1996 FORD TAURUS warning lights

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[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
ProCarManuals.com

9
Safety Restraints
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[SR00500(ALL)04/95]
Important Safety Belt Information
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[SR00600(ALL)03/95]
The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and
your passengers in case of a collision. In most
states and in Canada the law requires their use.
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[SR00700(ALL)08/95]
Safety belts provide best restraint when:
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[SR00800(ALL)08/95]
q
the seatback is upright
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[SR00900(ALL)08/95]
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the occupant is sitting upright (not slouched)
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[SR01000(ALL)08/95]
q
the lap belt is snug and low on the hips
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[SR01100(ALL)08/95]
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the shoulder belt is snug against the chest
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[SR01200(ALL)08/95]
q
the knees are straight forward
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[SR02200(ALL)07/95]
To help you remember to fasten your safety belt,
a warning light may come on and a chime may
sound. SeeSafety Belt Warning Light and Chimein
theWarning Lights and Gaugeschapter.
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[SR02300(ALL)07/95]
See the following sections in this chapter for
directions on how to properly use these safety
belts. Also seeSafety Restraints for Childrenin this
chapter for special instructions about using
safety belts for children.
File:03fcsrt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:18 1996
ProCarManuals.com

60
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[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.
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[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.
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[ST06300(ALL)06/95]
1. Put the gearshift in P (Park).
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[ST06400(ALL)01/95]
2. Set the parking brake fully.
[ST06500(ALL)11/94]
3. Turn the ignition to the LOCK position.
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[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.
%*
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If the driver's door is open while the key is still
in the ignition, a warning chime sounds.
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[ST07525(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is securely latched
in P (Park).
File:04fcstt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:50 1996
ProCarManuals.com

61
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[ST07575(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable adults,
or pets alone in your vehicle. They could
accidentally injure themselves or others
through inadvertent operation of the
vehicle. Further, on hot, sunny days,
temperatures in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause
severe and possibly fatal injuries to
people as well as animals.
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[ST08200(ALL)03/95]
Starting Your Vehicle
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[ST08300(ALL)05/94]
Preparing to Start Your Vehicle
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[ST08350(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in
a stopped vehicle for more than a short
period of time with the engine running.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. SeeGuarding
Against Exhaust Fumesin this chapter for
more instructions.
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[ST08400(ALL)01/95]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
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[ST08500(ALL)08/95]
1. Make sure all occupants in the vehicle
buckle their safety belts. SeeSafety Restraints
in the Index for more details.
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[ST08600(ALL)03/95]
2. Make sure your headlamps and other
accessories are turned off and the parking
brake is set.
[ST08850(ALL)11/94]
3. Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park)
before you turn the key.
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[ST09150(ALL)03/95]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to theWarning
Lights and Gaugeschapter.
File:04fcstt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:50 1996
ProCarManuals.com

67
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[ST11900(ALL)03/95]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
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[ST11950(ALL)04/95]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
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[ST12000(ALL)03/95]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
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[ST12050(ALL)01/95]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button on the fuel pump shut-off
switch down.
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[ST12100(ALL)03/95]
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.
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[ST12150(ALL)03/95]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
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[ST12200(ALL)03/95]
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving the vehicle.
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[ST12225(ALL)01/95]
Pushing
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[ST12250(ALL)09/95]
Vehicles with automatic transaxles cannot be
started by pushing. Follow the directions under
If Your Vehicle Needs a Jump-Startin theRoadside
EmergenciesChapter.
File:04fcstt.ex
Update:Mon Jan 22 15:46:50 1996
ProCarManuals.com

71
Warning Lights and
Gauges
%*
[LG00500(ALL)05/92]
In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges
are grouped together on the instrument panel.
We call this grouping a cluster. Your vehicle has
one of the following clusters:
[LG00800(ALL)02/95]
q
Standard cluster
[LG00900(ALL)02/95]
q
Optional cluster
[LG00950( T)02/95]
q
SHO cluster
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[LG01100(ALL)05/94]
If you are not sure which cluster your vehicle
has, check the diagrams on the following pages.
% [LG02050(ALL)05/95]The Standard Cluster
[LG02075(ALL)02/95]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the standard cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible problems with
your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are
optional. The following sections detail what each
of these indicators means.
File:05fclgt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:14:15 1996
ProCarManuals.com

73
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Indicator Lights and Chimes
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Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime
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[LG02510(ALL)09/95]
This warning light and chime remind you to
fasten your safety belt. The following conditions
will take place:
[LG02550(ALL)12/95]
q
If the driver's safety belt is not buckled when
the key is turned to the ON position, the
light will activate for 1 to 2 minutes and the
chime will sound for 4 to 8 seconds.
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[LG02600(ALL)03/95]
q
If the driver's safety belt is buckled while the
light is on or the chime is sounding, both the
light and the chime will turn off.
[LG02650(ALL)12/95]
q
If the driver's safety belt is buckled before the
key is turned to the ON position, the light
will briefly activate, then shut off and the
chime will not activate.
[LG02700(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0000107-B
Safety belt warning light
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[LG02900(ALL)06/95]
Brake System Warning Light
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[LG03000(ALL)03/95]
The warning light for the brakes can show two
things Ð that the parking brake is not fully
released, or that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by
your dealer or a qualified service technician.
File:05fclgt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:14:15 1996
ProCarManuals.com

81 %
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[LG08051(ALL)05/95]
Turn Signal Indicator Lights
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[LG08102(ALL)09/95]
The turn signal arrow will flash to indicate the
direction in which you are going to be turning.
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[LG08150(ALL)07/95]
one inch art:0010525-A
% [LG08251(ALL)11/94]
Cruise Control Indicator Light
(If equipped)
[LG08301(ALL)02/95]
This light comes on when the cruise control ON
switch is pressed. It turns off when the cruise
control OFF switch is pressed or when the
ignition is turned to the OFF position.
[LG08351(ALL)02/95]
one inch art:0001376-A
Cruise control indicator light
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[LG08391(ALL)02/95]
Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light
(If equipped)
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[LG08392(ALL)01/95]
This light comes on for a few seconds when you
turn the ignition key to the START position. It
should go off shortly after the engine starts. If it
stays on longer than five (5) seconds, it indicates
that your anti-lock brake system may not be
working properly. Normal braking is not
affected unless the BRAKE system warning light
also remains on for longer than six (6) seconds.
File:05fclgt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:14:15 1996
ProCarManuals.com