1997 FORD TAURUS Owners Manual

N (Neutral)
With the gearshift in
the N (Neutral)
position, the vehicle
can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the
brake pedal down while
in this position.
(Overdrive Ð column shift without O/D OFF
switch) or D (Overdrive Ð column or console
mounted gearshift with O/D off switch)
The overdrive position
is the normal driving
position for an
automatic overdrive
transaxle. It works the
same way as D (Drive)
or D (Overdrive Ð
with the O/D OFF
switchnotdepressed)
works, but shifts to a
fourth gear Ð an
overdrive gear Ð when
your vehicle cruises at
a constant speed for any length of time. This fourth
gear will increase your fuel economy when you
travel at cruising speeds.
Overdrive may not be appropriate for certain
terrains. If the transaxle shifts back and forth
between third and fourth gears while you are driving
hilly roads or if your vehicle requires additional
power for climbing hills, shift into D (Drive) or press
the O/D OFF switch (if equipped).
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If the O/D OFF indicator light (if equipped) is
flashing on and off when the vehicle is started or
does not come on when the O/D OFF switch is
pressed, it means there is a malfunction in your
transaxle's electronic system. Contact your dealer as
soon as possible or damage to the transaxle may
occur.
When to use D (Drive) or press the O/D OFF
switch (if equipped)
D (Drive) eliminates
the needless shifting
back and forth between
third and fourth gears
that your vehicle may
do when driving on
hilly terrain. It also
gives more engine
braking than overdrive
to slow your vehicle on
downgrades.
2 (Second - if equipped)
Use 2 (Second) for
start-up on slippery
roads or to give you
more engine braking to
slow your vehicle on
downgrades.
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1 (First)
Use 1 (First) for when
added engine braking is
desired when
descending steep hills.
The automatic
transaxle will shift to
the proper gear to
ascend any grade
without any need to
shift to 1 (First).
Do not go faster than 61 km/h (38 mph) when in
this gear. You can upshift from 1 (First) to overdrive
at any time.
When parking, do not use the gearshift in
place of the parking brake. Always set the
parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in Park (P). Turn off
the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle.
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is
running. If you do not take these precautions, your
vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure
someone.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the
following terms:
²Base Curb Weight: Weight of the vehicle
including any standard equipment, fluids,
lubricants, etc. It does not include passengers or
aftermarket equipment.
²Payload: Combined maximum allowable weight of
cargo, passengers and optional equipment. The
payload equals the gross vehicle weight rating
minus base curb weight.
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²GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): Base curb weight
plus payload and weight. The GVW is not a limit
or a specification.
²GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):
Maximum total weight of the base vehicle,
passengers, optional equipment and cargo. The
GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on
the Safety Compliance Label on the driver's door
pillar.
²GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating): Carrying
capacity for each axle system. The GAWR is
specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Compliance Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):
Maximum combined weight of towing vehicle
(including passengers and cargo) and the trailer.
The GCWR indicates the maximum loaded weight
that the vehicle is allowed to tow.
²Maximum Trailer Weight Rating: Maximum
weight of a trailer the vehicle is permitted to tow.
The maximum trailer weight rating equals the
vehicle curb weight for each engine/transaxle
combination, any required option weight for
trailer towing and the weight of the driver from
the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
²Maximum Trailer Weight: maximum weight of a
trailer the loaded vehicle (including passengers
and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is determined
by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer
towing vehicle from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
²Trailer Weight Range: Specified weight range
that the trailer must fall within that ranges from
zero to the maximum trailer weight rating
Remember to figure in the tongue load of your
loaded trailer when figuring the total weight.
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Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
Do not use replacement tires with lower weight
capacities than the originals because they may lower
the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limitations.
Replacement tires with a higher weight limit than
the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR
limitations.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing the
vehicle. The amount of weight you can safely tow
depends on the type of engine you have in your
vehicle. Your vehicle does not come from the factory
fully equipped to tow. No towing packages are
available through Ford or Mercury/Lincoln dealers.
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 800 km (500 miles). If towing with a
station wagon, inflate the rear tires to 35 psi.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your
vehicle's engine, transaxle, brakes, tires and
suspension. Inspect these components carefully after
towing.
The amount of weight that you can tyow depends on
the type of engine in your vehicle. See the following
charts:
3.0L 2-Valve Vulcan Engine
Model Passenger
Load #/kg
(lbs.)Luggage
Load kg
(lbs.)Max Trailer
Wt. kg
(lbs.)
Sedan 5/340 (750) 0 365 (800)
4/270 (600) 70 (150) 365 (800)
2/135 (300) 70 (150) 500 (1100)
2/135 (300) 0 565 (1250)
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3.0L 2-Valve Vulcan Engine
Station
Wagon4/270 (600) 0 365 (800)
2/135 (300) 70 (150) 430 (950)
2/135 (300) 0 500 (1100)
The above chart is based on the specified vehicle at
a maximum GCW (Vehicle weight + Trailer weight)
equal to 2245 kg (4950 lbs.).
3.0L 4-Valve Duratec Engine and SHO Sedan
Model Passenger
Load #/kg
(lbs.)Luggage
Load kg
(lbs.)Max Trailer
Wt. kg
(lbs.)
Sedan 5/340 (750) 0 590 (1300)
2/135 (300) 70 (150) 725 (1600)
2/135 (300) 0 795 (1750)
Station
Wagon5/340 (750) 70 (150) 455 (1000)
2/135 (300) 70 (150) 660 (1450)
2/135 (300) 0 725 (1600)
The above chart is based on the specified vehicle at
a maximum GCW (Vehicle weight + Trailer weight)
equal to 2270 kg (5450 lbs.).
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer weight exceeds
the limit of the vehicle and could result in engine
damage, transaxle damage, structural damage, loss
of control, and personal injury.
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Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and
make sure it is properly attached to your vehicle.
See your dealer or a reliable trailer dealer if you
require assistance.
Hitches
Your vehicle has a load carrying hitch. This type of
hitch places the tongue load of a trailer on the rear
wheels of your vehicle. You must distribute the load
in your trailer so that 10±15% of the total weight of
the trailer is on the tongue.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the
vehicle. To connect the trailer's safety chains, cross
the chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack
for turning corners.
If your use a rental trailer, follow the instructions
that the rental agency gives to you.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type
brakes are safe if installed properly and adjust them
to the manufacturer's specifications. The trailer
brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your vehicle's brake
system. Your vehicle may not have enough braking
power and your chances of having a collision
greatly increase.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles.
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to local and
Federal regulations. See your dealer or trailer rental
agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.
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Driving while you tow
Do not drive faster than 72 km/h (45 mph) with any
weight on the trailer while towing on a hot day or in
hilly country.
Cruise control may shut off if you are towing on
long, steep grades.
When towing a trailer:
²Use 2 (Second) (if equipped) or 1 (First) when
towing up or down steep hills. This will eliminate
excessive downshifting and upshifting for
optimum fuel economy and transaxle cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle
will require more frequent service intervals. Refer to
theService Guidefor more information.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area before starting on a trip to get the feel of the
vehicle trailer combination. When turning, drive
slightly beyond the normal turning point so the
trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
²Allow more room for stopping with a trailer
attached.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10±15% of
the loaded trailer weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles),
thoroughly check your hitch, electrical
connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in
hot weather, place the gearshift in P (Park) and
increase idle speed. This aids engine cooling and
air conditioner efficiency.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. If you must park on a grade, place wheel
chocks under the trailer's wheels.
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