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
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
24
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
26
Compass display (if equipped)
The compass reading may be affected when you drive near large
buildings, bridges, power lines and powerful broadcast antenna. Magnetic
or metallic objects placed in, on or near the vehicle may also affect
compass accuracy.
Usually, when something affects the compass readings, the compass will
correct itself after a few days of operating your vehicle in normal
conditions. If the compass still appears to be inaccurate, a manual
calibration may be necessary. Refer toCompass zone/calibration
adjustment.
Most geographic areas (zones) have a magnetic north compass point that
varies slightly from the northerly direction on maps. This variation is four
degrees between adjacent zones and will become noticeable as the
vehicle crosses multiple zones. A correct zone setting will eliminate this
error. Refer toCompass zone/calibration adjustment.
Compass zone/calibration adjustment
Perform this adjustment in an open area free from steel structures and
high voltage lines.
For optimum calibration, turn off all electrical accessories (heater/air
conditioning, wipers, etc.) and make sure all vehicle doors are shut.
1. Turn ignition to the ON position.
2. Start the engine.
3. Determine your magnetic zone by
referring to the zone map.
4. From Info menu, select the
Compass/Odometer function. (Do
not select Trip, DTE, or AFE. The
top of the message center must be
blank).
1 2 3
4
5
6 7 8 9 101112 13 14 15
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
56
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.
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
126
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
Engine oil ..................................182
checking and adding ..............182
dipstick ....................................182
filter, specifications ........184, 220
recommendations ...................184
refill capacities ........................221
specifications ..................222, 224
Exhaust fumes ..........................126
F
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....191
Floor mats ...................................63
Fluid capacities .........................221
Fuel ............................................191
calculating fuel
economy ............................55, 197
cap ...........................................194
capacity ...................................221
choosing the right fuel ...........195
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................200
detergent in fuel .....................197
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................191, 194, 197
filter, specifications ........197, 220
fuel pump shut-off switch .....143
improving fuel economy ........197
octane rating ...................195, 224
quality ......................................196
running out of fuel .................197
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................191
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .................................191, 195
Fuses ..................................145–146
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............194Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................197
Gauges .........................................13
H
Hazard flashers .........................143
Headlamps ...................................29
aiming ........................................30
autolamp system .......................29
bulb specifications ....................34
daytime running lights .............29
flash to pass ..............................30
high beam .................................30
replacing bulbs .........................35
turning on and off ....................29
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................24–25
Hood ..........................................178
I
Ignition ...............................122, 224
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................113
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................202
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................174
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................30
J
Jack ............................................151
positioning ...............................151
storage .....................................151
Jump-starting your vehicle ......156
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
234