1999 FORD TAURUS service indicator

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
70
80
90
100
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
80
90
100
1202060100
140
180
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). The 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.
What you should do if the Service Engine Soon
light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system has detected a
malfunction.
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
Instrumentation
7

The SecuriLockypassive anti-theft system is not
compatible with aftermarket remote start systems.
Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and a loss of security protection. Large
metallic objects or devices such as the Mobil
Speedpassyon the same key ring as your
SecuriLockykey may cause vehicle starting
problems. These objects and devices cannot damage
the SecuriLockykey, but can cause a momentary
problem if they are too close to the key when
starting the engine. If a problem occurs, turn
ignition off and restart the engine with all other
objects on the key ring held away from the
SecuriLockyignition key.
Spare SecuriLockykeys can be purchased from
your dealership and programmed to your
SecuriLockypassive anti-theft system. Refer to
Programming spare SecuriLockykeysfor more
information.
If one or both of your SecuriLockykeys are lost or
stolen and you want to ensure the lost or stolen key
will not operate your vehicle, bring your vehicle and
all available SecuriLockykeys to your dealership for
reinitialization.
Theft indicator
The theft indicator on the instrument cluster will
operate as follows:
²When the ignition is OFF, the theft indicator will
flash briefly every 2 seconds to indicate the
SecuriLockysystem is protecting your vehicle.
²When the ignition is turned to RUN or START, the
theft indicator will light for 3 seconds and then go
out. If the theft indicator stays on for an extended
period of time or flashes rapidly, have the system
serviced by your dealership or a qualified
technician.
Controls and features
71

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

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.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature
climates, check the battery electrolyte level. Refer to
the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the service
interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the
ªlevel indicatorº. Do not overfill the battery
cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can
add plain tap water to the battery, as long as you do
not use hard water (water with a high mineral or
alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill
the battery cells with distilled water. If the battery
needs water often, have the charging system
checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it
is reinstalled after the battery has been
cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of
the battery clean and dry. Also, make certain the
battery cables are always tightly fastened to the
battery terminals.
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
Maintenance and care
157

5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
If the ªService Engine Soon/Check Engineº indicator
comes on and stays on when you start the engine,
the fuel filler cap may not be properly installed.
Turn off the engine, remove the fuel filler cap, align
the cap properly and reinstall it.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace
it with a fuel filler cap that is designed for
your vehicle. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel
system if the correct genuine Ford or
Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If
the fuel filler cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops before
completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise,
fuel may spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap,
excessive pressure or vacuum in the fuel
tank may damage the fuel system or cause the fuel
system to work improperly in a collision, which
may result in possible personal injury.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel
is prohibited by law and could damage your vehicle.
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage
critical fuel system components.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel
additives with metallic compounds, including
manganese-based compounds containing MMT.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for
which your vehicle was not designed may not be
covered by your warranty.
Maintenance and care
168

Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or
hesitation driveability problems during a cold start, try
a different brand of gasoline. ªPremiumº unleaded
gasoline should not be used (particularly in the United
States) if ªRegularº unleaded gasoline is recommended
because it may cause these problems to become more
pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or
a qualified service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket
products to your fuel tank if you continue to use a
high quality fuel.
Cleaner air
Ford approves the use of gasolines to improve air
quality, including reformulated gasolines that contain
oxygenates up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out fuel because this situation may
have an adverse affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
²You may need to crank the engine several times
after refueling before the system starts to pump
the fuel from the tank to the engine.
²Your ªService Engine Soonº indicator may come
on. For more information on the ªService Engine
Soonº indicator, refer to theInstrumentation
chapter.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician. Refer to the Scheduled
Maintenance Guide for the appropriate intervals for
changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized
Motorcraft part. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel system if an
authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
Maintenance and care
170

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