2008 FORD TAURUS brake fluid

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.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir. Refer toMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter for the proper
fluid type.
BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines 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 the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
TRANSAXLE FLUID
Checking automatic transaxle 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.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
302

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.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is in the add range or does not
show at all on the dipstick.
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 149°F (65°C) on a level surface. The normal operating
temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of
driving.
The transmission fluid should be
within the cross-hatch area if at
normal operating temperature 149°F
(65°C).
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Brake fluidBetween MAX and
MIN on reservoirMotorcraft High
Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1-C /
WSS-M6C62-A
Door latch, hood latch,
auxiliary hood latch,
seat tracks, trunk and
liftgate latches— Multi-Purpose GreaseXG-4 or XL-5 /
ESA-M1C93-B
Lock cylinders —Motorcraft Penetrating
and Lock LubricantXL-1 /
None
Automatic transmission
fluid10.0 quarts
(9.5L)
1
Motorcraft MERCONV
AT F
2
XT-5-QM /
MERCONV
Rear differential (AWD)
fluid2.4 pints (1.15L)Motorcraft SAE 80W-90
Premium Rear Axle
LubricantXY-80W90-QL /
WSP-M2C197-A
Power Transfer Unit
(PTU) fluid (AWD)
5
18 ounces (0.53L)Motorcraft SAE 75W-140
Synthetic Rear Axle
LubricantXY-75W140-QL /
WSL-M2C192-A
Engine oil 5.5 quarts (5.2L)Motorcraft SAE 5W-20
Premium Synthetic
Blend Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE 5W-20
Super Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)
3
XO-5W20-QSP (US)
CXO-5W20- LSP12
(Canada) /
WSS-M2C930-A and API
Certification Mark
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
307

A
Accessory delay ..........................95
AdvanceTrac ..............................221
Air cleaner filter ...............304–306
Air conditioning ....................73, 75
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................159, 168, 170
and child safety seats ............161
description ..............159, 168, 170
disposal ....................................173
driver airbag ............161, 169, 171
indicator light .................167, 173
operation .................161, 169, 171
passenger airbag .....161, 169, 171
side airbag ...............................168
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................231
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................286
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................219
Anti-theft system ..............132, 135
arming the system ..................135
disarming a triggered
system .....................................136
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................16, 20, 27
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................302
fluid, checking ........................302
fluid, refill capacities ..............307
fluid, specification ..................307
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................226
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....36B
Battery .......................................284
acid, treating emergencies .....284
jumping a disabled battery ....254
maintenance-free ....................284
replacement, specifications ...306
servicing ..................................284
Belt-Minder.............................154
Booster seats .............................174
Brakes ........................................218
anti-lock ...................................219
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................219
fluid, checking and adding ....302
fluid, refill capacities ..............307
fluid, specifications .................307
lubricant specifications ..........307
parking ....................................220
shift interlock ..........................225
Bulbs ............................................83
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....307
Cargo net ...................................116
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................246
Child safety restraints ..............174
child safety belts ....................174
Child safety seats ......................177
attaching with tether
straps .......................................181
in front seat ............................178
in rear seat ..............................178
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................174
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
314

Tires ...........................185–186, 246
alignment ................................193
care ..........................................189
changing ..........................246, 250
checking the pressure ............189
inflating ...................................187
label .........................................199
replacing ..................................191
rotating ....................................193
safety practices .......................192
sidewall information ...............195
snow tires and chains ............205
spare tire .................................247
terminology .............................186
tire grades ...............................186
treadwear ........................185, 190
Towing .......................................211
recreational towing .................213
trailer towing ..........................211
wrecker ....................................260
Traction control ........................223
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................302
fluid, refill capacities ..............307
lubricant specifications ..........307
Transmission .............................225
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....225
Trunk .................................123, 126remote release ........................116
Turn signal ..................................83
U
USB port ......................................37
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................310
Vehicle loading ..........................205
Ventilating your vehicle ...........218
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................280
Water, Driving through .............236
Windows
power .........................................93
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................89
checking and adding fluid .....280
replacing wiper blades ...........281
Wrecker towing .........................260
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
319