•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the maximum
level, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir. SeeChecking and
adding power steering fluidin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the ON position unless brake pedal is depressed.
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.
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Driving
152
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.0L V6 Vulcan engine
1. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Air filter assembly
4. Battery
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Engine oil dipstick
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
786543
912
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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
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USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick. Refer toMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 mL) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 3.0L V6 Vulcan
engine3.0L FFV V6
Vulcan engine
Air filter element
1FA-1683 FA-1683
Fuel filter FG-1060 FG-1060
Battery BXT-36R BXT-36R
Oil filter FL-400-S FL-400-S
PCV valve
2
Spark plugs3
1
Do not use oil-impregnated air filter elements. Failure to use the correct
air filter element may result in severe engine damage. The customer
warranty may be void for any damage to the engine if the correct air
filter element is not used.
2The PCV valve is a critical emission component. It is one of the items
listed inscheduled maintenance informationand is essential to the
life and performance of your vehicle and to its emissions system.
For PCV valve replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the PCV valve.
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA--CHECH WHEN HOT-IDLING
2007 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
218
Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Power steering fluidFill to line on
dipstickMotorcraft MERCON
AT FXT-2-QDX /
MERCON
Windshield washer fluid 94.7 oz (2.8L)Motorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A /
WSB-M8B16-A2
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission fluid requirements are
indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being
added is of the correct type. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationto determine the
correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as MERCONand MERCONV.
These dual usage fluids are not to be used in an automatic transmission that requires use of the
MERCONtype fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that require
the MERCONV type fluid.
MERCONand MERCONV type fluids are not interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCON
and MERCONV. Use of a transmission fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCONand
MERCONV) in an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONmay cause
transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause
transmission damage.2Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
2007 Taurus(tau)
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USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
221
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
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
227
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 ..............200
refill capacities ................204, 220
specifications ..........................220
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................45
Customer Assistance ................157
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................182
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................183
Getting roadside assistance ...157
Getting the service you need 178
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................184
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................181
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................30
Defrost
rear window ..............................27
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................216engine oil .................................195
Driving under special
conditions ..................................156
through water .........................156
E
Electronic message center .........53
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................172
Emergency Flashers .................159
Emission control system ..........213
Engine ........................................222
cleaning ...................................186
coolant .....................................200
idle speed control ...................198
lubrication specifications .......220
refill capacities ........................220
service points ..........................193
starting after a collision .........159
Engine block heater .................148
Engine oil ..................................195
checking and adding ..............195
dipstick ....................................195
filter, specifications ........197, 218
recommendations ...................197
refill capacities ........................220
specifications ..........................220
Exhaust fumes ..........................147
F
Floor mats ...................................62
Fluid capacities .........................220
Fuel ............................................205
calculating fuel
economy ............................54, 210
cap ...........................................207
capacity ...................................220
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
228
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
231