Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 10
Warning and control lights 10
Gauges 13
Entertainment Systems 15
AM/FM stereo cassette 15
AM/FM stereo with CD 18
CD changer 20
Climate Controls 23
Manual heating and air conditioning 23
Automatic temperature control 25
Rear window defroster 27
Lights 29
Headlamps 29
Turn signal control 32
Bulb replacement 33
Driver Controls 41
Windshield wiper/washer control 41
Steering wheel adjustment 41
Power windows 43
Mirrors 44
Speed control 45
Message center 53
Locks and Security 63
Keys 63
Locks 63
Anti-theft system 73
Table of Contents
1
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
MANUAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
(IF EQUIPPED)
1.Temperature selection:
Controls the temperature of the
airflow in the vehicle.
2.Passenger airbag indicator
light:Refer toFront passenger
sensing systemin theSeating and
Safety Restraintschapter.
3.Air flow selections:Controls
the direction of the airflow in the vehicle. See the following for a brief
description on each control.
MAX A/C:Distributes recirculated air through the instrument panel
registers to cool the vehicle. This re-cooling of the interior air is more
economical and efficient. Recirculated air may also help reduce
undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.
A/C:Distributes outside air through the instrument panel vents to cool
the vehicle.
:Distributes outside air through the instrument panel vents.
OFF:Outside air is shut out and the climate system is turned off.
:Distributes air through the instrument panel and floor vents.
:Distributes air through the floor vents.
:Distributes air through the windshield defroster vents and floor
vents.
:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster vents. Can
be used to clear the windshield of fog and thin ice.
4.Fan speed adjustment:Controls the volume of air circulated in the
vehicle.
5.Rear defroster control:Press
to activate/deactivate the rear
window defroster. For more
information, refer toRear window defrosterlater in this chapter.
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
23
AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
1.OFF:Outside air is shut out and
the climate control system is turned
off.
2.A/C:Press to activate/deactivate air conditioning. Use with the
recirculated air to improve cooling performance and efficiency. Engages
automatically in the AUTO,F
(defrost) and(floor/defrost)
modes.
3.Passenger airbag off:Refer toFront passenger sensing systemin
theSeating and Safety Restraintschapter.
4.
Recirculated air:Press to activate/deactivate air circulation in
cabin. Recirculated air may reduce the amount of time to cool down the
vehicle and may also help reduce undesired odors from reaching the
interior of the vehicle. Recirculation can be engaged manually in any
airflow selection exceptF
(defrost). Recirculation may turn off
automatically in all airflow selections.
5.Temperature control:Press to
increase or decrease the
temperature in the cabin.Note:The
recommended vehicle cabin setting is between 72°F (22°C) and 75°F
(24°C).
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
25
Most geographic areas (zones) have a magnetic north compass point that
varies slightly from the northerly direction on maps. This variation is four
degrees between adjacent zones and will become noticeable as the
vehicle crosses multiple zones. A correct zone setting will eliminate this
error. Refer toCompass zone/calibration adjustment.
Compass zone/calibration adjustment
Perform this adjustment in an open area free from steel structures and
high voltage lines.
For optimum calibration, turn off all electrical accessories (heater/air
conditioning, wipers, etc.) and make sure all vehicle doors are shut.
1. Turn ignition to the ON position.
2. Start the engine.
3. Press and hold the INFO button for 2 seconds to select the
Compass/Odometer function. (Do not select Trip, DTE, or AFE.The top
of the message center must be blank).
Note:If the compass displaysCAL 000000.0 miinstead of heading
information, the compass will need to be calibrated. Slowly drive the
vehicle in a circle (less than 3 mph [5 km/h]) until theCALindicator
changes to display compass heading. This may take up to 3 circles to
complete calibration.
4. Determine your magnetic zone by
referring to the zone map.
5. Press and hold the RESET until
the message center display changes
to show the current zone setting.
1 2 3
4
5
6 7 8 9 101112 13 14 15
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
56
2. When the engine starts, release the key, then gradually release the
accelerator pedal as the engine speeds up. If the engine still fails to start,
repeat Step 1.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
USING THE ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and heater/defroster performance. Use of an engine block heater is
strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10°F (-23°C) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before starting the vehicle. The heater can be plugged in the night
before starting the vehicle.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the Scheduled
Maintenance Guide for maintenance recommendations.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle’s brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a “metal-to-metal,” “continuous grinding” or
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
144
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
washing ....................................183
waxing .....................................183
wheels ......................................184
wiper blades ............................185
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............25
Clock adjust
AM/FM/Cassette ........................15
AM/FM/CD .................................18
Compass
zone/calibration adjustment ....56
Compass Display .........................55
Console ........................................42
Controls
power seat .................................79
Coolant
checking and adding ..............198
refill capacities ................202, 218
specifications ..................219–220
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................45
Customer Assistance ................154
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................180
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................181
Getting roadside assistance ...154
Getting the service you
need .........................................174
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................182
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................177
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................179D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................29
Defrost
rear window ..............................27
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................215
engine oil .................................193
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........219
Driving under special
conditions ..................................153
through water .........................153
E
Electronic message center .........53
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................168
Emergency Flashers .................155
Emission control system ..........212
Engine ................................220–221
cleaning ...................................184
coolant .....................................198
idle speed control ...................196
lubrication
specifications ..................219–220
refill capacities ........................218
service points ..........................191
starting after a collision .........155
Engine block heater .................144
Engine oil ..................................193
checking and adding ..............193
dipstick ....................................193
filter, specifications ........195, 217
recommendations ...................195
refill capacities ........................218
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
228
specifications ..................219–220
Exhaust fumes ..........................144
F
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....203
Floor mats ...................................62
Fluid capacities .........................218
Fuel ............................................203
calculating fuel
economy ............................54, 209
cap ...........................................206
capacity ...................................218
choosing the right fuel ...........206
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................212
detergent in fuel .....................208
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................203, 206, 209
filter, specifications ........209, 217
fuel pump shut-off switch .....155
improving fuel economy ........209
octane rating ...........207, 220–221
quality ......................................207
running out of fuel .................208
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................203
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .........................203, 206–207
Fuses ..................................156–157
G
Garage Door Opener
(see Homelink wireless control
system) ........................................49
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............206
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................209
Gauges .........................................13H
Hazard flashers .........................155
Headlamps ...................................29
aiming ........................................30
autolamp system .......................29
bulb specifications ....................33
daytime running lights .............29
flash to pass ..............................30
high beam .................................30
replacing bulbs .........................35
turning on and off ....................29
Heating
heating and air
conditioning system ...........23, 25
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................49
Hood ..........................................190
I
Ignition .......................140, 220–221
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................107
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................214
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................186
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................30
J
Jack ............................................162
positioning ...............................162
storage .....................................162
Jump-starting your vehicle ......168
K
Keyless entry system .................71
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
229