1996 FORD TAURUS coolant reservoir

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

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.
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

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.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
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281
*
[SV19400(ALL)08/95]
Engine Coolant Refill Procedure
*
[SV19450(ALL)01/95]
When the entire cooling system is drained and
refilled, the following procedure should be used
to ensure a complete fill:
[SV19500(ALL)04/95]
q
With the engine OFF and cool, remove the
pressure cap, located on the coolant reservoir.
[SV19550(ALL)04/95]
q
Add a 50/50 mixture of specified coolant and
water to the coolant reservoir. Refer toRefill
Capacitieslater in this chapter for the correct
amount.
[SV19600(ALL)02/95]
q
Continue to fill the reservoir until the coolant
is at the top of the cold fill range.
[SV19650(ALL)04/95]
q
Reinstall the pressure cap until it clicks.
*
[SV19700(ALL)05/95]
q
Start and idle the engine until the radiator
upper hose is warm (this indicates the
thermostat is open and coolant is flowing
through the entire system).
[SV19750(ALL)04/95]
q
Immediately shut off the engine and let cool.
Cautiously remove the pressure cap and add
a 50/50 mixture of specified coolant and
water until the coolant is within the cold fill
range in the coolant reservoir.
[SV19800(ALL)02/95]
q
Reinstall the pressure cap until a click is
heard and felt.
*
[SV19850(ALL)03/95]
q
Check for leaks at the draincock.
*
[SV19900(ALL)03/95]
q
Recheck the engine coolant level, using the
recommended procedure, after one or two
occasions of vehicle use.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
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284
*
[SV22400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
%*
[SV22500(ALL)01/95]
Use specially formulated windshield washer
fluid rather than plain water, because specially
formulated washer fluids contain additives that
dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such
as methanol should be used in freezing weather
(temperatures below32ÊF [0ÊC]).State or local
regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOC's) may restrict use of the most common
antifreeze, methanol. Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection
without damaging the vehicle's paint finish,
wiper blades, and windshield washer system.
[SV22550(ALL)04/95]
RWARNING
Washer solution contains methanol which
is poisonous. Observe all warnings
indicated on label of washer solution.
% [SV22600(ALL)06/94]
Checking the washer fluid for the
liftgate (If equipped)
[SV23100(ALL)04/95]
If your wagon has a rear window wiper, check
the reservoir for its washer fluid regularly. This
is not the same reservoir that your windshield
wipers use. The opening for this reservoir is on
the right side of the liftgate opening, below the
tail lamp. Refill this reservoir with the same
solution you use for your windshield. To find
out how much washer fluid the reservoir holds,
seeRefill Capacitieslater in this chapter.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

300 [SV31140(ALL)11/94]
one third page art:0000672-BThe brake fluid reservoir
%*
[SV31200(ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV31300(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[SV31400(ALL)03/95]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
*
[SV31500(ALL)02/95]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[SV31600(ALL)01/95]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[SV31700(ALL)05/95]
3. Turn the engine off.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com

364 Index
Engine coolant (continued)
proper solution............ 278
recovery reservoir........... 277
refill capacities............ 328
specifications............. 330
temperature gauge........... 82
Engine coolant temperature gauge..... 82
Engine fan............... 256
Engine oil
changing oil and oil filter....... 275
checking and adding......... 273
dipstick............... 274
disposal............... 275
engine oil pressure warning light..... 75
filter, specifications.......... 329
refill capacities............ 328
specifications............. 330
synthetic oil............. 273
ªbreak-inº oils............. 5
viscosity............... 273
Entry system, keyless.......... 128
Exhaust fumes.............. 68
Extended Service Plan, Ford........ 4
F
Fan, engine fan, avoiding injury..... 256
Flashers, hazard............. 118
Flashing the lights............ 116
Flat tire................. 222
Floor mats............... 152
Fluid refill capacities........... 328
File:fcixt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:18:16 1996
ProCarManuals.com