Page 1 of 320
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
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2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Page 10 of 320

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause extensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulbs work. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the
respective system warning light for additional information.
Check engine:TheCheck Engine
indicator light illuminates when the
ignition is first turned to the ON
position to check the bulb and to
indicate whether the vehicle is ready for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
testing. Normally, theCheck Enginelight will stay on until the engine is
cranked, then turn itself off if no malfunctions are present. However, if
after 15 seconds theCheck Enginelight blinks eight times, it means
that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. See theReadiness for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testingin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board
Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer toOn
board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
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Airbag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when ignition is turned
to ON, continues to flash or remains
on, have the system serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer. A chime will also sound when a
malfunction in the supplemental restraint system has been detected.
Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A Belt-Minder
chime will also sound to remind you
to fasten your safety belt. Refer to
theSeating and safety restraints
chapter to activate/deactivate the Belt-Minderchime feature.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
Engine oil pressure:Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range, refer toEngine oilin
theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
Traction Control™
(if equipped):Illuminates when
the Traction Control™ is active or
has been disabled (by the driver or
as a result of a system failure). If
the light remains on, it indicates a
Traction Control or an AWD Fault. Have the system serviced
immediately, refer to theDrivingchapter for more information.
Low tire pressure warning:
Illuminates when your tire pressure
is low. If the light remains ON at
start up or while driving, the tire
pressure should be checked. Refer
toInflating Your Tiresin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
When the ignition is first turned to ON, the light will illuminate for 3
seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light does not turn ON or
begins to flash, have the system inspected by your authorized dealer. For
more information on this system, refer toUnderstanding Your Tire
Pressure Monitoring Systemin theTires, Wheels and Loading
chapter.
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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
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Vertical aim adjustment
1. Park the vehicle directly in front of a wall or screen on a level surface,
approximately 25 feet (7.6 meters) away.
•(1) 8 feet (2.4 meters)
•(2) Center height of lamp to
ground
•(3) 25 feet (7.6 meters)
•(4) Horizontal reference line
2. Measure the height of the
headlamp bulb center from the
ground and mark an 8 foot
(2.5 meter) horizontal reference line
on the vertical wall or screen at this
height (a piece of masking tape works well).
3. Turn on the low beam headlamps to illuminate the wall or screen and
open the hood.
To see a clearer light pattern for adjusting, you may want to block the
light from one headlamp while adjusting the other.
4. On the wall or screen you will
observe an area of high intensity
light. The top of the high intensity
area should touch the horizontal
reference line, if not, the beam will
need to be adjusted using the next
step.
5. Locate the vertical adjuster on
each headlamp. Using a Phillips #2
screwdriver, turn the adjuster either
clockwise (to adjust down) or
counterclockwise (to adjust up).
The horizontal edge of the brighter
light should touch the horizontal
reference line.
6. Close the hood and turn off the
lamps.
HORIZONTAL AIM IS NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS VEHICLE AND IS
NON-ADJUSTABLE.
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TURN SIGNAL CONTROL
•Push down to activate the left
turn signal.
•Push up to activate the right turn
signal.
INTERIOR LAMPS
Dome lamps and map lamps
The map lamps are located on the
overhead console. Press the controls
on either side of each map lamp to
turn on the lamps.
Your vehicle may also have reading
lamps within the rear dome lamp(s).
Press the switches on either side of
the dome lamp to turn on the
lamps.
BULB REPLACEMENT
Headlamp Condensation
The headlamps are vented to equalize pressure. When moist air enters
the headlamp(s) through the vents, there is a possibility that
condensation can occur. This condensation is normal and will clear
within 45 minutes of headlamp operation.
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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.
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3. Remove the outboard rubber boot
from the lamp assembly by pulling
rearward.
4. Remove the bulb socket by
turning it counterclockwise and
pulling it straight out.
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep out of
children’s reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base and do
not touch the glass. The oil from your hand could cause the bulb to
break the next time the headlamps are operated.
Install the new bulb(s) in reverse order.
Replacing headlamp (high 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 bulb sockets
and connectors.
3. Remove the inboard rubber boot
from the lamp assembly by pulling
rearward.
4. Remove the bulb socket by
turning it counterclockwise and
pulling it straight out.
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep out of
children’s reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base and do
not touch the glass. The oil from your hand could cause the bulb to
break the next time the headlamps are operated.
Install the new bulb(s) in reverse order.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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