2006 FORD TAURUS brakes

“continuous squeal” sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel
while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Refer toBrake system warning
lightin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s
anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check after you start
the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be
heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS
warning light will come on.
The ABS operates by detecting the onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when the brakes are firmly applied.
Using ABS
•In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four-wheel
ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel
ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain steering
control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will
enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled
stop.
•The anti-lock system does not reduce stopping distance. Always leave
enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to
stop.
•We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
P!
BRAKE
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
145

ABS warning lamp
The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately.)
Parking brake
To set the parking brake (1), press
the parking brake pedal down until
the pedal stops.
To release, pull the lever (2).
Always set the parking
brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
The BRAKE warning lamp will
illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake
is released.
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
ABS
P!
BRAKE
2
1
P!
BRAKE
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
146

If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF.Apply the brake pedal and shift
to N (Neutral).
When the key is in the ignition and in the OFF position, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted
vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
149

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
If necessary, try turning the Traction Control
system off. This will allow
the wheels to spin, which may help to free your stuck vehicle. For more
information, refer toTraction Control
(if equipped)in this chapter.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the
bottom of the wheel rims (for cars). When driving through water,
traction or brake capability may be limited. Also, water may enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine or your vehicle may
stall.Driving through deep water where the transmission vent
tube is submerged may allow water into the transmission and
cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
153

3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level on the
dipstick. It should be between the
arrows in the FULL HOT range. Do
not add fluid if the level is within
this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL HOT range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the “MAX” line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume
fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not
working properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
F
U
L
L


H
O
T
MAX
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
215

A
Accessory delay ..........................44
Air cleaner filter .......................217
Air conditioning ..........................25
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ............................95–96, 102
and child safety seats ..............97
description ........................96, 102
disposal ....................................104
driver airbag ................96, 98, 103
indicator light .........................101
operation .....................96, 98, 103
passenger airbag .........96, 98, 103
side airbag ...............................102
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................198
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................145
Anti-theft system ........................75
arming the system ....................76
disarming a triggered
system .......................................76
Audio system (see Radio) ...15, 18
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................215
fluid, checking ........................215
fluid, refill capacities ..............218
fluid, specification ..................220
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................151
Auxiliary power point .................42
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........219
B
Battery .......................................196acid, treating emergencies .....196
jumping a disabled battery ....168
maintenance-free ....................196
replacement, specifications ...217
servicing ..................................196
BeltMinder ...................................90
Brakes ........................................144
anti-lock ...................................145
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................146
fluid, checking and adding ....215
fluid, refill capacities ..............218
fluid, specifications .........219–220
lubricant specifications ..219–220
parking ....................................146
shift interlock ..........................148
Bulbs ............................................33
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....218
Cargo net .....................................62
CD changer .................................20
CD-single premium ...............15, 18
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................162
Child safety restraints ..............105
child safety belts ....................105
Child safety seats ......................107
attaching with tether straps ..112
in front seat ............................109
in rear seat ......................109, 111
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............184
instrument panel ....................186
interior .....................................186
interior trim ............................186
plastic parts ............................185
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
227

Keys
positions of the ignition .........140
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................29
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................33
daytime running light ...............29
headlamps .................................29
headlamps, flash to pass ..........30
instrument panel, dimming .....30
interior lamps ...........................32
replacing
bulbs ..................33, 35, 37–38, 40
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................32
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........146
Load limits .................................130
Locks
childproof ..................................64
doors ..........................................63
Lubricant specifications ...219–220
Lug nuts ....................................167
Lumbar support, seats ...............78
M
Message center ...........................53
english/metric button ...............58
system check button ................58
warning messages .....................59
Mirrors ...................................42, 44
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................44
heated ........................................45
side view mirrors (power) .......45
Moon roof ....................................48Motorcraft parts ........187, 209, 217
O
Octane rating ............................207
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................193
Overdrive ...................................150
P
Parking brake ............................146
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....217
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................82
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................160
Power door locks ........................63
Power mirrors .............................45
Power point .................................42
Power steering ..........................148
fluid, checking and adding ....214
fluid, refill capacity ................218
fluid, specifications .........219–220
Power Windows ...........................43
R
Radio ......................................15, 18
Rear window defroster ...............27
Relays ........................................162
Remote entry system
illuminated entry ......................69
locking/unlocking doors ...........63
opening the trunk .....................67
Roadside assistance ..................154
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............94
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
230