1996 FORD TAURUS maintenance

3
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[IN01500(ALL)08/95]
Finding Information in This Guide
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[IN01600(ALL)04/95]
After you have read this guide once, you will
probably return to it when you have a specific
question or need additional information. To help
you find specific information quickly, you can
use the Quick Index or the Index.
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[IN01700(ALL)08/95]
TheQuick Indexat the end of the book
provides a page number following each item
which indicates where detailed information can
be found.
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[IN01900(ALL)08/95]
To use theIndex, turn to the back of the book
and search in the alphabetical listing for the
word that best describes the information you
need. If the word you chose is not listed, think
of other related words and look them up. We
have designed the Index so that you can find
information under a technical term.
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[IN02000(ALL)08/95]
Canadian Owners Ð French Version
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[IN02100(ALL)08/95]
French Owner Guides can be obtained from your
dealer or by writing to Ford Motor Company of
Canada, Limited, Service Publications, P.O. Box
1580, Station B, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4G3.
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[IN02400(ALL)04/95]
Your Maintenance Schedule and
Record Booklet
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[IN02500(ALL)03/95]
TheMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet lists
the services that are most important for keeping
your vehicle in good condition. A record log is
also provided to help you keep track of all
services performed.
File:02fcint.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:41:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

23
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[SR07950(ALL)08/95]
Safety Belt Maintenance
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[SR07970(ALL)09/95]
Check the safety belt systems periodically to
make sure that they work properly and are not
damaged.
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[SR07980(ALL)10/95]
All safety belt assemblies, including retractors,
buckles, front seat belt buckle support assemblies
(slide bar) (if equipped), child safety seat tether
bracket assemblies (if equipped), and attaching
hardware, should be inspected after any
collision. Ford recommends that all safety belt
assemblies used in vehicles involved in a
collision be replaced. However, if the collision
was minor and a qualified technician finds that
the belts do not show damage and continue to
operate properly, they do not need to be
replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use
during a collision should also be inspected and
replaced if either damage or improper operation
is noted.
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[SR08400(ALL)06/95]
Cleaning the Safety Belts
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[SR08500(ALL)06/95]
Clean the safety belts with any mild soap
solution that is recommended for cleaning
upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the
belt webbing because this may weaken it.
%
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[SR14300(ALL)06/95]
Air Bag Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS)
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[SR14650(ALL)05/95]
The driver and right front passenger air bags are
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), provided
at these seating positions in addition to the
lap/shoulder belt, and are designed to
supplement the protection provided to properly
belted occupants in moderate to severe frontal
collisions. The supplemental air bag system does
not provide restraint to the lower body.
File:03fcsrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:18 1996
ProCarManuals.com

30
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[SR18400(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
If the air bag is inflated, THE AIR BAG
WILL NOT FUNCTION AGAIN AND
MUST BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. If
the air bag is not replaced, the unrepaired
area will increase the risk of injury in a
collision.
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[SR18425(ALL)07/95]
To ensure that the air bag system will operate as
intended in a crash, the system is equipped with
a diagnostic module, which controls a readiness
lamp and a warning tone. The diagnostic
module monitors its own circuits, the air bag
electrical system, the air bag readiness light, the
air bag power, and the air bag inflators.
%*
[SR18450(ALL)05/95]
The air bag system uses a readiness light on the
instrument cluster and a tone to indicate the
condition of the system. When you turn the
ignition key to the ON position, this light will
illuminate for approximately six (6) seconds and
then turn off. This indicates that the system is
operating normally. NOTE: Maintenance of the
air bag system is not required.
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[SR18475(ALL)06/95]
A problem with the system is indicated by one
or more of the following:
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[SR18501(ALL)06/95]
q
the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,
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[SR18525(ALL)06/95]
q
or it will not light immediately after ignition
is turned on,
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[SR18550(ALL)06/95]
q
or a group of five beeps will be heard. The
tone pattern will repeat periodically until the
problem and light are repaired.
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[SR18575(ALL)08/95]
If any of these things happen, have the air bag
system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the air bag
Supplemental Restraint System may not function
properly in the event of a collision.
File:03fcsrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:18 1996
ProCarManuals.com

57
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[SR29150(ALL)08/95]
Built-in child seat maintenance
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[SR29200(ALL)08/95]
Regularly inspect the lap and shoulder belts
system of your child seat. See your Ford dealer
if the shoulder belt webbing is frayed, or if the
buckle and tongue are damaged and/or do not
function properly.
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[SR29250(ALL)08/95]
Cleaning
[SR29300(ALL)08/95]
Your built-in child seat may be cleaned with
mild soap and water. Do not use household
cleaners as they may weaken the webbing or
damage the plastic parts. For your convenience,
the liner is removable and can be
machine-washed and air-dried.
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[SR29500(ALL)07/95]
Safety Belts for Children
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[SR29600(ALL)07/95]
Children who are too large for child safety seats
should always wear safety belts. (See instructions
with your child seat, or contact its manufacturer,
to determine maximum size of child that will
safely fit in the seat.)
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[SR29700(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
If safety belts are not properly worn and
adjusted as described, the risk of serious
injury to the child in a collision will be
much greater.
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[SR29800(ALL)12/95]
If the shoulder belt portion of one of the lap and
shoulder belts can be positioned so that it does
not cross or rest in front of the child's face or
neck, the child should wear the lap and shoulder
belt. Moving the child closer to the center of the
vehicle may help provide a good shoulder belt
fit.
File:03fcsrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:18 1996
ProCarManuals.com

