1999 FORD TAURUS coolant temperature

²Optional instrument
cluster
Tachometer
Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per
minute.
²Standard instrument
cluster
²Optional instrument
cluster
Driving with your tachometer pointer in the red
zone may damage the engine.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates the
temperature of the
engine coolant. At
normal operating
temperature, the
needle remains within
the normal area (the
area between the ªHº
and ªCº). If it enters the red section, the engine is
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Instrumentation
13

overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, switch off the engine immediately and let
the engine cool. Refer toEngine coolantin the
Maintenance and carechapter.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap
while the engine is running or hot.
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine
coolant, not the coolant level. If the coolant is not at
its proper level the gauge indication will not be
accurate.
Odometer
Registers the total
kilometers (miles) of
the vehicle.
Trip odometer
Registers the
kilometers (miles) of
individual journeys. To
reset, depress the
control.
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Instrumentation
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Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate briefly.
If a light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle
serviced.
²If the driver's safety belt is fastened, the
light
may not illuminate.
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Turn the key to 5
(START) without
pressing the
accelerator pedal and
release as soon as the
engine starts. The key
will return to 4 (ON).
2. If the temperature is above ±12É C (10É F) and
the engine does not start within five seconds on the
first try, turn the key to OFF, wait ten seconds and
try again.
3. If the temperature is below -12ÉC (10ÉF) and the
engine does not start in fifteen seconds on the first
try, turn the key OFF and wait ten seconds and try
again. If the engine does not start in two attempts,
depress the accelerator and start the engine while
holding the accelerator down to the floor. Release
the accelerator when the engine starts.
4. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake
and release the parking brake.
CRUISE
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Starting
104

Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant,
which improves starting, warms up the engine faster
and allows the heater-defroster system to respond
quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly
recommended if you live in a region where
temperatures reach -23ÉC (-10ÉF) or below.
For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before starting the vehicle. Using the heater
for longer than three hours will not harm the engine,
so the heater can be plugged in the night before
starting the vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your
heater with ungrounded electrical systems
or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is
present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
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.
Starting
105

Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling
system can hold, refer toRefill capacitiesin the
Capacities and specificationschapter.
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system
for leaks if you have to add more than 1.0 liter
(1.0 quart) of engine coolant per month.
Severe winter climate
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than
±36ÉC [±34ÉF]), it may be necessary to increase the
coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to the chart
on the coolant container to ensure the coolant
concentration in your vehicle is such that the
coolant will not freeze at the temperature level in
which you drive during winter months. Never
increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
Increased engine coolant concentrations above 60%
will decrease the freeze protection characteristics of
the engine coolant. Vehicles driven year-round in
non-extreme climates should use a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water for optimum
freeze protection.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING
FLUID
Check the power
steering fluid. Refer to
the Scheduled
Maintenance Guide for
the service interval
schedules. If adding
fluid is necessary, use
only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches
normal operating temperature (the engine coolant
Maintenance and care
153

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