Page 66 of 369
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 64
*
[ST10250(ALL)07/95]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
*
[ST10325(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 64
*
[ST10250(ALL)07/95]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
*
[ST10325(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-65.png)
64
*
[ST10250(ALL)07/95]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
*
[ST10325(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
*
[ST10350(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[ST10500(ALL)03/95]
If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero
temperatures, use an engine block heater (if
your vehicle has this option).
%*
[ST10600(ALL)06/95]
Engine Block Heater (If equipped)
*
[ST10700(ALL)03/95]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10ÊF (-23ÊC) orbelow. An engine block heater
warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
*
[ST10900(ALL)02/95]
To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a
grounded 110-volt outlet. Ford recommends that
you use a 110-volt circuit that is protected by a
ground fault circuit interrupter.
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Page 83 of 369

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
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Page 84 of 369
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 83
conditions. Under certain driving conditions,
such as heavy stop and go traffic or driving up
hills in hot weather, the pointer may move to
the top of the Normal band.
[LG09005(ALL)02/95]
one third FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 83
conditions. Under certain driving conditions,
such as heavy stop and go traffic or driving up
hills in hot weather, the pointer may move to
the top of the Normal band.
[LG09005(ALL)02/95]
one third](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-83.png)
83
conditions. Under certain driving conditions,
such as heavy stop and go traffic or driving up
hills in hot weather, the pointer may move to
the top of the Normal band.
[LG09005(ALL)02/95]
one third page art:0001095-B
Engine coolant temperature gauge
[LG09100(ALL)05/95]
If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves
above the Normal band, the engine coolant is
overheating and continued operation may cause
engine damage.
*
[LG09150(ALL)01/95]
If your engine coolant overheats:
*
[LG09200(ALL)03/95]
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[LG09300(ALL)01/95]
2. Turn off the engine.
*
[LG09400(ALL)05/95]
3. Let the engine cool.
*
[LG09410(ALL)04/95]
4. Check the coolant level following the
instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine, seeEngine Coolantin the
Index. If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured.
[LG09415(ALL)11/94]
If the coolant continues to overheat, have the
cooling system serviced.
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Page 99 of 369
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 99 [IP05650(ALL)10/95]
Changing the display from farenheit to
celsius
[IP05675(ALL)10/95]
To change the temperature display from
Farenheit to Celsius, depress the MAX A/C and
VF-DEF at the same time a FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 99 [IP05650(ALL)10/95]
Changing the display from farenheit to
celsius
[IP05675(ALL)10/95]
To change the temperature display from
Farenheit to Celsius, depress the MAX A/C and
VF-DEF at the same time a](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-98.png)
99 [IP05650(ALL)10/95]
Changing the display from farenheit to
celsius
[IP05675(ALL)10/95]
To change the temperature display from
Farenheit to Celsius, depress the MAX A/C and
VF-DEF at the same time and hold them
down for about a second. To change back to the
original setting, repeat the process. If the battery
is disconnected, the display will revert to
Fahrenheit and must be reset to Celsius.
*
[IP05725(ALL)01/95]
Automatic operation
[IP05825(ALL)03/95]
Press the AUTO button and select the desired
temperature. The selected temperature and
AUTO will be shown in the Display window.
The EATC will automatically heat or cool to
achieve the set temperature. Under normal
conditions, your EATC will need no additional
attention.
[IP05925(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0001287-B
The AUTO temperature display
[IP06025(ALL)03/95]
When in AUTO and weather conditions require
heat, air will be sent to the floor. But a feature is
included in your EATC to prevent blowing cold
air to the floor if the engine coolant is not warm
enough to allow heating. The EATC will direct
the airflow to the windshield at low fan speed.
In 3-1/2 minutes or less, the fan speed will start
to increase and the airflow will change to the
floor area.
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Page 281 of 369
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 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 FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 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](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-280.png)
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.
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Page 297 of 369
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.
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Page 347 of 369

Index 357
Index
A
ABS warning light
(see Anti-lock brake system)....... 81
Accessory position on the ignition..... 59
Additives, engine oil.......... 273
Air bag supplemental
restraint system............. 23
and child safety seats........ 26,33
description............... 23
disposal................ 31
driver air bag............. 23
indicator light............. 77
operation............... 27
passenger air bag............ 23
proper seating............. 24
service and information labels...... 27
tone generator............. 30
wearing safety belts........... 24
Air cleaner filter
location............... 260
replacing............... 296
specifications............. 329
Air conditioning
electronic automatic temperature
control system............ 95
manual heating and air
conditioning system......... 93
Alarm, activating remote personal.... 135
Antenna, radio
(see Electronic sound system)..... 176
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 276
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description.............. 203
see also Brake............ 202
warning light.............. 81
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Page 352 of 369

362 Index
Coolant (see Engine coolant)
checking and adding......... 276
drain and flush............ 280
preparing for storage......... 333
refill capacities............ 328
specifications............. 330
temperature gauge........... 82
Cooling fan............... 256
Cruise control............. 120
Cupholder(s).............. 156
Customer Assistance Center, Ford (U.S.) . . 239
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada..........239, 245
D
Dashboard (see Instrument panel)...... 91
Daytime running light system...... 107
Defects, reporting............ 244
Defrost
rear window and side view mirrors. . . 104
windshield............ 95,103
Dipstick
automatic transaxle fluid........ 296
engine oil.............. 273
power steering fluid.......... 300
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 233
Dispute Settlement Board........ 240
Doors................. 125
childproof locks............ 125
door ajar warning light......... 77
lubricant specifications......... 330
Driving under special conditions
bad weather............. 206
heavy load.............. 208
high speed.............. 290
high water.............. 208
slippery roads............ 206
tips for safe driving.......... 206
towing a trailer............ 211
File:fcixt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:18:16 1996
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