2008 FORD TAURUS ECU

Locks and Security 117
Keys 117
Locks 118
Anti-theft system 132
Seating and Safety Restraints 138
Seating 138
Safety restraints 145
Airbags 159
Child restraints 173
Tires, Wheels and Loading 185
Tire information 185
Tire inflation 187
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 200
Vehicle loading 205
Trailer towing 211
Recreational towing 213
Driving 215
Starting 215
Brakes 218
Traction Control™ 223
Transmission operation 225
Roadside Emergencies 237
Getting roadside assistance 237
Hazard flasher switch 238
Fuel pump shut-off switch 239
Fuses and relays 239
Changing tires 246
Lug nut torque 254
Jump starting 254
Wrecker towing 260
Table of Contents
2
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)

To access this information, special equipment must be directly connected
to the recording modules. Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada do
not access event data recorder information without obtaining consent,
unless pursuant to court order or where required by law enforcement,
other government authorities or other third parties acting with lawful
authority. Other parties may seek to access the information
independently of Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada.
Cell phone use
The use of Mobile Communications Equipment has become increasingly
important in the conduct of business and personal affairs. However,
drivers must not compromise their own or others’ safety when using
such equipment. Mobile Communications can enhance personal safety
and security when appropriately used, particularly in emergency
situations. Safety must be paramount when using mobile communications
equipment to avoid negating these benefits.
Mobile Communication Equipment includes, but is not limited to cellular
phones, pagers, portable email devices, in-vehicle communications
systems, telematics devices and portable two-way radios.
Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control,
accident and injury. Ford strongly recommends that drivers use
extreme caution when using any device that may take their focus off
the road. The drivers primary responsibility is the safe operation of
their vehicle. Only use cell phones and other devices not essential to
the driving task when it is safe to do so.
Export unique (Non–United States/Canada) vehicle specific
information
For your particular global region, your vehicle may be equipped with
features and options that are different from the ones that are described
in thisOwner’s Guide.A market unique supplement may be supplied
that complements this book. By referring to the market unique
supplement, if provided, you can properly identify those features,
recommendations and specifications that are unique to your vehicle. This
Owner’s Guideis written primarily for the U.S. and Canadian Markets.
Features or equipment listed as standard may be different on units built
for Export.Refer to this Owner’s Guide for all other required
information and warnings.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
7

Low fuel (if equipped):
Illuminates when the fuel level in
the fuel tank is at or near empty
(refer toFuel gaugein this
chapter).
Speed control:Illuminates when
the speed control is engaged. Turns
off when the speed control system
is disengaged.
O/D off:Illuminates when the
overdrive function of the
transmission has been turned OFF,
refer to theDrivingchapter. If the
light flashes steadily or does not illuminate, have the transmission
serviced soon, or damage may occur.
Anti-theft system:Flashes when
the SecuriLock™ Passive Anti-theft
System has been activated.
Door ajar (if equipped):
Illuminates when the ignition is in
the ON position and any door or
decklid is open.
Throttle Control/Transmission:
Illuminates when a powertrain fault
has been detected. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
O/D
OFF
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
13

Press SHUFFLE to engage shuffle
mode. SHUFFLE ON will appear in
the display. If you wish to engage
shuffle mode right away, press SEEK to begin random play. Otherwise,
random play will begin when the current track is finished playing. CD
SHUF will appear in the display.
To disengage, press SHUFFLE again. SHUFFLE OFF will appear in the
display.
Note:In track mode, all tracks on thecurrentdisc will shuffle in
random order. In MP3 folder mode, the system will randomly play all
tracks within thecurrentfolder.
Press
/(play/pause) when a
CD/MP3 is playing to pause the disc.
CD PAUSE will appear in the
display. Press again to resume play.
4.For a single cd system,
press
to eject the current disc.
The display will read CD EJECT.
For an in-dash six CD system,
press
. Select the correct slot
number using memory presets 1–6. When ready, the system will eject the
disc and the display will read REMOVE CD. If the disc is not removed in
15 seconds, the system will reload the disc.
To auto eject up to 6 discs,press and hold
until the system
begins ejecting all loaded discs. If the discs are not removed, the system
will reload the discs.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
19

