1996 FORD TAURUS brake light

60
*
[ST04350(ALL)05/95]
ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning
lights (except the brake system warning light) to
make sure they work before you start the
engine. The key returns to the ON position once
the engine is started and remains in this position
while the engine runs.
*
[ST04375(ALL)03/95]
START cranks the engine. Release the key once
the engine starts so that you do not damage the
starter. The key should return to ON when you
release it. The START position also allows you
to test the brake warning light.
%*
[ST04500(ALL)02/95]
Removing the Key From the Ignition
[ST06000(ALL)02/95]
Procedures for removing the key from the
ignition will be the same for both the column-
and console-mounted gearshifts.
*
[ST06300(ALL)06/95]
1. Put the gearshift in P (Park).
*
[ST06400(ALL)01/95]
2. Set the parking brake fully.
[ST06500(ALL)11/94]
3. Turn the ignition to the LOCK position.
*
[ST06600(ALL)03/95]
4. Remove the key.
[ST07310(ALL)05/95]
If you have difficulty in turning the key, rotate
the steering wheel slightly because it may be
binding.
%*
[ST07520(ALL)05/95]
If the driver's door is open while the key is still
in the ignition, a warning chime sounds.
*
[ST07525(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is securely latched
in P (Park).
File:04fcstt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:50 1996
ProCarManuals.com

61
*
[ST07575(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable adults,
or pets alone in your vehicle. They could
accidentally injure themselves or others
through inadvertent operation of the
vehicle. Further, on hot, sunny days,
temperatures in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause
severe and possibly fatal injuries to
people as well as animals.
*
[ST08200(ALL)03/95]
Starting Your Vehicle
%*
[ST08300(ALL)05/94]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
*
[ST08350(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.
*
[ST08400(ALL)01/95]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
*
[ST08500(ALL)08/95]
1. Make sure all occupants in the vehicle
buckle their safety belts. SeeSafety Restraints
in the Index for more details.
*
[ST08600(ALL)03/95]
2. Make sure your headlamps and other
accessories are turned off and the parking
brake is set.
[ST08850(ALL)11/94]
3. Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park)
before you turn the key.
*
[ST09150(ALL)03/95]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to theWarning
Lights and Gaugeschapter.
File:04fcstt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:50 1996
ProCarManuals.com

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

73
*
[LG02400(ALL)01/95]
Indicator Lights and Chimes
%*
[LG02500(ALL)07/95]
Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime
*
[LG02510(ALL)09/95]
This warning light and chime remind you to
fasten your safety belt. The following conditions
will take place:
[LG02550(ALL)12/95]
q
If the driver's safety belt is not buckled when
the key is turned to the ON position, the
light will activate for 1 to 2 minutes and the
chime will sound for 4 to 8 seconds.
*
[LG02600(ALL)03/95]
q
If the driver's safety belt is buckled while the
light is on or the chime is sounding, both the
light and the chime will turn off.
[LG02650(ALL)12/95]
q
If the driver's safety belt is buckled before the
key is turned to the ON position, the light
will briefly activate, then shut off and the
chime will not activate.
[LG02700(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0000107-B
Safety belt warning light
%*
[LG02900(ALL)06/95]
Brake System Warning Light
*
[LG03000(ALL)03/95]
The warning light for the brakes can show two
things Ð that the parking brake is not fully
released, or that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by
your dealer or a qualified service technician.
File:05fclgt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:14:15 1996
ProCarManuals.com

74 [LG03300(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0000108-DBrake system warning light
*
[LG03500(ALL)01/95]
This light comes on when the parking brake is
set, or if it is not set, it comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition to the START position. It
normally goes off shortly after the engine starts
and you release the parking brake. If the light
stays on after you have fully released the
parking brake, have the hydraulic brake system
serviced by your dealer or a qualified service
technician.
*
[LG03700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
%*
[LG03800(ALL)01/95]
Charging System Light
*
[LG03900(ALL)03/95]
This light, shown as a battery symbol on your
cluster, indicates that your battery is not being
charged and that you need to have the electrical
system checked.
[LG04000(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0000278-B
Charging system light
File:05fclgt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:14:15 1996
ProCarManuals.com

