1997 FORD TAURUS change time

ICONS
Indicates a warning.
Read the following
section onWarnings
for a full explanation of them.
Indicates that vehicle
information related to
recycling and other
environmental
concerns will follow.
We must all play our part in protecting the
environment. Correct vehicle usage and the
authorized disposal of waste cleaning and lubrication
materials are significant steps towards this aim.
WARNINGS
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury and
prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and
its equipment?
In this owner's guide, answers to such questions are
contained in comments highlighted by the warning
triangle symbol.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
There are no particular breaking-in rules for your
vehicle. Simply avoid driving too briskly during the
first 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of driving. Vary speeds
frequently. This is necessary to give the moving
parts a chance to break in.
If possible, you should avoid full use of the brakes
for the first 1,600 km (1,000 miles).
From 1,600 km (1,000 miles) onwards you can
gradually increase the performance of your vehicle
up to the permitted maximum speeds.
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The information found in this guide was in effect at
the time of printing. Ford may change the contents
without notice and without incurring obligation.
Introduction
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Central locking/Two step unlocking
When unlocking the driver or front passenger door
with the key, turn it once toward the front of the
vehicle to unlock that door only. Turn the key a
second time to unlock all doors. When locking, turn
the key toward the back of the vehicle to lock all
doors.
Liftgate (wagon only)
The power liftgate lock
is located on the right
inside trim panel in the
cargo area. When this
lock is pressed, all
doors and the liftgate
will lock.
POWER SIDE VIEW MIRRORS
To change mirror
position, first select a
mirror by moving the
selector control left
(
) or right (),
then moving the
control to set the
desired position.
Power heated side view mirrors (if equipped)
The heated mirrors will melt frost, thin ice or
remove fog when the rear window defroster is
activated.
Controls and features
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Guarding against exhaust fumes
Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is
present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind
inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect
and fix your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if
you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful
and could kill you.
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:
²the vehicle is raised for service
²the sound of the exhaust system changes
²the vehicle has been damaged in a collision
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling
while the vehicle is
stopped in an open
area for long periods of
time, open the
windows at least 2.5
cm (one inch).
Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped)
to bring in fresh air.
Starting
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingCircuits
protected
15 15A** Daytime
running lamps
(DRL) module
16 10A** Air bag
diagnostic
monitor
17 20A** Rear control
unit, CD
changer
18 30A** Anti-lock brake
module
19 15A** Horn relay,
powertrain
control module
20 15A** Headlamp
switch,
autolamp park
relay
21 - Not used
22 30A** Autolamps
relay,
multi-function
switch,
headlamp
switch
23 - N/A
24 - N/A
25 - N/A
26 30A** Generator/
Voltage
regulator
27 - N/A
Roadside emergencies
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Remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil in
the opening.
3. Recheck the oil level. Make sure the oil level is
not above the MAX or FULL mark on the dipstick.
ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS
Use SAE 5W-30 motor
oil meeting Ford
specification
WSS-M2C153±F or
equivalent. Only use oil
certified for gasoline
engines by the
American Petroleum
Institute.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil
treatments or engine treatments. They are
unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your
warranty.
CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
Change your engine oil and filter according to the
following mileage and time requirements, whichever
occurs first:
²Normal Schedule ± 8,000 km (5,000 miles) or six
months.
²Severe Duty Schedule - 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or
three months. Severe duty operation would
include extensive idling, trailer towing, driving in
severe dust and police, taxi or delivery service.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil
filters are designed for added engine protection and
long life. If a replacement oil filter is used that does
not meet Ford material and design specifications,
startup engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate
Motorcraft oil filter (or another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine application.
Maintenance and care
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to the coolant reservoir. For more information on
engine coolant maintenance, refer toAdding engine
coolantin this chapter.
Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not
use engine coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer
fluid outside of its specified function and vehicle
location.
Adding engine coolant
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
When the engine is cool, add a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and water to the reservoir to the
engine coolant recovery reservoir-DO NOT ADD
DIRECTLY TO THE RADIATOR. Add straight water
only in an emergency, but you should replace it with
a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water as
soon as possible.
Check the coolant level in the coolant recovery
reservoir the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough of a 50/50 mixture of coolant
and water to bring the liquid level to the fill line on
the reservoir.
Never remove the coolant recovery cap
while the engine is running or hot.
If you must remove the coolant recovery cap, follow
these steps to avoid personal injury:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off
and let it cool.
Maintenance and care
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The Scheduled Maintenance Services listed in the
Service Guideare required because they are
considered essential to the life and performance of
your vehicle and to its emissions system.
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine Ford
replacement parts. If other than Ford or Motorcraft
parts or Ford authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for the service of
components affecting emission control, such
non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine Ford
Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
It is the owner's responsibility to determine the
equivalency of such parts. Please consult your
Warranty Information Booklet for complete warranty
information.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine compartment
and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss of
oil pressure, the charging system warning light, the
service engine soon light or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emissions
system is not working properly.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or exhaust
system.
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of
vehicles is not permitted to intentionally remove an
emission control device or prevent it from working.
In some of the United States and Canada, vehicle
owners may be liable if their emission control device
is removed or prevented from working.
Maintenance and care
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