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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Page 10 of 240

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have the
respective system inspected immediately.
Service engine soon:TheService
engine soonindicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the ON position to check
the bulb. Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Check fuel cap:Illuminates when
the fuel cap may not be properly
installed. Continued driving with
this light on may cause the Service
engine soon warning light to come
on. Refer toFuel filler capin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter.
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
Instrument Cluster
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Engine oil pressure:Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range, refer toEngine oilin
theMaintenance and
specificationschapter.
Traction Controlactive (if
equipped):Flashes when the
Traction Controlis active. If the
light remains on a malfunction has
been detected; have the system
serviced immediately, refer to theDrivingchapter for more information.
Speed control (if equipped):
Illuminates when the speed control
is activated. Turns off when the
speed control system is deactivated.
SecurilockAnti-theft system:
Flashes when the Securilock
Passive Anti-theft System has been
activated. Refer toSecurilockPassive Anti-theft Systemin theLocks
and Securitychapter.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC position and the driver’s door is
opened.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
CRUISE
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USA English(fus)
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Page 31 of 240
•(1) Eight feet
•(2) Center height of lamp to
ground
•(3) Twenty five feet
•(4) Horizontal reference line
2. Measure the height of the headlamp bulb center from the ground and
mark a 2.5 meter (8 foot) horizontal reference line on the vertical wall or
screen at this height (a piece of masking tape works well).
3. Turn on the low beam headlamps to illuminate the wall or screen and
open the hood.
4. On the wall or screen you will
observe an area of high intensity
light. The top of the high intensity
area should touch the horizontal
reference line, if not, the beam will
need to be adjusted.
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To see a clearer light pattern for
adjusting, you may want to block
the light from one headlamp while
adjusting the other.
5. Locate the vertical adjuster on
each headlamp. Usinga4mm
wrench, turn the adjuster either
clockwise (to adjust down) or
counterclockwise (to adjust up).
The horizontal edge of the brighter
light should touch the horizontal
reference line.
6. HORIZONTAL AIM IS NOT
REQUIRED FOR THIS VEHICLE
AND IS NON-ADJUSTABLE.
7. Close the hood and turn off the
lamps.
TURN SIGNAL CONTROL
•Push down to activate the left
turn signal.
•Push up to activate the right turn
signal.
INTERIOR LAMPS
REPLACING THE INTERIOR BULBS
Check the operation of all bulbs frequently.
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Dome lamps and map lamps
•ON or
D: The dome light will
stay on.
•DOOR or middle position: The
dome light will only come on if a
door is opened.
•OFF or
: The lamp will not
come on at all.
With the control in the middle position, the dome lamp will illuminate
whenever a front door is opened. If either front door has been opened
from the outside, the lamp will remain on for 25 seconds after the door
is shut. If any other door has been opened from the inside, the lamp will
shut off immediately after the door is closed.
The map lamp controls (if
equipped) are located on the dome
lamp. Press the controls on either
side of each lens on each map lamp
to activate the lamps.
Rear dome lamp (if equipped)
The dome lamp lights when:
•any door is opened with the
control in the middle position.
•the instrument panel dimmer
switch is held up until the
courtesy lamps come on.
•any of the remote entry controls
are pressed and the ignition is
OFF.
•the lamp control is moved to the passenger side position.
With the ignition key in the ACC or ON position, the rear dome lamp can
be turned ON or OFF by sliding the control.
BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of all the bulbs frequently.
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Using the right bulbs
Replacement bulbs are specified in the chart below. Headlamp bulbs must
be marked with an authorized“D.O.T.”for North America and an“E”for
Europe to assure lamp performance, light brightness and pattern and safe
visibility. The correct bulbs will not damage the lamp assembly or void the
lamp assembly warranty and will provide quality bulb burn time.
Function Number of bulbs Trade number
Front park/turn lamp 2 3457 AK (amber)
Headlamp 29007 QL (9007 LL
optional)
Tail lamp/brake/turn
lamp2 3157K
Tail lamp/brake lamp
(wagon)2 3057K
Rear turn lamp (wagon) 2 3456K
Backup lamp 2 921
Backup lamp (wagon) 2 3156
License plate lamp 2 168
High-mount brake lamp
(wagon)2 912
High-mount brake lamp
(sedan)Must replace the hi-mount brake lamp
assembly
Rear side marker lamp
(wagon)2 194
Cargo lamp (wagon) 1 578
Dome lamp 1 12V6W
Dome/map lamp 3 578
Visor vanity lamp
(passenger/driver)2 DE 3021
Luggage compartment
lamp1 212–2
All replacement bulbs are clear in color except where noted.
To replace all instrument panel lights - see your dealer.
Replacing the interior bulbs
Check the operation of all bulbs frequently.
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Replacing headlamp bulbs
To remove the headlamp bulb:
1. Make sure headlamp switch is in
OFF position.
2. Remove the bolt from the
headlamp housing.
3. At the back of the headlamp, pry
up and remove the two retainer pins
to release the headlamp assembly
from the vehicle and pull headlamp
forward.
4. Remove the protective dust shield
from the housing by turning the
dust shield counterclockwise (when
viewed from the rear).
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Lights
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