2008 FORD TAURUS lock

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)

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

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
9

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

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
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
13

Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACCESSORY position and the driver’s door
is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
GAUGES
Speedometer:Indicates the
current vehicle speed.
Engine coolant temperature
gauge:Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating
temperature, the needle will be in
the normal range (between “H” and
“C”).If it enters the red section,
the engine is overheating. Stop
the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
14

3.MENU:Press repeatedly to
access the following settings:
Setting the clock:Press MENU until SET HOURS or SET MINUTES is
displayed. Use
/to manually increase/decrease. Press MENU again
to disengage clock mode. Press OK to close and return to the main
menu.
If your vehicle is equipped with an in-dash clock, refer toClockin the
Driver Controlschapter.
CATEGORY (satellite radio, if equipped - early availability):Press
MENU until the currently active category appears in the display
(CATEGORY MODE). In CATEGORY MODE, press
/to scroll
through the list of available SIRIUS channel Categories (Pop, Rock,
News, etc.) Press
SEEK, SEEKor SCAN to select the category.
After a category is selected, press SEEK to search for that specific
category of channels only (i.e. ROCK). To select a different category,
press MENU until the category appears in the display. Press
/to
select a different category. You may also select CATEGORY ALL to seek
all available SIRIUS categories and channels. Press OK to close and
return to the main menu.
Satellite radio is available only with a valid SIRIUS radio
subscription. Check with your authorized dealer for availability.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with Satellite Radio, you will either
have the CATEGORY option above or the CATEOGRY option within the
SATELLITE RADIO MENU below.
SATELLITE RADIO MENU (if equipped — late availability):Press
MENU when satellite radio mode is active to access. Press OK to enter
into the satellite radio menu. Press
/to cycle through the
following options:
•CATEGORY:Press OK to enter category mode. Press
/to
scroll through the list of available SIRIUS channel Categories (Pop,
Rock, News, etc.) Press OK when the desired category appears in the
display. After a category is selected, press SEEK to search for that
specific category of channels only (i.e. ROCK). You may also select
CATEGORY ALL to seek all available SIRIUS categories and channels.
Press OK to close and return to the main menu.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
21

1./(Tune/Disc selector):
In radio mode,press to manually
go up (
) or down ()the
radio frequency. Press and hold for
a fast advance through radio frequencies.
In menu mode,use to select various settings.
In CD/MP3 mode,press to select the desired disc.
In CATEGORY mode (if equipped),press to scroll through the list of
available SIRIUS channel categories.
Satellite radio is available only with a valid SIRIUS radio
subscription. Check with your authorized dealer for availability.
2.
(Phone):Your vehicle may be
equipped with the SYNC™ system
which has special phone features.
For further information, refer to theSYNC supplement.
3.MENU:Press repeatedly to
access to the following settings:
Setting the clock:Press until SELECT HOURS or SELECT MINUTES is
displayed. Press
/to adjust the hours/minutes. Press MENU again
to disengage clock mode. Press OK to close and return to the main
menu.
If your vehicle is equipped with an in-dash clock, refer to “Setting the
clock” in theDriver Controlschapter.
CATEGORY (satellite radio, if equipped — early availability):
Press MENU until the currently active category appears in the display
(CATEGORY MODE). In CATEGORY MODE, press
/to scroll
through the list of available SIRIUS channel Categories (Pop, Rock,
News, etc.) Press
SEEKor SCAN to select the category. After a
category is selected, press SEEK to search for that specific category of
channels only (i.e. ROCK). To select a different category, press MENU
until the category appears in the display. Press
/to select a
different category. You may also select CATEGORY ALL to seek all
available SIRIUS categories and channels. Press OK to close and return
to the main menu.
Satellite radio is available only with a valid SIRIUS radio
subscription. Check with your authorized dealer for availability.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
28