1996 FORD TAURUS fluid

277 [SV17700(ALL)12/95]
one third page art:0000305-E
The engine coolant reservoir (3.0L Vulcan shown Ð 3.0L
Duratec and 3.4L SHO similar)
[SV17750(ALL)04/95]
The coolant level in the reservoir should be
maintained within the cold fill range.
[SV17900(ALL)02/95]
There may be a low coolant warning light in the
instrument cluster which will light when the
coolant level is low.
%*
[SV18000(ALL)08/95]
Checking Hoses
*
[SV18050(ALL)11/94]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses and
hose connections for deterioration, leaks, and
loose hose clamps as specified in theMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet. Repair or replace
with Motorcraft hoses or equivalent as necessary.
*
[SV18100(ALL)09/95]
Adding Engine Coolant
*
[SV18200(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
*
[SV18250(ALL)09/95]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or
antifreeze could make it difficult to see through
the windshield.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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

279 [SV19104(ALL)04/95]
Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid is an
optimized formula that will protect all metal and
rubber elastomers used in Ford engines for four
years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km). It is not
necessary and not recommended to use
supplemental coolant additives in your vehicle.
These additives may harm your engine cooling
system. Follow the recommended service interval
for changing your engine coolant.
*
[SV19106(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: When you change or add engine
coolant, it is important to maintain
your engine coolant concentration
between 40%(-11ÊF [-24ÊC]) and 60%
(-62ÊF [-52ÊC]),depending on your local
climate conditions. Below 40% you will
lose freeze protection and above 60%
your engine may overheat on a warm
day.
*
[SV19107(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Less than 40% of coolant concentration
may cause engine corrosion and
overheating. Plain water may be used
in an emergency only. Replace it with
the specified coolant as quickly as
possible.
*
[SV19108(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: The use of an improper coolant may
void your warranty for the engine
cooling system. Use only a premium,
nationally recognized brand name
engine coolant. Do not use alcohol,
methanol antifreeze or engine coolant
mixed with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. If you do not use the proper
coolant, the aluminum engine on your
vehicle will corrode.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

280
*
[SV19110(ALL)09/95]
Ford Motor Company expressly authorizes the
Ford Rotunda engine coolant recycling process
and chemicals. Use only Ford Rotunda recycled
engine coolant or an equivalent recycled engine
coolant that is certified by the supplier to meet
Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A.
%*
[SV19112(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.
*
[SV19115(ALL)09/95]
Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid
E2FZ-19549-AA (in Canada, Motorcraft CXC-8-B)
or an equivalent engine coolant that meets Ford
Specification ESE-M97B44-A.
[SV19150(ALL)11/94]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling
system for leaks if:
[SV19200(ALL)11/94]
q
you have to add engine coolant more than
once a month, or
[SV19250(ALL)11/94]
q
you have to add more than a quart (liter) at a
time
%*
[SV19300(ALL)08/95]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
*
[SV19350(ALL)11/94]
Proper procedures for a complete coolant drain
and flush of the cooling system can be found in
theCar Service Manual. Following these
recommended procedures will ensure that the
specified coolant level and a 50/50 or
appropriate mixture of coolant and water is
maintained.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

283 %
*
[SV21100(ALL)03/95]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[SV21200(ALL)04/95]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that
used lead-acid batteries be returned to an
authorized recycling facility for disposal.
*
[SV21300(ALL)03/95]
one inch art:0000983-A
Battery recycling symbol
%*
[SV21700(ALL)03/95]
Windshield Washer Fluid and
Wipers
%*
[SV21800(ALL)03/95]
Washer Fluid
[SV21900(ALL)11/94]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid
every time you stop for fuel. The reservoir for
washer fluid is located on the passenger's side of
the engine compartment and is highlighted with
a washer symbol.
[SV22205(ALL)11/94]
one third page art:0000308-B
The windshield washer fluid reservoir
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

284
*
[SV22400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
%*
[SV22500(ALL)01/95]
Use specially formulated windshield washer
fluid rather than plain water, because specially
formulated washer fluids contain additives that
dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such
as methanol should be used in freezing weather
(temperatures below32ÊF [0ÊC]).State or local
regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOC's) may restrict use of the most common
antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection
without damaging the vehicle's paint finish,
wiper blades, and windshield washer system.
[SV22550(ALL)04/95]
RWARNING
Washer solution contains methanol which
is poisonous. Observe all warnings
indicated on label of washer solution.
% [SV22600(ALL)06/94]
Checking the washer fluid for the
liftgate (If equipped)
[SV23100(ALL)04/95]
If your wagon has a rear window wiper, check
the reservoir for its washer fluid regularly. This
is not the same reservoir that your windshield
wipers use. The opening for this reservoir is on
the right side of the liftgate opening, below the
tail lamp. Refill this reservoir with the same
solution you use for your windshield. To find
out how much washer fluid the reservoir holds,
seeRefill Capacitieslater in this chapter.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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

297 [SV29380(ALL)04/95]
one inch art:0000717-E
Automatic overdrive transaxle fluid dipstick
[SV29388(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Your vehicle should not be driven until
some fluid has been added if the fluid
level is below the bottom hole on the
dipstick and the outside temperature is
above50ÊF (10ÊC). Addonly enough
fluid to bring the level above the
bottom hole.
[SV29395(ALL)04/95]
If the vehicle has not been driven and the fluid
level is above the bottom hole on the dipstick,
do not add fluid. Recheck the fluid level after
your vehicle has reached normal operating
temperature.
*
[SV29396(ALL)05/95]
Normal operating temperature is reached after
driving approximately 20 miles (30 km). The
fluid level should be within the crosshatched
area on the dipstick.
*
[SV29397(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds, driven
in city traffic during hot weather, or
has been pulling a trailer, the vehicle
should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow the fluid to cool
before checking.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com