1999 FORD TAURUS parking brake

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine
compartment for easy location.
²We provide a Scheduled Maintenance Guide which
makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your
dealership can provide necessary parts and service.
Check your ªWarranty Guideº to find out which parts
and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and
service parts conforming to specifications. Motorcraft
parts are designed and built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR
VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing
your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, keep loose clothing,
jewelry or long hair away from moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running
in an enclosed space, unless you are sure you
have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit
material away from the battery and all fuel related
parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly, as explained in theBatterysection in
this chapter.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake, and ensure the gearshift is
securely latched in park.
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
Maintenance and care
141

3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it while the
engine is running.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle,
pull the hood release
handle located under
the bottom of the
instrument panel.
2. Go to the front of
the vehicle and release
the auxiliary latch that
is located under the
front center of the
hood.
3. Lift the hood until
the lift cylinders hold it open.
BRAKE
HOOD
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142

3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is
securely latched in P.
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully
remove the engine oil
indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully,
then remove it again.
²If the oil level isbetween the ADD and FULL
marks or between the MIN and MAX marks
(depending on application),the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
²If the oil level is
below the ADD or
MIN mark, add
enough oil to raise
the level within the
ADD-FULL or within
the MIN-MAX range.
²Oil levels above the F in FULL or above the MAX
mark, may cause engine damage. Some oil must
be removed from the engine by a service
technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully
seated.
ADD 1 QTFULL
MAX MIN
Maintenance and care
146

TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide 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.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the
parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on
the brake pedal, start the engine and move the
gearshift lever through all of the gear ranges. Allow
sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the
engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean,
dry lint free rag.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in
the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level.
The fluid should be in the designated areas for
normal operating temperature.
Maintenance and care
155

If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals,
remove the cables from the terminals and clean with
a wire brush. You can neutralize the acid with a
solution of baking soda and water.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases
which can cause personal injury. Therefore,
do not allow flames, sparks or lighted substances
to come near the battery. When working near the
battery, always shield your face and protect your
eyes. Always provide proper ventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery,
excessive pressure on the end walls could
cause acid to flow through the vent caps, resulting
in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or
battery. Lift the battery with a battery carrier or
with your hands on opposite corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid. Avoid contact
with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes when
working near the battery to protect against
possible splashing of acid solution. In case of acid
contact with skin or eyes, flush immediately with
water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get
prompt medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call
a physician immediately.
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically
controlled by a computer, some control conditions
are maintained by power from the battery. When the
battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed,
the engine must relearn its idle and fuel trim
strategy for optimum driveability and performance.
To begin this process:
1. Set your parking brake.
Maintenance and care
158

Accessory delay ........ 54
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ... 88,89
and child
safety seats ............. 90
description .............. 89
disposal .................... 93
driver air bag .......... 91
indicator light .... 11,93
operation ................. 91
passenger air bag ... 91
Air cleaner filter ..... 190
Air conditioning ........ 18
automatic temperature
control system ........ 22
Anti-theft
system ......... 64,70,71,72
arming the system .. 64
disarming a
triggered system ..... 66
warning light ............. 9
Automatic
transaxle .................. 111
driving with ........... 113
fluid,
refill capacities ...... 191
fluid,
specification .......... 194
Battery ..................... 157
acid, treating
emergencies .......... 157
charging system
warning light ........... 10
jumping a disabled
battery ................... 135
maintenance-free .. 157
replacement,
specifications ........ 190
servicing ................ 157
Brakes ...................... 107
anti-lock .......... 107,108anti-lock brake
system (ABS)
warning light ...... 9,108
brake
warning light ........... 10
fluid, checking and
adding .................... 148
fluid,
refill capacities ...... 191
fluid,
specifications.. 193,194
lubricant
specifications.. 193,194
parking .................. 109
shift interlock ........ 111
Break-in period ........... 2
Capacities for
refilling fluids .......... 191
Cargo area shade ...... 59
Cargo cover ............... 59
Cargo net ................... 58
CD changer ............... 41
Cellular telephone
(see your Cellular
Phone Guide) ............ 56
Child safety
restraints ................... 94
child safety belts .... 94
child safety
seats .................... 95,96
Child safety seats.. 95,96
attaching with
tether straps ......... 100
built-in child seat ... 95
in front seat ............ 97
in rear seat ......... 97,99
tether anchorage
hardware ............... 100
Cleaning
your vehicle ............. 183
engine
compartment ......... 185
Index
216

Jump-starting
your vehicle ............. 135
Keyless entry
system ........................ 66
autolock ................... 69
keypad ..................... 66
locking and
unlocking doors ...... 68
programming
entry code ............... 67
Keys
key in ignition
chime ....................... 11
positions of the
ignition .................... 45
Lamps
autolamp system ..... 17
cargo lamps ............. 17
daytime running
light .......................... 16
headlamps ........ 16,178
headlamps,
flash to pass ............ 17
instrument panel,
dimming ................... 17
interior lamps .. 51,181
replacing bulbs ..... 177
178,179,180,181
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ...... 49
Liftgate ...................... 61
remote release ........ 57
Lights, warning and
indicator ...................... 6
air bag ...................... 11
anti-lock
brakes (ABS) ..... 9,108
anti-theft ................... 9
brake ........................ 10
charging system ...... 10
cruise indicator ....... 10
door ajar .................... 7high beam ................. 6
low coolant ................ 9
low fuel ...................... 8
oil pressure ............. 10
safety belt ................. 7
service engine soon .. 7
speed control .......... 49
turn signal
indicator .................... 6
Load limits ............... 116
GAWR .................... 116
GVWR .................... 116
trailer towing ........ 116
Locks
childproof ................ 55
Lubricant
specifications .... 193,194
Lumbar support,
seats ........................... 76
Mirrors ....................... 52
heated ...................... 55
side view mirrors
(power) ................... 54
Moon roof .................. 52
Motorcraft
parts .................. 170,190
Octane rating .......... 169
Odometer ................... 14
Overdrive ................. 112
Panic alarm feature,
remote entry
system ........................ 62
Parking brake .......... 109
Parts (see
Motorcraft parts) .... 190
Power distribution
box (see Fuses) ...... 129
Power door locks ...... 54
Power steering ........ 110
fluid, checking
and adding ............ 153
Index
219