6./OK:(Play/Pause):This
control is operational in CD and
DVD mode (if equipped). When a
CD or DVD is playing in the FES system, press this control to play or
pause the current CD or DVD. The CD/DVD status will display in the
radio display.
OK:Use in various menu selections.
Your vehicle may be equipped with special phone and media features.
Refer to theSYNC supplementfor further information.
If your vehicle is equipped with a Family Entertainment System (FES)
please refer to theFamily Entertainment DVD systemlater in this
section.
7.SHUFFLE:Press SHUFFLE to
engage shuffle mode. SHUFFLE ON
will appear in the display. If you
wish to engage shuffle mode right away, press SEEK to begin random
play. Otherwise, random play will begin when the current track is
finished playing. CD SHUF will appear in the display.
To disengage, press SHUFFLE. SHUFFLE OFF will appear in the display.
Note:In track mode, all tracks on thecurrentdisc will shuffle in
random order. In MP3 folder mode, the system will randomly play all
tracks within the current folder.
8.FOLDER
: In folder mode,
press FOLDER
to access next
folder on MP3 discs, if available.
9.
FOLDER:In folder mode,
press
FOLDER to access the
previous folder on MP3 discs, if
available.
10.FF (Fast forward):Press FF
to manually advance in a CD/MP3
track.
11.REW (Rewind):Press REW to
manually reverse in a CD/MP3 track.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
25

If your vehicle is equipped with a Family Entertainment System (FES),
please refer toFamily entertainment DVD systemlater in this chapter
for further information.
OK:Use in various menu selections.
Your vehicle may be equipped with special phone and media features.
Refer to theSYNC supplementfor further information.
7.SHUFFLE:In CD/MP3 mode,
press SHUFFLE to engage shuffle
mode. SHUFFLE ON will appear in
the display. If you wish to engage shuffle mode right away, press SEEK
to begin random play. Otherwise, random play will begin when the
current track is finished playing. CD SHUF will appear in the display. To
disengage, press SHUFFLE again. SHUFFLE OFF will appear in the
display.
Note:In track mode, all tracks on thecurrentdisc will shuffle in
random order. In MP3 folder mode, the system will randomly play all
tracks within the current folder.
8.FOLDER
: In folder mode,
press FOLDER
to access next
folder on MP3 discs, if available.
9.
FOLDER:In folder mode,
press
FOLDER to access the
previous folder on MP3 discs, if
available.
10.FF (Fast forward):Press FF
to manually advance in a CD/MP3
track.
11.REW (Rewind):Press REW to
manually reverse in a CD/MP3 track.
12.Memory presets:To set a
station, select the desired frequency
band, AM, FM1 or FM2. Tune to the
desired station. Press and hold a preset button until sound returns and
PRESET # SAVED appears in the display. You can save up to 18 stations,
six in AM, six in FM1 and FM2.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
33

Troubleshooting:
1. Do not connect the audio input jack to a line level output. Line level
outputs are intended for connection to a home stereo and are not
compatible with the AIJ. The AIJ will only work correctly with devices
that have a headphone output with a volume control.
2. Do not set the portable music player’s volume level higher than is
necessary to match the volume of the CD or FM radio in your audio
system as this will cause distortion and will reduce sound quality. Many
portable music players have different output levels, so not all players
should be set at the same levels. Some players will sound best at full
volume and others will need to be set at a lower volume.
3. If the music sounds distorted at lower listening levels, turn the
portable music player volume down. If the problems persists, replace or
recharge the batteries in the portable music player.
4. The portable music player must be controlled in the same manner
when it is used with headphones as the AIJ does not provide control
(play, pause, etc.) over the attached portable music player.
5. For safety reasons, connecting or adjusting the settings on your
portable music player should not be attempted while the vehicle is
moving. Also, the portable music player should be stored in a secure
location, such as the center console or the glove box, when the vehicle is
in motion. The audio extension cable must be long enough to allow the
portable music player to be safely stored while the vehicle is in motion.
USB port (if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
USB port inside your center console.
This feature allows you to plug in
media playing devices, memory
sticks, and also to charge devices.
For further information on this
feature, refer toUsing your USB
portin theSYNC supplement.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
37

INSTRUMENT PANEL STORAGE COMPARTMENT
The storage compartment may be
used to secure sunglasses or similar
sized objects. Press the control to
open the storage compartment.
OVERHEAD CONSOLE
The appearance of your vehicle’s overhead console will vary according to
your option package.
Storage compartment
The storage compartment may be
used to store a pair of sunglasses.
Press the release area on the rear
edge of the bin door to open the
storage compartment. The door will
open to full open position.
CLOCK (IF EQUIPPED)
Press and release the button to
adjust forward.
Press and hold to fast forward.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
91