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![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 272
*
[SV13605(ALL)02/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[SV13611(ALL)01/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you
should also perform a few simple maintenance
routines. This extra effort will save you
a FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 272
*
[SV13605(ALL)02/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[SV13611(ALL)01/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you
should also perform a few simple maintenance
routines. This extra effort will save you
a](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-268.png)
272
*
[SV13605(ALL)02/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[SV13611(ALL)01/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you
should also perform a few simple maintenance
routines. This extra effort will save you
additional money and contribute to the driving
efficiency of your vehicle.
*
[SV13615(ALL)01/95]
The following procedures require only a tire
gauge, a rag, an oil can spout and windshield
washer fluid.
*
[SV13620(ALL)01/95]
q
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
*
[SV13625(ALL)01/95]
q
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and
headlights
*
[SV13630(ALL)01/95]
q
Check windshield washer fluid
*
[SV13633(ALL)02/95]
q
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[SV13636(ALL)01/95]
q
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
%
*
[SV13638(ALL)02/95]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[SV13639(ALL)09/95]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an
equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the American
Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on
the front of the container.
*
[SV13650(ALL)03/95]
one third page art:0060021-E
The API Certification Mark
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![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.
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![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 274
*
[SV14300(ALL)01/95]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
[SV14400(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0001397-A
Engine oil dipstick (3.0L Vulcan)
[SV1445 FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 274
*
[SV14300(ALL)01/95]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
[SV14400(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0001397-A
Engine oil dipstick (3.0L Vulcan)
[SV1445](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-270.png)
274
*
[SV14300(ALL)01/95]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
[SV14400(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0001397-A
Engine oil dipstick (3.0L Vulcan)
[SV14450( T)02/95]
one inch art:0001398-A
Engine oil dipstick (3.0L Duratec and 3.4L SHO)
*
[SV14500(ALL)11/95]
6. Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªADD 1 QTº line, add
engine oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the letter ªFº in Full, engine damage
or high oil consumption may occur and
some oil must be removed from the engine.
*
[SV14600(ALL)01/95]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
%*
[SV14700(ALL)03/95]
Adding engine oil
*
[SV14800(ALL)01/95]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
*
[SV15000(ALL)03/95]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
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275 %
*
[SV16300(ALL)06/95]
Changing the Engine Oil and the Oil Filter
*
[SV16400(ALL)04/95]
Change the engine oil and oil filter per the
following, whichever occurs first.
[SV16500(ALL)04/95]
one third page art:0060618-C*
[SV16550(ALL)03/95]
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule and Record
Booklet for additional information.
%*
[SV16600(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.
*
[SV16700(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil
has caused cancer in laboratory mice.
[SV16800(ALL)07/95]
Protect your skin by washing with mild soap
and water.
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Page 273 of 369
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 276
%*
[SV17300(ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
%*
[SV17320(ALL)09/95]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[SV17350(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the be FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 276
%*
[SV17300(ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
%*
[SV17320(ALL)09/95]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[SV17350(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the be](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-272.png)
276
%*
[SV17300(ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
%*
[SV17320(ALL)09/95]
Checking the Engine Coolant
*
[SV17350(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
[SV17400(ALL)10/95]
RWARNING
The cooling fans are automatic and may
come on at any time. Always disconnect
the negative terminal of the battery before
working near the fan.
%*
[SV17600(ALL)05/94]
Your vehicle's coolant protects your engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in
the winter. Check the level of the coolant at least
once a month. Simply look at the engine coolant
reservoir located in the engine compartment. To
locate the reservoir, see the diagram of your
vehicle's engine underEngine Type, in this
chapter.
*
[SV17650(ALL)05/95]
The coolant additives also protect the entire
cooling system from internal passageway
corrosion and these additives lubricate the water
pump. The coolant should be serviced as noted
in theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet.
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![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 277 [SV17700(ALL)12/95]
one third page art:0000305-E
The engine coolant reservoir (3.0L Vulcan shown Ð 3.0L
Duratec and 3.4L SHO similar)
[SV17750(ALL)04/95]
The coolant level in the reservoir should FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 277 [SV17700(ALL)12/95]
one third page art:0000305-E
The engine coolant reservoir (3.0L Vulcan shown Ð 3.0L
Duratec and 3.4L SHO similar)
[SV17750(ALL)04/95]
The coolant level in the reservoir should](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-273.png)
277 [SV17700(ALL)12/95]
one third page art:0000305-E
The engine coolant reservoir (3.0L Vulcan shown Ð 3.0L
Duratec and 3.4L SHO similar)
[SV17750(ALL)04/95]
The coolant level in the reservoir should be
maintained within the cold fill range.
