2003 FORD TAURUS radio

When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds.Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Release the parking brake. With your foot on the brake pedal and with
the A/C on, put the vehicle in D (Drive) and allow the engine to idle for
at least one minute.
7. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km (10 miles) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and radio settings must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
Maintenance and Specifications
174

For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
compliance certification label). Consult your dealer for specific weight
information.
•The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems - such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service
technician.
•Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use or are not properly installed. When operated, such systems may
cause the engine to stumble or stall or cause the transmission to be
damaged or operate improperly. In addition, such systems may be
damaged or their performance may be affected by operating your
vehicle. (Citizens band [CB] transceivers, garage door openers and
other transmitters with outputs of five watts or less will not ordinarily
affect your vehicle’s operation.)
•Ford cannot assume responsibility for any adverse effects or damage
that may result from the use of such equipment.
Accessories
209

A
Accessory delay ..........................49
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..............................94–95, 98
and child safety seats ..............96
description ..........................95, 98
disposal ....................................100
driver air bag ................95, 97, 99
indicator light ...........................98
operation .......................95, 97, 99
passenger air bag .........95, 97, 99
side air bag ................................98
Air cleaner filter .......................199
Air conditioning ..........................26
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................175
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................116–117
Anti-theft system ........................73
arming the system ....................74
disarming a triggered system ..74
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................15–16, 19
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................193
fluid, checking ........................193
fluid, refill capacities ..............200
fluid, specification ..................203
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................121
Auxiliary power point .................48
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........201
B
Battery .......................................173acid, treating emergencies .....173
jumping a disabled battery ....142
maintenance-free ....................173
replacement, specifications ...199
servicing ..................................173
BeltMinder ...................................89
Brakes ........................................116
anti-lock ...........................116–117
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................117
fluid, checking and adding ....193
fluid, refill capacities ..............200
fluid, specifications .........201, 203
lubricant specifications ..201, 203
parking ....................................117
shift interlock ..........................119
Bulbs ............................................35
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....200
Cargo area shade ........................60
Cargo cover .................................59
Cargo net .....................................59
CD changer .................................21
CD-single premium .........15–16, 19
Cell phone use ............................56
Cellular telephone (see your
Cellular Phone Guide) ................56
Certification Label ....................205
Changing a tire .........................138
Child safety restraints ..............101
child safety belts ....................101
Child safety seats ......................103
attaching with tether straps ..108
in front seat ............................104
in rear seat ......................104, 107
Index
210

positioning ...............................138
storage .....................................138
Jump-starting your vehicle ......142
K
Keyless entry system .................68
Keys
positions of the ignition .........112
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................30
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................35
cargo lamps ...............................31
daytime running light ...............30
headlamps .................................30
headlamps, flash to pass ..........31
instrument panel, dimming .....31
interior lamps .....................34–36
replacing
bulbs ..................35, 37, 39–42, 44
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................33
Liftgate ........................................58
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........117
speed control ............................55
Load limits .................................123
GAWR ......................................123
GVWR ......................................123
trailer towing ..........................123
Locks
childproof ..................................62
doors ..........................................62
Lubricant specifications ...201, 203
Lumbar support, seats ...............76M
Mirrors ...................................48–49
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................49
heated ........................................52
side view mirrors (power) .......51
Moon roof ....................................55
Motorcraft parts ................186, 199
O
Octane rating ............................184
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................170
Overdrive ...................................120
P
Parking brake ............................117
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....199
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................52
Power adjustable foot pedals .....52
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................136
Power door locks ........................62
Power point .................................48
Power steering ..........................118
fluid, checking and adding ....191
fluid, refill capacity ................200
fluid, specifications .........201, 203
Power Windows ...........................48
R
Radio ................................15–16, 19
Rear window defroster ...............28
Relays ........................................138
Index
213