2000 FORD TAURUS wheel

U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. Those
grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
Maintenance and care
175

recommended that steel wheels are used of the same size and
specifications as those originally installed.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
²Use only cable type chains offered by Ford as an accessory or
equivalent. SAE class ªSº or other conventional link type chains may
cause damage to the vehicle's wheel house and/or body.
²Install cable chains securely, verifying that the cables do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the cables. If this does not work, remove
the cables to prevent damage to your vehicle.
²If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
²Remove the tire cables when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire cables on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and cables.
²Do not exceed 48 km/h (30 mph) with tire cables on your vehicle.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
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.
Maintenance and care
178

²Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
²Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
²Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
²Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
²Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant Specifications.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
Maintenance and care
187

Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris may be repaired with
the Ultra Touch Prep and Finishing Kit (#F7AZ-19K507±BA), Lacquer
Touch-up Paint (#ALBZ-19500±XXXXA), or Exterior Acrylic Spray
Lacquer (#ALAZ-19500±XXXXA) from the Ford Car Care Chemicals line.
Please note that the part numbers (shown as XXXX above) will vary with
your vehicle's specific coloring. Observe the application instructions on
the products.
Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect remains, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout immediately.
Cleaning the wheels
Wash with the same detergent as the body of your vehicle. Do not use
acid-based or alcohol-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, fuel or strong
detergents. Never use abrasives that will damage the finish of special
wheel surfaces. Use a tar remover to remove grease and tar.
The brushes used in some automatic car washes may damage the finish
on your wheels. Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
Cleaning non-painted plastic exterior parts
Use vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning. Clean with a tar remover if
necessary. Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
Underbody
Flush the complete underside of vehicle frequently. Keep body drain
holes unplugged. Inspect for road damage.
Cleaning mirrors
Do not clean your mirrors with a dry cloth or abrasive materials. Use a
soft cloth and mild detergent and water. Be careful when removing ice
from outside mirrors because you may damage the reflective surface.
Cleaning the exterior lamps
Wash with the same detergent as the exterior of your vehicle. If
necessary, use a tar remover such as Ford Extra Strength Tar and Road
Oil Remover (B7A-19520±AA).
Maintenance and care
200

Cleaning the instrument panel
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver
from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
Cleaning the instrument cluster lens
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the lens.
Cleaning seats equipped with side air bags
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Follow the directions that come with
the cleaner. Do not saturate the seat cover with upholstery cleaner.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the seat mounted side air bag. Such products could contaminate
the side air bag system and affect performance of the side air bag in a
collision.
Woodtone trim
Wipe stains with a soft cloth and a multi-purpose cleaning solution.
Inside windows
Use Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (E4AZ-19C507±AA) for the inside
windows if they become fogged.
Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts
Clean the safety belts with a mild soap solution recommended for
cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the belts, because
these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
Check the safety belt system periodically to make sure there are no
nicks, wear or cuts. If your vehicle has been involved in an accident,
Maintenance and care
203

ENGINE DATA
Engine 3.0L V6 Vulcan
engine3.0L FFV V6
engine3.0L DOHC V6
Duratec engine
Cubic inches 182 182 181
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane or
Ethanol (E 85)87 octane
Firing order 1-4-2-5-3-6 1-4-2-5-3-6 1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark plug gap 1.07-1.17 mm
(0.042-0.046
inch)1.07-1.17 mm
(0.042-0.046
inch)1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056
inch)
Ignition system EDIS EDIS Coil on plug
Compression
ratio9.3:1 9.14:1 10.0:1
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Vehicle dimensions Sedan mm (in) Wagon mm (in)
(1) Overall length 5 016.5 (197.7) 5 069.8 (199.6)
(2) Overall width 1 854.2 (73.0) 1 854.2 (73.0)
(3) Overall height 1 399.5 (56.1) 1 472.0 (57.9)
(4) Wheelbase 2 755.9 (108.5) 2 755.9 (108.5)
(5) Track - Front 1 564.6 (61.6) 1 564.6 (61.6)
(5) Track - Rear 1 577.0 (62.1) 1 577.0 (62.1)
Capacities and specifications
208

Ford Deluxe Leather and Vinyl Cleaner (not available in Canada)
Motorcraft Vinyl Cleaner (Canada only)
Ford Extra Strength Tar and Road Oil Remover* (not available in
Canada)
Ford Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner (Canada only)
Ford Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner (not available in Canada)
Ford Metal Surface Cleaner
Ford Multi-Purpose Cleaner*
Motorcraft Car Wash Concentrate
Motorcraft Carlite Glass Cleaner
Ford Spot and Stain Remover*
Ford Super Premium Tire and Trim Dressing
Ford Triple Clean
Ford Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (not available in Canada)
* May be sold with the Motorcraft name
FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of Ford accessories are available for your vehicle
through your local authorized Ford, Lincoln Mercury or Ford of Canada
dealer. These quality accessories have been specifically engineered to
fulfill your automotive needs; they are custom designed to complement
the style and aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In addition, each
accessory is made from high quality materials and meets or exceeds
Ford's rigid engineering and safety specifications. Ford accessories are
warranted for up to 12 months or 20 000 km (12 000 miles) on all cars
and light trucks and 12 months with unlimited distance on medium/heavy
duty trucks unless the accessory is installed on a new vehicle, then the
warranty becomes the balance of the new vehicle's warranty or the
accessories warranty, whichever is greater. See your dealer for complete
warranty information and availability.
Not all accessories are available for all models.
Vehicle Security
Styled wheel protector locks
Vehicle security systems
Customer assistance
220

Accessory delay ..........................54
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ................94,95,98
and child safety seats ..............96
description ...........................95,98
disposal ....................................100
driver air bag ..................94,97,99
indicator light ......................12,97
operation .........................94,97,99
passenger air bag ...........94,97,99
side air bag ................................98
Air cleaner filter .......................205
Air conditioning ..........................18
automatic temperature
control system ..........................21
Air filter, cabin ..........................166
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................157
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .......................113,114
Anti-theft system ........................64
arming the system ....................64
disarming a triggered system ..66
warning light .............................11
Audio system (see Radio) .........28
Automatic transaxle .................118
driving with .............................120
fluid, adding ............................163
fluid, checking ........................163
fluid, refill capacities ..............206
fluid, specification ..................208
Auxiliary power point .................27
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........207
Battery .......................................171
acid, treating emergencies .....171
charging system
warning light .............................12
jumping a disabled battery ....142
maintenance-free ....................171
replacement, specifications ...205
servicing ..................................171Belt minder .................................90
Brakes ........................................113
anti-lock ............................113,114
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ..........11,114
brake warning light ..................12
fluid, checking and adding ....155
fluid, refill capacities ..............206
fluid, specifications ..........207,208
lubricant specifications ...207,208
parking ....................................115
pedals (see Power
adjustable foot pedals) ............43
shift interlock ..........................118
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ....206
Cargo area shade ........................59
Cargo cover .................................58
Cargo net .....................................58
CD changer .................................38
Cellular telephone
Wireless Interface Module .......51
Certification Label ....................210
Child safety restraints ..............101
child safety belts ....................101
Child safety seats ......................102
attaching with tether straps ..106
in front seat ............................103
in rear seat .......................103,106
Cleaning your vehicle ...............198
engine compartment ..............201
exterior ....................................200
exterior lamps .........................200
instrument panel ....................203
instrument panel lens ............203
interior ..............................203,204
mirrors .....................................200
plastic parts ............................200
safety belts ..............................203
washing ....................................199
waxing .....................................199
wheels ......................................200
Index
225