2003 FORD TAURUS brake

Seating and Safety Restraints 75
Seating 75
Safety restraints 79
Air bags 94
Child restraints 100
Driving 112
Starting 112
Brakes 116
Traction control 118
Transmission operation 119
Trailer towing 125
Roadside Emergencies 129
Getting roadside assistance 129
Hazard flasher switch 130
Fuel pump shut-off switch 130
Fuses and relays 132
Changing tires 138
Jump starting 142
Wrecker towing 148
Customer Assistance 149
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 158
Cleaning 159
Table of Contents
2

SPECIAL NOTICES
Emission warranty
The New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes Bumper-to-Bumper
Coverage, Safety Restraint Coverage, Corrosion Coverage, and 7.3L
Power Stroke Diesel Engine Coverage. In addition, your vehicle is eligible
for Emissions Defect and Emissions Performance Warranties. For a
detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered, refer to
theWarranty Guidethat is provided to you along with your Owner’s
Guide.
Event Data Recorder
The computer in your vehicle is capable of recording detailed data
potentially including but not limited to information such as:
•the use of restraint systems including seat belts by the driver and
passengers,
•information about the performance of various systems and modules in
the vehicle, and
•information related to engine, throttle, steering, brake or other system
status potentially including information related to how the driver
operates the vehicle including but not limited to vehicle speed.
This information may be stored during regular operation or in a crash or
near crash event. This stored information may be read out and used by:
•Ford Motor Company.
•service and repair facilities.
•law enforcement or government agencies.
•others who may assert a right or obtain your consent to know such
information.
Introduction
6

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAir Bag-Front
Air Bag-SideChild Seat
Child Seat Installation
WarningChild Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
AnchorBrake System
Anti-Lock Brake SystemBrake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum Based
Traction ControlAdvanceTrac
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
Introduction
8

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have the
respective system inspected immediately.
Service engine soon:If this light
illuminates while driving, it is a
possible indication that one of the
engine’s emission control systems
has failed.
Check fuel cap:Illuminates when
the fuel cap may not be properly
installed. Continued driving with
this light on may cause the Service
engine soon warning light to come
on.
Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
when the engine is not running, or in a position between ON and START,
or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the ON
position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, seek service immediately from your dealership. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately by your servicing dealership.
P!
BRAKE
+ –
CRUISE
RPMx1000
ABS0 123
4
5
6
7
204060
80
100
1202060
140
180
P R N D D 1MPH km/h
000000
0000
EFC H
FUEL DOOR >
THEFT LOW
COOLANT
P!
BRAKE
Instrument Cluster
10

Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your dealer immediately.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately. Normal
braking is still functional unless the brake warning light also is
illuminated.
Air bag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when ignition is turned
to ON, continues to flash or remains
on, have the system serviced
immediately. A chime will also sound when a malfunction in the
supplemental restraint system has been detected.
Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A chime will also
sound to remind you to fasten your
safety belt.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
Engine oil pressure:Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range, refer toEngine oilin
theMaintenance and
specificationschapter.
Low coolant (if equipped):
Illuminates when the coolant level in
the coolant reservoir is low and
more needs to be added, refer to
Engine coolantin theMaintenance and specificationschapter.
ABS
Instrument Cluster
11

Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (and the key is not in the ignition) and
the driver’s door is opened.
GAUGES
Speedometer:Indicates the
current vehicle speed.
Engine coolant temperature
gauge:Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating
temperature, the needle will be in
the normal range (between“H”and
“C”).If it enters the red section,
the engine is overheating. Stop
the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, switch off the engine
and let the engine cool.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
P!
BRAKE
+ –
CRUISE
RPMx1000
ABS0 123
4
5
6
7
204060
80
100
1202060
140
180
P R N D D 1MPH km/h
000000
0000
EFC H
FUEL DOOR >
THEFT LOW
COOLANTCRUISE
204060
80
100
1202060
140 100
180
P R N D D 1
MPH km/h
000000
0000
C H
Instrument Cluster
13

Rear dome lamp (if equipped)
The dome lamp lights when:
•any door is opened with the
control in the middle position.
•the instrument panel dimmer
switch is held up until the
courtesy lamps come on.
•any of the remote entry controls
are pressed and the ignition is
OFF.
•the lamp control is moved to the passenger side position.
With the ignition key in the ACC or ON position, the rear dome lamp can
be turned ON or OFF by sliding the control.
BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of all the bulbs frequently.
Using the right bulbs
Replacement bulbs are specified in the chart below. Headlamp bulbs
must be marked with an authorized“D.O.T.”for North America and an
“E”for Europe to assure lamp performance, light brightness and pattern
and safe visibility. The correct bulbs will not damage the lamp assembly
or void the lamp assembly warranty and will provide quality bulb burn
time.
Function Number of bulbsTrade n
umber
Front park/turn lamp 23457 AK
(amber)
Headlamp 29007 QL
(9007 LL
optional)
Tail lamp/brake/turn lamp 2 3057K
Tail lamp/brake lamp
(wagon)2 3057K
Lights
35

Function Number of bulbsTrade n
umber
Rear turn lamp (wagon) 2 3456K
Backup lamp 2 921
Backup lamp (wagon) 2 3156
License plate lamp 2 168
High-mount brake lamp
(wagon)2 912
High-mount brake lamp
(sedan)Must replace the hi-mount brake lamp
assembly
Rear side marker lamp
(wagon)2 194
Cargo lamp (wagon) 1 578
Dome lamp 1 578
Dome/map lamp 3 578
Dome lamp/moon roof 2 578
Visor vanity lamp
(passenger/driver)2 DE 3021
Luggage compartment
lamp1 212–2
All replacement bulbs are clear in color except where noted.
To replace all instrument panel lights - see your dealer.
Replacing the interior bulbs
Check the operation of all bulbs frequently.
Lights
36