1998 FORD TAURUS check engine

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Standard instrument cluster
Optional instrument cluster
Turn signal
Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal
or the hazard lights are
turned on. If one or
both of the indicators stay on continuously or flash
faster, check for a burned-out turn signal bulb. Refer
toExterior bulbsin theMaintenance and care
chapter.
High beams
Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps
are turned on.
CRUISE
RPMx1000
0 1234
5
6
7EFC H
FUEL DOOR>
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON1020304050 60
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110
00 20406080100
120
140
160
180P R N D D 1MPH km/h
00
122
00013
P!
BRAKEABS
+ –
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
THEFT LOW
COOLANTO/D
OFF
EFC H
FUEL DOOR>
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
THEFT102030405060
70
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90
100
1202060100
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P R N D 2 1MPH km/h
00
000
00000
P!
BRAKELOW
COOLANT
+ –
110CRUISE
RPMx1000
ABSO/D
OFFPREMIUM UNLEADED
FUEL RECOMMENDED0 1234
5
6
78
Instrumentation
6

Safety belt
Momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is
turned to the ON
position to remind you
to fasten your safety belts. For more information,
refer to theSeating and safety restraintschapter.
Door ajar
Illuminates when the
ignition is in the ON or
START position and
any door is open.
Service engine soon
Your vehicle is
equipped with a
computer that monitors
the engine's emission
control system. This
system is commonly known as the On Board
Diagnostics System (OBD II). This OBD II system
protects the environment by ensuring that your
vehicle continues to meet government emission
standards. The OBD II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.
TheService Engine Soonindicator light illuminates
when the ignition is first turned to the ON position
to check the bulb. If it comes on after the engine is
started, one of the engine's emission control systems
may be malfunctioning. The light may illuminate
without a driveability concern being noted. The
vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require
towing.
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
Instrumentation
7

Low fuel
Illuminates when the
fuel tank has
approximately eight
liters (two gallons)
remaining. The lamp will also illuminate when the
ignition key is turned to ON and the engine is off.
Low coolant (if equipped)
This lamp will
illuminate when the
engine coolant inside
the reservoir is low.
This lamp will come on
when the ignition is first turned on, but then should
turn off. If the lamp stays on, you should check the
coolant level inside the reservoir. For instructions on
adding coolant, seeEngine coolantin the
Maintenance and carechapter.
Anti-theft system (if equipped)
Refer toAnti-theft
systemin theControls
and featureschapter.
O/D off (if equipped)
Illuminates when the
transmission control
switch has been
pushed. When the light
is on, the transmission does not shift into overdrive.
If the light does not come on when the transmission
control switch is depressed or if the light flashes
when you are driving, have your vehicle serviced.
LOW
COOLANT
THEFT
O/D
OFF
Instrumentation
9

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (If equipped)
Momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is
turned on and the
engine is off. If the
light does not illuminate momentarily at start up,
remains on or continues to flash, the ABS needs to
be serviced. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal braking is still
effective unless the brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake released.
Speed control (if equipped)
This light comes on
when either the
SET/ACCEL or
RESUME controls are
pressed. It turns off
when the speed control OFF control is pressed, the
brake is applied or the ignition is turned to the OFF
position.
Brake system warning
Momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is
turned to the ON
position and the engine
is off. If brake warning lamp does not illuminate at
this time, seek service immediately. Also illuminates
when the parking brake is engaged. Illumination
after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake
fluid level and the brake system should be inspected
immediately.
Engine oil pressure
Illuminates when the
oil pressure falls below
the normal range. Stop
the vehicle as soon as
safely possible and switch off the engine
immediately. Check the oil level and add oil if
ABS
CRUISE
ON
P!
BRAKE
Instrumentation
10

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
A computer system controls the engine's idle
revolutions per minute (RPM). When the engine
starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine.
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, have the vehicle checked. Do not
allow the vehicle to idle for more than ten minutes.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled
their safety belts. For more information on safety
belts and their proper usage, refer to theSeating
and safety restraintschapter.
2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories
are off.
3. Make sure the
parking brake is set.
4. Make sure the
gearshift is in P (Park).
PRNDD1
Starting
86

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

Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle
will require more frequent service intervals. Refer to
the Severe Duty Schedule in your ªService Guideº
for more information.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area before starting on a trip to get the feel of the
vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs
and other obstacles.
²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer
attached.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10±15% of
the loaded trailer weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles),
thoroughly check your hitch, electrical
connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in
hot weather, place the gearshift in P (Park) and
increase idle speed. This aids engine cooling and
air conditioner efficiency.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. If you must park on a grade, place wheel
chocks under the trailer's wheels.
Driving
107

HAZARD LIGHTS CONTROL
Use only in an emergency to warn traffic of vehicle
breakdown, approaching danger, etc. The hazard
flashers can be operated when the ignition is off.
²The hazard lights
control is located on
top of the steering
column.
²Depress hazard
lights control to
activate all hazard
flashers
simultaneously.
²Depress control again to turn the flashers off.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
After a collision, if the engine cranks but does not
start, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been
activated. The shut-off switch is a device intended to
stop the electric fuel pump when your vehicle has
been involved in a substantial jolt.
1. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
3. If no fuel leak is apparent, reset the fuel pump
shut-off switch by pushing in the button on the
switch.
4. Turn the ignition to the ON position. Pause for a
few seconds and return the key to the OFF position.
5. Make a further check for leaks in the fuel system.
Roadside emergencies
109