2008 FORD TAURUS jump start

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)

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Getting roadside assistance
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the coverage period listed on the Roadside Assistance Card
included in your Owner Guide portfolio.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•a flat tire change with a good spare (except Ford GT which has a tire
inflation kit)
•battery jump start
•lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s
responsibility)
•fuel delivery – Independent Service Contractors, if not prohibited by
state, local or municipal law shall deliver up to 2.0 gallons (7.5L) of
gasoline or 5 gallons (18.9L) of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle. Fuel
delivery service is limited to two no-charge occurrences within a
12-month period.
•winch out – available within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of a paved or
county maintained road, no recoveries.
•towing – Ford/Mercury/Lincoln eligible vehicle towed to an authorized
dealer within 35 miles (56.3 km) of the disablement location or to the
nearest authorized dealer. If a member requests to be towed to an
authorized dealer more than 35 miles (56.3 km) from the disablement
location, the member shall be responsible for any mileage costs in
excess of 35 miles (56.3 km).
Trailers shall be covered up to $100 if the disabled eligible vehicle
requires service at the nearest authorized dealer. If the trailer is disabled,
but the towing vehicle is operational, the trailer does not qualify for any
roadside services.
Canadian customers refer to your Customer Information Guide
for information on:
•coverage period
•exact fuel amounts
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
237

WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque at 100 miles (160 km)
after any wheel disturbance (tire rotation, changing a flat tire, wheel
removal, etc.).
Bolt size Wheel lug nut torque*
lb.ft. N•m
1/2-20 UNF 100 135
* Torque specifications are for nut and bolt threads free of dirt and
rust. Use only Ford recommended replacement fasteners.
When a wheel is installed, always remove any corrosion, dirt or
foreign materials present on the mounting surfaces of the wheel
or the surface of the wheel hub, brake drum or brake disc that
contacts the wheel. Ensure that any fasteners that attach the rotor to
the hub are secured so they do not interfere with the mounting
surfaces of the wheel. Installing wheels without correct metal-to-metal
contact at the wheel mounting surfaces can cause the wheel nuts to
loosen and the wheel to come off while the vehicle is in motion,
resulting in loss of control.
JUMP STARTING
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes and
clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your automatic transmission
vehicle. Automatic transmissions do not have push-start
capability. Attempting to push-start a vehicle with an automatic
transmission may cause transmission damage.
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
automatic transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the
transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
254

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

Jump starting
1. Start the engine of the booster vehicle and run the engine at
moderately increased speed.
2. Start the engine of the disabled vehicle.
3. Once the disabled vehicle has been started, run both engines for an
additional three minutes before disconnecting the jumper cables.
Removing the jumper cables
Remove the jumper cables in the reverse order that they were
connected.
1. Remove the jumper cable from thegroundmetal surface.
Note:In the illustrations,lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
2. Remove the jumper cable on the negative (-) connection of the
booster vehicle’s battery.
+–+–
+–+–
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
258

3. Remove the jumper cable from the positive (+) terminal of the booster
vehicle’s battery.
4. Remove the jumper cable from the positive (+) terminal of the
disabled vehicle’s battery.
After the disabled vehicle has been started and the jumper cables
removed, allow it to idle for several minutes so the engine computer can
relearnits idle conditions.
+–+–
+–+–
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
259

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

positioning ...............................246
storage .....................................246
Jump-starting your vehicle ......254
K
Keyless entry system ...............130
autolock ...................................119
keypad .....................................130
locking and unlocking
doors ........................................132
programming entry code .......130
Keys ...................................117, 133
positions of the ignition .........215
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................79
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................84
daytime running light ...............81
fog lamps ...................................80
headlamps .................................79
headlamps, flash to pass ..........81
instrument panel, dimming .....81
interior lamps .....................83–84
replacing bulbs .............84–85, 88
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................83
Liftgate ......................................126
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........219
Load limits .................................205
Locks
autolock ...................................119
childproof ................................122
doors ........................................118
Lubricant specifications ...........307
Lug nuts ....................................254Lumbar support, seats .............139
M
Message center .........................107
english/metric button .............112
system check button ..............111
warning messages ...................113
Mirrors ...................................95–96
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................95
fold away ...................................96
heated ........................................97
programmable memory ..........126
side view mirrors (power) .......96
Moon roof ..................................102
Motorcraft parts ........276, 291, 306
N
Navigation system .......................70
O
Octane rating ............................294
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................281
Overdrive ...................................226
P
Parking brake ............................220
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....306
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................147
Power adjustable foot pedals .....97
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................243
Power door locks ......................118
Power mirrors .............................96
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
317