2007 FORD TAURUS warning

Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your authorized dealer to
prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems, try a different brand of unleaded gasoline. “Premium”
unleaded gasoline is not recommended for vehicles designed to use
“Regular” unleaded gasoline because it may cause these problems to
become more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your authorized
dealer.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from off to on several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
•The
indicator may come on. For more information on the “check
engine” or the “service engine soon” indicator, refer toWarning lights
and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
FUEL FILTER
For fuel filter replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the fuel filter.
2007 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
authorized dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle.
The EPA window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy
comparisons with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of MPG (L/100 km)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed inscheduled maintenance information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed inscheduled maintenance
informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the
indicator, charging system warning light or the
temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or loss of
engine power could indicate that the emission control system is not
working properly.
2007 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
213

Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If the
indicator is on, refer to the
description in theWarning lights and chimessection of the
Instrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the
indicator on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to thescheduled
maintenance informationfor the
service interval schedules. If adding
fluid is necessary, use only
MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
2007 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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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 authorized 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
2007 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
216

A
Accessory delay ..........................44
Air cleaner filter .......................218
Air conditioning ..........................25
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ............................97–98, 106
and child safety seats ..............99
description ........................98, 106
disposal ....................................107
driver airbag ..............98, 100, 106
indicator light .........................105
operation ...................98, 100, 106
passenger airbag .......98, 100, 106
side airbag ...............................106
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................200
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................149
Anti-theft system ..................72, 75
arming the system ....................75
disarming a triggered system ..76
triggering ...................................76
Audio system (see Radio) ...15, 18
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................216
fluid, checking ........................216
fluid, refill capacities ..............220
fluid, specification ..................220
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................154
Auxiliary power point .................42
B
Battery .......................................198
acid, treating emergencies .....198
jumping a disabled battery ....172maintenance-free ....................198
replacement, specifications ...218
servicing ..................................198
BeltMinder ...................................92
Brakes ........................................148
anti-lock ...................................149
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................149
fluid, checking and adding ....216
fluid, refill capacities ..............220
fluid, specifications .................220
lubricant specifications ..........220
parking ....................................150
shift interlock ..........................152
Bulbs ............................................34
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....220
CD changer .................................20
CD-single premium ...............15, 18
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................166
Child safety restraints ..............108
child safety belts ....................108
Child safety seats ......................112
attaching with tether straps ..116
in front seat ............................113
in rear seat ......................113, 116
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............186
instrument panel ....................188
interior .....................................188
interior trim ............................188
plastic parts ............................187
washing ....................................185
waxing .....................................185
wheels ......................................186
wiper blades ............................187
2007 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
227

headlamps, flash to pass ..........30
instrument panel, dimming .....30
interior lamps ...............32–33, 35
replacing bulbs .........................35
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................32
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........149
Load limits .................................134
Locks
childproof ..................................64
doors ..........................................63
Lubricant specifications ...........220
Lug nuts ....................................171
Lumbar support, seats ...............78
M
Message center ...........................53
english/metric button ...............58
system check button ................58
warning messages .....................59
Mirrors .........................................45
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................44
heated ........................................45
side view mirrors (power) .......45
Moon roof ....................................48
Motorcraft parts ........190, 209, 218
O
Octane rating ............................208
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................195
Overdrive ...................................153
P
Parking brake ............................150Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....218
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................83
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................164
Power door locks ........................63
Power mirrors .............................45
Power point .................................42
Power steering ..........................151
fluid, checking and adding ....215
fluid, refill capacity ................220
fluid, specifications .................220
Power Windows ...........................43
R
Radio ......................................15, 18
Rear window defroster ...............27
Relays ................................160, 166
Remote entry system .................66
illuminated entry ......................69
locking/unlocking doors .....66–67
opening the trunk .....................67
panic alarm ...............................67
replacing the batteries .............67
Roadside assistance ..................157
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............91
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ........................81, 85–89
Safety defects, reporting ..........184
Safety restraints ..............81, 85–89
belt minder ...............................92
extension assembly ..................90
for adults .............................86–88
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
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for children .....................107–108
lap belt ......................................90
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................83
safety belt maintenance ...........91
warning light and chime ....91–92
Safety seats for children ..........112
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................223
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............81
Seats ............................................77
child safety seats ....................112
front seats .................................78
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................72
Servicing your vehicle ..............191
Setting the clock
AM/FM/Cassette ........................15
AM/FM/CD .................................18
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................218, 222
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................220
Speed control ..............................45
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......147
Starting your
vehicle ........................144–145, 147
jump starting ..........................172
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................41
T
Tail lamps
bulb replacement ......................40
Tilt steering wheel ......................41Tires ...........................120–121, 166
alignment ................................127
care ..........................................124
changing ..........................166, 168
checking the pressure ............124
inflating ...................................122
label .........................................133
replacing ..................................126
rotating ....................................127
safety practices .......................126
sidewall information ...............128
snow tires and chains ............134
spare tire .................................166
terminology .............................121
tire grades ...............................121
treadwear ........................120, 125
Towing .......................................140
recreational towing .................143
trailer towing ..........................140
wrecker ....................................177
Traction control ........................150
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............220
lubricant specifications ..........220
Transmission .............................152
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....152
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................216
Trunk .....................................62, 65
remote release ....................62, 67
Turn signal ..................................32
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................223
Vehicle loading ..........................134
Ventilating your vehicle ...........148
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
2007 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
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