1996 FORD TAURUS Owners Manual

63
*
[ST09400(ALL)08/95]
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key
as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
*
[ST09410(ALL)05/95]
After you start the engine, let it idle for a few
seconds. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and
put the gearshift lever in gear. Release the
parking brake. Slowly release the brake pedal
and drive away in the normal manner.
[ST09420(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic transaxle and has an
interlock that prevents you from
shifting out of P (Park) unless your
foot is on the brake pedal.
%*
[ST09480(ALL)04/95]
If the engine does not start after two attempts:
*
[ST09492(ALL)04/95]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ST09494(ALL)04/95]
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
*
[ST09496(ALL)04/95]
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
*
[ST09497(ALL)04/95]
4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.
*
[ST09498(ALL)04/95]
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up. Then drive away in the
normal manner.
*
[ST09500(ALL)04/95]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been triggered. For
directions on how to reset the switch seeFuel
Pump Shut-Off Switchlater in this chapter.
[ST10200(ALL)12/95]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idle speed normally runs high. These faster
engine speeds will make your vehicle coast
slightly faster than its normal idle speed. It
should, however, slow down after a short time.
If it does not, have the idle speed checked by
your dealer or a qualified technician.
File:04fcstt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:50 1996
ProCarManuals.com

64
*
[ST10250(ALL)07/95]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
*
[ST10325(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
*
[ST10350(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.
*
[ST10500(ALL)03/95]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero
temperatures, use an engine block heater (if
your vehicle has this option).
%*
[ST10600(ALL)06/95]
Engine Block Heater (If equipped)
*
[ST10700(ALL)03/95]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10ÊF (-23ÊC) orbelow. An engine block heater
warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
*
[ST10900(ALL)02/95]
To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a
grounded 110-volt outlet. Ford recommends that
you use a 110-volt circuit that is protected by a
ground fault circuit interrupter.
File:04fcstt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:50 1996
ProCarManuals.com

65
*
[ST11000(ALL)03/95]
For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before you start your vehicle. Using the
heater for longer than three hours will not
damage the engine, so you can plug it in at
night to start your vehicle the following
morning.
*
[ST11100(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To prevent electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
%
*
[ST11200(ALL)03/95]
If the Engine Cranks but Does
Not Start or Does Not Start After
a Collision
%*
[ST11300(ALL)11/95]
Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch
*
[ST11400(ALL)11/95]
If the engine cranks but does not start or does
not start even after a small collision, the fuel
pump shut-off switch may have been activated.
The shut-off switch is a device intended to stop
the fuel pump when your vehicle has been
involved in a substantial jolt.
[ST11500(ALL)10/95]
Once the shut-off switch is activated, you must
reset the switch by hand before you can start
your vehicle. If you have asedan, the switch is
on the right side of the trunk behind the trunk
liner. If you have awagon, it is behind the
service panel on the right side of the cargo area.
File:04fcstt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:50 1996
ProCarManuals.com

66 [ST11600(ALL)11/94]
half page art:0000399-EThe right side of the trunk in the sedan
[ST11700(ALL)11/94]
one third page art:0000516-E
Inside the right side service panel in the wagon
*
[ST11800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.
File:04fcstt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:50 1996
ProCarManuals.com

67
*
[ST11900(ALL)03/95]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
*
[ST11950(ALL)04/95]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ST12000(ALL)03/95]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ST12050(ALL)01/95]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button on the fuel pump shut-off
switch down.
*
[ST12100(ALL)03/95]
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.
*
[ST12150(ALL)03/95]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
*
[ST12200(ALL)03/95]
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving the vehicle.
*
[ST12225(ALL)01/95]
Pushing
*
[ST12250(ALL)09/95]
Vehicles with automatic transaxles cannot be
started by pushing. Follow the directions under
If Your Vehicle Needs a Jump-Startin theRoadside
EmergenciesChapter.
File:04fcstt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:50 1996
ProCarManuals.com

68
%*
[ST12300(ALL)05/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
*
[ST12400(ALL)02/95]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and
odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
*
[ST12500(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in
a stopped vehicle for more than a short
period of time with the engine running.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. SeeGuarding
Against Exhaust Fumesin this chapter for
more instructions.
*
[ST12600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
*
[ST12700(ALL)01/95]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:
*
[ST12800(ALL)02/95]
q
your vehicle is raised for service
*
[ST12900(ALL)02/95]
q
the sound of the exhaust system changes
*
[ST13000(ALL)01/95]
q
your vehicle has been damaged in a collision
File:04fcstt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:50 1996
ProCarManuals.com

69
*
[ST13200(ALL)01/95]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet
vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.
*
[ST13300(ALL)08/95]
If the engine is idling while you are stopped in
an open area for long periods of time, open the
windows at least one inch (2.5 cm). Also, adjust
the heating or air conditioning system to bring
in outside air.
[ST13600(ALL)03/95]
q
If you use the heater, set the fan speed on
either medium or HI with the select knob on
eitherR(floor) or VENT.
[ST13900(ALL)03/95]
q
If you use the air conditioner, set the fan
speed on either medium or HI with the select
knob on A/C. (Do not use MAX A/C.)
[ST14000(ALL)03/95]
q
If you use the automatic temperature control,
set the fan speed on medium or high and
press theS(panel and floor) orR(floor)
manual override button. (Do not use AUTO
or MAX A/C.)
File:04fcstt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:50 1996
ProCarManuals.com

71
Warning Lights and
Gauges
%*
[LG00500(ALL)05/92]
In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges
are grouped together on the instrument panel.
We call this grouping a cluster. Your vehicle has
one of the following clusters:
[LG00800(ALL)02/95]
q
Standard cluster
[LG00900(ALL)02/95]
q
Optional cluster
[LG00950( T)02/95]
q
SHO cluster
*
[LG01100(ALL)05/94]
If you are not sure which cluster your vehicle
has, check the diagrams on the following pages.
% [LG02050(ALL)05/95]The Standard Cluster
[LG02075(ALL)02/95]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the standard cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible problems with
your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are
optional. The following sections detail what each
of these indicators means.
File:05fclgt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:14:15 1996
ProCarManuals.com