2008 FORD TAURUS transmission

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

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

Flash to pass
Pull toward you to activate and
release to deactivate.
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)
Turns the headlamps on with a reduced output.
To activate:
•the ignition must be in the ON position,
•the headlamp control is in the OFF, autolamps or parking lamp
position and
•the transmission must be out of the Park position.
Always remember to turn on your headlamps at dusk or during
inclement weather. The Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) system
does not activate the tail lamps and generally may not provide
adequate lighting during these conditions. Failure to activate your
headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision.
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL
Use to adjust the brightness of the
instrument panel and all applicable
switches in the vehicle during
headlamp and parklamp operation.
Move the control to the full upright
position, past detent, to turn on the
interior lamps.
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
The headlamps on your vehicle are properly aimed at the assembly plant.
If your vehicle has been in an accident the alignment of your headlamps
should be checked by your authorized dealer.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
81

Retain the original transmitter for use in other vehicles as well as for
future programming procedures (i.e. new HomeLinkequipped vehicle
purchase). It is also suggested that upon the sale of the vehicle, the
programmed Homelinkbuttons be erased for security purposes, refer to
Programmingin this section.
Programming
Do not program HomeLinkwith the vehicle parked in the garage.
Note:Your vehicle may require the ignition switch to be turned to the
ACC position for programming and/or operation of the HomeLink.Itis
also recommended that a new battery be placed in the hand-held
transmitter of the device being programmed to HomeLinkfor quicker
training and accurate transmission of the radio-frequency signal.
1. Position the end of your
hand-held transmitter 1–3 inches
(2–8 cm) away from the HomeLink
button you wish to program (located
on your visor) while keeping the
indicator light in view.
2. Simultaneously press and hold
both the chosen HomeLinkand
hand-held transmitter buttons until the HomeLinkindicator light
changes from a slow to a rapidly blinking light. Now you may release
both the HomeLinkand hand-held transmitter buttons.
Note:Some entry gates and garage door openers may require you to
replace Step 2 with procedures noted in the “Gate Operator and
Canadian Programming” in this section for Canadian residents.
3. Firmlypress, hold for five seconds and releasethe programmed
HomeLinkbutton up to two separate times to activate the door. If the
door does not activate, press and hold the just-trained HomeLink
button and observe the indicator light.
•If the indicator lightstays on constantly, programming is complete
and your device should activate when the HomeLinkbutton is pressed
and released.
•If the indicator light blinksrapidly for two seconds and then turns
to a constant light continue with “Programming” Steps 4 through
6to complete programming of a rolling code equipped device (most
commonly a garage door opener).
4. At the garage door opener receiver (motor-head unit) in the garage,
locate the “learn” or “smart” button (usually near where the hanging
antenna wire is attached to the unit).
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
104

Reasons given... Consider...
“I have an airbag” Airbags offer greater protection when
used with safety belts. Frontal airbags
are not designed to inflate in rear and
side crashes or rollovers.
“I’d rather be thrown clear” Not a good idea.Peoplewho are
ejected are 40 times more likely
to DIE.Safety belts help prevent
ejection, WE CAN’T “PICK OUR
CRASH”.
Do not sit on top of a buckled safety belt or insert a latchplate
into the buckle to avoid the Belt-Minderchime. To do so may
adversely affect the performance of the vehicle’s air bag system.
One time disable
If at any time the driver/front passenger quickly buckles then unbuckles
the safety belt for that seating position, the Belt-Minderis disabled for
the current ignition cycle. The Belt-Minderfeature will enable during
the same ignition cycle if the occupant buckles and remains buckled for
approximately 30 seconds. Confirmation is not given for the one time
disable.
Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minderfeature
The driver and front passenger Belt-Minderare
deactivated/activated independently. When deactivating/activating
one seating position, do not buckle the other position as this will
terminate the process.
Read Steps1-4thoroughly before proceeding with the
deactivation/activation programming procedure.
Note: The driver and front passenger Belt-Minderfeatures must be
disabled/enabled separately. Both cannot be disable/enabled during the
same key cycle.
The driver and front passenger Belt-Minderfeatures can be
deactivated/activated by performing the following procedure:
Before following the procedure, make sure that:
•The parking brake is set
•The gearshift is in P (Park) (automatic transmission)
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
157

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)– is the maximum allowable
weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear).These
numbers are shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label
located on the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door. The total
load on each axle must never exceed its GAWR.
Note:For trailer towing information refer toTrailer towingfound in
this chapter or theRV and Trailer Towing Guideprovided by your
authorized dealer.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)– is the Vehicle Curb Weight + cargo +
passengers.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)– is the maximum
allowable weight of the fully loaded
vehicle (including all options,
equipment, passengers and cargo).
The GVWR is shown on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label located on the B-Pillar or
the edge of the driver’s door.
The GVW must never exceed the
GVWR.
Exceeding the Safety Compliance Certification Label vehicle
weight rating limits could result in substandard vehicle handling
or performance, engine, transmission and/or structural damage, serious
damage to the vehicle, loss of control and personal injury.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
208

1400 - (2 x 220) - (9 x 100) = 1400 - 440 - 900 = 60 lb. Now you have
the load capacity to transport the cement and your friend home. In
metric units, the calculation would be: 635 kg - (2 x 99 kg) -
(9x45kg)=635-198-405=32kg.
The above calculations also assume that the loads are positioned in your
vehicle in a manner that does not overload the Front or the Rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating specified for your vehicle on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label found on the edge of the driver’s door.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is capable of towing a trailer up to 1,000 lb. (454 kg) gross
trailer weight with a maximum tongue load of 100 lb. (45 kg). Do not tow a
trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these components
carefully after towing.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your authorized dealer or a
reliable trailer dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
211

Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift into the “L” gear
position. Do not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat
and become less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle for personal travel (such as behind a motor home or a
truck).
In case of roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to
Wrecker towingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle.
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles:
Tow your Front Wheel Drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground
or with the front wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly. If you are
using a tow dolly follow the instructions specified by the equipment
provider.
All Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles:
Tow your All Wheel Drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground or
with all four wheels off the ground using a vehicle transport trailer.Do
not tow your All Wheel Drive vehicle with the front wheels off
the ground (by using a tow dolly) and the rear wheels on the
ground.This will cause damage to your AWD system. If you are using a
vehicle transport trailer, follow the instruction specified by the
equipment provider.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
213