1998 FORD TAURUS automatic transmission fluid

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

5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the
FULL HOT range. Be sure to put the dipstick back
in the reservoir.
3.0L Duratec engine and 3.4L SHO engine
4. Check the fluid level
in the reservoir. It
should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do
not add fluid if the
level is within this
range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the
range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be sure to
put the cap back on the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your ªService Guideº for scheduled intervals
for fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does
not consume fluid. However, the fluid level should
be checked if the transaxle is not working properly,
i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when
warmed. To obtain an accurate fluid check,
drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your
vehicle has been operated for an extended
period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should
be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow
fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it
reaches normal operating temperature.
MINMAX
Maintenance and care
142

High fluid level
Fluid levels above the
safe range may result
in transaxle failure. An
overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible
damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating
condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type
is used. The type of fluid used is normally indicated
on the dipstick and/or dipstick handle and also in
theLubricant specificationssection in the
Capacities and specificationschapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission
fluid may cause internal transmission
component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint)
increments through the filler tube until the level is
correct.
If an overfill occurs,
excess fluid should be
removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid may
cause shift and/or engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is
equipped with a
Motorcraft
maintenance-free
battery which normally
does not require
additional water during
its life of service.
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
Maintenance and care
144

Panic alarm feature,
remote entry
system ........................ 45
Parking brake ............ 92
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ............. 113
Power door locks ...... 37
Power steering .......... 93
fluid, checking and
adding ............. 141,142
Relays ............... 110,116
Remote entry
system ........................ 44
illuminated entry .... 45
locking/unlocking
doors ........................ 44
replacement/additional
transmitters ............. 46
replacing the
batteries .................. 46
Safety restraints ........ 63
cleaning the safety
belts .................. 66,175
extension
assembly .................. 65
for children ... 72,73,74
lap belt .................... 62
warning light and
chime ............. 11,65,66
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ... 58,59,60,61
Seats .......................... 55
child safety seats .... 75
cleaning ... 173,174,175
Servicing your
vehicle ...................... 128
Spark plugs,
specifications ........... 176
Specification chart,
lubricants ................. 179
Speed control ............ 29
Speedometer ............. 13Starting your
vehicle .............. 85,86,87
jump
starting .... 122,123,125
Steering wheel
tilting ....................... 34
Tachometer ............... 13
Tires .................. 150,152
changing ................ 119
checking the
pressure ................. 152
replacing ................ 153
rotating .................. 153
snow tires
and chains ............. 154
treadwear .............. 151
Towing
wrecker .................. 127
Transaxle
fluid,
refill capacities ...... 177
Transmission ........... 142
fluid, checking
and adding
(automatic) .......... 142,
143,144
Trip odometer ........... 15
Trunk
remote release
lever ......................... 40
Vehicle dimensions . 181
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) ......... 184
Vehicle loading ........ 101
Ventilating your
vehicle ........................ 89
Warning chimes ........... 6
Washer fluid ............ 137
Wheels
anti-theft
lug nuts .......... 118,119
Windows ............... 36,37
Index
188

Power steering fluid
capacity-3.0L V6
Duratec and 3.4L V8
SHO engineFill to line on reservoir.
Automatic transaxle
capacity (AX4N)-3.0L
V6 Vulcan engine12.8L (13.5 quarts). Use
Motorcraft MERCONtV
AT F.
Automatic transaxle
capacity (AX4N)-3.0L
V6 Duratec and 3.4L
V8 SHO engine12.7L (13.4 quarts). Use
Motorcraft MERCONtV
AT F.
Automatic transaxle
capacity (AX4S)-3.0L
V6 Vulcan engine11.6L (12.2. quarts). Use
Motorcraft MERCONtV
AT F.
1If your engine coolant is green in color, use Ford
Premium Cooling System Fluid. If your engine
coolant is orange in color, use Ford Extended Life
Engine Coolant. Refer toLubricant Specifications.
Ensure correct automatic transmission fluid is used
for a specific application. Check the container to
verify the fluid is MERCONtand/or MERCONtV
approved. Some fluids have been approved as
meeting both MERCONtand MERCONtV
requirements and will be labeled as such. Fluids
labeled as meeting only MERCONtor only
MERCONtV requirements must not be used
interchangeably. DO NOT mix MERCONtand
MERCONtV. Transmission fluid requirements are
indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick handle.
Refer to your ªService Guideº to determine the
correct service interval.
Filling station information
192