2005 FORD TAURUS checking oil

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.
CHECK TRACTION CONTROL (if equipped).Displayed when the
Traction Controlysystem is not operating properly. If this warning stays
on, contact your dealer for service as soon as possible. For further
information, refer toTraction controlyin theDrivingchapter.
DATA ERR.These messages indicate improper operation of the vehicle
network communication between electronic modules.
²Fuel computer
²Charging system
²Coolant system
²Traction control (if equipped)
²Door sensor
²Brake fluid
²Compass (if equipped)
²Outside temperature (if equipped)
²Engine sensor
²Transmission sensor
²Fuel cap sensor
²Seat belt sensor
²Park brake
²Oil pressure sensor
Contact your dealer as soon as possible if these messages occur on a
regular basis.
CENTER CONSOLE
Your vehicle may be equipped with a variety of console features. These
include:
²Utility compartment
²Bin mat (snap-in)
²Cupholders (front and rear)
Driver Controls
67

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.
Maintenance and Specifications
192

²If the oil level isbetween the two holes or between the MIN and
MAX marks (depending on application),the oil level is acceptable.
DO NOT ADD OIL.
²3.0L Vulcan engine
²3.0L Duratec engine
²If the oil level is below the add 1QT or MIN mark, add enough oil to
raise the level within the 1QT-FULL or the MIN-MAX range
(depending on application).
²Oil levels above the F in FULL or above the MAX mark, may cause
engine damage. Some oil must be removed from the engine by a
service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
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).
Maintenance and Specifications
194

²Always 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 theScheduled Maintenance Guide. The
coolant concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled
water, which equates to a freeze point of -34ÉF (-36ÉC). 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 ªFULL COLDº level or
within the ªCOLD FILL RANGEº in the coolant reservoir. If the level falls
below, add coolant per the instructions in theAdding engine coolant
section.
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:
²Freeze protection down to -34ÉF (-36ÉC).
²Boiling protection up to 265ÉF (129ÉC).
²Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
²Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
Maintenance and Specifications
198

instrument panel ....................184
interior .....................................184
interior trim ............................185
plastic parts ............................183
washing ....................................181
waxing .....................................181
wheels ......................................182
wiper blades ............................184
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............26
Clock adjust
AM/FM Stereo ...........................15
AM/FM/CD .................................19
AM/FM/Tape ..............................16
Compass, electronic ....................61
calibration .................................61
set zone adjustment .................61
Console ........................................67
Controls
power seat .................................90
Coolant
checking and adding ..............198
refill capacities ................202, 232
specifications ..................234±235
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................51
Customer Assistance ................150
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................186
Ford Extended Service Plan .174
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............178
Getting roadside assistance ...150
Getting the service
you need .................................172
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................179
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................174Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............177
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................30
Defrost
rear window ..............................28
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................216
engine oil .................................192
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........234
Driving under special
conditions ..................................141
through water .........................142
E
Electronic message center .........58
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................165
Emergency Flashers .................151
Emission control system ..........212
Engine ................................235±236
cleaning ...................................182
coolant .....................................198
idle speed control ...................196
lubrication specifications 234±235
refill capacities ........................232
service points ..................189±190
starting after a collision .........151
Engine block heater .................133
Engine oil ..................................192
checking and adding ..............192
dipstick ....................................192
filter, specifications ........195, 231
Index
244

K
Keyless entry system .................81
Keys
positions of the ignition .........130
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................30
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................35
daytime running light ...............30
headlamps .................................30
headlamps, flash to pass ..........31
instrument panel, dimming .....31
interior lamps .....................33±36
replacing bulbs .35, 37, 39±42, 44
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................33
Liftgate ........................................69
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........135
Load limits .................................142
Locks
childproof ..................................74
doors ..........................................73
Lubricant specifications ...234±235
Lug nuts ....................................164
Luggage rack ...............................72
Lumbar support, seats ...............89
M
Message center .....................58±59
english/metric button ...............64
system check button ................64
warning messages .....................64
Mirrors ...................................48, 50automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................50
heated ........................................51
side view mirrors (power) .......50
Moon roof ....................................54
Motorcraft parts ................208, 231
O
Octane rating ............................207
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................192
Overdrive ...................................139
P
Parking brake ............................136
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....231
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................93
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................51
Power adjustable foot pedals .....51
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................157
Power door locks ........................73
Power point .................................48
Power steering ..........................137
fluid, checking and adding ....214
fluid, refill capacity ................232
fluid, specifications .........234±235
Power Windows ...........................48
R
Radio ................................15±16, 19
Rear window defroster ...............28
Relays ........................................159
Index
246