[SV17900(ALL)02/95]
There may be a low coolant warning light in the
instrument cluster which will light when the
coolant level is low.
%*
[SV18000(ALL)08/95]
Checking Hoses
*
[SV18050(ALL)11/94]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses and
hose connections for deterioration, leaks, and
loose hose clamps as specified in theMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet. Repair or replace
with Motorcraft hoses or equivalent as necessary.
*
[SV18100(ALL)09/95]
Adding Engine Coolant
*
[SV18200(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
*
[SV18250(ALL)09/95]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or
antifreeze could make it difficult to see through
the windshield.
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![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 278 [SV18300(ALL)11/94]
RWARNING
Never remove the pressure cap while the
engine is running or hot to avoid personal
injury that can be caused by escaping
steam or engine coolant.
[SV18500(ALL)04/95]
1 FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 278 [SV18300(ALL)11/94]
RWARNING
Never remove the pressure cap while the
engine is running or hot to avoid personal
injury that can be caused by escaping
steam or engine coolant.
[SV18500(ALL)04/95]
1](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-274.png)
278 [SV18300(ALL)11/94]
RWARNING
Never remove the pressure cap while the
engine is running or hot to avoid personal
injury that can be caused by escaping
steam or engine coolant.
[SV18500(ALL)04/95]
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine
off and let it cool. Even when the engine is
cool, be careful when you remove the cap.
[SV18600(ALL)02/95]
2. When the engine is cold, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap and turn it slowly
counterclockwise to relieve pressure.
*
[SV18700(ALL)09/95]
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
*
[SV18800(ALL)09/95]
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has
been released, use the cloth to turn and
remove cap.
*
[SV18900(ALL)02/95]
5. Stand away from the reservoir opening. Hot
steam may blow out or hot engine coolant
may even splash out.
*
[SV19000(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Failure to follow these instructions could
result in serious personal injury from hot
engine coolant or steam blowout and/or
damage to the engine cooling system or
engine.
*
[SV19050(ALL)09/95]
To find out how much engine coolant mixture
your vehicle's coolant system can hold, seeRefill
capacities for fluidsin the Index.
[SV19100(ALL)04/95]
Add engine coolant only to the coolant
reservoir.If the coolant level is low, add to the
reservoir a 50/50 mixture of water and the type
of engine coolant that Ford specifies. You may
add water by itself only in an emergency, but
you should replace it with a 50/50 mixture as
soon as possible.
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![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 279 [SV19104(ALL)04/95]
Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid is an
optimized formula that will protect all metal and
rubber elastomers used in Ford engines for four
years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km). It FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 279 [SV19104(ALL)04/95]
Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid is an
optimized formula that will protect all metal and
rubber elastomers used in Ford engines for four
years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km). It](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-275.png)
279 [SV19104(ALL)04/95]
Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid is an
optimized formula that will protect all metal and
rubber elastomers used in Ford engines for four
years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km). It is not
necessary and not recommended to use
supplemental coolant additives in your vehicle.
These additives may harm your engine cooling
system. Follow the recommended service interval
for changing your engine coolant.
*
[SV19106(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: When you change or add engine
coolant, it is important to maintain
your engine coolant concentration
between 40%(-11ÊF [-24ÊC]) and 60%
(-62ÊF [-52ÊC]),depending on your local
climate conditions. Below 40% you will
lose freeze protection and above 60%
your engine may overheat on a warm
day.
*
[SV19107(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Less than 40% of coolant concentration
may cause engine corrosion and
overheating. Plain water may be used
in an emergency only. Replace it with
the specified coolant as quickly as
possible.
*
[SV19108(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: The use of an improper coolant may
void your warranty for the engine
cooling system. Use only a premium,
nationally recognized brand name
engine coolant. Do not use alcohol,
methanol antifreeze or engine coolant
mixed with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. If you do not use the proper
coolant, the aluminum engine on your
vehicle will corrode.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com