Page 190 of 369
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 192 %
*
[DR03800(ALL)01/95]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
*
[DR04001(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you
move the gearshift lever from position to
position. If you do not hold the b FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 192 %
*
[DR03800(ALL)01/95]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
*
[DR04001(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you
move the gearshift lever from position to
position. If you do not hold the b](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-189.png)
192 %
*
[DR03800(ALL)01/95]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
*
[DR04001(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while you
move the gearshift lever from position to
position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move
unexpectedly and injure someone.
*
[DR04050(ALL)03/95]
To operate:
*
[DR04101(ALL)01/95]
1. Start the engine.
*
[DR04150(ALL)01/95]
2. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
*
[DR04201(ALL)01/95]
3. Move the gearshift lever out of P (Park).
%*
[DR04250(ALL)04/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a Brake Shift
Interlock safety feature. This feature prevents the
gearshift from being moved from the P (Park)
position until the brake pedal is depressed. This
feature is active when the ignition is in the ON
position. If the gearshift lever CANNOT be
moved from P (Park) with the brake pedal
depressed:
*
[DR04300(ALL)01/95]
1. Turn the engine off and remove the ignition
key.
[DR04350(ALL)11/94]
2. Reinsert the ignition key and turn clockwise
to the first position (OFF).
[DR04400(ALL)11/94]
3. Depress the brake pedal, move the gearshift
lever to N (Neutral) and start the engine.
*
[DR04425(ALL)07/95]
If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the
alternate procedure described above, it is
possible that a fuse has blown and that your
brakelamps may also not be functional. Please
refer to the chapter titledServicing Your Taurus
in this Owner Guide for instructions on checking
and replacing fuses.
File:10fcdrt.ex
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ProCarManuals.com
Page 191 of 369
193
*
[DR04451(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL
YOU VERIFY THAT THE BRAKELAMPS
ARE WORKING.
%*
[DR04501(ALL)11/94]
Using a column-mounted gearshift
*
[DR04550(ALL)04/95]
If your gearshift is on the column, you can use
any of the following positions:
[DR04601(ALL)11/94]
one third page art:0000491-E
The column-mounted gearshift
*
[DR04650(ALL)01/95]
Once you place the gearshift securely into
position, gradually release the brake pedal and
use the accelerator as necessary.
%*
[DR05100(ALL)01/95]
R (Reverse)
*
[DR05200(ALL)08/95]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position,
the vehicle will move backward. You should
always come to a complete stop before shifting
into or out of R (Reverse).
*
[DR05250(ALL)01/95]
N (Neutral)
*
[DR05275(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.
File:10fcdrt.ex
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Page 193 of 369
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 195
*
[DR06600(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is securely latched
in P (Park).
*
[DR06625(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended
wh FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 195
*
[DR06600(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is securely latched
in P (Park).
*
[DR06625(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended
wh](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-192.png)
195
*
[DR06600(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is securely latched
in P (Park).
*
[DR06625(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running.
[DR06700(ALL)11/94]
You can tell a column-mounted gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park) if you cannot move
it without pulling it toward you and rotating it
downward.
% [DR06705(ALL)04/95]Driving with an Automatic
Overdrive Transaxle (Column or
Console Gearshift with O/D OFF
Switch)
[DR06710(ALL)02/95]
Your automatic overdrive transaxle provides
fully automatic operation in either D (Overdrive)
or with the O/D OFF Switch depressed. Driving
with the shift selector in D (Overdrive) gives the
best fuel economy for normal driving conditions.
For manual control, start in 1 (First) and then
shift manually.
%*
[DR06730(ALL)01/95]
Putting Your Vehicle in Gear
[DR06735(ALL)04/95]
You must push in the thumb button to move the
console-mounted gearshift to the position you
choose.
[DR06740(ALL)02/95]
To move the gearshift out of P (Park), the
ignition must be turned from the locked position
to either the OFF or the ON position.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
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Page 194 of 369
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 196
*
[DR06745(ALL)03/95]
To operate:
*
[DR06750(ALL)01/95]
1. Start the engine.
*
[DR06755(ALL)01/95]
2. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
*
[DR06760(ALL)01/95]
3. Move the gearshift lever out of P ( FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 196
*
[DR06745(ALL)03/95]
To operate:
*
[DR06750(ALL)01/95]
1. Start the engine.
*
[DR06755(ALL)01/95]
2. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
*
[DR06760(ALL)01/95]
3. Move the gearshift lever out of P (](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-193.png)
196
*
[DR06745(ALL)03/95]
To operate:
*
[DR06750(ALL)01/95]
1. Start the engine.
*
[DR06755(ALL)01/95]
2. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
*
[DR06760(ALL)01/95]
3. Move the gearshift lever out of P (Park).
%*
[DR06765(ALL)04/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a Brake Shift
Interlock safety feature. This feature prevents the
gearshift from being moved from the P (Park)
position until the brake pedal is depressed. This
feature is active when the ignition is in the ON
position. If the gearshift lever CANNOT be
moved from P (Park) with the brake pedal
depressed:
*
[DR06770(ALL)01/95]
1. Turn the engine off and remove the ignition
key.
[DR06775(ALL)11/94]
2. Reinsert the ignition key and turn clockwise
to the first position (OFF).
[DR06780(ALL)11/94]
3. Depress the brake pedal, move the gearshift
lever to N (Neutral) and start the engine.
*
[DR06781(ALL)07/95]
If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the
alternate procedure described above, it is
possible that a fuse has blown and that your
brakelamps may also not be functional. Please
refer to the chapter titledServicing Your Taurus
in this Owner Guide for instructions on checking
and replacing fuses.
*
[DR06783(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL
YOU VERIFY THAT THE BRAKELAMPS
ARE WORKING.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com
Page 199 of 369
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 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
wh FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 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
wh](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-198.png)
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
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ProCarManuals.com
Page 202 of 369
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 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 FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 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](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-201.png)
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
Page 203 of 369
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
Page 204 of 369
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 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 t FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 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 t](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-203.png)
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