Page 9 of 248
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
Check fuel capLow tire warning
Introduction
9
Page 205 of 248

Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
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.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Maintenance and Specifications
205
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![FORD TAURUS 2002 4.G Owners Manual ²Slow down gradually.
²Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 105 km/h [65 mph]).
²Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel FORD TAURUS 2002 4.G Owners Manual ²Slow down gradually.
²Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 105 km/h [65 mph]).
²Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel](/manual-img/11/5374/w960_5374-220.png)
²Slow down gradually.
²Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 105 km/h [65 mph]).
²Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
²Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
²You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
²Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
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 specificationsin
this chapter.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
221
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Travel equipment
Electrochromic inside mirror with compass
Electrochromic inside mirror with compass and temperature
Emergency kit
Factory luggage rack adaptors
First aid kit
Framed luggage carrier
Removable luggage rack
Removable luggage rack adapters
Soft luggage cover
Speed control
Track rider bars
Protection and appearance equipment
Air bag anti-theft locks
Car covers
Cargo liner
Carpet floor mats
Door edge guards
Flat splash guards
Front end covers (full)
Locking gas cap
Molded splash guards
All weather vinyl mats
Pet divider (Wagon only)
Rear decklid spoilers
Styled hood deflector
Styled side air deflectors
Universal floor mats
Accessories
241
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idle speed control ...................205
lubrication
specifications ..................234, 236
refill capacities ........................233
service points ..................199±200
starting after a collision .........160
Engine block heater .................142
Engine oil ..................................202
checking and adding ..............202
dipstick ....................................202
filter, specifications ........204, 232
recommendations ...................204
refill capacities ........................233
specifications ..................234, 236
Exhaust fumes ..........................142
F
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....212
Floor mats ...................................80
Fluid capacities .........................233
Fuel ............................................212
calculating fuel economy .......219
cap .....................................11, 215
capacity ...................................233
choosing the right fuel ...........216
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................222
detergent in fuel .....................218
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................212, 215, 219
filter, specifications ........218, 232
fuel pump shut-off switch .....160
gauge .........................................17
improving fuel economy ........219
low fuel warning light ..............13
octane rating ...................216, 236
quality ......................................217
running out of fuel .................218safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................212
Fuses ..................................162±163
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ......11, 215
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................219
Gauges .........................................16
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................16
fuel gauge ..................................17
odometer ...................................17
speedometer .............................17
tachometer ................................18
trip odometer ............................18
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight Rating) ..........................153
definition .................................153
driving with a heavy load ......153
location ....................................153
GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating) ..........................153
calculating ...............................153
definition .................................153
driving with a heavy load ......153
location ....................................153
H
Hazard flashers .........................160
Head restraints .........................101
Headlamps ...................................51
aiming ..................................52±53
autolamp system .......................51
bulb specifications ....................56
daytime running lights .............51
flash to pass ..............................52
Index
245