2004 FORD TAURUS ECU

Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 10
Warning and control lights 10
Gauges 13
Entertainment Systems 15
AM/FM stereo 15
AM/FM stereo cassette 16
AM/FM stereo with CD 19
CD changer 21
Climate Controls 24
Manual heating and air conditioning 24
Electronic automatic temperature control 25
Rear window defroster 28
Lights 29
Headlamps 29
Turn signal control 32
Bulb replacement 33
Driver Controls 44
Windshield wiper/washer control 44
Steering wheel adjustment 45
Power windows 47
Mirrors 47
Speed control 49
Message center 53
Locks and Security 67
Keys 67
Locks 67
Anti-theft system 77
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1

Engine oil pressure:Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range, refer toEngine oilin
theMaintenance and
specificationschapter.
Traction Control
active (if
equipped):Flashes when the
Traction Control
is active. If the
light remains on a malfunction has
been detected; have the system
serviced immediately, refer to theDrivingchapter for more information.
Speed control (if equipped):
Illuminates when the speed control
is activated. Turns off when the
speed control system is deactivated.
Securilock
Anti-theft system:
Flashes when the Securilock

Passive Anti-theft System has been
activated. Refer toSecurilock
Passive Anti-theft Systemin theLocks
and Securitychapter.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC position and the driver’s door is
opened.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
CRUISE
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
12

5. Line up the CD with the groove
of the disc holder. Ensure that the
label on the CD faces downwards.
6. Press the disc holder until it locks
securely into the magazine.
Ensure that the disc holder is
evenly inserted and at the same
level as the magazine (A). The unit
will not operate if the disc holder is
not inserted at the same level (B).
RADIO FREQUENCIES
AM and FM frequencies are established by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC). Those frequencies are:
AM - 530, 540–1700, 1710 kHz
FM- 87.7, 87.9–107.7, 107.9 MHz
RADIO RECEPTION FACTORS
There are three factors that can affect radio reception:
•Distance/strength: The further you travel from an FM station, the
weaker the signal and the weaker the reception.
•Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, power lines, electric fences,
traffic lights and thunderstorms can interfere with your reception.
•Station overload: When you pass a broadcast tower, a stronger signal
may overtake a weaker one and play while the weak station frequency
is displayed.
CASSETTE/PLAYER CARE
Do:
•Use only cassettes that are 90 minutes long or less.
A
B
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Entertainment Systems
22

Sedan
1. Make sure headlamp switch is in
OFF position and remove two
screws, grommets and the license
plate lamp assembly from the trunk
lid.
2. Carefully pull the bulb from the
socket and push in the new bulb.
3. Install the lamp assembly on
trunk lid with two grommets,
ensuring the grommets are pushed all the way in to the trunk lid and
secure with two screws.
Replacing tail/brake/turn signal/backup lamp bulbs
Sedan
The tail lamp, brake lamp, turn
signal lamp and backup lamp bulbs
are located in the same portion of
the tail lamp assembly. Follow the
same steps to replace either bulb.
1. Make sure headlamp switch is in
OFF position and open trunk and
remove two plastic mushroom nuts,
five push pins and the plastic cover
from inside the trunk to access the
lamp assembly.
2. Carefully pull the carpet away to
expose the lamp assembly hardware.
3. Remove three nut and washer
assemblies and the lamp assembly
from the vehicle.
4. Remove the bulb socket by
rotating it counterclockwise, then
pulling it out of the lamp assembly.
5. Pull the bulb from the socket and
push in the new bulb.
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Lights
42

6. Install the bulb socket into the lamp assembly by rotating it clockwise.
7. Install the lamp assembly on the vehicle with three nut and washer
assemblies ensuring the washers on the nuts are flush with the body to
prevent water from entering the trunk.
8. Carefully push the carpet back in to place and install the plastic cover
inside the trunk with five push pins and two plastic mushroom nuts.
Wagon
The tail lamp/turn lamp
bulbs/brake/backup are located in
the same portion of the tail lamp
assembly, one just below the other.
Follow the same steps to replace
either bulb:
1. Make sure headlamp switch is in
OFF position and open the liftgate
to expose the lamp assemblies.
2. Remove the two bolts from the
tail lamp assembly.
3. Carefully pull the lamp assembly
from the tailgate.
4. Twist the bulb socket
counterclockwise and remove from
lamp assembly.
5. Pull the bulb straight out of the
socket and push in the new bulb.
6. Install bulb socket in lamp assembly by turning clockwise.
7. Carefully install the tail lamp assembly on tailgate and secure with two
bolts.
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Lights
43

