1998 FORD TAURUS air conditioning

REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
Clears the rear window of thin ice and fog. To
operate:
1. Turn the ignition to the ON position.
2. Press and release
the control once to
turn on. The light will
be lit while the rear
window defroster is on.
3. Press and release the control again to turn off.
The defroster will automatically turn off after fifteen
minutes.
CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM
Manual heating and air conditioning system
(if equipped)
Fan speed control
Controls the volume of
air circulated in the
vehicle.
Temperature control
knob
Controls the
temperature of the
airflow inside the
vehicle.
R-DEF
R-DEF
LO
HIOFF
A/C
MAX
A/CVENT
LO
HI
Controls and features
18

Mode selector control
Controls the direction
of the airflow to the
inside of the vehicle.
The air conditioning
compressor will operate in all modes except VENT
and
. However, the air conditioning will only
function if the outside temperature is about 10ÉC
(50ÉF) or above.
Since the air conditioner removes considerable
moisture from the air during operation, it is normal
if clear water drips on the ground under the air
conditioner drain while the system is working and
even after you have stopped the vehicle.
Under normal conditions, your vehicle's climate
control system should be left in any position other
than MAX A/C or OFF when the vehicle is parked.
This allows the vehicle to ªbreatheº through the
outside air inlet duct.
²MAX A/C-Uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle.
MAX A/C is noisier than A/C but more economical
and will cool the inside of the vehicle faster.
Airflow will be from the instrument panel
registers. This mode can also be used to prevent
undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.
²A/C-Uses outside air to cool the vehicle. It is
quieter than MAX A/C but not as economical.
Airflow will be from the instrument panel
registers.
²VENT-Distributes outside air through the
instrument panel registers. However, the air will
not be cooled below the outside temperature
because the air conditioning does not operate in
this mode.
²OFF-Outside air is shut out and the fan will not
operate. For short periods of time only, use this
mode to prevent undesirable odors from entering
the vehicle.
OFF
A/C
MAX
A/CVENT
Controls and features
19

²(Panel and floor)-Distributes outside air
through the instrument panel registers and the
floor ducts. Heating and air conditioning
capabilities are provided in this mode. For added
customer comfort, when the temperature control
knob is anywhere in between the full hot and full
cold positions, the air distributed through the
floor ducts will be slightly warmer than the air
sent to the instrument panel registers.
²
(Floor)-Allows for maximum heating by
distributing outside air through the floor ducts.
However, the air will not be cooled below the
outside temperature because the air conditioning
does not operate in this mode.
²
(Floor and defrost)-Distributes outside air
through the windshield defroster ducts and the
floor ducts. Heating and air conditioning
capabilities are provided in this mode. For added
customer comfort, when the temperature control
knob is anywhere in between the full hot and full
cold positions, the air distributed through the
floor ducts will be slightly warmer than the air
sent to the instrument panel registers. If the
temperature is about 10ÉC (50ÉF) or higher, the
air conditioner will automatically dehumidify the
air to prevent fogging.
²
-Distributes outside air through the
windshield defroster ducts. It can be used to clear
ice or fog from the windshield. If the temperature
is about 10ÉC (50ÉF) or higher, the air conditioner
will automatically dehumidify the air to prevent
fogging.
Operating tips
²In humid weather, selectbefore driving. This
will prevent your windshield from fogging. After a
few minutes, select any desired position.
²To prevent humidity buildup inside the vehicle,
don't drive with the climate control system in the
OFF position.
Controls and features
20

The display will show
and a bar graph to
indicate manual fan
operation and relative
speed.
To return to automatic fan operation, press AUTO.
Manual override controls
The override controls are located at the bottom of
the EATC and allow you to determine where airflow
is directed. To return to full automatic control, press
AUTO.
The air conditioning compressor will operate in all
modes except
and VENT. It will also operate
only when required when AUTO has been selected.
However, the air conditioning will only function if
the outside temperature is about 10ÉC (50ÉF) or
above.
Since the air conditioner removes considerable
moisture from the air during operation, it is normal
if clear water drips on the ground under the air
conditioner drain while the system is working and
even after you have stopped the vehicle.
Under normal conditions, your vehicle's climate
control system should be left in any position other
than MAX A/C or OFF when the vehicle is parked.
This allows the vehicle to ªbreatheº through the
outside air inlet duct.
FAUTO
FAN• • •
TEMP
—+OFFAUTO
TEMPOUT
SIDEA/C MAXF-DEF
R-DEF
VENT
—+AUTOF
Controls and features
25

