1996 FORD TAURUS trailer

216 %
*
[DR29900(ALL)01/95]
Driving While You Tow
*
[DR30000(ALL)05/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
[DR30175(ALL)04/95]
When you tow in steep hills, move the
automatic transaxle to 1 (First) (vehicles without
O/D OFF switch) or 2 (Second) (vehicles with
O/D OFF switch) when descending. This will
give more engine braking on downgrades. The
automatic transaxle will automatically downshift
to the proper gear on upgrades.
[DR30200(ALL)04/95]
If you tow in Overdrive while riding through
hilly country, your vehicle may frequently shift
between Overdrive and Third gears. To prevent
your vehicle from shifting too much, move the
gearshift to D (Drive) (column shift without
O/D OFF switch) or push the O/D OFF switch
(column or console shift). This will also give
better braking going down hills.
%*
[DR30300(ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
% [DR30400(ALL)04/95]
Servicing Your Vehicle When You Tow
*
[DR30500(ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet for additional information.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com

223
*
[RE05000(ALL)01/95]
When you drive with the temporary spare tire,
DO NOT:
*
[RE05100(ALL)01/95]
q
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any
circumstances.
*
[RE05200(ALL)01/95]
q
load your vehicle so that it is heavier than
the maximum vehicle load rating listed on
the tire decal.
*
[RE05300(ALL)01/95]
q
tow a trailer.
*
[RE05400(ALL)01/95]
q
use tire chains on this tire.
*
[RE05500(ALL)01/95]
q
try to repair the temporary spare tire or
remove it from its wheel.
*
[RE05600(ALL)01/95]
q
use the wheel for any other type of vehicle.
*
[RE05700(ALL)01/95]
q
drive through an automatic car wash with
this tire. Because the temporary spare tire is
smaller than a conventional tire, it reduces
the ground clearance. Your vehicle may get
caught in the rails and it could be damaged.
% [RE05800(ALL)11/94]
The Conventional Spare Tire (If equipped)
*
[RE05900(ALL)01/95]
If you have the conventional spare tire, you can
use it as a spare or as a regular tire. This spare
tire is identical to the other tires that come with
your vehicle, although the wheel may not match.
%*
[RE06000(ALL)03/95]
Spare Tire Location
[RE06100(ALL)04/95]
In a sedan, the spare tire is stored in the trunk
under the floor carpet.
File:12fcret.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 16:01:15 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

Index 359
Brakelamp
high-mount brakelamp........ 319
lamp out warning light......... 87
Brakes
adjustment.............. 202
anti-lock............... 203
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light............ 81
applying the brakes.......... 202
brake warning light........... 73
fluid, checking and adding...... 298
fluid, refill capacities......... 298
fluid, specifications.......... 330
front disc.............. 202
master cylinder............ 298
new brake linings............ 5
noise................ 203
parking............... 205
servicing............... 298
trailer................ 215
when storing your vehicle....... 333
Brake-shift interlock.........192, 196
Break-in period.............. 5
Brights (high beams)......... 76,115
Built-in child seat............. 46
Built-in child seat, cleaning......... 57
Bulbs, replacing
headlamps.............. 313
high-mount brakelamp........ 319
specifications............. 322
File:fcixt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:18:16 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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
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

370 Index
Load limits............... 208
GAWR................ 208
GVWR................ 208
trailer towing............. 211
Lubricant specifications......... 330
Luggage compartment.......... 158
Luggage rack.............. 163
Lug nuts
anti-theft............... 232
standard............... 227
tightening sequence.......... 229
Lumbar support pad........... 149
M
Maintenance schedule and record
(see separate Maintenance Schedule
and Record booklet)........... 3
Maintenance (see Servicing)....... 255
Master cylinder, brakes......... 298
Mileage, calculating fuel economy..... 270
Mirrors
heated................ 104
side view mirrors........... 153
vanity mirror, illuminated....... 155
Moon roof............... 144
Motorcraft parts............. 329
N
National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration......... 244
New vehicle break-in........... 5
File:fcixt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:18:16 1996
ProCarManuals.com

372 Index
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems) . . . 169
Rear window
defroster............... 104
washer................ 105
washer reservoir........... 284
Refill capacities for fluids........ 328
Regulations, National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration......... 244
Relays................. 303
Remote entry system
arming and disarming the
anti-theft system.......... 136
locking/unlocking doors........ 134
panic alarm.............. 135
replacement/additional transmitters . . . 137
replacing the batteries......... 136
Reporting safety defects......... 244
Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints)
adult.................. 9
child.................. 31
head................. 145
infant................. 31
Ride control, Semi-Active......... 202
Roadside assistance........... 237
Roadside emergencies.......... 217
Roof rack................ 163
Rotating the tires............ 290
S
Safe driving tips............. 206
Safety belts (see Safety restraints)...... 9
Safety chains, when towing a trailer.... 214
Safety Compliance Certification Label . . . 208
Safety defects, reporting......... 244
Safety information relating to
automotive fuels........... 268
File:fcixt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:18:16 1996
ProCarManuals.com