2000 FORD TAURUS Owners Manual

Before driving
Introduction 2
Instrumentation 6
Controls and features 16
Seating and safety restraints 74
Starting and driving
Starting 108
Driving 113
Roadside emergencies 130
Servicing
Maintenance and care 148
Capacities and specifications 205
Customer assistance 212
Reporting safety defects 224
Index 225
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photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system or translation
in whole or part is not permitted without written authorization from Ford Motor Company.
Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation.
Copyright 1999 Ford Motor Company
Contents
1

The following warning may be required by California law:
CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
Engine exhaust, some if its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, or birth defects or other reproductive harm.
ICONS
Indicates a safety alert. Read the
following section onWarnings.
Indicates vehicle information related
to recycling and other
environmental concerns will follow.
Correct vehicle usage and the
authorized disposal of waste
cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps towards
protecting the environment.
Indicates a message regarding child
safety restraints. Refer toSeating
and safety restraintsfor more
information.
Indicates that this Owner Guide
contains information on this subject.
Please refer to the Index to locate
the appropriate section which will
provide you more information.
Introduction
2

WARNINGS
Warnings provide information which may reduce the risk of personal
injury and prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and its
equipment.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
There are no particular breaking-in rules for your vehicle. During the
first 1 600 km (1 000 miles) of driving, vary speeds frequently. This is
necessary to give the moving parts a chance to break in.
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The information found in this guide was in effect at the time of printing.
Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring
obligation.
Introduction
3

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner's Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAir Bag-Front
Air Bag-SideChild Seat
Child Seat Installation
WarningChild Seat Tether
Anchorage
Brake SystemAnti-Lock Brake System
Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum BasedTraction Control
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
Power Windows
Front/RearPower Window Lockout
Introduction
4

Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Child Safety Door
Lock/Unlock
Interior Luggage
Compartment Release
Symbol
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Introduction
5

A
ONOFF
+ –
0 12204060
80
100
1202060
140
180
P R N D 2 1MPH km/h
000000
0000
EFC H
FUEL DOOR >
THEFT LOW
COOLANT
Parking brake
release
(pg. 115) Headlamp
control
(pg. 16)Panel dimmer
(pg. 17)
Driver air bag
(pg. 94) Trunk release Ð
sedan only
(pg. 57)
Rear window wiper and
washer Ð wagon only*
(pg. 48)
Turn signal and
wiper/washer control
(pg. 47)Instrument cluster
(pg. 8)
* if equipped
Instrumentation
6

VOL
PUSH ONAM
FM H
M
EJ TAPEBASS
TREB
BAL
FADE
SCAN REW
FF
RCOMP
OFF
A/C
MAX
A/CSHUFFLE
SIDE 1-2CD SEEK
TUNE
DISC 1-6
1 234 56SET+
RES
CST-
P!BRAKECRUISE
RPMx1000
ABS
3
4
5
6
7
Climate control
system
(pg. 18)Gearshift
(pg. 118) Electronic sound system
(pg. 28)
Auxiliary power point
(pg. 27) Speed control
(pg. 44)
Instrumentation
7

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
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.
Traction ControlYactive (if equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to ON. It also
illuminates when the Traction
Controlysystem begins applying
and releasing the brakes and
adjusting the engine characteristics to limit a wheelspin condition. It will
be lit for the duration of the Traction Controlyevent.
For more information, refer to theDrivingchapter.
P!
BRAKE
+ –
CRUISE
RPMx1000
ABS0 123
4
5
6
7
204060
80
100
1202060
140
180
P R N D D 1MPH km/h
000000
0000
EFC H
FUEL DOOR >
THEFTLOW
COOLANT
Instrumentation
8