2003 FORD TAURUS steering wheel

Changing the wiper blades
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
vehicle. Turn the blade at an angle
from the wiper arm. Push the lock
pin manually to release the blade
and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it
from the arm.
2. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
3. Replace wiper blades every 6
months for optimum performance.
TILT STEERING WHEEL
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull and hold the steering wheel
release control toward you.
2. Move the steering wheel up or
down until you find the desired
location.
3. Release the steering wheel
release control. This will lock the
steering wheel in position.
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.
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Setting speed control
The controls for using your speed
control are located on the steering
wheel for your convenience.
1. Press the ON control and release
it.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed.
3. Press the SET + control and
release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
5. The indicator
light on the
instrument cluster will turn on.
Note:
•Vehicle speed may vary momentarily when driving up and down a
steep hill.
•If the vehicle speed increases above the set speed on a downhill, you
may want to apply the brakes to reduce the speed.
•If the vehicle speed decreases more than 16 km/h (10 mph) below
your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage.
•If the vehicle speed decreases to 40 km/h (25 mph) or less, your
speed control will disengage
Disengaging speed control
To disengage the speed control:
•Depress the brake pedal
Disengaging the speed control will not erase previous set speed.
Resuming a set speed
Press the RES (resume) control and
release it. This will automatically
return the vehicle to the previously
set speed. The RES control will not
work if the vehicle speed is not
faster than 48 km/h (30 mph).
OFF
ON
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53

POSITIVE RETENTION FLOOR MAT
Position the driver floor mat so that
the eyelet is over the pointed end of
the retention post and rotate
forward to lock in. Make sure that
the mat does not interfere with the
operation of the accelerator or the
brake pedal. To remove the floor
mat, reverse the installation
procedure.
INTERIOR TRUNK CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
Press the remote trunk release
control on the instrument panel to
the left of the steering wheel.
LIFTGATE (WAGON ONLY)
You can open and close the liftgate and the liftgate window from outside
the vehicle. It cannot be opened from inside the cargo area.
•To open the liftgate window,
unlock the liftgate (with the key,
the power door locks or the
remote entry key fob) and push
the key lock cylinder.
•To open the liftgate, unlock the
liftgate and pull up on the handle
under the license plate lamp
shield.
To lock the liftgate and the liftgate window, press the lock button down
on the inside of the liftgate, use the key, the power door locks, or the
remote entry key fob.
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58

STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel,
automatic transmission gearshift
lever and allows key removal.
3. OFF, shuts off the engine without
locking the steering wheel. This
position also allows the automatic
transmission shift lever to be moved from the P (Park) position without
the brake pedal being depressed.
In the ignition OFF position, the automatic transmission shift
lever can be moved from the P (Park) position without the brake
pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always set the
parking brake.
4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated with
engine off. Key position when driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
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, don’t press 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 to
Starting 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.
1
23
4
5
Driving
112

Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and heater/defroster performance. Use of an engine block heater is
strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-23°C (-10°F) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least
three hours before starting the vehicle. The heater can be plugged in the
night before starting the vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by a qualified service technician. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops
by keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor
and brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking; any
pulsation or mechanical noise you may feel or hear is normal.
Driving
116

TRACTION CONTROL(IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Traction Control
system. This
system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle,
especially on slippery road surfaces such as snow- or ice-covered roads
and gravel roads. The system will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction in these conditions.
During Traction Control
operation,
the traction control active light will
illuminate, you may hear an electric
motor type of sound coming from
the engine compartment and the
engine will not“rev-up”when you push further on the accelerator. This
is normal system behavior and should be no reason for concern.
The Traction Control
switch,
located on the right-hand side of the
instrument cluster, has an indicator
light that illuminates when the
system is off. The Traction Control

system will automatically turn on
every time the ignition is turned off
and on.
If you should become stuck in snow or ice or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching the Traction Control
system off. This may allow
excess wheel spin to“dig”the vehicle out and enable a successful
“rocking”maneuver.
If a system fault is detected, the traction control active light will
illuminate, the Traction Control
button will not turn the system on or
off and your vehicle should be serviced.
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
T/C O
F
F
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Canadian customers who require roadside assistance, call
1–800–665–2006.
If you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford Motor
Company will reimburse a reasonable amount. To obtain reimbursement
information, U.S. Ford or Mercury vehicles customers call
1-800-241-3673; Lincoln vehicle customers call 1–800–521–4140.
Canadian customers who need to obtain reimbursement information, call
1–800–665–2006.
ROADSIDE COVERAGE BEYOND BASIC WARRANTY
In the United States, you may purchase additional roadside assistance
coverage beyond this period through the Ford Auto Club by contacting
your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer.
Similarly in Canada, for uninterrupted Roadside Assistance coverage, you
may purchase extended coverage prior to your Basic Warranty’s Roadside
Assistance expiring. For more information and enrollment, contact
1–877–294–2582 or visit our website at www.ford.ca.
HAZARD FLASHER
The hazard flasher is located on the
steering column, just behind the
steering wheel. The hazard flashers
will operate when the ignition is in
any position.
Push in the flasher control and all
front and rear direction signals will
flash. Press the flasher control again
to turn them off. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a
safety hazard for other motorists.
Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
FUEL
RESET
The fuel pump shut-off switch is a device intended to stop the electric
fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.
After a collision, if the engine cranks but does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been activated.
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130

Passenger compartment fuse panel
The fuse panel is located below and to the left of the steering wheel by
the brake pedal. Remove the panel cover to access the fuses.
To remove a fuse use the fuse puller tool provided on the fuse panel
cover.
The fuses are coded as follows.
Fuse/relay
locationFuse amp
ratingPassenger compartment fuse
panel description
1—Accessory delay relay
2—Driver one touch down relay
3—Blower motor relay
4—Flasher relay
5—Not used
6—Not used
7 40A Rear defrost grid feed (wagon
only)/Rear defrost relay coil feed
(sedan only)
8 40A Blower motor
9—Rear defrost relay
10 30A Circuit breaker: Power seats,
Delayed accessory, Adjustable
pedals
12
34
56
78
9
10
11 1213 14
15
16 1718
19 2021 22
2324
2526
27 2829
30
32 33
35
3637
38
39 40
41
42
PULL TAB
TO RELEASE SEE OWNERS MANUAL
CONSULTER LA GUIDE
Roadside Emergencies
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