1996 FORD TAURUS engine overheat

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.
File:05fclgt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:14:15 1996
ProCarManuals.com

208
*
[DR21000(ALL)03/95]
By moving the vehicle backward and forward,
you may gain enough momentum to move out
of the spot. Do not rock the vehicle for more
than a few minutes. This may overheat the
engine, damage the transaxle, or damage the
tires. If you are still stuck after a minute or two
of rocking, call for a tow truck.
%*
[DR21200(ALL)01/95]
High water
*
[DR21300(ALL)01/95]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are sure that the water is below the bottom of
the wheel rims.
*
[DR21400(ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR21500(ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
%
*
[DR21600(ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[DR21700(ALL)01/95]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry or tow. The total weight of
your vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
%*
[DR21800(ALL)01/95]
You can find your vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on
the left front door lock facing or on the door
latch post pillar.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 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

279 [SV19104(ALL)04/95]
Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid is an
optimized formula that will protect all metal and
rubber elastomers used in Ford engines for four
years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km). It is not
necessary and not recommended to use
supplemental coolant additives in your vehicle.
These additives may harm your engine cooling
system. Follow the recommended service interval
for changing your engine coolant.
*
[SV19106(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: When you change or add engine
coolant, it is important to maintain
your engine coolant concentration
between 40%(-11ÊF [-24ÊC]) and 60%
(-62ÊF [-52ÊC]),depending on your local
climate conditions. Below 40% you will
lose freeze protection and above 60%
your engine may overheat on a warm
day.
*
[SV19107(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Less than 40% of coolant concentration
may cause engine corrosion and
overheating. Plain water may be used
in an emergency only. Replace it with
the specified coolant as quickly as
possible.
*
[SV19108(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: The use of an improper coolant may
void your warranty for the engine
cooling system. Use only a premium,
nationally recognized brand name
engine coolant. Do not use alcohol,
methanol antifreeze or engine coolant
mixed with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. If you do not use the proper
coolant, the aluminum engine on your
vehicle will corrode.
File:15fcsvt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
ProCarManuals.com