115
Lap belts................. 21
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag................. 77
anti-lock brakes (ABS).......... 81
brake................. 73
charging system............ 74
door ajar................ 77
engine oil pressure........... 75
hazard warning light......... 118
high beam............... 76
lamp out................ 87
low fuel................ 80
low washer fluid............ 87
oil pressure.............. 75
safety belt............... 73
service engine soon........... 78
speed control (see cruise control)..... 81
turn signal indicator.......... 81
File:fcixt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:18:16 1996
ProCarManuals.com