1996 FORD TAURUS light

265 [SV06850(ALL)04/95]
RWARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If
the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the cap.
Otherwise, fuel may spray out and injure
you or others.
*
[SV06900(ALL)05/95]
2. Make sure that you pump unleaded fuel and
put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel
filler pipe.
[SV06950(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: To help reduce early nozzle shutoffs
and fuel spillage, park your vehicle so
that the fuel filler door is not
downhill. Do not tilt or turn the nozzle
upside down when filling. Avoid
excessively fast fuel dispensing rates
(over 10 gallons [38 liters] per minute).
*
[SV07150(ALL)08/95]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of
your vehicle, clean it off immediately.
The fuel may dull or soften the paint
if you do not wash it off.
[SV07200(ALL)10/95]
3. To replace the fuel cap, align the tabs on the
cap with the notches on the filler pipe. Turn
it clockwise until it stops.
*
[SV07250(ALL)10/95]
4. Push the fuel door closed.
[SV07275(ALL)04/95]
If the Service Engine Soon warning light comes
on and stays on when you start the engine, the
fuel cap may not be properly seated. Turn off
the engine, remove the fuel cap and replace it,
being careful to align the cap properly. For more
information, seeWarning lightsin the Index.
*
[SV07290(ALL)07/95]
If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an
authorized Motorcraft or equivalent part.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

267 [SV09100(ALL)12/95]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes
knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily
under most driving conditions on the
recommended octane rating fuel, see your dealer
or a qualified service technician to prevent any
engine damage.
[SV09455( T)02/95]
SHO 3.4L engine
[SV09460( T)02/95]
The SHO 3.4L engine has been designed to
operate using premium unleaded fuel with an
octane rating of 91 or higher. Regular unleaded
fuel with an octane rating of 87 may be used if
necessary. For optimum performance and
driveability, it is recommended that you use
premium unleaded fuel.
[SV09470( T)12/95]
In some high altitude areas, ªpremiumº fuels are
sold with octane ratings of less than 91. It is
recommended that you use only those
ªpremiumº fuels with an octane rating of 91 or
higher.
%*
[SV09490(ALL)08/95]
Fuel quality
[SV09601(ALL)12/95]
Ford approves the use of gasolines, including
those reformulated, that contain oxygenates such
as ethanol (10% maximum) and MTBE (15%
maximum). If methanol is used, the gasoline
should contain no more than 5% with
cosolvents.
[SV09701(ALL)12/95]
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or
hesitation problems, try a different brand of fuel.
If the condition persists, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
*
[SV09800(ALL)06/95]
It should not be necessary to add any
aftermarket products to your fuel tank if you
continue to use a high-quality fuel.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
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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
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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.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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

283 %
*
[SV21100(ALL)03/95]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[SV21200(ALL)04/95]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that
used lead-acid batteries be returned to an
authorized recycling facility for disposal.
*
[SV21300(ALL)03/95]
one inch art:0000983-A
Battery recycling symbol
%*
[SV21700(ALL)03/95]
Windshield Washer Fluid and
Wipers
%*
[SV21800(ALL)03/95]
Washer Fluid
[SV21900(ALL)11/94]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid
every time you stop for fuel. The reservoir for
washer fluid is located on the passenger's side of
the engine compartment and is highlighted with
a washer symbol.
[SV22205(ALL)11/94]
one third page art:0000308-B
The windshield washer fluid reservoir
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com