2008 FORD TAURUS heater

6.Fan speed adjustment:Controls the volume of air circulated in the
vehicle.
Operating tips
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle: do not drive with the
airflow selector in the O (OFF) or with recirculated air engaged.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•For maximum cooling performance (MAX A/C):
In the MAX A/C mode:
•Move the temperature control selector to the coldest setting.
•Set the fan to the highest speed initially, then adjust to maintain
passenger comfort.
In the
andmodes:
•Move the temperature control selector to the coldest setting.
•Select A/C and recirculated air
. Usewith A/C to provide
colder airflow.
•Set the fan to the highest speed initially, then adjust to maintain
passenger comfort.
In extremely cold temperatures, to maximize overall heater performance
it is suggested to not operate the auxiliary system (if so equipped) until
the engine temperature gauge crosses into the normal operating range.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Set the temperature control to full heat.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
72

Operating tips
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle: do not drive with the
airflow selector in the OFF or with recirculated air engaged.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•For maximum cooling performance (MAX A/C):
In AUTO mode, press AUTO control and set to desired temperature.
In manual override control, select
or, A/C and recirculated
air
and set the temperature to 60°F (16°C). Set the fan to the
highest speed initially, then adjust to maintain passenger comfort.
•To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2–3 minutes after starting the vehicle or until the vehicle has
“aired out.”
In extremely cold temperatures, to maximize overall heater performance
it is suggested to not operate the auxiliary system (if so equipped) until
the engine temperature gauge crosses into the normal operating range.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan to the highest speed.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
77

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

1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect from any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.
Note:In the illustrations,lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
+–+–
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
255

Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............272
instrument panel ....................274
interior .....................................274
plastic parts ............................273
washing ....................................270
waxing .....................................271
wheels ......................................271
wiper blades ............................273
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......73, 75
Clock ............................................91
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................28
AM/FM/CD .................................21
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment ...............109
Console
overhead ....................................91
Controls
power seat ...............................140
steering column ......................100
Coolant
checking and adding ..............286
refill capacities ................290, 307
specifications ..........................307
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................97
Cupholder(s) .............................145
Customer Assistance ................237
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................266
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............267
Getting roadside assistance ...237
Getting the service you
need .........................................262
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................268Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............266
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................81
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................302
engine oil .................................281
Driving under special
conditions ..........................232, 234
sand .........................................233
snow and ice ...........................235
through water .................233, 236
DVD system .................................43
E
Electronic message center .......107
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................254
Emission control system ..........299
Engine ........................................309
cleaning ...................................272
coolant .....................................286
idle speed control ...................284
lubrication specifications .......307
refill capacities ........................307
service points ..........................279
starting after a collision .........239
Engine block heater .................218
Engine oil ..................................281
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................281
checking and adding ..............281
dipstick ....................................281
filter, specifications ........283, 306
recommendations ...................283
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
315