Page 1 of 240
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
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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
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Introduction
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Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Symbol
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check fuel capLow tire warning
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Introduction
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Page 24 of 240

MANUAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
(IF EQUIPPED)
1.Temperature selection:
Controls the temperature of the
airflow in the vehicle.
2.Passenger airbag indicator
light:Indicates whether the
Passenger air bag is currently ON or
OFF. Refer toFront passenger
sensing systemin the Seating and
Safety Restraints chapter.
3.Air flow selections:Controls the direction of the airflow in the
vehicle. See the following for a brief description on each control.
MAX A/C:Uses recirculated air through the instrument panel registers
to cool the vehicle. This mode maximizes the airflow and as it is
re-cooling the interior air, it is more economical and efficient. May
reduce undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.
A/C:Uses outside air to cool the vehicle. Air flows from the instrument
panel register vents only.
:Distributes outside air through the instrument panel vents.
OFF:Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate.
:Distributes outside air through the instrument panel and floor
vents.
:Distributes outside air through the floor vents.
:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster vents and
floor vents.
:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster vents.
4.Fan speed adjustment:Controls the volume of air circulated in the
vehicle.
5.Rear defrost control:Press to
defrost the rear window.
OPERATING TIPS
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle: do not drive with the
air flow selector in the OFF or MAX A/C position.
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Climate Controls
Climate Controls
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•Under normal weather conditions, do not leave the air flow selector in
MAX A/C or OFF when the vehicle is parked. This allows the vehicle
to“breathe”using the outside air inlet vents.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
2. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
3. Set the fan speed to HI
4. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows
To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
ELECTRONIC AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (EATC)
SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
F
R
AUTO
TEMPOFFA/C
PASS
AIRBAG
OFF
1
53
2
11121314
10
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2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Climate Controls
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1.OFF:Outside air is shut out and
the fan will not operate.
2.A/C:Press to turn on and manually control the air conditioning in all
modes except
(Defrost). Press again to disengage. Press AUTO for
the system to automatically control the temperature.
3.Passenger airbag off:Indicates whether the passenger airbag is ON
or OFF. Refer toFront passenger sensing systemin the Seating and
safety restraints chapter.
4.
Recirculation control:Used to manually enable or disable
recirculated air operation. When activated, recirculates air in the cabin
thereby reducing the amount of time to cool down the interior of the
vehicle. May also help reduce undesired odors from reaching the interior
of the vehicle. Will work in all modes except Defrost. Recirculation turns
off automatically when Floor, Floor/Defrost or Defrost is selected to
reduce the humidity inside the vehicle.
5.Temperature control:Press this
control to select the temperature.
The display window indicates the
selected temperature.
6.Auto:To engage automatic
temperature control, press AUTO to
select the desired temperature using
the temperature control. The system will automatically determine fan
speed, airflow location, outside or recirculated air to heat or cool the
vehicle to reach the desired temperature.
7.Fan Speed:Press to manually
increase/decrease fan speed. In
manual mode, the display will
show
with a bar graph to indicate fan speed. When in AUTO mode,
the system will automatically control fan speed to achieve the desired
temperature.
8.Manual override controls:
Allows you to manually determine
where airflow is directed. To return
to full automatic control, press AUTO.
9.F:Distributes outside air
through the windshield defroster
ducts. Can be used to clear ice or
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Climate Controls
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fog from the windshield. Outside air and A/C will be automatically
engaged to assist in clearing the windshield.
10.Rear defrost control:Press to
defrost the rear window.
11.
:Distributes air through the windshield defroster ducts and floor
ducts. The system will automatically provide outside air to reduce
window fogging.
12.
:Distributes air through the floor and rear seat floor ducts (if
equipped).
13.
:Distributes air through the instrument panel and center console
registers (if equipped), the front and rear seat floor ducts.
14.
:Distributes air through the instrument panel and center console
registers (if equipped).
Fahrenheit/Celsius temperature:
Press A/C and Fcontrols at the
same time, to toggle between Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature. The set
point temperatures in Celsius will be displayed in one degree increments.
OPERATING TIPS
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle: do not drive with the
control in the OFF mode or in recirculation mode without the A/C
engaged.
•Under normal weather conditions, do not leave the air flow selector in
MAX A/C or OFF when the vehicle is parked. This allows the vehicle
to“breathe”using the outside air inlet vents.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
2. Select A/C
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan speed to HI
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Climate Controls
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5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows
To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
The rear defroster control is located
on the instrument panel.
Press the rear defroster control to
clear the rear window of thin ice
and fog.
•A small LED will illuminate when
the rear defroster is activated.
The ignition must be in the ON position to operate the rear window
defroster.
The defroster turns off automatically after 10 minutes or when the
ignition is turned to the OFF position. To manually turn off the defroster
before 10 minutes have passed, push the control again.
Activating the rear window defroster will also activate the heated mirrors
(if equipped). For more information refer toHeated outside mirrorsin
theDriver controls chapter.
CABIN AIR FILTER (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Cabin air filter. The particulate air
filtration system is designed to reduce the concentration of airborne
particles such as dust, spores and pollen in the air being supplied to the
interior of the vehicle. The particulate filtration system gives the
following benefits to customers:
•Improves the customer’s driving comfort by reducing particle
concentration
•Improves the interior compartment cleanliness
•Protects the climate control components from particle deposits
The filter is located just in front of the windshield under the cowl grille
on the passenger side of the vehicle.
For more information, or to replace the filter, see your Ford, Lincoln or
Mercury Dealer.
R
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Climate Controls
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