104 [IP08925(ALL)04/95]Operating tips
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[IP09025(ALL)03/95]
The following tips will help you to get the most
satisfaction from your climate control system.
[IP09125(ALL)04/95]
q
In humid weather, selectVF-DEF (front
defrost) before driving. This will help to
prevent windshield fogging. After a few
minutes of operation, switch to any desired
selection.
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[IP09325(ALL)03/95]
q
Do not put objects under the front seats that
interfere with the flow of air to the back seat
area.
[IP09425(ALL)04/95]
q
Remove any snow, ice, or leaves from the air
intake area of your climate control system
which could block the air intake. The intake
area is located at the bottom of the
windshield, under the hood at the passenger
side rear corner.
[IP09500(ALL)03/95]
q
If the air conditioner performs well in MAX
A/C but not in A/C, this may indicate that
the MicronAirHfilter (if equipped) needs to
be replaced.
[IP10000(ALL)03/95]
MicronAirHAir Filter (If equipped)
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[IP10100(ALL)02/95]
Your vehicle may have an air filter that removes
pollen and road dust from outside air before it
is directed to the interior of the vehicle. For
maintenance of this filter, seeServicing Your
Taurus.
% [IP21650(ALL)04/95]
Rear Window Defroster and Heated Side
View Mirrors
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[IP21700(ALL)02/95]
The defroster for the rear window clears frost,
fog, or thin ice from both the inside and outside
of the rear window and activates the heated side
view mirrors.
[IP21900(ALL)04/95]
The button for the rear defroster and heated side
view mirrors is on the instrument panel.
File:06fcipt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:13:16 1996
ProCarManuals.com

176 [AS14800(ALL)04/95]Using the Power Antenna (If equipped)
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[AS14850(ALL)02/95]
The power antenna will automatically rise when
your radio is turned on and the ignition is in the
ON or ACC position. It will lower when either
the radio or the ignition is turned off.
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[AS14900(ALL)02/95]
Power antenna maintenance and care
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[AS14950(ALL)02/95]
q
Never drive your vehicle through a car wash
with the power antenna mast extended. This
can cause damage to the antenna mast, which
is not covered under warranty. Turn off your
radio and/or the vehicle. This will
automatically retract the antenna.
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[AS15000(ALL)02/95]
q
If your power antenna mast ever becomes
damaged, the mast may not extend or retract
properly which might limit reception
performance. In this case, it is not necessary
to replace the entire power antenna assembly.
A replacement mast can be obtained from
your dealership for a nominal fee.
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[AS15050(ALL)02/95]
q
Occasionally, the power antenna mast should
be wiped clean with mild soap and water or
denatured alcohol. This prevents debris from
accumulating on the mast which can cause
excessive wear and decrease the power
antenna life. Never use petroleum-based
products to clean your antenna mast.
File:09fcast.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:58:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com

216 %
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[DR29900(ALL)01/95]
Driving While You Tow
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[DR30000(ALL)05/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
[DR30175(ALL)04/95]
When you tow in steep hills, move the
automatic transaxle to 1 (First) (vehicles without
O/D OFF switch) or 2 (Second) (vehicles with
O/D OFF switch) when descending. This will
give more engine braking on downgrades. The
automatic transaxle will automatically downshift
to the proper gear on upgrades.
[DR30200(ALL)04/95]
If you tow in Overdrive while riding through
hilly country, your vehicle may frequently shift
between Overdrive and Third gears. To prevent
your vehicle from shifting too much, move the
gearshift to D (Drive) (column shift without
O/D OFF switch) or push the O/D OFF switch
(column or console shift). This will also give
better braking going down hills.
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[DR30300(ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are
towing on very long, steep grades, the speed
control may shut off.
% [DR30400(ALL)04/95]
Servicing Your Vehicle When You Tow
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[DR30500(ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your
vehicle will need to be serviced more frequently
than usual. Refer to theMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet for additional information.
File:10fcdrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:59:33 1996
ProCarManuals.com

238
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[HS00245(ALL)06/94]
How to use Roadside Assistance
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[HS00250(ALL)06/94]
Your Roadside Assistance identification card can
be found in the Owner Guide portfolio in your
glove compartment. Complete the card and place
it in your wallet for quick reference.
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[HS00255(ALL)04/95]
To receive roadside assistance in the United
States call 1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call
1-800-665-2006).
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[HS00260(ALL)04/95]
Should you need to arrange for roadside
assistance yourself, Ford Motor Company will
reimburse the reasonable cost. To obtain
information about reimbursement call
1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
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[HS00300(ALL)01/95]
If You Have a Service Problem
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[HS00400(ALL)01/95]
Ford Motor Company has authorized Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealerships that can service
your vehicle for you. This chapter tells you how
to get service or maintenance for your vehicle.
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[HS00505(ALL)02/95]
Service/Maintenance Concerns
(U.S. or Canada)
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[HS00600(ALL)04/95]
Ford recommends taking your vehicle to your
selling dealer who wants to ensure your
continued satisfaction. You may, however, take
your vehicle to any authorized Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer. In most cases, your
dealer will be able to resolve your concern.
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[HS00700(ALL)04/95]
If you are not satisfied with the service you
received from your dealership's service
department, talk to the service manager at the
dealership, or if you still are not satisfied, talk to
the owner or general manager of the dealership.
In most cases, you will have your concern
resolved at this level.
File:13fchst.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 16:02:19 1996
ProCarManuals.com