²MAX A/C-Uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle.
The temperature will remain unchanged and air
will be cooled based on the selected temperature.
To exit, press AUTOMATIC or any other override
controls. MAX A/C is noisier than normal A/C but
more economical and will cool the inside of the
vehicle faster. Airflow is from the instrument
panel registers. This mode can also be used to
prevent undesirable odors from entering the
vehicle.
²VENT-Distributes outside air through the
instrument panel registers. However, the air
cannot be cooled below the outside temperature
because the air conditioning does not operate in
this mode.
²
-Distributes outside air through the
instrument panel registers and the floor ducts.
Heating and air conditioning capabilities are
provided in this mode. The air will be heated or
cooled based on the temperature selection. For
added customer comfort, the air distributed
through the floor ducts will be slightly warmer
than the air sent to the instrument panel
registers.
²
-Allows for maximum heating by distributing
outside air through the floor ducts. However, the
air cannot be cooled below the outside
temperature because the air conditioning does not
operate in this mode.
²
-Distributes outside air through the
windshield defroster ducts and the floor ducts.
Heating and air conditioning capabilities are
provided in this mode. The air will be heated or
cooled based on the temperature selection. For
added customer comfort, the air distributed
through the floor ducts will be slightly warmer
than the air sent to the windshield defroster
ducts. If the temperature is about 10ÉC (50ÉF) or
higher, the air conditioner will automatically
dehumidify the air to prevent fogging.
Controls and features
26

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.
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents,
and certain vehicle components contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
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.
Improve vehicle
ventilation by keeping
all air inlet vents clear
of snow, leaves and
other debris.
Starting
89

Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........ 67
and child safety
seats ......................... 69
description .............. 67
disposal .................... 72
indicator light ......... 72
passenger air bag ... 70
Air conditioning
automatic temperature
control
system . 22,23,24,25,27
Anti-theft system ...... 47
arming the system .. 47
Automatic transaxle . 94
driving
with ......... 97,98,99,100
Brakes ........................ 90
anti-lock ................... 90
anti-lock brake
system (ABS)
warning light ........... 91
fluid, checking and
adding .................... 136
shift interlock .......... 94
Break-in period ........... 3
Cargo cover .......... 42,43
Cargo net .............. 41,42
Cellular telephone
(see your Cellular
Phone Guide) ............ 40
Child safety seats
attaching with tether
straps ....................... 79
in rear seat ......... 76,78
tether anchorage
hardware ................. 79
Cleaning your
vehicle ...................... 169
built-in
child seat ....... 80,81,84engine
compartment .. 170,172
exterior lamps ....... 173
plastic parts .......... 172
washing .................. 169
waxing ................... 170
wheels .................... 170
wiper blades .......... 173
Console ...................... 39
Controls
power seat ............... 56
Coolant .................... 140
checking
and adding ............ 138
refill capacities ...... 140
Defrost
rear window ............ 18
Doors
central
unlocking ............ 37,38
Emission control
system ...................... 160
Engine
coolant ................... 137
idle speed control . 144
service
points ....... 130,131,132
starting after a
collision ................. 109
Engine block heater . 88
Engine oil
checking and
adding .................... 134
dipstick .................. 133
specifications . 133,135
Exhaust fumes .......... 88
Floor mats ................. 40
Fuel
choosing the
right fuel ................ 158
detergent in fuel ... 160
Index
186

filling your vehicle
with fuel ......... 155,156
quality .................... 159
running out of fuel 160
safety information
relating to
automotive fuels ... 155
Fuses ................. 110,111
Hazard flashers ....... 109
Head restraints ......... 55
Headlamps
high beam ............... 16
Heating ...................... 18
heating and air
conditioning
system ........... 18,19,20
Hood ........................ 129
Ignition ..................... 180
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ............ 162
Instrument panel
cleaning ................. 173
Keyless entry system
autolock ................... 52
keypad ..................... 50
locking and
unlocking doors ...... 51
programming entry
code .................... 50,51
Keys
key in ignition
chime ....................... 12
positions of the
ignition .................... 28
Lamps ...................... 163
autolamp system ..... 17
daytime running
light .......................... 16
headlamps ............... 16
headlamps, flash to
pass .......................... 17instrument panel,
dimming ................... 17
interior lamps ....... 166
replacing
bulbs ............... 163,166
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ...... 33
Liftgate ...................... 44
remote release ........ 41
Lights, warning and
indicator
air bag ...................... 11
anti-lock brakes
(ABS) ...................... 10
anti-theft ................... 9
brake ........................ 10
charging system ...... 11
cruise indicator ....... 10
door ajar .................... 7
low coolant ................ 9
low fuel ...................... 9
oil pressure ............. 10
overdrive off .............. 9
safety belt ................. 7
service engine
soon ........................ 7,8
speed control .......... 32
turn signal indicator . 6
Locks .......................... 53
childproof ................ 39
Luggage rack ........... 108
Lumbar support,
seats ...................... 56,57
Mirrors
heated ...................... 38
side view mirrors
(power) ................... 38
Moon roof .................. 35
Motorcraft parts ...... 160
Octane rating ... 158,159
Odometer ................... 14
Overdrive .............. 95,96
Index
187