
MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
Windshield wiper:Rotate the end
of the control away from you to
increase the speed of the wipers;
rotate towards you to decrease the
speed of the wipers.
Windshield washer:Push the end
of the stalk:
•briefly: causes a single swipe of
the wipers without washer fluid.
•a quick push and hold: the wipers
will swipe three times with
washer fluid.
•a long push and hold: the wipers and washer fluid will be activated for
up to ten seconds.
Rear window wiper and washer (wagon only)
The rear wiper control is located
under the headlamp controls Press
the wiper control to activate the
rear wiper. Press again to turn off
the wiper.
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
Driver Controls
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POWER WINDOWS
When closing the power
windows, you should verify
they are free of obstructions and
ensure that children and/or pets
are not in the proximity of the
window openings.
Press and hold the bottom part of the rocker switch to open the window.
Press and hold the top part of the rocker switch to close the window.
One touch down
Allows the driver’s window to open
fully without holding the control
down. Press completely down on
AUTO and release quickly. Press
again to stop.
Window lock
The window lock feature allows only
the driver to operate the power
windows.
To lock out all the window controls
except for the driver’s press the left
side of the control. Press the right
side to restore the window controls.
Accessory delay (if equipped)
With accessory delay, the window switches may be used for up to ten
minutes after the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position or until
any door is opened.
MIRRORS
Automatic dimming inside rear view mirror (if equipped)
Your vehicle is equipped with an inside rear view mirror which has an
auto-dimming function. The electronic day/night mirror will automatically
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change from the normal, clear state to the darkened, non-glare state
when bright light (glare) reaches the mirror from behind the vehicle at
night.
Do not block the sensor (1) on the either side of the mirror since this
will impair proper mirror performance (i.e. hangtags, parking stickers,
aftermarket window-tint etc.).
Use the control located on the
mirror to turn the auto-dimming
feature OFF or return it to AUTO. A
LED (2) will light when the mirror
is in AUTO mode. When the
auto-dimming feature is OFF the
mirror will remain in the normal.
clear state.
When the mirror is in AUTO mode it will automatically return to the
normal, clear state whenever the vehicle is placed in R (Reverse). This is
to ensure a clear view when backing up.
Power side view mirrors
To adjust your mirrors:
1. SelectLto adjust the left mirror
orRto adjust the right mirror.
2. Move the control in the direction
you wish to tilt the mirror.
3. Return to the center position to
disable the adjust function.
Heated outside mirrors
(if equipped)
Both mirrors are heated
automatically to remove ice, mist
and fog when the rear window
defrost is activated.
Do not remove ice from the
mirrors with a scraper or
attempt to readjust the mirror
glass if it is frozen in place.
These actions could cause damage to the glass and mirrors.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
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POSITIVE RETENTION FLOOR MAT
Position the driver floor mat so that
the eyelet is over the pointed end of
the retention post and rotate
forward to lock in. Make sure that
the mat does not interfere with the
operation of the accelerator or the
brake pedal. To remove the floor
mat, reverse the installation
procedure.
INTERIOR TRUNK CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
Press the remote trunk release
control on the instrument panel to
the left of the steering wheel.
LIFTGATE (WAGON ONLY)
You can open and close the liftgate and the liftgate window from outside
the vehicle. It cannot be opened from inside the cargo area.
•To open the liftgate window,
unlock the liftgate (with the key,
the power door locks or the
remote entry key fob) and push
the key lock cylinder.
•To open the liftgate, unlock the
liftgate and pull up on the handle
under the license plate lamp
shield.
To lock the liftgate and the liftgate window, press the lock button down
on the inside of the liftgate, use the key, the power door locks, or the
remote entry key fob.
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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.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and heater/defroster performance. Use of an engine block heater is
strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-23°C (-10°F) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least
three hours before starting the vehicle. The heater can be plugged in the
night before starting the vehicle.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance guide for maintenance recommendations.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle’s brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a“metal-to-metal,”“continuous grinding”or
“continuous squeal”sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel
while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
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USA English(fus)
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WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear and side windows and the wiper blades should be
cleaned regularly. If the wipers do not wipe properly, substances on the
vehicle’s glass or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree sap, or other
organic contamination. To clean these items, please follow these tips:
•The windshield, rear windows and side windows may be cleaned with
a non-abrasive cleaner such as Motorcraft Ultra Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner (ZC-23), available from your dealer.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
•Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety belts and seats equipped with side
air bags:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with Motorcraft Extra Strength
Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-41).
•If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first
with Motorcraft Spot and Stain Remover (ZC-14).
•Never saturate the seat covers with cleaning solution.
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•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12–16 km (8–10 miles) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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