Page 3 of 320
Customer Assistance 262
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 269
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 269
Cleaning 270
Maintenance and Specifications 277
Engine compartment 279
Engine oil 281
Battery 284
Engine coolant 286
Fuel information 291
Air filter(s) 304
Part numbers 306
Maintenance product specifications and capacities 307
Engine data 309
Accessories 312
Index 314
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system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written
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Copyright © 2007 Ford Motor Company
Table of Contents
3
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Page 9 of 320
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check Fuel CapLow Tire Pressure
Warning
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
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Page 284 of 320

Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil
Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms
to the current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee (ILSAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.
To protect your engine’s warranty use Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 or an
equivalent SAE 5W-20 oil meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A.
SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel economy and durability
performance meeting all requirements for your vehicle’s engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed inscheduled maintenance information.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter or
another with equivalent performance for your engine application.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Page 291 of 320

FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with
the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive vacuum in
the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause the fuel cap
to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible personal injury.
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or
mishandled.
Gasoline may contain benzene, which is a cancer-causing agent.
Observe the following guidelines when handling automotive fuel:
•Extinguish all smoking materials
and any open flames before
refueling your vehicle.
•Always turn off the vehicle before
refueling.
•Automotive fuels can be harmful
or fatal if swallowed. Fuel such as gasoline is highly toxic and if
swallowed can cause death or permanent injury. If fuel is swallowed,
call a physician immediately, even if no symptoms are immediately
apparent. The toxic effects of fuel may not be visible for hours.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Page 316 of 320

refill capacities ........................307
specifications ..........................307
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................218
F
Family entertainment system ....43
Fluid capacities .........................307
Foglamps .....................................80
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................231
Fuel ............................................291
calculating fuel
economy ..........................108, 296
cap ...........................................293
capacity ...................................307
choosing the right fuel ...........294
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................298
detergent in fuel .....................295
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................291, 293, 296
filter, specifications ........291, 306
fuel pump shut-off switch .....239
improving fuel economy ........296
octane rating ...................294, 309
quality ......................................295
running out of fuel .................295
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................291
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......239
Fuses ..........................................239
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............293
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................296Gauges .........................................14
H
Hazard flashers .........................238
Head restraints .........138, 143–144
Headlamps ...................................79
aiming ..................................81–82
autolamp system .......................79
bulb specifications ....................84
daytime running lights .............81
flash to pass ..............................81
high beam .................................80
replacing bulbs ...................84–85
turning on and off ....................79
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...........................71, 73, 75
Homelink wireless control
system ........................................103
Hood ..........................................278
How to get going ........................16
I
Ignition ...............................215, 309
Illuminated visor mirror .............90
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................177
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................301
Instrument panel ........................91
cleaning ...................................274
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................81
J
Jack ............................................246
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
316