2008 FORD TAURUS air conditioning

Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 10
Warning lights and chimes 10
Gauges 14
Entertainment Systems 16
How to get going 16
AM/FM stereo with CD 20
AM/FM stereo with in-dash six CD 27
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) 36
USB port 37
Satellite radio information 40
Family entertainment system 43
Navigation system 70
Climate Controls 71
Manual heating and air conditioning 71
Automatic temperature control 73
Rear window defroster 78
Lights 79
Headlamps 79
Turn signal control 83
Bulb replacement 83
Driver Controls 89
Windshield wiper/washer control 89
Steering wheel adjustment 90
Power windows 93
Mirrors 95
Speed control 97
Moon roof 102
Message center 107
Table of Contents
1
2008 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.Air flow selections:Controls
the direction of the airflow in the
vehicle. See the following for a brief
description on each control setting:
MAX A/C:Distributes recirculated
air through the instrument panel
vents only 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.
:Distributes air through the instrument panel vents.
:Distributes air through the instrument panel vents and floor vents.
O (OFF):Outside air is shut out and the climate system is turned off.
:Distributes air through the floor vents.Note:You may notice a
small amount of air flowing from the demister and defroster vents.
:Distributes air through the windshield defroster vents, demisters
and floor vents.
:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster and
demister vents. Can be used to clear thin ice or fog from the windshield.
To exit
select another mode.
3.
Recirculated air:Press to activate/deactivate air recirculation
in the vehicle cabin. Recirculated air may reduce the amount of time to
cool down the interior of the vehicle and may also help reduce undesired
odors from reaching the interior of the vehicle. Recirculation engages
automatically with selection of MAX A/C or can be engaged manually in
any other airflow selection except defrost. Recirculation may turn off
automatically in all airflow selections except MAX A/C.
4.Rear defroster:Press to activate/deactivate rear window defroster.
Refer toRear window defrosterin this section for more information.
5.A/C:Press to activate/deactivate air conditioning. Use with
recirculated air to improve cooling performance and efficiency. Engages
automatically in MAX A/C,
(defrost) and(floor/defrost).
Cannot be disabled in MAX A/C mode.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
71

DUAL ZONE AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL
(IF EQUIPPED)
1.
Defrost:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster
and demister vents. Can be used to clear thin ice or fog from the
windshield. To exit
select another mode.
2.Passenger temperature control:Press to increase/decrease the
airflow temperature for the passenger in the front of the vehicle.
3.
RRear defroster:Press to activate/deactivate rear window
defroster. Refer toRear window defrosterin this section for more
information.
4.
Recirculated air:Press to activate/deactivate air recirculation
in the cabin. Recirculated air may reduce the amount of time to cool
down the interior of the vehicle and may also help reduce undesired
odors from reaching the interior of the vehicle. Recirculation can be
engaged manually in any other airflow selection except defrost.
Recirculation may turn off automatically in all airflow selections.
5.A/C:Press to activate/deactivate air conditioning. Use with
recirculated air to improve cooling performance and efficiency. Engages
automatically in AUTO, defrost and floor/defrost.
6.
:Distributes air through the windshield defroster, demister and
floor vents.
7.
:Distributes air through the floor vents.Note:You may notice a
small amount of air flowing from the demister and defroster vents.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
73

Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control with heated seats
(if equipped)
1.
Defrost:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster
and demister vents. Can be used to clear thin ice or fog from the
windshield. To exit
select another mode.
2.Passenger temperature control:Press to increase/decrease the
airflow temperature for the passenger in the front of the vehicle.
3.
RRear defroster:Press to activate/deactivate rear window
defroster. Refer toRear window defrosterin this section for more
information.
4.DUAL (Dual temperature control):Press to engage/disengage
separate passenger side temperature control.
5.
Passenger heated seat control:Press once to activate high heat
setting (2 indicator lights), press again to activate low heat setting (1
indicator light), and press again to deactivate the passenger heated seat.
6.
Recirculated air:Press to activate/deactivate air recirculation
in the cabin. Recirculated air may reduce the amount of time to cool
down the interior of the vehicle and may also help reduce undesired
odors from reaching the interior of the vehicle. Recirculation can be
engaged manually in any other airflow selection except defrost.
Recirculation may turn off automatically in all airflow selections.
7.A/C:Press to activate/deactivate air conditioning. Use with
recirculated air to improve cooling performance and efficiency. Engages
automatically in AUTO, defrost and floor/defrost.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
75

2. Press and release RESET to pause the timer.
3. Press and hold RESET for 2 seconds in order to reset the timer.
Compass display
The compass heading is displayed in the lower left corner of the message
center next to the odometer.
The compass reading may be affected when you drive near large
buildings, bridges, power lines and powerful broadcast antenna. Magnetic
or metallic objects placed in, on or near the vehicle may also affect
compass accuracy.
Usually, when something affects the compass readings, the compass will
correct itself after a few days of operating your vehicle in normal
conditions. If the compass still appears to be inaccurate, a manual
calibration may be necessary. Refer toCompass zone/calibration
adjustment.
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 adjustment
Perform the following steps on 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. Determine your magnetic zone by
referring to the zone map.
1 2 3
4
5
6 7 8 9 101112 13 14 15
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
109

4. Press the SETUP control
repeatedly until the message center
says “RESET FOR ZONE SETTING”.
5. Press the RESET control to enter
Zone Setting mode.
6. Press RESET repeatedly until the
desired zone setting is displayed.
The message center will
automatically exit zone setting mode
if enough time passes without
pressing a button.
Compass calibration adjustment
Perform the following steps on 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 the SETUP button
repeatedly until the message center
displays “RESET FOR
CALIBRATION”.
4. Press RESET to enter compass
calibration mode which will display
“CIRCLE SLOWLY TO CALIBRATE”.
5. Drive the vehicle in circles up to
three times until the message

CALIBRATION COMPLETED

appears and one of the 8 valid
headings (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W,
NW) is displayed.
6. Verify that the calibration process has taken place by driving the
vehicle in at least one circle, confirming that the heading changes
accordingly. If this happens, the compass has been calibrated
successfully. Otherwise, if the display shows only one heading as the
vehicle is being driven around, repeat the procedure from Step 3.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
110

This vehicle has a computer assisted cranking system which assists in
starting the engine. If the ignition key is turned to 4 (START) and then
released when the engine begins cranking, the engine may continue
cranking for up to 10 seconds or until the vehicle starts.
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.
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
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
218

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