2008 FORD TAURUS wiper blades

MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
Windshield wiper:Rotate the end
of the control away from you to
increase the speed of the wipers;
rotate towards you to decrease the
speed of the wipers.
Windshield washer:Push the end
of the stalk:
•briefly: causes a single swipe of
the wipers without washer fluid.
•a quick push and hold: the wipers
will swipe three times with
washer fluid.
•a long push and hold: the wipers
and washer fluid will be activated
for up to ten seconds.
Note:Do not operate the washer when the washer reservoir is empty.
This may cause the washer pump to overheat. Check the washer fluid
level frequently. Do not operate the wipers when the windshield is dry.
This may scratch the glass, damage the wiper blades and cause the wiper
motor to burn out. Before operating the wiper on a dry windshield,
always use the windshield washer. In freezing weather, be sure the wiper
blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers.
Windshield wiper features (if equipped with Autolamp feature)
The exterior lamps will turn on with the ignition on, headlamp control in
the Autolamp position and the windshield wipers are turned on (for a
fixed period of time).
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
89

PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
Use only approved products to clean plastic parts. These products are
available from your authorized dealer.
•For routine cleaning, use Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3-A).
•If tar or grease spots are present, use Motorcraft Bug and Tar
Remover (ZC-42).
•For plastic headlamp lenses, use Motorcraft Ultra Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner (ZC-23).
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear and side windows and the wiper blades should be
cleaned regularly. If the wipers do not wipe properly, substances on the
vehicle’s glass or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, water repellent
coatings, tree sap, or other organic contamination; these contaminants
may cause squeaking or chatter noise from the blades, and streaking and
smearing of the windshield. To clean these items, follow these tips:
•The windshield, rear windows and side windows may be cleaned with
a non-abrasive cleaner such as Motorcraft Ultra-Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner (ZC-23), available from your authorized dealer.
•The wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate (ZC-32-A),
available from your authorized dealer. This washer fluid contains
special solution in addition to alcohol which helps to remove the hot
wax deposited on the wiper blade and windshield from automated car
wash facilities. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they appear
worn or do not function properly.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
If you cannot remove those streaks after cleaning with the glass cleaner
or if the wipers chatter and move in a jerky motion, clean the outer
surface of the windshield and the wiper blades using a sponge or soft
cloth with a neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with clean water. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse the windshield
with water.
Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause
damage to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cleaning
273

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specification WSB-M8B16-A2.
Do not use any special washer fluid
such as windshield water repellent
type fluid or bug wash. They may
cause squeaking, chatter noise, streaking and smearing. Refer to the
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiessection in this
chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 40° F (4.5°C),
use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
280

CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
1. Pull the wiper blade and arm
away from the glass. Turn the blade
at a right angle to the arm.
2. Squeeze the locking tabs to
release the blade from the arm and
pull the blade away from the arm to
remove it.
3. Attach the new blade to the arm and snap it into place.
Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.
Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield, refer toWindows and wiper bladesin theCleaning
chapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
281

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

Tires ...........................185–186, 246
alignment ................................193
care ..........................................189
changing ..........................246, 250
checking the pressure ............189
inflating ...................................187
label .........................................199
replacing ..................................191
rotating ....................................193
safety practices .......................192
sidewall information ...............195
snow tires and chains ............205
spare tire .................................247
terminology .............................186
tire grades ...............................186
treadwear ........................185, 190
Towing .......................................211
recreational towing .................213
trailer towing ..........................211
wrecker ....................................260
Traction control ........................223
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................302
fluid, refill capacities ..............307
lubricant specifications ..........307
Transmission .............................225
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....225
Trunk .................................123, 126remote release ........................116
Turn signal ..................................83
U
USB port ......................................37
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................310
Vehicle loading ..........................205
Ventilating your vehicle ...........218
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................280
Water, Driving through .............236
Windows
power .........................................93
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................89
checking and adding fluid .....280
replacing wiper blades ...........281
Wrecker towing .........................260
2008 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
319