Page 282 of 369
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 285 %
*
[SV23200(ALL)03/95]
Wiper Blades
*
[SV23300(ALL)03/95]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice
a year. Also check them whenever they seem
less effective than usual. Substances such as FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 285 %
*
[SV23200(ALL)03/95]
Wiper Blades
*
[SV23300(ALL)03/95]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice
a year. Also check them whenever they seem
less effective than usual. Substances such as](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-281.png)
285 %
*
[SV23200(ALL)03/95]
Wiper Blades
*
[SV23300(ALL)03/95]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice
a year. Also check them whenever they seem
less effective than usual. Substances such as tree
sap and some hot wax treatments used by
commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness
of wiper blades.
*
[SV23400(ALL)09/95]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both
the windshield and the wiper blades. Use
undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do
not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other
solvents to clean your wiper blades. These will
damage your blades.
*
[SV23500(ALL)03/95]
To make reaching the wiper blades easy, simply
turn the ignition to the ACC position and turn
your wipers on. Wait for them to reach a
vertical position and turn the ignition to the OFF
position. Do not move the wipers manually.
Manually moving the wipers across the
windshield may damage them.
*
[SV23600(ALL)03/01]
Wiper blade replacement
*
[SV23700(ALL)09/95]
If the wiper blades still do not work properly
after you clean them, you may need to replace
the wiper blade assembly or the blade element.
When replacing the wiper blade assembly, blade
refill, or wiper arm always use a Motorcraft part
or equivalent. To replace the blades, follow the
instructions that come with them.
[SV23705(ALL)04/95]
Your vehicle uses a 24" wiper on the driver side
and a 20" wiper on the passenger side.
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![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 288 [SV23760(ALL)04/95]
one third page art:0001386-AInstalling the new filter
[SV23765(ALL)04/95]
5. Reinstall the water shield, sliding it from the
center of the vehicle toward the fender. As
you pos FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 288 [SV23760(ALL)04/95]
one third page art:0001386-AInstalling the new filter
[SV23765(ALL)04/95]
5. Reinstall the water shield, sliding it from the
center of the vehicle toward the fender. As
you pos](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-284.png)
288 [SV23760(ALL)04/95]
one third page art:0001386-AInstalling the new filter
[SV23765(ALL)04/95]
5. Reinstall the water shield, sliding it from the
center of the vehicle toward the fender. As
you position it over the filter, guide the
hinged flap on the left side of the shield
down between the filter and the fender.
Slide the shield toward the fender until the
holes on the shield align with the holes on
the vehicle body. Reinstall the two screws
that hold the shield in place.
[SV23770(ALL)04/95]
6. Reinstall the leaf screen. Tuck the left rear
corner of the screen under the top of the
fender, then lower the screen into position.
Reinstall the four retainers, turning them 90Ê
to lock them into place. Reinstall the vacuum
line hose clips and the one loose clip in the
notches in the leaf screen.
%
*
[SV23800(ALL)03/95]
Tires
*
[SV23900(ALL)03/95]
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel
tank. If one tire looks lower than the others,
check the pressure in all of them. Always follow
these precautions:
*
[SV24200(ALL)03/95]
q
Keep your tires inflated to the recommended
pressures.
*
[SV24300(ALL)02/95]
q
Stay within the recommended load limits (see
Load limitsin the Index).
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Page 292 of 369
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 295
*
[SV28950(ALL)05/95]
q
Put the chains on the front tires tightly with
the ends held down securely. Retighten the
chains after driving 1/2 mile (1 km). Follow
the chain manufacturers instructions FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 295
*
[SV28950(ALL)05/95]
q
Put the chains on the front tires tightly with
the ends held down securely. Retighten the
chains after driving 1/2 mile (1 km). Follow
the chain manufacturers instructions](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-291.png)
295
*
[SV28950(ALL)05/95]
q
Put the chains on the front tires tightly with
the ends held down securely. Retighten the
chains after driving 1/2 mile (1 km). Follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[SV28975(ALL)05/95]
q
Do not drive faster than 30 mph (50 km/h)
or the chain manufacturer's recommended
speed limit, whichever is lower. Avoid
bumps, holes and sharp turns. If you can
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
*
[SV29025(ALL)11/94]
q
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive
carefully and avoid hard braking.
*
[SV29050(ALL)11/94]
q
Do not use chains on temporary spare tires.
They may damage the vehicle and the tire.
*
[SV29150(ALL)05/94]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
%*
[SV29160(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV29170(ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
*
[SV29180(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
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![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 323
%*
[SV41000(ALL)03/95]
Emission Control System
[SV41100(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with catalytic
converters which enable your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requireme FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 323
%*
[SV41000(ALL)03/95]
Emission Control System
[SV41100(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with catalytic
converters which enable your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requireme](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-319.png)
323
%*
[SV41000(ALL)03/95]
Emission Control System
[SV41100(ALL)12/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with catalytic
converters which enable your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requirements.
*
[SV41200(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes into
the passenger compartment. Under
extreme conditions excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the fuel
system, the interior floor covering, or
other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
*
[SV41300(ALL)05/95]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
*
[SV41400(ALL)01/95]
q
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[SV41500(ALL)01/95]
q
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[SV41600(ALL)01/95]
q
Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high speeds.
*
[SV41700(ALL)03/95]
q
Have the services listed in yourMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet performed
according to the specified schedule.
*
[SV41710(ALL)03/95]
The Scheduled Maintenance Services listed in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet are
required because they are considered essential to
the life and performance of your vehicle and to
its emissions system.
*
[SV41720(ALL)05/95]
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine
Ford replacement parts. If other than Ford or
Motorcraft parts or Ford authorized
remanufactured parts are used for maintenance
replacements or for the service of components
affecting emission control, such non-Ford parts
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Page 321 of 369

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.
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Page 329 of 369
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 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 fadin FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 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 fadin](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-328.png)
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.
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Page 353 of 369

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
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Page 355 of 369

Index 365
Ford Customer Assistance Center..... 239
Ford Dispute Settlement Board...... 240
Ford Extended Service Plan........ 4
Ford Motor Company of Canada..... 245
Ford of Canada Customer
Assistance Centre........... 245
Foreign registration........... 247
French owner guides, how to obtain.... 3
Fuel.................. 264
calculating fuel economy....... 270
capacity............... 328
choosing the right fuel........ 266
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates......... 271
filling your vehicle with fuel...... 264
filter, specifications.......... 329
fuel gauge............... 82
improving fuel economy....... 271
octane rating............. 266
quality................ 267
running out of fuel.......... 269
safety information relating to
automotive fuels.......... 268
storing your vehicle.......... 332
treating emergencies......... 268
Fuel cap................ 264
removing.............. 264
replacing............... 265
Fuel filter, specifications......... 329
Fuel gauge................ 82
Fuel pump shut-off switch
engine does not start.......... 65
starting after a collision......... 65
Fuse panels
instrument panel........... 304
power distribution box........ 308
File:fcixt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:18:16 1996
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