2003 FORD TAURUS Owners Manual

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

Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............160
instrument panel ....................162
interior .............................162–163
interior trim ............................163
plastic parts ............................161
washing ....................................159
waxing .....................................159
wheels ......................................160
wiper blades ............................162
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............26
Compass, electronic ....................50
calibration .................................51
set zone adjustment .................50
Console ........................................55
Controls
power seat .................................77
Coolant
checking and adding ..............175
refill capacities ................179, 200
specifications ..................201, 203
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................52
Customer Assistance ................129
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................164
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................151
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............155
Getting roadside assistance ...129
Getting the service you
need .........................................149
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................156
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................152Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................155
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................30
Defrost
rear window ..............................28
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................193
engine oil .................................170
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........201
Driving under special
conditions ..................................122
through water .........................123
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................142
Emission control system ..........190
Engine ........................................203
cleaning ...................................160
coolant .....................................175
idle speed control ...................173
lubrication
specifications ..................201, 203
refill capacities ........................200
service points ..................167–168
starting after a collision .........130
Engine block heater .................116
Engine oil ..................................170
checking and adding ..............170
dipstick ....................................170
filter, specifications ........172, 199
recommendations ...................172
Index
211

refill capacities ........................200
specifications ..................201, 203
Exhaust fumes ..........................116
F
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....180
Floor mats ...................................58
Fluid capacities .........................200
Fuel ............................................180
calculating fuel economy .......186
cap ...........................................183
capacity ...................................200
choosing the right fuel ...........184
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................189
detergent in fuel .....................186
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................180, 183, 187
filter, specifications ........186, 199
fuel pump shut-off switch .....130
improving fuel economy ........186
octane rating ...................184, 203
quality ......................................185
running out of fuel .................186
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................180
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .................................180, 184
Fuses ..................................132–133
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............183
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................186
Gauges .........................................13
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................123definition .................................123
driving with a heavy load ......123
location ....................................123
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................123
calculating ...............................123
definition .................................123
driving with a heavy load ......123
location ....................................123
H
Headlamps ...................................30
aiming ........................................32
autolamp system .......................30
bulb specifications ....................35
daytime running lights .............30
flash to pass ..............................31
high beam .................................31
replacing bulbs .........................37
turning on and off ....................30
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................24, 26
Hood ..........................................166
I
Ignition ...............................112, 203
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................103
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................191
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................162
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................31
J
Jack ............................................138
Index
212

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

Remote entry system
illuminated entry ......................67
locking/unlocking doors ...........62
opening the trunk .....................65
Roadside assistance ..................129
Roof rack .....................................61
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................79, 81–84, 86
Safety defects, reporting ..........158
Safety restraints ..............79, 81–87
belt minder ...............................89
cleaning the safety belts ..........93
extension assembly ..................93
for adults .............................82–84
for children .....................100–101
lap belt ......................................86
warning light and chime ....88–89
Safety seats for children ..........103
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................79
Seats ............................................75
child safety seats ....................103
cleaning ...................................162
Servicing your vehicle ..............165
Spare tire (see Changing
the Tire) ....................................138
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................199, 203
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................201, 203
Speed control ..............................52
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......115Starting your vehicle ........112–114
jump starting ..........................142
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................47
T
Tires ...........................138, 195–196
changing ..........................138–139
checking the pressure ............196
replacing ..................................197
rotating ....................................196
snow tires and chains ............198
tire grades ...............................196
treadwear ................................195
Towing .......................................125
recreational towing .................128
trailer towing ..........................125
wrecker ....................................148
Traction control ........................118
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............200
lubricant specifications ..........203
Transmission .............................119
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................193
lubricant specifications ..........201
Trunk ...............................59, 61, 63
remote release ....................58, 65
Turn signal ..................................33
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................203
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................206
Vehicle loading ..........................123
Ventilating your vehicle ...........116
Index
214

W
Warning chimes .........................117
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................169
Water, Driving through .............123
Windows
power .........................................48rear wiper/washer
.....................46
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
..........................................46
checking and adding fluid
.....169
liftgate reservoir
.....................170
replacing wiper blades
.............47
Wrecker towing
.........................148
Index
215

216