2004 FORD TAURUS check engine

Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). This OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle. When theCheck
Engine/Service Engine Soonlight illuminates, the OBD-II system has
detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause yourCheck
Engine/Service Engine Soonlight to illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the fuel cap. After three
driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions
present, theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight should turn off.
(A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.
If theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight remains on, have your
vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your
indicator is on, refer to the
description in theWarning lights and chimessection of the
Instrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the
indicator on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a“not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
202

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
3.0L V6 Vulcan engine
4. Check the fluid level on the
dipstick. It should be between the
arrows in the FULL HOT range. Do
not add fluid if the level is within
this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL HOT range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
FULL HOT
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
203

3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec engine
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the“MIN”and
“MAX”lines are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of your
brake system could be
compromised, seek service from
your dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
MINMAX
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
204

operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10°C (50°F).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transaxle failure. An
overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
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
205

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)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
223

Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is
attached to a metal tag and is
located on the driver side
instrument panel. (Please note that
in the graphic XXXX is
representative of your vehicle
identification number.)
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake type and gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR)
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
Engine number
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block and transaxle.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
227

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