2004 FORD TAURUS checking oil

CHECK ENGINE TEMPERATURE.Displayed when the engine
coolant is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn
off the engine and let it cool. Check the coolant and coolant level. Refer
toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and specificationschapter. If
the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your dealer as
soon as possible.
TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED.Indicates the transmission is
overheating. This warning may appear when towing heavy loads or when
driving in a low gear at a high speed for an extended period of time.
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the engine and let it
cool. Refer toTransmission fluidin theMaintenance and
specificationschapter. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your dealer for transmission service as soon as possible.
CHECK TRANSMISSION.Indicates the transmission is not operating
properly. If this warning stays on, contact your dealer as soon as
possible.
LOW FUEL LEVEL.Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
CHECK FUEL CAP.Displayed when the fuel filler cap is not properly
installed. Check the fuel filler cap for proper installation. Refer toFuel
filler capin theMaintenance and specificationschapter.
CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM.Displayed when the electrical system is
not maintaining proper voltage. If you are operating electrical accessories
when the engine is idling at a low speed, turn off as many of the
electrical loads as possible. If the warning stays on or comes on when the
engine is operating at normal speeds, have the electrical system checked
as soon as possible.
OIL PRESSURE LOW.Displayed when the engine oil level is low. If this
warning message is displayed, check the level of the engine oil. Refer to
Engine oilin theMaintenance and specificationschapter for
information about adding engine oil.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM.Displayed when the brake system needs
servicing. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your
dealer as soon as possible.
LOW BRAKE FLUID.Indicates the brake fluid level is low and the
brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toChecking and
adding brake fluidin theMaintenance and specificationschapter.
LIFTGATE AJAR (if equipped).Displayed when the liftgate is not
completely closed.
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
61

Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate (if equipped)
The opening for the reservoir is
located on the passenger side under
the tail lamp. Refill this reservoir
with the same fluid you use for your
windshield.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P.
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark or the letter F in FULL on the engine oil level indicator
(dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
until it stops.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil.
Only use oils“Certified For Gasoline Engines”by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). To protect your engine’s warranty use
Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 or an equivalent 5W-20 oil meeting Ford
specification WSS-M2C153–H.SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel
economy and durability performance meeting all requirements for
your vehicle’s engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.
Change your engine oil according to the appropriate schedule listed in
the scheduled maintenance guide.
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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•The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km (10 miles) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and radio settings must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
•Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water,
which equates to a freeze point of -36°C (-34°F). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the“cold full”of“cold fill range”level in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in theAdding engine coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -36°C (-34°F).
•Boiling protection up to 129°C (265°F).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
187

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
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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
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
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K
Keyless entry system .................74
Keys
positions of the ignition .........122
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................29
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................34
daytime running light ...............29
headlamps .................................29
headlamps, flash to pass ..........30
instrument panel, dimming .....30
interior lamps .....................32–34
replacing
bulbs ..................33, 35, 37–40, 42
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................32
Liftgate ........................................63
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........127
Load limits .................................134
Locks
childproof ..................................68
doors ..........................................67
Lubricant specifications ...222, 224
Lumbar support, seats ...............82
M
Message center .....................53–54
english/metric button ...............58
system check button ................59
warning messages .....................59
Mirrors ...................................46–47automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................47
heated ........................................48
side view mirrors (power) .......48
Moon roof ....................................52
Motorcraft parts ................197, 220
O
Octane rating ............................195
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................182
Overdrive ...................................131
P
Parking brake ............................128
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....220
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................86
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................49
Power adjustable foot pedals .....49
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................149
Power door locks ........................67
Power point .................................46
Power steering ..........................129
fluid, checking and adding ....203
fluid, refill capacity ................221
fluid, specifications .........222, 224
Power Windows ...........................47
R
Radio ................................15–16, 19
Rear window defroster ...............28
Relays ........................................151
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
235