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 6 of 320

Special instructions
For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic
controls.
Please read the sectionAirbag supplemental restraint system
(SRS)in theSeating and Safety Restraintschapter. Failure to
follow the specific warnings and instructions could result in personal
injury.
Front seat mounted rear-facing child or infant seats should
NEVERbe placed in front of an active passenger airbag.
Service Data Recording
Service data recorders in your vehicle are capable of collecting and
storing diagnostic information about your vehicle. This potentially
includes information about the performance or status of various systems
and modules in the vehicle, such as engine, throttle, steering or brake
systems. In order to properly diagnose and service your vehicle, Ford
Motor Company, Ford of Canada, and service and repair facilities may
access vehicle diagnostic information through a direct connection to your
vehicle when diagnosing or servicing your vehicle.
Event Data Recording
Other modules in your vehicle — event data recorders — are capable of
collecting and storing data during a crash or near crash event. The
recorded information may assist in the investigation of such an event.
The modules may record information about both the vehicle and the
occupants, potentially including information such as:
•how various systems in your vehicle were operating;
•whether or not the driver and passenger seatbelts were buckled;
•how far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or the
brake pedal;
•how fast the vehicle was traveling; and
•where the driver was positioning the steering wheel.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
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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
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
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Page 90 of 320
TILT STEERING WHEEL
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull down and hold the steering
wheel release control.
2. Move the steering wheel up or
down until you find the desired
location.
3. Pull the steering wheel release
control up. This will lock the
steering wheel in position.
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.
ILLUMINATED VISOR MIRROR (IF EQUIPPED)
Lift the mirror cover to turn on the
visor mirror lamp.
Slide on rod feature
The visor will slide back and forth
on the rod for increased sunlight
coverage. Rotate the visor towards
the side window and extend it
rearward for additional sunlight
coverage.
Note:To stow the visor back into
the headliner, visor must be
retracted before moving it back
towards the windshield.
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Driver Controls
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Page 98 of 320

Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that
are winding, slippery or unpaved.
Setting speed control
The controls for using your speed
control are located on the steering
wheel for your convenience.
1. Press the ON control and release
it.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed.
3. Press the SET + control and
release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
5. The indicator
light on the
instrument cluster will turn on.
Note:
•Vehicle speed may vary momentarily when driving up and down a
steep hill.
•If the vehicle speed increases above the set speed on a downhill, you
may want to apply the brakes to reduce the speed.
•If the vehicle speed decreases more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below
your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage.
Disengaging speed control
To disengage the speed control:
•Depress the brake pedal or press CNCL (Cancel).
Disengaging the speed control will not erase previous set speed.
SET
SET
RSM CNCLON
OFF
SET
SET
RSM CNCLON
OFF
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•Depress the brake pedal or press
CNCL (Cancel) until the desired
vehicle speed is reached, press
the SET + control.
Turning off speed control
There are two ways to turn off the speed control:
•Depress the brake pedal or press
CNCL (Cancel). This will not
erase your vehicle’s previously set
speed.
•Press the speed control OFF
control.
Note:When you turn off the speed
control or the ignition, your speed
control set speed memory is erased.
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS (IF EQUIPPED)
Radio control features
Press MEDIA to select:
•AM, FM1, FM2
•SAT1, SAT2 or SAT3 (Satellite
Radio mode if equipped).
•CD
SET
SET
RSM CNCLON
OFF
SET
SET
RSM CNCLON
OFF
MUTE
MEDIA
SEEKVOL
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Page 116 of 320
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED/CHANGE OIL SOON.Displayed when the
engine oil life remaining is 5 percent or less. When oil life left is between
5% and 0%, the CHANGE OIL SOON message will be displayed. When oil
life left reaches 0%, the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message will be
displayed.
INTERIOR TRUNK CONTROL
Press the remote trunk release
control on the instrument panel to
the left of the steering wheel.
CARGO AREA FEATURES
Cargo net (if equipped)
The cargo net secures lightweight
objects in the cargo area. Attach the
net to the anchors provided. Do not
put more than 50 lbs. (22 kg) in the
net.
This net is not designed to
restrain objects during a
collision.
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U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)
Both U.S. and Canada Federal regulations require tire manufacturers to
place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This
information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of
the tire and also provides a U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number for
safety standard certification and in case of a recall.
This begins with the letters “DOT” and indicates that the tire meets all
federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code
designating where it was manufactured, the next two are the tire size
code and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was
built. For example, the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After
2000 the numbers go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th
week of 2001. The numbers in between are identification codes used for
traceability. This information is used to contact customers if a tire defect
requires a recall.
Tire replacement requirements
Your vehicle is equipped with tires designed to provide a safe ride and
handling capability.
Only use replacement tires and wheels that are the same size,
load index, speed rating and type (such as P-metric versus
LT-metric or all-season versus all-terrain) as those originally provided
by Ford. The recommended tire and wheel size may be found on either
the Safety Compliance Certification Label or the Tire Label which is
located on the B-Pillar or edge of the driver’s door. If this information
is not found on these labels then you should consult your Ford dealer.
Use of any tire or wheel not recommended by Ford can affect the
safety and performance of your vehicle, which could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death. Additionally the use of non-recommended tires and wheels
could cause steering, suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer
unit failure. If you have questions regarding tire replacement, see an
authorized dealer.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
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