1998 FORD TAURUS washer fluid

needed. Refer toEngine oilin theMaintenance
and Carechapter.
This lamp also illuminates when the ignition is
turned to ON and the engine is off.
Charging system
Illuminates when the
ignition is turned to
the ON position and
the engine is off. The
light also illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring electrical system
service.
Air bag readiness
Momentarily
illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON.
If the light fails to
illuminate, continues to flash or remains on, have
the system serviced immediately.
Low washer fluid
Illuminates when the
ignition is turned to ON
and when the
windshield washer fluid
is low.
Safety belt warning chime
Chimes to remind you to fasten your safety belts.
For information on the safety belt warning chime,
refer to theSeating and safety restraintschapter.
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning
chime
For information on the SRS warning chime, refer to
theSeating and safety restraintschapter.
Instrumentation
11

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE
COMPARTMENT
3.0L V6 Vulcan engine
1. Automatic transmission 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
12
3
4567
8
9
Maintenance and care
130

3.0L V6 Duratec engine
1. Automatic transmission 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
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Power steering fluid reservoir
8912
3
4
56
7
Maintenance and care
131

3.4L-32V V8 SHO engine
1. Automatic transmission 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
V8 32 VALVE
8
9123
456
7
Maintenance and care
132

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Check the washer fluid
whenever you stop for
fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add
enough fluid to fill the
reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the
reservoir all the way.
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
Checking and adding washer fluid for the
liftgate (if equipped)
The opening for the reservoir is located on the
passenger side under the tail lamp. Refill this
reservoir with the same fluid you use for your
windshield.
ENGINE COOLANT
Check the level of the
engine coolant in the
reservoir. Refer to the
ªService Guideº for
service interval
schedules. Be sure to
read and understand
Precautions when
servicing your vehicle
in this chapter.
Maintenance and care
137

If the engine coolant has not been checked at the
above recommended interval, the engine coolant
reservoir may become empty. If this occurs, add
engine coolant to the reservoir. For more
information on engine coolant maintenance, refer to
Adding 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 reservoir
for the windshield washer fluid.
Do not mix conventional green coolant, orange
coolant or recycled coolants together in your
vehicle. Use only the type of coolant that your
vehicle was originally equipped with . If you
are unsure which type of coolant your vehicle
requires, contact your local dealer.
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 engine coolant
reservoir. 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 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.
Maintenance and care
138

²Take care when using a power washer to clean
the engine. The high pressure fluid could
penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
²Do not spray with cold water to avoid cracking
the engine block or other engine components.
²Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water
damage when cleaning the engine.
²3.0L Vulcan engine
Maintenance and care
171

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Automatic
transaxle -
AX4NMotorcraft
MERCONtV
AT F3.0L V6
Vulcan
engine12.8L (13.5
quarts)
3.0L V6
Duratec
engine and
3.4L SHO
engine12.7L (13.4
quarts)
Automatic
transaxle -
AX4SMotorcraft
MERCONtV
AT F3.0L V6
Vulcan
engine11.6L (12.2
quarts)
Windshield
washer
fluid -
FrontUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 2.7L (90
oz.)
Windshield
washer
fluid -
RearUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateWagon 2.1L (70
oz.)
1If your engine coolant is green in color, use Ford
Premium Cooling System Fluid. If your coolant is
orange in color, use Ford Extended Life Engine
Coolant. Refer toLubricant Specifications.
Capacities and specifications
178