2008 FORD TAURUS brake

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)

Special instructions
For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic
controls.
Please read the sectionAirbag supplemental restraint system
(SRS)in theSeating and Safety Restraintschapter. Failure to
follow the specific warnings and instructions could result in personal
injury.
Front seat mounted rear-facing child or infant seats should
NEVERbe placed in front of an active passenger airbag.
Service Data Recording
Service data recorders in your vehicle are capable of collecting and
storing diagnostic information about your vehicle. This potentially
includes information about the performance or status of various systems
and modules in the vehicle, such as engine, throttle, steering or brake
systems. In order to properly diagnose and service your vehicle, Ford
Motor Company, Ford of Canada, and service and repair facilities may
access vehicle diagnostic information through a direct connection to your
vehicle when diagnosing or servicing your vehicle.
Event Data Recording
Other modules in your vehicle — event data recorders — are capable of
collecting and storing data during a crash or near crash event. The
recorded information may assist in the investigation of such an event.
The modules may record information about both the vehicle and the
occupants, potentially including information such as:
•how various systems in your vehicle were operating;
•whether or not the driver and passenger seatbelts were buckled;
•how far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or the
brake pedal;
•how fast the vehicle was traveling; and
•where the driver was positioning the steering wheel.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
6

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAirbag - Front
Airbag - SideChild Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
AnchorBrake System
Anti-Lock Brake SystemParking Brake System
Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum BasedParking Aid System
Stability Control SystemSpeed Control
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
8

Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Check fuel cap (if equipped):
Illuminates when the fuel cap may
not be properly installed. Continued
driving with this light on may cause
the Check engine warning light to
come on, refer toFuel filler capin
theMaintenance and Specificationchapter.
Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
when the engine is not running, or in a position between ON and START,
or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the ON
position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, seek service immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination
after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level or a
brake system malfunction and the brake system should be inspected
immediately by your authorized dealer.
Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your authorized dealer. Driving extended distances with
the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and the risk of
personal injury.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake
warning light also is illuminated.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
11

Using the right bulbs
Replacement bulbs are specified in the chart below. Headlamp bulbs
must be marked with an authorized “D.O.T.” for North America and an
“E” for Europe to ensure lamp performance, light brightness and pattern
and safe visibility. The correct bulbs will not damage the lamp assembly
or void the lamp assembly warranty and will provide quality bulb burn
time.
Function Number of bulbsTrade
number
Headlamp high beam 2 9005
Headlamp low beam 2 H11
Front park/turn lamp 23457A or
3457AK
(amber)
Sidemarker lamp (front) 2194A
(amber)
Sidemarker lamp (rear) 2 194A
Tail lamp/brake/turn signal 2 3157K
Backup lamp 2 921
License plate lamp 2 168
High-mount brake lamp 1 921
Foglamp (if equipped) 2 H11
Map lamp 2 12V6W
Dome/reading lamps 3 578
All replacement bulbs are clear in color except where noted.
To replace all instrument panel lights - see your authorized dealer.
Replacing the interior bulbs
Check the operation of all bulbs frequently.
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of all the bulbs frequently.
Replacing headlamp (low beam) bulbs
1. Make sure headlamp switch is in the OFF position, then open the
hood.
2. Reach in behind the headlamp assembly to access the bulbs and
connectors.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
84

Replacing front parking lamp/turn signal/sidemarker bulbs
1. Make sure headlamp switch is in the OFF position, then open the
hood.
2. Reach in behind the headlamp assembly to access the bulb sockets
and connectors.
3. Locate the parking/turn signal
lamp electrical connector and
remove it by pulling it straight off.
4. Remove the bulb socket by
turning it counterclockwise and
pulling it straight out.
5. To remove the bulb, pull it
straight out of the bulb socket.
Install the new bulb(s) in reverse order.
Replacing rear brake/tail/turn/backup and side marker lamp bulbs
The brake/tail/turn/backup and side marker lamp bulbs are located in the
tail lamp assembly. Follow the same steps to replace either bulb.
•(1)Backup lamp
•(2)Brake/tail/turn lamp
•(3)Side marker lamp
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is
in the OFF position and open the
trunk.
2. Remove the cargo net fastener
(if equipped) and carefully pull the
carpet away to expose the backside
of the tail lamp assembly.
3. Remove the nut and washer assemblies, then pull the lamp assembly
away from the vehicle.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
86

4. Remove the bulb socket by
rotating it counterclockwise, then
pulling it out of the lamp assembly.
5. Pull the bulb straight from the
socket.
Install new bulb(s) in reverse order.
Replacing high-mount brake lamp bulbs
1. Make sure the ignition control is
in the OFF position.
2. Open the trunk and reach under
the decklid.
3. Remove the bulb socket by
rotating it counterclockwise, then
pulling it out of the lamp assembly.
4. Pull the bulb straight from the
socket.
Install new bulb(s) in reverse order.
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is
in the OFF position.
2. Remove the two screws from the
license plate lamp assembly.
3. Remove bulb socket by turning
counterclockwise.
4. Carefully pull the bulb out from
the socket.
Install new bulb(s) in reverse order.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
87

Heated outside mirrors(if equipped)
Both mirrors are heated
automatically to remove ice, mist
and fog when the rear window
defrost is activated.
Do not remove ice from the
mirrors with a scraper or
attempt to readjust the mirror
glass if it is frozen in place.
These actions could cause damage to the glass and mirrors.
POWER ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDALS (IF EQUIPPED)
The accelerator and brake pedal
should only be adjusted when the
vehicle is stopped and the gearshift
lever is in the P (Park) position.
Press and hold the rocker control
(located on the instrument panel) to
adjust accelerator and brake pedal.
•Press the top of the control to
adjust the pedals away from you.
•Press the bottom of the control to adjust the pedals towards you.
The adjustment allows for approximately 2.8 inches (71 mm) of
maximum travel.
Never adjust the accelerator and brake pedal with feet on the
pedals while the vehicle is moving.
Memory feature (if equipped)
The accelerator and brake pedal positions are saved when doing a
memory set function and can be recalled along with the vehicle
personality features when a memory position is selected through the
remote entry transmitter, keyless entry keypad or memory switch on the
driver’s door (if equipped with memory feature). Refer toMemory
seats/power mirrors/adjustable pedalsin theSeating and Safety
Restraintschapter.
SPEED CONTROL
With speed control set, you can maintain a set speed without keeping
your foot on the accelerator pedal.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
97