1996 FORD TAURUS transaxle

200 [DR08050(ALL)09/95]NOTE: If the O/D OFF indicator light is
flashing on and off repeatedly when
the vehicle is started or does not come
on when the O/D OFF switch is
pushed, it means that there is a
transaxle electronic system malfunction.
You should contact your dealer as soon
as possible or damage to the transaxle
could occur.
*
[DR08075(ALL)10/95]
The transaxle will be in the ªoverdrive onº
mode when the vehicle is started even if the
O/D OFF mode was selected when the vehicle
was last shut off.
*
[DR09025(ALL)01/95]
When to use 2 (Second)
[DR09050(ALL)11/94]
Use Second for start-up on slippery roads or to
give you more engine braking to slow your
vehicle on downgrades.
*
[DR09075(ALL)06/95]
When to use 1 (First)
*
[DR10025(ALL)11/94]
Use 1 (First) when added engine braking is
desired when descending steep hills.
*
[DR10050(ALL)11/94]
The automatic transaxle will shift to the proper
gear to ascend any grade without any need to
shift to 1 (First).
[DR10075(ALL)11/94]
Do not go faster than 38 mph (61 km/h) in this
gear. You can upshift from 1 (First) to D
(Overdrive) at any speed.
*
[DR10125(ALL)01/95]
P (Park)
*
[DR10150(ALL)11/94]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift
into P (Park). Make sure that the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park). This locks the
transaxle and prevents the front wheels from
rotating.
[DR10160(ALL)04/95]
If your vehicle has a console mounted gearshift,
the gearshift indicator in the cluster is
illuminated in P (Park) only when the gearshift
button is released.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com

208
*
[DR21000(ALL)03/95]
By moving the vehicle backward and forward,
you may gain enough momentum to move out
of the spot. Do not rock the vehicle for more
than a few minutes. This may overheat the
engine, damage the transaxle, or damage the
tires. If you are still stuck after a minute or two
of rocking, call for a tow truck.
%*
[DR21200(ALL)01/95]
High water
*
[DR21300(ALL)01/95]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are sure that the water is below the bottom of
the wheel rims.
*
[DR21400(ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR21500(ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
%
*
[DR21600(ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[DR21700(ALL)01/95]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry or tow. The total weight of
your vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
%*
[DR21800(ALL)01/95]
You can find your vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on
the left front door lock facing or on the door
latch post pillar.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com

213
*
[DR26500(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer weight exceeds
the limits of the vehicle and could result
in engine damage, transaxle/axle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and
personal injury.
*
[DR26580(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when the temporary
spare tire is being used.
*
[DR26600(ALL)01/95]
Ten to 15% of the loaded trailer's weight should
be on the tongue. However, the tongue load
should never exceed 10% of the maximum
weight that your vehicle can safely tow.
*
[DR28500(ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
*
[DR28600(ALL)01/95]
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
*
[DR28700(ALL)01/95]
Do not use hitches that clamp onto your
vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed to
bear the load.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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

226 [RE07700(ALL)07/95]When one of the front wheels is off the ground,
the transaxle alone will not prevent the vehicle
from moving or slipping off the jack, even if the
vehicle is in P (Park). To prevent the vehicle
from moving when you change a tire, block (in
both directions) the wheel that is diagonally
opposite to the tire being changed.
*
[RE08400(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or
someone else could be seriously injured.
*
[RE08800(ALL)03/95]
2. Get out the spare tire and jack.
*
[RE08850(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine
with one wheel off the ground, such as
when changing a tire.
% [RE08900(ALL)02/93]
3. Remove wheel covers or aluminum wheel
ornaments with the tapered end of a wheel
nut wrench. Insert the handle of the wrench
between the wheel and ornament and twist
it against the inner wheel cover flange.
*
[RE09200(ALL)09/95]
4. Loosen each wheel lug nut one-half turn
counterclockwise, but do not remove them
until the tire is raised off the ground. You
should pull up on the handle rather than
push to develop maximum force to loosen
wheel lug nuts. SeeAnti-Theft Wheel Lug
Nutslater in this chapter for information on
removing anti-theft lug nuts.
File:12fcret.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 16:01:15 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

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