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 8 of 240
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAir Bag-Front
Air Bag-SideChild Seat
Child Seat Installation
WarningChild Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
AnchorBrake System
Anti-Lock Brake SystemBrake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum Based
Traction ControlAdvanceTrac
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Introduction
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Page 9 of 240
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Symbol
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check fuel capLow tire warning
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Introduction
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Page 11 of 240

Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
when the engine is not running, or in a position between ON and START,
or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the ON
position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, seek service immediately from your dealership. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately by your servicing dealership.
Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your dealer immediately.
Anti-lock brake system (if
equipped):If the ABS light stays
illuminated or continues to flash, a
malfunction has been detected, have
the system serviced immediately.
Normal braking is still functional unless the brake warning light also is
illuminated.
Air bag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when ignition is turned
to ON, continues to flash or remains
on, have the system serviced
immediately. A chime will also sound when a malfunction in the
supplemental restraint system has been detected.
Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A chime will also
sound to remind you to fasten your
safety belt.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
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
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Page 15 of 240
AM/FM STEREO (IF EQUIPPED)
1.Clock:To set the hour, press and
hold the H control. When the
desired hour appears, release the
control.
To set the minute, press and hold
the M control. When the desired
minute appears, release the control.
2.Bass:Press
/to
decrease/increase the bass output.
3.Treble:Press
/to
decrease/increase the treble output.
4.Balance:Press
/to shift
sound to the left/right speakers.
5.Fade:Press
/to shift
sound to the rear/front speakers.
6.Scan:Press SCAN to hear a brief
sampling of all listenable radio
stations. Press again to stop.
7.Memory preset buttons:To set
a station: Select frequency band
BASS
TREB
BAL
FADE
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Entertainment Systems
Entertainment Systems
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Page 17 of 240

2.Clock:To set the hour, press and
hold the H control. When the
desired hour appears, release the
control.
To set the minute, press and hold
the M control. When the desired
minute appears, release the control.
3.CD:Press to play the CD (if
equipped).
Note:All cassette ICPs are CDDJ
compatible, but CDDJ is an option with limited availability as defined in
the order guide.
4.Bass:Press
/to
decrease/increase the bass output.
5.Treble:Press
/to
decrease/increase the treble output.
6.Balance:Press
/to shift
sound to the left/right speakers.
7.Fade:Press
/to shift
sound to the rear/front speakers.
8.Scan:Press SCAN to hear a brief
sampling of all listenable radio
stations, tape or CD selections.
Press again to stop.
9.Shuffle:Press to play CD tracks
in random order.
10.COMP (compression):While
playing a CD, press to bring soft and
loud passages together for a more
consistent listening level.
BASS
TREB
BAL
FADE
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Entertainment Systems
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Page 19 of 240
21.EJ (Eject):Press to eject a
tape.
AUDIO SYSTEM WITH AM/FM STEREO/SINGLE CD PLAYER
(IF EQUIPPED)
1.Clock:To set the hour, press and
hold the H control. When the
desired hour appears, release the
control.
To set the minute, press and hold
the M control. When the desired
minute appears, release the control.
2.Bass:Press
/to
decrease/increase the bass output.
3.Treble:Press
/to
decrease/increase the treble output.
4.Balance:Press
/to shift
sound to the left/right speakers.
BASS
TREB
BAL
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Entertainment Systems
19