Use only soft cups in the cupholder. Hard objects can injure you
in a collision.
If your vehicle is equipped with the column shift and a bench seat, it has
a center console in the center front seating position.
The center console has similar features as the full console. To open the
storage compartment, raise the armrest and pull the strap on the seat up
and toward the front of the vehicle. The rear seat area is provided with
dual cupholders.
CELL PHONE USE
The use of Mobile Communications Equipment has become increasingly
important in the conduct of business and personal affairs. However,
drivers must not compromise their own or others’safety when using
such equipment. Mobile Communications can enhance personal safety
and security when appropriately used, particularly in emergency
situations. Safety must be paramount when using mobile communications
equipment to avoid negating these benefits.
Mobile Communication Equipment includes, but is not limited to cellular
phones, pagers, portable email devices, in vehicle communications
systems, telematics devices and portable two-way radios.
A driver’s first responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle.
The most important thing you can do to prevent a crash is to
avoid distractions and pay attention to the road. Wait until it is safe to
operate Mobile Communications Equipment.
MESSAGE CENTER
With the ignition in the ON position,
the message center, located on your
instrument cluster, displays
important vehicle information
through a constant monitor of
vehicle systems.You may select
display features on the message center for a display of status preceded
by a brief indicator chime. The system will also notify you of potential
vehicle problems with a display of system warnings followed by a long
indicator chime.
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
53

The liftgate and liftgate window should be closed before driving your
vehicle. If not, possible damage may occur to the liftgate lift cylinders
and attaching hardware.
CARGO AREA FEATURES
Storage compartment (Wagon)
Your vehicle comes equipped with a storage compartment in the floor of
the cargo area. An additional compartment is in the rear trim panel on
the right. Always put the load you are carrying as far forward as possible.
Cargo net (if equipped) (Wagon)
The cargo net secures lightweight
objects in the cargo area. Attach the
net to the anchors provided. Do not
put more than 22 kg (50 lbs.) in the
net.
This net is not designed to
restrain objects during a
collision.
Cargo cover (if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a cargo area shade that covers the
luggage compartment of your vehicle.
To install the shade:
1. Fasten the cover into the
mounting brackets (make sure the
cover is right side up).
2. Pull the end of the shade toward
you and hook the sides into the
notches (right side first) in the rear
trim panels.
To reduce the risk of injuries, the fasteners for cargo area cover
must be properly attached to the mounting clips on the rear trim
panels.
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
64

Do not place any objects on the cargo area cover. They may
obstruct your vision or strike occupants of the vehicle in the
case of a sudden stop or collision.
The cover may cause injury in a sudden stop or accident if it is
not securely installed.
Rewinding the shade
With extended use, the cargo shade may lose its spring tension. If this
occurs, the shade must be manually rewound. This is a two-person
operation.
1. Remove the shade from the vehicle and extend it with the smooth
grain facing you.
2. Wrap the vinyl around the roller
tube twice. Tuck the edges of the
vinyl inside the end cap with each
wrap.
3. Fold the edges of the vinyl
towards the center, making sure
that the edges clear the end cap
slots. Use tape or a rubber band to
hold the vinyl to the left side of the
tube.
4. Push in the right end cap
(marked RH) about
1⁄4of the total
length to disengage the clutch and
hold the end cap in while turning
the roller tube toward you 14 times.
5. Let go of the right end cap. The
clutch will now engage and stop the
shade from losing its spring tension.
6. Unfold the vinyl and place it into
the end cap slots.
7. Insert the shade into the side mounting brackets and check to make
sure that it operates properly.
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
65