Page 3 of 369
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual *
[PI00560(ALL)05/95]
Table of ContentsIntroductory Information .............................1
Safety Restraints ............................................9
Starting Your Taurus .................... FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual *
[PI00560(ALL)05/95]
Table of ContentsIntroductory Information .............................1
Safety Restraints ............................................9
Starting Your Taurus ....................](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-2.png)
*
[PI00560(ALL)05/95]
Table of ContentsIntroductory Information .............................1
Safety Restraints ............................................9
Starting Your Taurus ..................................59
Warning Lights and Gauges .....................71
Instrument Panel Controls ........................91
Steering Column Controls ......................115
Features ........................................................125
Electronic Sound Systems .......................169
Driving Your Taurus ................................191
Roadside Emergencies ..............................217
Customer Assistance .................................237
Reporting Safety Defects .........................244
Accessories ..................................................249
Servicing Your Taurus .............................255
Quick Index ................................................341
Index .............................................................357
Service Station Information ....................380
File:01fcpit.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:39:52 1996
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Page 28 of 369
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 26 %
*
[SR16250(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
When using forward-facing child seats
move the passenger seat as far back from
the instrument panel as possible. NEVER
SECURE REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS
IN THE FRONT FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 26 %
*
[SR16250(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
When using forward-facing child seats
move the passenger seat as far back from
the instrument panel as possible. NEVER
SECURE REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS
IN THE FRONT](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-27.png)
26 %
*
[SR16250(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
When using forward-facing child seats
move the passenger seat as far back from
the instrument panel as possible. NEVER
SECURE REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS
IN THE FRONT SEAT.
*
[SR16255(ALL)11/95]
The force of the rapidly inflating passenger air
bag could push the top of the rear-facing seat
against the vehicle seatback, armrests or console.
Rear-facing infant seats must always be secured
in the rear seat.
*
[SR16300(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Do not place objects or mount equipment
on or near the air bag cover on the
steering wheel or in front seat areas that
may come in contact with a deploying air
bag. Failure to follow this instruction may
increase the risk of personal injury in the
event of a collision.
*
[SR16350(ALL)07/95]
For further information about the proper
mounting of equipment in the front seat of this
vehicle, please refer to Ford's brochure entitled
Some Important Information About Air Bag
Supplemental Restraint Systemwhich can be
obtained by calling Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356.
Ask for brochure FPS-8602.
*
[SR16400(ALL)08/95]
For additional important safety information on
the proper use of seat belts, child seats, and
infant seats, please read the other sections of this
chapter of the Owner Guide, especially sections
entitledSafety Belts for ChildrenandSafety Seats
for Children.
File:03fcsrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:18 1996
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Page 29 of 369
27 %
*
[SR16500(ALL)01/95]
How the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint
System Operates
*
[SR16600(ALL)06/95]
The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System
consists of the driver and passenger air bags,
impact sensors, a system diagnostic module, a
readiness light and tone, and the electrical
wiring which connects the components.
*
[SR16750(ALL)06/95]
The driver air bag is in the center of the steering
wheel. The front passenger seat air bag is
located in the center of the instrument panel
ledge above the glove compartment. Both air
bags are designed to stay out of sight until they
are activated.
[SR16775(ALL)11/94]
half page art:0001373-A
The location of air bags and warning labels
File:03fcsrt.ex
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![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 59
Starting Your Taurus
*
[ST03300(ALL)03/95]
Ignition
%*
[ST03400(ALL)01/95]
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
[ST03725(ALL)11/94]
quarter page art:0000017-D
The positions of the key in the FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 59
Starting Your Taurus
*
[ST03300(ALL)03/95]
Ignition
%*
[ST03400(ALL)01/95]
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
[ST03725(ALL)11/94]
quarter page art:0000017-D
The positions of the key in the](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-60.png)
59
Starting Your Taurus
*
[ST03300(ALL)03/95]
Ignition
%*
[ST03400(ALL)01/95]
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
[ST03725(ALL)11/94]
quarter page art:0000017-D
The positions of the key in the ignition
%*
[ST04050(ALL)07/95]
ACCESSORY allows some of your vehicle's
electrical accessories such as the radio and the
windshield wipers to operate while the engine is
not running.
% [ST04100(ALL)10/89]
LOCK locks the steering wheel. It also locks the
gearshift for all vehicles with an automatic
transaxle.
*
[ST04175(ALL)08/95]
The automatic transaxle gearshift must be in P
(Park) to move the key to the LOCK position.
*
[ST04200(ALL)01/95]
LOCK is the only position that allows you to
remove the key. The LOCK feature helps to
protect your vehicle from theft.
%*
[ST04300(ALL)05/95]
If the key is stuck in the LOCK position, move
the steering wheel left or right until the key
turns freely.
[ST04325(ALL)04/95]
OFF allows you to shut off the engine and all
accessories without locking the steering wheel or
the automatic transaxle gearshift lever.
