2004 FORD TAURUS steering

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

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed to allow parts to adjust
themselves to other parts.
Drive your new vehicle at least 800 km (500 miles) before towing a
trailer.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils during the
first few thousand kilometers (miles) of operation, since these additives
may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin theMaintenance and
specifications chapter for more information on oil usage.
SPECIAL NOTICES
Emission warranty
The New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes Bumper-to-Bumper
Coverage, Safety Restraint Coverage, Corrosion Coverage, and 6.0L
Power Stroke Diesel Engine Coverage. In addition, your vehicle is eligible
for Emissions Defect and Emissions Performance Warranties. For a
detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered, refer to
theWarranty Guide that is provided to you along with your Owner’s
Guide.
Service Data Recording
Service date recorders in your vehicle are capable of collecting and
storing diagnostic information about your vehicle. This potentially
includes information about the performance or status of various systems
and modules in the vehicle, such as engine, throttle, steering or brake
systems. In order to properly diagnose and service your vehicle, Ford
Motor Company, Ford of Canada and service and repair facilities may
access vehicle diagnostic information through a direct connection to your
vehicle when diagnosing or servicing your vehicle.
Event Data Recording
Other modules in your vehicle — event data recorders — are capable of
collecting and storing data during a crash or near crash event. The
recorded information may assist in the investigation of such an event.
The modules may record information about both the vehicle and the
occupants, potentially including information such as:
• how various systems in your vehicle were operating;
• whether or not the driver and passenger seatbelts were buckled;
2004 Taurus (tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Introduction
6

•how far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or the
brake pedal;
• how fast the vehicle was traveling; and
• where the driver was positioning the steering wheel.
To access this information, special equipment must be directly connected
to the recording modules. Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada do
not access event data recorder information without obtaining consent,
unless pursuant to court order or where required by law enforcement,
other government authorities or other third parties acting with lawful
authority. Other parties may seek to access the information
independently of Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada.
Special instructions
For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic
controls.
Please read the section Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
in the Seating and Safety Restraints chapter. Failure to follow
the specific warnings and instructions could result in personal injury.
Front seat mounted rear facing child or infant seats should
NEVER be used in front of a passenger side air bag unless the
air bag can be and is turned OFF.
MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA VEHICLE SPECIFIC INFORMATION
For your particular global region, your vehicle may be equipped with
features and options that are different from the ones that are described
in this Owner Guide; therefore, a supplement has been supplied that
complements this book. By referring to the pages in the provided
supplement, you can properly identify those features, recommendations
and specifications that are unique to your vehicle. Refer to this Owner
Guide for all other required information and warnings.
2004 Taurus (tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Introduction
7

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
9

Press the washer control to activate
the rear washer. The wiper will
come on when the washer control is
pressed, if it is not already on.
Changing the wiper blades
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
vehicle. Turn the blade at an angle
from the wiper arm. Push the lock
pin manually to release the blade
and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it
from the arm.
2. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
3. Replace wiper blades every 6
months for optimum performance.
TILT STEERING WHEEL
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull and hold the steering wheel
release control toward you.
2. Move the steering wheel up or
down until you find the desired
location.
3. Release the steering wheel
release control. This will lock the
steering wheel in position.
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
45

Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.
ILLUMINATED VISOR MIRROR (IF EQUIPPED)
To turn on the visor mirror lamps,
lift the mirror cover. Adjust the
amount of light by sliding the
control.
AUXILIARY POWER POINT
Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only. Do not hang
any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the plug.
Improper use of the power outlet can cause damage not covered
by your warranty.
Do not plug optional electrical accessories into the cigarette lighter. Use
the power point.
Do not use the power point for operating the cigarette lighter element.
The Maximum power each power point can supply depends on the fuse
rating. For example: a 20A fuse should supply a maximum of 240 Watts,
a 15A fuse should supply a maximum of 180 Watts and a 10A fuse should
supply a maximum of 120 Watts. Exceeding these limits will result in a
blown fuse.
Always keep the power point caps closed when not being used.
The auxiliary power point is located on the instrument panel below the
optional cigarette lighter (if equipped).
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
46

POWER ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDALS (IF EQUIPPED)
The accelerator and brake pedal
should only be adjusted when the
vehicle is stopped and the gearshift
lever is in the P (Park) position.
Press and hold the rocker control
(located on the instrument panel) to adjust accelerator and brake pedal.
•Press the right side of the control to adjust the pedals toward you.
•Press the left side of the control to adjust the pedals away from you.
The adjustment allows for approximately 76 mm (3 inches) of maximum
travel.
Never adjust the accelerator and brake pedal with feet on the
pedals while the vehicle is moving.
SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
With speed control set, you can maintain a speed of 48 km/h (30 mph)
or more without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal. Speed
control does not work at speeds below 48 km/h (30 mph).
Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that
are winding, slippery or unpaved.
Setting speed control
The controls for using your speed
control are located on the steering
wheel for your convenience.
1. Press the ON control and release
it.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed.
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
49

POSITIVE RETENTION FLOOR MAT
Position the driver floor mat so that
the eyelet is over the pointed end of
the retention post and rotate
forward to lock in. Make sure that
the mat does not interfere with the
operation of the accelerator or the
brake pedal. To remove the floor
mat, reverse the installation
procedure.
INTERIOR TRUNK CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
Press the remote trunk release
control on the instrument panel to
the left of the steering wheel.
LIFTGATE (WAGON ONLY)
You can open and close the liftgate and the liftgate window from outside
the vehicle. It cannot be opened from inside the cargo area.
•To open the liftgate window,
unlock the liftgate (with the key,
the power door locks or the
remote entry key fob) and push
the key lock cylinder.
•To open the liftgate, unlock the
liftgate and pull up on the handle
under the license plate lamp
shield.
To lock the liftgate and the liftgate window, press the lock button down
on the inside of the liftgate, use the key, the power door locks, or the
remote entry key fob.
2004 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
63