Highway hazards
No matter how carefully you drive there’s always the possibility that you
may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tire for damage. If the tire is under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel. If
you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest repair
facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use snow tires and chains, it is
recommended that steel wheels are used of the same size and
specifications as those originally installed.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Use only cable type chains offered by Ford as an accessory or
equivalent. SAE class“S”or other conventional link type chains may
cause damage to the vehicle’s wheel house and/or body.
•Install cable chains securely, verifying that the cables do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the cables. If this does not work, remove
the cables to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire cables when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire cables on dry roads.
•The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and cables.
•Do not exceed 48 km/h (30 mph) with tire cables on your vehicle.
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
219
Remote entry system
illuminated entry ......................73
locking/unlocking doors ...........67
opening the trunk .....................71
Roadside assistance ..................142
Roof rack .....................................66
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........100
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................85, 88–91, 93
Safety defects, reporting ..........170
Safety restraints ..............85, 88–94
belt minder ...............................96
extension assembly ................100
for adults .............................89–91
for children .....................109–110
lap belt ......................................93
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................86
safety belt maintenance .........100
warning light and chime ....95–96
Safety seats for children ..........113
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............85
Seats ............................................81
child safety seats ....................113
front seats .................................82
Servicing your vehicle ..............177
Setting the clock
AM/FM stereo ...........................15
AM/FM/CD .................................19
AM/FM/Tape ..............................19
Spare tire (see Changing the
Tire) ...........................................151
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................220, 224Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................222, 224
Speed control ..............................49
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......125
Starting your
vehicle ........................122–123, 125
jump starting ..........................156
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................45
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................45
Tires ...........................151, 206–207
changing ..................151–152, 155
snow tires and chains ............219
tire grades ...............................207
treadwear ................................207
Towing .......................................137
recreational towing .................140
trailer towing ..........................137
wrecker ....................................161
Traction control ........................128
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............221
lubricant specifications ..........224
Transmission .............................130
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....130
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................204
lubricant specifications ..........222
Trunk ...............................64, 66, 68
remote release ....................63, 71
Turn signal ..................................32
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................224
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
236
