![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 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. Bl FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 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. Bl](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-254.png)
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.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 273
*
[SV13670(ALL)01/95]
Neveruse:
*
[SV13680(ALL)01/95]
q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[SV13690(ALL)04/95]
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[SV13700(ALL)01/95]
q
Additional engine oil FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 273
*
[SV13670(ALL)01/95]
Neveruse:
*
[SV13680(ALL)01/95]
q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[SV13690(ALL)04/95]
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[SV13700(ALL)01/95]
q
Additional engine oil](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-269.png)
273
*
[SV13670(ALL)01/95]
Neveruse:
*
[SV13680(ALL)01/95]
q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[SV13690(ALL)04/95]
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[SV13700(ALL)01/95]
q
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments
or engine treatments
% [SV13710(ALL)02/95]
Engine oils with an SAE 5W-30 viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and
engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
%*
[SV13770(ALL)03/95]
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and
of the preferred viscosity may be used in your
engine. The engine oil and oil filter must still be
changed according to the maintenance schedule.
%*
[SV13775(ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800(ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
%*
[SV13900(ALL)04/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[SV14000(ALL)02/95]
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
*
[SV14025(ALL)03/95]
2. Set the parking brake, making sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[SV14100(ALL)02/95]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
*
[SV14200(ALL)03/95]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 282
% [SV19950(ALL)04/95]
About Your Battery
*
[SV20001(ALL)02/95]
Your vehicle may have a Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery. When the original
equipment battery is replaced under warranty, it
may b FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 282
% [SV19950(ALL)04/95]
About Your Battery
*
[SV20001(ALL)02/95]
Your vehicle may have a Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery. When the original
equipment battery is replaced under warranty, it
may b](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-278.png)
282
% [SV19950(ALL)04/95]
About Your Battery
*
[SV20001(ALL)02/95]
Your vehicle may have a Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery. When the original
equipment battery is replaced under warranty, it
may be replaced by a Motorcraft
Low-Maintenance Battery.
% [SV20850(ALL)04/95]
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically
controlled by a computer, some control
conditions are maintained by power from the
battery. If you ever disconnect the battery or
install a new battery, you must allow the
computer to ªrelearnº its idle conditions before
your vehicle will drive properly. To begin this
process, put the gearshift in P (Park), set the
parking brake, turn off all the accessories, and
start the vehicle. Bring the engine to normal
operating temperature. Allow the engine to idle
for one minute in N (Neutral) and one minute in
Drive or Overdrive. Perform the previous
procedure with the air conditioning on and off
(conditions permitting). The relearning process
will complete automatically as you drive the
vehicle.
[SV20875(ALL)10/95]
Driveability may be deteriorated slightly until all
drive modes are ªrelearned.º
*
[SV21000(ALL)03/95]
If you do not let the engine relearn its idle, the
idle quality of your vehicle may be adversely
affected until the idle is relearned. Your vehicle
will eventually relearn its idle while you drive
it, but it takes much longer than if you use the
previous procedure.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com
![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.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 333 %
*
[SV46200(ALL)01/95]
Cooling system
*
[SV46300(ALL)01/95]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[SV46400(ALL)01/95]
Battery
*
[SV46500(ALL)01/95]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[SV4 FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 333 %
*
[SV46200(ALL)01/95]
Cooling system
*
[SV46300(ALL)01/95]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[SV46400(ALL)01/95]
Battery
*
[SV46500(ALL)01/95]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[SV4](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-329.png)
333 %
*
[SV46200(ALL)01/95]
Cooling system
*
[SV46300(ALL)01/95]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[SV46400(ALL)01/95]
Battery
*
[SV46500(ALL)01/95]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[SV46600(ALL)01/95]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
%*
[SV46650(ALL)02/95]
q
If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days
without recharging the battery, disconnect the
battery cables to ensure battery charge is
maintained for quick starting. NOTE: If
battery cables are disconnected, it will be
necessary to reset any memory features (eg.
radio presets).
%*
[SV46700(ALL)01/95]
Brakes
*
[SV46800(ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully
released.
%*
[SV46900(ALL)01/95]
Tires
*
[SV47000(ALL)05/95]
q
Maintain recommended air pressure.
*
[SV47100(ALL)01/95]
Miscellaneous
*
[SV47200(ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and
clevis pins under vehicle are covered with
grease to prevent rust.
*
[SV47300(ALL)05/95]
q
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (10 m) every 15
days to lubricate working parts to prevent
corrosion.
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

Index 363
E
Electrical system
fuses................ 303
operating when the engine is off..... 59
relays................ 303
Electronic sound system
radio reception............ 177
tuning the radio........... 173
warranty and service information . . . 190
Electronic stereo cassette radio
(see Electronic sound system)..... 172
Electronic stereo radio (see Electronic sound
system)............... 172
Emergencies, roadside
assistance.............. 237
battery acid spills........... 217
fuel................. 268
jump-starting............. 217
towing................ 233
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 205
Emission control system
catalytic converter.......... 323
emissions warranty......... 4,323
Engine
does not start........... 63,65
fuel pump shut-off switch........ 65
preparing to start............ 61
refill capacities............ 328
service points............ 260
starting................ 62
starting after a collision......... 65
storing your vehicle.......... 332
Engine block heater............ 64
Engine coolant
checking and adding......... 276
checking hoses............ 277
disposal............... 280
drain and flush............ 280
preparing for storage......... 333
File:fcixt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:18:16 1996
ProCarManuals.com

Index 371
O
Octane rating.............. 266
Odometer
description............... 84
trip odometer............. 84
Oil filter................ 329
Oil (see Engine oil)........... 272
Oil viscosity.............. 273
On-board diagnostic (OBD II) system . . . 325
Overdrive.............194, 199
Overseas offices............. 247
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system............. 135
Parking brake
operation.............. 205
warning light.............. 73
Parts (see Motorcraft Parts)....... 329
PCV valve, specifications........ 329
Phone, cellular............. 158
Power distribution box (see Fuses).... 308
Power door locks............ 126
Power features
door locks.............. 126
lumbar support............ 149
mirrors............... 153
moon roof.............. 144
seats................. 148
windows............... 142
Power steering
dipstick............... 301
driving with power steering...... 201
fluid, checking and adding...... 300
fluid, refill capacity.......... 328
fluid, specifications.......... 330
servicing............... 201
File:fcixt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:18:16 1996
ProCarManuals.com