1999 FORD TAURUS weight

Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the
vehicle. To connect the trailer's safety chains, cross
the chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack
for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that
the rental agency gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type
brakes are safe if installed properly and adjusted to
the manufacturer's specifications. The trailer brakes
must meet local and Federal regulations.
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your vehicle's brake
system. Your vehicle may not have enough braking
power and your chances of having a collision
greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for
operation at the GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles.
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to local and
Federal regulations. See your dealer or trailer rental
agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
Do not drive faster than 88 km/h (55 mph) when
towing a trailer. Do not drive faster than 72 km/h
(45 mph) with any weight on the trailer while
towing on a hot day or in hilly country.
Speed control may shut off if you are towing on
long, steep grades.
Driving
121

When towing a trailer:
²Use D (Drive) or a lower gear when towing up or
down steep hills. This will eliminate excessive
downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transaxle cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle
will require more frequent service intervals. Refer to
your maintenance guide and or service guide 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% 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.
Towing your vehicle behind another vehicle
At times, you may want to tow your vehicle behind
another vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle, car
or a truck.
Driving
122

²Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go
driving.
Maintenance
²Keep tires properly inflated and use only
recommended size.
²Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of
alignment will reduce fuel economy.
²Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant
Specifications.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance
items. Follow the recommended maintenance
schedule and owner maintenance checks found in
your vehicle Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may
reduce fuel economy at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel
economy (approximately 2 km/h [1 mpg] is lost
for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for
example bug deflectors, rollover/light bars,
running boards, ski/luggage racks) may reduce
fuel economy.
²Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel
economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower
temperatures during the first 12±16 km
(8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel
economy as compared to driving on hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when
operated in the top cruise gear and with steady
pressure on the gas pedal.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
Maintenance and care
174

Carpet floor mats
Cleaners, waxes and polishes
Flat splash guards
Front end covers (full and mini)
Hood deflectors
Locking gas cap
Lubricants and oils
Molded splash guards
Molded vinyl floor mats
Rallye bars
Rear air deflectors
Rear decklid spoilers
Side window air deflectors
Spare tire lock
Step bumpers
Step/sill plates
Tailgate covers
Tailgate lock
Tailgate protector
Tonneau covers
Touch-up paint
Universal floor mats
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the
following information in mind when adding
accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
²When adding accessories, equipment, passengers
and luggage to your vehicle, do not exceed the
total weight capacity of the vehicle or of the front
or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the
Safety compliance certification label). Consult
your dealer for specific weight information.
Customer assistance
212

capacity ................. 191
choosing
the right fuel ......... 168
comparisons with
EPA fuel economy
estimates ............... 175
detergent in fuel ... 170
filling your vehicle
with fuel .. 165,167,171
filter,
specifications.. 170,190
fuel pump shut-off
switch .................... 124
gauge ....................... 15
improving fuel
economy ................ 171
low fuel
warning light ............. 8
octane
rating ....... 169,194,195
quality .................... 170
running
out of fuel ............. 170
safety information
relating to
automotive fuels ... 165
Fuses ................. 125,126
Gas cap
(see Fuel cap) ......... 167
Gas mileage (see
Fuel economy) ........ 171
Gauges ....................... 12
engine coolant
temperature gauge... 13
fuel gauge ................ 15
odometer ................. 14
speedometer ........... 12
tachometer .............. 13
trip odometer .......... 14
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight Rating) ........ 116
definition ............... 116driving with a heavy
load ........................ 116
location .................. 116
GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating) ........ 116
calculating ............. 116
definition ............... 116
driving with
a heavy load .......... 116
location .................. 116
Hazard flashers ....... 124
Head restraints ......... 74
Headlamps ................. 16
aiming ............. 182,183
autolamp system ..... 17
bulb
specifications ........ 181
daytime
running lights .......... 16
flash to pass ............ 17
high beam ............ 6,16
turning on and off .. 16
warning chime ........ 11
Heating ...................... 18
heating and air
conditioning
system ..................... 18
Hood ........................ 142
Ignition .............. 194,195
positions of the
ignition .................... 45
Infant seats (see
Safety seats) ........ 95,96
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ............ 176
Instrument panel ........ 6
cleaning ................. 188
lighting up panel
and interior ............. 17
location of
components ............... 6
Index
218