1997 FORD TAURUS brake fluid

Cruise control (if equipped)
This light comes on
when the cruise control
ON button is pressed.
It turns off when the
cruise control OFF
button is pressed or when the ignition is turned to
the OFF position.
Brake system warning
Extinguishes when the
parking brake is
released. Illumination
after releasing the
parking brake indicates low brake fluid level.
Engine oil pressure
When the oil pressure
is below the normal
operating range, this
lamp will illuminate.
The engine oil level being too high or too low could
cause this lamp to illuminate. This lamp will come
on when the ignition is first turned on but then
should turn off. If the lamp stays on, continued
operation will cause severe engine damage.
Charging system
Briefly illuminates
when the ignition is
turned on and the
engine is off. The light
also illuminates when the battery is not charging
properly, requiring electrical system service.
Air bag readiness
Briefly illuminates
when the ignition is
turned on and the
engine is off. If the
CRUISE
P!
BRAKE
Instrumentation
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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.
PRNDD1
P RND21
Driving
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1. Automatic transaxle fluid dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Air filter assembly
4. Battery
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Engine oil dipstick
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
3.0L Duratec engine
1. Automatic transaxle fluid dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Air filter assembly
4. Battery
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Engine oil dipstick
7. Engine coolant reservoir
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8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Power steering fluid reservoir
3.4L SHO engine
1. Automatic transaxle fluid dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Air filter assembly
4. Battery
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Engine oil filler cap
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Power steering fluid reservoir
8
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CHECKING AND ADDING ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Check the engine oil each time you fuel your
vehicle.
To check the oil:
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground. If the
engine is warm, turn the engine off and wait a few
minutes for the oil to drain into the oil pan.
2. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park).
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
4. Locate and carefully
remove the engine oil
dipstick.
5. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully,
then remove it again. The oil level should be in the
range shown on the dipstick.
6. If the oil level is below the MIN line or the ADD 1
QUART line, add oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the MAX or FULL line, engine damage or
high engine oil consumption may occur and some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service
technician.
7. Put the dipstick back in and ensure it is fully
seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer to
Checking the engine oilin this chapter.
2. If the fluid level is not within the normal range,
add only certified engine oil of the preferred
viscosity. Add engine oil through the oil filler cap.
ADD 1 QTFULL
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BRAKE FLUID
CHECKING AND ADDING BRAKE FLUID
Brake fluid should be checked and refilled as needed
at least once each year:
²Clean the reservoir
cap before removal
to prevent dirt or
water from entering
the reservoir.
²Visually inspect the
fluid level.
²If necessary, add
brake fluid until the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
²Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid certified to meet
Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin theCapacities and
specificationschapter.
Brake fluid is toxic.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3,
you will cause permanent damage to your
brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the brakes
to fail.
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Checking the automatic transaxle fluid
Your vehicle should be at normal operating
temperature to get an accurate reading on the
transaxle fluid dipstick. Normal operating
temperature is reached after driving approximately
32 km (20 miles). If the vehicle has been operating
for extended periods of time at high speeds, driven
in city traffic during hot weather or has been pulling
a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for at least
30 minutes to allow the fluid to cool before
checking.
With the vehicle on a
level surface and the
brake pedal firmly
applied, move the
gearshift through all
the gears. Allow
sufficient time for each
position to engage.
Securely latch the
gearshift in P (Park),
leave the engine
running and set the
parking brake.
Wipe off the dipstick
cap and pull the
dipstick out. Wipe the
dipstick clean, put the
dipstick back in the filler tube completely, then pull
it back out and read the fluid level. The fluid should
be in the crosshatched area (not necessarily at the
top of the crosshatched area).
Your vehicle should not be driven until some fluid
has been added if the fluid level is below the bottom
hole on the dipstick and the outside temperature is
below 10ÉC (50ÉF). Add only enough fluid to bring
the level above the bottom hole.
P R N D 2 1
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING

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exterior accessories, such as antennas, before
entering a car wash.
²After washing, apply the brakes several times to
dry them.
Waxing your vehicle
The best way to determine when the paintwork
needs waxing is by noting when water stops beading
on the surface. This could be every three or four
months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes.
Remove any bugs and tar before waxing vehicle. Use
cleaning fluid or alcohol with a clean cloth to
remove. Use tar remover to remove any tar spots.
Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris
may be repaired with touch-up paint, paint repair
foil or aerosol paint spray from the Ford accessory
line. Observe the application instructions on the
products.
Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap,
insect remains, tar spots, road salt and industrial
fallout immediately.
Cleaning the wheels
Wash the wheels with
the same detergent you
use to clean the body
of your vehicle. Do not
use acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, fuel or
strong detergents. Never use abrasives that will
damage the finish of special wheel surfaces. Use a
tar remover to remove grease and tar.
Cleaning the engine
Engines are more efficient when they are clean
because grease and dirt buildup act as insulators and
keep the engine warmer than normal. Follow these
guidelines to clean your engine:
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