2004 FORD TAURUS transmission fluid

High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
•Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
206

ItemsFord Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Lock cylinders Penetrating and
Lock LubricantMotorcraft XL-1 none
Automatic
transaxle (AX4S
and 4F50N
1)Motorcraft
MERCONV
AT FXT-5-QM
MERCONV
Engine oil Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)XO-5W20-QSP
(US)
CXO-5W20–LSP12
(Canada)WSS-M2C153-H
and API
Certification
Mark
Constant
velocity jointsCV Joint Grease
(High Temp.)XG-5 WSS-M2C258–A1
Engine coolant Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)VC-7–A WSS
-M97B51–A1
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcrarft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateZC-32–A WSB-M8B16–A2
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONand MERCONV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
2004 Taurus(tau)
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USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
223

in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONtype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONV type fluid.
MERCONand MERCONV type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCONand MERCONV. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCONand MERCONV) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONmay
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 3.0L V6 Vulcan
engine3.0L FFV V6
engine3.0L DOHC V6
Duratec engine
Cubic inches 182 182 181
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane or
Ethanol (E 85)87 octane
Firing order 1-4-2-5-3-6 1-4-2-5-3-6 1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark plug gap 1.07-1.17 mm
(0.042-0.046
inch)1.07-1.17 mm
(0.042-0.046
inch)1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056
inch)
Ignition system EDIS EDIS Coil on plug
Compression
ratio9.7:1 9.7:1 10.0:1
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Vehicle dimensions Sedan mm (in) Wagon mm (in)
(1) Overall length 5020 (197.6) 5022 (197.7)
(2) Overall width 1855 (73.0) 1855 (73.0)
(3) Overall height 1426 (56.1) 1468 (57.8)
(4) Wheelbase 2757 (108.5) 2757 (108.5)
(5) Track - Front 1566 (61.6) 1566 (61.6)
(5) Track - Rear 1577 (62.1) 1570 (61.8)
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
224

A
Accessory delay ..........................47
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................101–102, 107
and child safety seats ............103
description ......................102, 107
disposal ....................................109
driver air bag ..........102, 104, 108
indicator light .........................107
operation .................102, 104, 108
passenger air bag ...102, 104, 108
side air bag ..............................107
Air cleaner filter .......................220
Air conditioning ..........................25
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................187
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................127
Anti-theft system ........................79
arming the system ....................80
disarming a triggered
system .......................................80
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................15–16, 19
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................204
fluid, checking ........................204
fluid, refill capacities ..............221
fluid, specification ..................224
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................132
Auxiliary power point .................46
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........222
B
Battery .......................................185acid, treating emergencies .....185
jumping a disabled battery ....156
maintenance-free ....................185
replacement, specifications ...220
servicing ..................................185
BeltMinder ...................................96
Brakes ........................................126
anti-lock ...................................127
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................127
fluid, checking and adding ....204
fluid, refill capacities ..............221
fluid, specifications .........222, 224
lubricant specifications ..222, 224
parking ....................................128
shift interlock ..........................130
Bulbs ............................................33
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....221
Cargo area shade ........................65
Cargo cover .................................64
Cargo net .....................................64
CD changer .................................21
CD-single premium .........15–16, 19
Cell phone use ............................53
Certification Label ....................226
Changing a tire .........................151
Child safety restraints ..............110
child safety belts ....................110
Child safety seats ......................113
attaching with tether
straps .......................................117
in front seat ............................114
in rear seat ......................114, 117
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
Index
232

Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............172
instrument panel ....................174
interior .....................................174
interior trim ............................175
plastic parts ............................173
washing ....................................171
waxing .....................................171
wheels ......................................172
wiper blades ............................174
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............25
Clock adjust
AM/FM Stereo ...........................15
AM/FM/CD .................................19
AM/FM/Tape ..............................19
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................56
Console ........................................52
Controls
power seat .................................83
Coolant
checking and adding ..............187
refill capacities ................190, 221
specifications ..................222, 224
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................49
Customer Assistance ................142
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................176
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................164
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................168
Getting roadside assistance ...142
Getting the service you
need .........................................162
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................169The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................164
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................167
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................29
Defrost
rear window ..............................28
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................204
engine oil .................................182
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........222
Driving under special
conditions ..................................134
through water .........................134
E
Electronic message center .........53
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................156
Emergency Flashers .................143
Emission control system ..........200
Engine ........................................224
cleaning ...................................172
coolant .....................................187
idle speed control ...................185
lubrication
specifications ..................222, 224
refill capacities ........................221
service points ..................179–180
starting after a collision .........143
Engine block heater .................126
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
233

Remote entry system
illuminated entry ......................73
locking/unlocking doors ...........67
opening the trunk .....................71
Roadside assistance ..................142
Roof rack .....................................66
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........100
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................85, 88–91, 93
Safety defects, reporting ..........170
Safety restraints ..............85, 88–94
belt minder ...............................96
extension assembly ................100
for adults .............................89–91
for children .....................109–110
lap belt ......................................93
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................86
safety belt maintenance .........100
warning light and chime ....95–96
Safety seats for children ..........113
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............85
Seats ............................................81
child safety seats ....................113
front seats .................................82
Servicing your vehicle ..............177
Setting the clock
AM/FM stereo ...........................15
AM/FM/CD .................................19
AM/FM/Tape ..............................19
Spare tire (see Changing the
Tire) ...........................................151
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................220, 224Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................222, 224
Speed control ..............................49
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......125
Starting your
vehicle ........................122–123, 125
jump starting ..........................156
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................45
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................45
Tires ...........................151, 206–207
changing ..................151–152, 155
snow tires and chains ............219
tire grades ...............................207
treadwear ................................207
Towing .......................................137
recreational towing .................140
trailer towing ..........................137
wrecker ....................................161
Traction control ........................128
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............221
lubricant specifications ..........224
Transmission .............................130
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....130
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................204
lubricant specifications ..........222
Trunk ...............................64, 66, 68
remote release ....................63, 71
Turn signal ..................................32
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................224
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
236