1996 FORD TAURUS light

199
*
[DR06802(ALL)01/95]
N (Neutral)
*
[DR06804(ALL)01/95]
With the gearshift in the N (Neutral) position,
the vehicle can be started and is free to roll.
Hold the brake pedal down while in this
position.
%*
[DR06805(ALL)01/95]
Driving
%*
[DR06825(ALL)05/95]
When to use D (Overdrive)
*
[DR06830(ALL)11/94]
D (Overdrive) is the usual driving position for
an automatic overdrive transaxle. It
automatically upshifts or downshifts as the
vehicle speeds or slows.
*
[DR06835(ALL)11/94]
However, D (Overdrive) also shifts into a fourth
gear Ð an overdrive gear Ð when your vehicle
cruises at a consistent speed for any length of
time. This fourth gear will increase your fuel
economy when you travel at cruising speeds.
[DR07025(ALL)04/95]
When to use D (O/D OFF)
[DR07050(ALL)12/95]
You will notice that there is only one drive
position on your gearshift indicator (instead of
Drive and Overdrive). However, you will find a
switch labeled O/D located on the gearshift
lever. Push in the switch and the O/D OFF light
in the instrument cluster will illuminate. With
the O/D OFF light illuminated, the transaxle
will operate in first, second and third gears and
will not shift into fourth gear. Operating in D
(O/D OFF) eliminates the excessive shifting
between third and fourth gears that your vehicle
sometimes does when you are traveling through
hilly terrain in D (Overdrive). It also provides
more engine braking than D (Overdrive) for
descending hills or city driving.
[DR07075(ALL)04/95]
To return the transaxle to the normal Overdrive
operation, press the O/D OFF switch again. Use
this switch to select Overdrive or D (O/D OFF)
whenever you drive your vehicle.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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

201
*
[DR10175(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is securely latched
in P (Park).
*
[DR10225(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running.
[DR10275(ALL)11/94]
You can tell a console-mounted gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park) if you cannot move
it without pushing in the thumb button.
%
*
[DR15600(ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[DR15800(ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
[DR15970(ALL)11/94]
Your vehicle has variable-assist steering. This
system provides light power steering efforts for
parking and heavier power steering efforts for
highway driving. If you notice that the power
steering effort does not change according to the
speed you are traveling, or if the power steering
system is not working, have the system checked.
%*
[DR16100(ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
*
[DR16150(ALL)01/95]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com

203
*
[DR17000(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: If you are driving down a long or
steep hill, shift to a lower gear and do
not apply your brakes continuously. If
you apply your brakes continuously,
they may overheat and become less
effective.
%*
[DR17100(ALL)10/95]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
% [DR17350(ALL)02/95]
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
(If equipped)
*
[DR17450(ALL)05/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with the anti-lock
brake system (ABS), the wheels will not lock and
slide when you press down hard on the brake
pedal. The ABS automatically starts releasing
and reapplying the front brakes independently
and the rear brakes together whenever your
vehicle's wheels start to lock. When this
happens, you will feel the brake pedal pulsate.
This is an indication that the ABS is working
correctly and is normal.
*
[DR17500(ALL)05/95]
If the brake pedal is applied while the vehicle is
driven over uneven road surfaces, the ABS may
cycle and the driver may sense a pulsation in
the brake pedal, accompanied by a slight up and
down movement of the pedal height and a
clicking sound. This may also happen when
driving on an inclined surface such as a
driveway while making a sharp turn. This is a
normal condition.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com

204
*
[DR17600(ALL)05/95]
Each time you turn the ignition key to the ON
position, the ABS will function through one test
cycle. When this happens, the ABS light will
come on for up to five seconds. If the light stays
on longer than five seconds, shut off the engine
and restart. If it remains on, it means the ABS is
disabled and should be serviced immediately to
restore the benefits of the anti-lock feature.
Normal braking is not affected unless the red
BRAKE system warning light is also lit.
*
[DR17650(ALL)05/95]
ABS has self-check capabilities. As described
above, the system turns on the ABS light each
time you start your engine. After the engine is
started and the ABS light turns off, the system
performs another test the first time the vehicle
reaches 4-9 mph (6-15 km/h). The system turns
on the ABS pump motor for approximately 1/2
second. At this time, a mechanical noise may be
heard. This is a normal part of the self-check
feature. If a malfunction is found during this
check the ABS light will come on.
[DR17675(ALL)02/95]
Vehicles with ABS are identified with a label on
the front door pillar.
*
[DR17700(ALL)08/95]
Ford Motor Company has not found any
negative effects of mobile radio transmitting
equipment installed on vehicles with the ABS
system providing that the radio is installed
according to the radio manufacturer's
instructions. However, if you have had a mobile
radio transmitter installed and the ABS light
comes on (at any time other than immediately
after turning the key to the ON position) have
your mobile radio dealer inspect the radio
installation. Also, if the ABS system is activated
other than during maximum braking, have your
mobile radio installation checked.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com

205 %
*
[DR17800(ALL)03/95]
Parking Brake
*
[DR17900(ALL)01/95]
The parking brake should be used whenever
you park your vehicle.
[DR18000(ALL)01/95]
This brake is suspended just below the bottom
of the instrument panel to the left of the brake
pedal.
[DR18300(ALL)11/94]
one third page art:0001391-A
The parking brake and parking brake release
*
[DR18420(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is securely latched
in P (Park).
*
[DR18700(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
*
[DR18750(ALL)11/91]
RWARNING
To prevent personal injury, do not release
the parking brake while outside the
vehicle.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com

206
*
[DR19000(ALL)06/95]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
*
[DR19050(ALL)03/95]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each
time you start your engine. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
%
*
[DR19100(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[DR19200(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[DR19300(ALL)07/95]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
*
[DR19400(ALL)03/95]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
%*
[DR19750(ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR19800(ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
*
[DR19900(ALL)03/95]
On some slippery road surfaces, front-wheel
drive may provide better acceleration than
rear-wheel drive. However, this does not mean
that your vehicle can stop any faster or any
better than a vehicle with rear-wheel drive.
Exercise the same caution while driving on
slippery roads with your front-wheel drive
vehicle as you would with a rear-wheel drive
vehicle.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com

207
*
[DR20100(ALL)03/95]
q
Do not quickly move the steering wheel
unless necessary.
*
[DR20200(ALL)01/95]
q
Drive slower than you normally would.
*
[DR20400(ALL)01/95]
q
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
*
[DR20500(ALL)03/92]
q
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to
avoid locking your wheels. (Does not apply
to vehicles with anti-lock brakes.)
*
[DR20600(ALL)02/93]
q
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[DR20750(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
To avoid skidding and losing control on
slippery roads, do not downshift into 1
(First) when you are moving faster than
20 mph (30 km/h).
*
[DR20775(ALL)03/95]
RWARNING
If your vehicle has speed control, do not
use it on slippery roads. You could lose
control of your vehicle and could injure
someone.
*
[DR20850(ALL)01/95]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud
or snow), you may try to ªrockº it out of the
spot. Shift, in a steady rhythm, between forward
and reverse gears. While in each gear, press
lightly on the accelerator and release.
*
[DR20900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com