81 %
*
[LG08051(ALL)05/95]
Turn Signal Indicator Lights
*
[LG08102(ALL)09/95]
The turn signal arrow will flash to indicate the
direction in which you are going to be turning.
*
[LG08150(ALL)07/95]
one inch art:0010525-A
% [LG08251(ALL)11/94]
Cruise Control Indicator Light
(If equipped)
[LG08301(ALL)02/95]
This light comes on when the cruise control ON
switch is pressed. It turns off when the cruise
control OFF switch is pressed or when the
ignition is turned to the OFF position.
[LG08351(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0001376-A
Cruise control indicator light
%*
[LG08391(ALL)02/95]
Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light
(If equipped)
*
[LG08392(ALL)01/95]
This light comes on for a few seconds when you
turn the ignition key to the START position. It
should go off shortly after the engine starts. If it
stays on longer than five (5) seconds, it indicates
that your anti-lock brake system may not be
working properly. Normal braking is not
affected unless the BRAKE system warning light
also remains on for longer than six (6) seconds.
File:05fclgt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:14:15 1996
ProCarManuals.com

82You should have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your dealer or qualified service
technician to restore the benefits of the anti-lock
feature. SeeAnti-lock brakesin the Index for more
information.
[LG08394(ALL)03/95]
one inch art:0000674-D
Anti-lock brake system warning light
*
[LG08396(ALL)10/93]
Gauges
%*
[LG08400(ALL)01/95]
Fuel Gauge
[LG08425(ALL)11/94]
The fuel gauge displays approximately how
much fuel is in the fuel tank only when the
ignition is in the ON position.
[LG08525(ALL)11/94]
For proper fuel gauge indication after adding
fuel, the ignition should be in the OFF position
while the vehicle is being refueled.
*
[LG08625(ALL)06/93]
The fuel gauge indicator may vary slightly when
the vehicle is in motion.
[LG08725(ALL)11/94]
With the ignition in the OFF position, the fuel
gauge indicator may drift from the ignition ON
indication.
%*
[LG08800(ALL)01/95]
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
*
[LG08900(ALL)03/95]
This gauge indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the
coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the
gauge indication will not be accurate.
*
[LG09000(ALL)08/95]
The pointer moves from the C (cold) mark into
the Normal band as the engine coolant warms
up. It is acceptable for the pointer to fluctuate
within the Normal band under normal driving
File:05fclgt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:14:15 1996
ProCarManuals.com

87 [LG14750(ALL)12/95]
Low Coolant Light and Chime
[LG14850(ALL)04/95]
This light indicates that the level of the engine
coolant is low inside the coolant reservoir.
[LG14950(ALL)04/95]
one inch art:0000114-C
Low coolant light
[LG15000(ALL)12/95]
This light comes on for a few seconds when
your ignition key is turned to the ON position,
but should turn off when the engine starts. If the
coolant is low, the light will come on and a
single chime will sound. If this light stays on,
check the level of coolant inside the coolant
reservoir. For instructions on adding coolant
mixture, seeEngine coolantin the Index.
% [LG15150(ALL)12/95]
Low Washer Fluid Light
*
[LG15250(ALL)02/95]
This light comes on if the reservoir is less than a
quarter full when you turn on the windshield
washers.
[LG15350(ALL)04/95]
one inch art:0000118-B
Low washer fluid light
% [LG16100(ALL)12/95]
Rear Lamp Out Indicator
[LG16200(ALL)12/95]
This light indicates that a rear tail lamp or
brakelamp is not functioning. It comes on
momentarily when the ignition is turned to the
ON position, then goes out.
File:05fclgt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:14:15 1996
ProCarManuals.com