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![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 60
*
[ST04350(ALL)05/95]
ON allows you to test your vehicles warning
lights (except the brake system warning light) to
make sure they work before you start the
engine. The key returns to the ON posit FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 60
*
[ST04350(ALL)05/95]
ON allows you to test your vehicles warning
lights (except the brake system warning light) to
make sure they work before you start the
engine. The key returns to the ON posit](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-61.png)
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).
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Page 64 of 369
![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 62 %
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[ST09310(ALL)02/95]
Starting Your Engine
*
[ST09320(ALL)06/95]
To start your engine:
*
[ST09330(ALL)05/95]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this secti FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 62 %
*
[ST09310(ALL)02/95]
Starting Your Engine
*
[ST09320(ALL)06/95]
To start your engine:
*
[ST09330(ALL)05/95]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this secti](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-63.png)
62 %
*
[ST09310(ALL)02/95]
Starting Your Engine
*
[ST09320(ALL)06/95]
To start your engine:
*
[ST09330(ALL)05/95]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
*
[ST09340(ALL)03/95]
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
*
[ST09350(ALL)06/95]
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
*
[ST09360(ALL)02/95]
4. Turn the key to the START position
(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the
key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.
*
[ST09370(ALL)02/95]
If you have difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.
%*
[ST09375(ALL)04/95]
For a cold engine:
*
[ST09381(ALL)06/95]
q
At temperatures10ÊF (-12ÊC) andbelow:If
the engine does not start infifteen (15)
secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you
do not flood the engine, then try again.
*
[ST09385(ALL)04/95]
q
At temperaturesabove10ÊF(-12ÊC):If the
engine does not start infive (5) secondson
the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait
approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.
%*
[ST09387(ALL)05/95]
For a warm engine:
*
[ST09390(ALL)04/95]
q
Do not hold the key in the START position
for more thanfive (5) secondsat a time. If
the engine does not start within five (5)
seconds on the first try, turn the key to the
OFF position. Wait a few seconds after the
starter stops, then try again.
File:04fcstt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:50 1996
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Page 106 of 369
106 [IP23550(ALL)04/95]To turn on the liftgate window washer, press the
dswitch. When thedswitch is pressed, it also
turns on the liftgate wiper.
%
*
[IP23600(ALL)01/95]
The Interior and Exterior Lights
%*
[IP23700(ALL)01/95]
Turning On the Exterior Lights
[IP23800(ALL)12/95]
To turn on your headlamps, parking lamps, side
markers, license plate lamps and tail lamps, use
the knob that is to the left of the steering wheel.
[IP24200( T)10/95]
one third page art:0000695-C
The knob for the headlamps, parking lamps, license plate
lamps and tail lamps
[IP24500(ALL)12/95]
To turn on the parking lamps, side markers,
license plate lamps and tail lamps, turn the knob
to ªPº or the first position.
[IP24600(ALL)12/95]
To turn on the headlamps, parking lamps, side
markers, license plate lamps and tail lamps, turn
the knob to the second position.
File:06fcipt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:13:16 1996
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![FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 107 [IP25200(ALL)03/95]
one third page art:0001411-B
Turning on the high beams
% [IP25250(ALL)02/89]
To change your headlamps from low to high
beam, push the turn signal lever away from you.
To change FORD TAURUS 1996 Owners Manual 107 [IP25200(ALL)03/95]
one third page art:0001411-B
Turning on the high beams
% [IP25250(ALL)02/89]
To change your headlamps from low to high
beam, push the turn signal lever away from you.
To change](/manual-img/11/57830/w960_57830-106.png)
107 [IP25200(ALL)03/95]
one third page art:0001411-B
Turning on the high beams
% [IP25250(ALL)02/89]
To change your headlamps from low to high
beam, push the turn signal lever away from you.
To change them back to low beam, pull the
lever toward you.
*
[IP25300(ALL)03/93]
For more information about how the high beam
headlamps work, seeSteering column controlsin
the Index.
%*
[IP25605(ALL)01/95]
Daytime Running Light System
[IP25610(ALL)03/95]
(Canadian and fleet vehicles only)
*
[IP25615(ALL)03/95]
The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system is
designed to turn the high beam headlamps on,
with a reduced light output and without
illuminating the high beam indicator lamp in the
instrument panel. The DRL system operates
when all of the following conditions are met:
*
[IP25620(ALL)03/95]
q
The vehicle is ªrunning.º
*
[IP25625(ALL)01/95]
q
The vehicle has a fully released parking
brake.
*
[IP25630(ALL)03/95]
q
The headlamp system is in the OFF position.
*
[IP25635(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: If you have a vehicle with an
automatic lighting system, the DRL
system is active until the automatic
system turns on the headlamps.
File:06fcipt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:13:16 1996
ProCarManuals.com