1997 FORD TAURUS oil dipstick

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
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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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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.
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