2002 FORD TAURUS ECU

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guideto find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, keep loose clothing, jewelry or long hair
away from moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained in the
Batterysection in this chapter.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake, and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in
(P) park.
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Maintenance and Specifications
197

Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
bottom of the instrument panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and
release the auxiliary latch located in
the center between the hood and
the grille.
3. Lift the hood until the lift
cylinders hold it open.
Maintenance and Specifications
198

Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate (if equipped)
The opening for the reservoir is
located on the passenger side under
the tail lamp. Refill this reservoir
with the same fluid you use for your
windshield.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P.
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
Maintenance and Specifications
202

Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g., ªAll Terrainº, etc.),
as originally offered by Ford.
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle and make it easier for the driver to lose
control and roll over.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use snow tires and chains, it is
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
231

FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of genuine 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 rigorous engineering and safety specifications. Ford
Motor Company will repair or replace any properly dealer-installed Ford
accessory found to be defective in factory-supplied materials or
workmanship during the warranty period, as well as any component
damaged by the defective accessory. The accessory will be warranted for
whichever provides you the greatest benefit:
²12 months or 20 000 km (12 000 miles) (whichever occurs first), or
²The remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
This means that genuine Ford accessories purchased along with your
new vehicle and installed by the dealer are covered for the full length of
your New Vehicle's Limited Warranty Ð 3 years or 60 000 km (36 000 miles)
(whichever occurs first). Contact your dealer for details and a copy of
the warranty.
Not all accessories are available for all models.
Vehicle Security
Remote keyless entry
Styled wheel locks
Vehicle security systems
Comfort and convenience
Air filtration
Cargo nets
Cargo organizers
Cargo tray
Cargo shades (wagon)
Engine block heaters
Remote start
Accessories
240

SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system .............94±95, 97
Servicing your vehicle ..............197
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................232, 236
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................234, 236
Speed control ..............................75
Speedometer ...............................17
Starting your vehicle ........138±140
jump starting ..........................172
Steering wheel
controls ................................68, 75
tilting .........................................68
T
Tachometer .................................18
Tires ...........................168, 228±229
changing ..........................168±169
checking the pressure ............229
replacing ..................................230
rotating ....................................230
snow tires and chains ............231
tire grades ...............................229
treadwear ................................228
Towing .......................................155
recreational towing .................158
trailer towing ..........................155
wrecker ....................................177
Traction control ........................146
active light ................................13
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............148
fluid, refill capacities ..............233
lubricant specifications ..........236Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................226
lubricant specifications ..........234
Trip odometer .............................18
Trunk .........................81, 84, 86, 88
remote release ..........................80
Turn signal ............................14, 54
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................236
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................239
Vehicle loading ..........................153
Ventilating your vehicle ...........143
W
Warning chimes .............14±15, 146
Warning lights
(see Lights) .................................10
Washer fluid ..............................201
Water, Driving through .............153
Windows
power .........................................69
rear wiper/washer .....................66
Windshield washer fluid
and wipers
checking and adding fluid .....201
checking and cleaning ........67±68
liftgate reservoir .....................202
operation ...................................66
replacing wiper blades .............67
Wrecker towing .........................177
Index
248