2000 FORD TAURUS fuel

PREPARING TO START YOUR VEHICLE
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator
before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have
difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the
vehicle, refer toStarting the enginein this chapter.
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed
areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door
before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against exhaust fumesin
this chapter for more instructions.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
A computer system controls the engine's idle revolutions per minute
(RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the
engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have
the vehicle checked. Do not allow the vehicle to idle for more than 10
minutes at the higher engine RPM.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For
more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and safety restraintschapter.
Starting
108

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 10 seconds and try again.
3.
If the temperature is below -12É C (10É F) and the engine does not start
in 15 seconds on the first try, turn the key OFF and wait 10 seconds and try
again. If the engine does not start in two attempts, Press the accelerator
pedal all the way to floor and hold. Turn the key to START position.
4. When the engine starts, release the key, then release the accelerator
pedal gradually as the engine speeds up.
5. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake and release the parking
brake.
Cold weather starting (flexible fuel vehicles only)
As the outside temperature approaches freezing, ethanol fuel distributors
should supply winter grade (E
d85) ethanol (same as with unleaded
gasoline). If summer grade (E
d85) ethanol is used in cold weather
conditions, you may experience increased cranking times, rough idle or
hesitation until the engine has warmed up. Consult your fuel distributor
for the availability of winter grade (E
d85) ethanol.
P!
BRAKECRUISE
RPMx1000
ABS0 123
4
5
6
7
204060
80
100
1202060
140
180
P R N D D 1MPH km/h
000000
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EFC H
FUEL DOOR >
THEFTLOW
COOLANT
+ –
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5
Starting
110

High-quality blends of winter grade (Ed85) ethanol will produce
satisfactory cold weather starting and driving results. However, fuel
composition varies, and sub-optimal winter grade blends could produce
increased cranking times, rough idle or hesitation at temperatures below
±18 degrees C (0 degrees F). If you experience this condition you may
find that a different brand of winter grade (E
d85) (if available in your
area) improves the performance of your vehicle.
Cold starting performance can also be improved with the use of an
engine block heater. The engine block heater is available as a Ford
option and can also be obtained from your Ford dealer. Consult the
engine block heater section for proper use of the engine block heater.
If you should experience cold weather starting problems on (E
d85)
ethanol, and neither an alternative brand of (E
d85) ethanol nor an
engine block heater is available, the addition of unleaded gasoline to your
tank will improve cold starting performance. Your vehicle is designed to
operate on (E
d85) ethanol alone, unleaded gasoline alone, or any
mixture of the two.
If the engine fails to start using the preceding instructions
1. Press the accelerator pedal 1/3 to 1/2 of the way to floor and hold.
2. Turn the key to START position.
3. When the engine starts, release the key, then release the accelerator
pedal gradually as the engine speeds up.
4. If the engine still fails to start, repeat steps one through three.
5. After the engine starts, hold your foot on the brake pedal, put the
gearshift lever in gear and release the parking brake. Slowly release the
brake pedal and drive away in a normal manner.
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.
Starting
111

Pull the release lever to release the
brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
TRACTION CONTROLY(IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with the optional Traction Controly
system. This system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of
your vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery and/or hilly road surfaces.
The system operates by detecting and controlling wheel spin. The system
borrows many of the electronic and mechanical elements already present
in the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Wheel-speed sensors allow excess front wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Controlyportion of the ABS computer. Any excessive wheel
spin is controlled by automatically applying and releasing the front
brakes in conjunction with engine torque reductions. Engine torque
reduction is realized via the fully electronic spark and fuel injection
systems. This process is very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast
acting. The front wheels ªsearchº for optimum traction several times a
second and adjustments are made accordingly.
The Traction Controlysystem will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces. The system is a driver aid
which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow, ice covered
and gravel roads.
During Traction Controlyoperation,
the traction control active light will
illuminate, you may hear an electric
motor type of sound coming from
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116

If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle
Your automatic transaxle electronically controls the shift feel by using an
adaptive learning strategy. This feature is designed to optimize shift
smoothness. It is normal for your transaxle to shift firmly during the first
few hundred kilometers (miles) of operation until the adaptive strategy
has been learned. The adaptive learning strategy is maintained by power
from the battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is
installed, the transaxle must relearn its adaptive strategy. Optimal
shifting will resume within a few hundred kilometers (miles) of
operation.
Your automatic overdrive transaxle
provides fully automatic operation in
either
(Overdrive) or D (Drive).
Driving with the shift selector in
(Overdrive) gives the best fuel
economy for normal driving
conditions. For manual control start
in 1 (First) and then shift manually.
If your vehicle is equipped with a
console mounted gearshift, you
must press the thumb button on the
side of the gearshift lever to move
the gearshift lever from P (Park).
To put your vehicle in gear, start the
engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move the gearshift lever out of
P (Park).
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever
from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
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119

N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in the N
(Neutral) position, the vehicle can
be started and is free to roll. Hold
the brake pedal down while in this
position.
(Overdrive)
The(Overdrive) position is the
normal driving position for an
automatic overdrive transaxle.
When in the
(Overdrive)
position, the transaxle works the
same way as when in D (Drive).
However, when your vehicle cruises
at a constant speed for any length
of time, the transaxle shifts into a
fourth gear (Overdrive) and allows
the torque converter to lock-up.
Overdrive will increase your fuel
economy when you travel at cruising
speeds.
Overdrive may not be appropriate
for certain terrains. If the transaxle shifts back and forth between third
and fourth gears while you are driving on hilly roads, or if your vehicle
requires additional power for climbing hills, shift into D (Drive).
PRNDD1
PRNDD1
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121

Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer 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
When towing a trailer:
²Ensure that you turn off your speed control. The speed control may
shut off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
²Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for 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 scheduled maintenance 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.
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127

GETTING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford offers a
complimentary roadside assistance program. This program is separate
from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service is available:
²24±hours, seven days a week
²for the Basic warranty period (Canada) or New Vehicle Limited
Warranty period (U.S.) of three years or 60,000 km (36,000 miles),
whichever comes first on Ford and Mercury vehicles, and four years or
80,000 km (50,000 miles) on Lincoln vehicles
Roadside assistance will cover:
²changing a flat tire
²jump-starts
²lock-out assistance
²fuel delivery
²towing of your disabled vehicle to the nearest Ford dealership, or your
selling dealer if within 25 kms (15.5 miles) of the nearest Ford
Dealership (one tow per disablement). Even non-warranty related
tows, like accidents or getting stuck in the mud or snow, are covered
(some exclusions apply, such as impound towing or repossession).
Using roadside assistance
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In the United States, this card is found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in the glove compartment in Ford vehicles and is
mailed to you if you own a Mercury or Lincoln. In Canada, it is found in
the Roadside Assistance book in the glove compartment.
To receive roadside assistance in the United States for Ford or Mercury
vehicles, call 1-800-241-3673 or if you own a Lincoln vehicle, call
1±800±521±4140. In Canada call 1±800±665±2006.
Should you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford will
reimburse a reasonable amount. To obtain information about
reimbursement, call 1-800-241-3673 in the United States for Ford or
Mercury vehicles; or if you own a Lincoln vehicle, call 1±800±521±4140.
Call 1±800±665±2006 in Canada.
Roadside emergencies
130