2008 FORD TAURUS X center console

To reduce the risk of possible serious injury:
Do not stow objects in seat back map pocket (if equipped) or
hang objects off seat back if a child is in the front passenger seat.
Do not place objects underneath the front passenger seat or between
the seat and the center console (if equipped).
Check the “passenger airbag off” or “pass airbag off” indicator lamp for
proper airbag Status.
Failure to follow these instructions may interfere with the front
passenger seat sensing system.
In case there is a problem with the
front passenger sensing system, the
airbag readiness lamp in the
instrument cluster will stay lit.
If the airbag readiness lamp is lit, do the following:
The driver and/or adult passengers should check for any objects that
may be lodged underneath the front passenger seat or cargo interfering
with the seat.
If objects are lodged and/or cargo is interfering with the seat; please take
the following steps to remove the obstruction:
•Pull the vehicle over.
•Turn the vehicle off.
•Driver and/or adult passengers should check for any objects lodged
underneath the front passenger seat or cargo interfering with the seat.
•Remove the obstruction(s) (if found).
•Restart the vehicle.
•Wait at least 2 minutes and verify that the airbag readiness lamp is no
longer illuminated
•If the airbag readiness lamp remains illuminated, this may or may/not
be a problem due to the front passenger sensing system.
DO NOT attempt to repair or service the system; take your vehicle
immediately to an authorized dealer.
If it is necessary to modify an advanced front airbag system to
accommodate a person with disabilities, contact the Ford Customer
Relationship Center at the phone number shown in theCustomer
Assistancechapter of thisOwner’s Guide.
2008 Taurus X(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
188

All these conditions are normal during AdvanceTracoperation.
If the AdvaceTrac system is activated for an extended period of time, the
brake portion of the system will shut down to allow the brakes to cool
down. A limited AdvanceTracfunction using only engine power
reduction will still help control the wheels from over-spinning. When the
brakes have cooled down, the system will again function normally.
Anti-lock braking is not affected by this condition and will function
normally during the cool-down period.
Do not alter or modify your vehicle’s suspension or steering; the
resulting changes to the vehicle’s handling can adversely affect
the AdvanceTracsystem. Also, do not install a stereo
loudspeaker near the front center console or under either front
seat. The speaker vibrations can adversely affect the
AdvanceTracsensors located in this area.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of an AdvanceTracevent
is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their
ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
TRACTION CONTROL™ (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Traction Control™ system. This
system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle. It
is especially useful on slippery road surfaces. The system operates by
detecting and controlling wheel spin. The system borrows many of the
electronic elements already present in the anti-lock braking system
(ABS).
Wheel-speed sensors allow excess wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Control™ portion of the ABS computer. Excess wheel spin is
controlled through either engine or brake torque reduction. This is
realized via the fully electronic engine control system. This process is
very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast acting. The wheels
“search” for optimum traction several times a second and adjustments
are made accordingly.
The Traction Control™ system will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces. The system is a driver aid
which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow and ice
covered roads.
2008 Taurus X(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
250

plastic parts ............................299
washing ....................................296
waxing .....................................297
wheels ......................................297
wiper blades ............................299
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) .....................76, 78, 80, 82
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................29
AM/FM/CD .................................21
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment ...............118
Console ......................................100
overhead ..............................98–99
Controls
power seat ...............................155
steering column ......................109
Coolant
checking and adding ..............313
refill capacities ................316, 334
specifications ..........................334
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................106
Customer Assistance ................264
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................292
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................293
Getting roadside assistance ...264
Getting the service you
need .........................................288
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................294
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................292D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................89
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................330
engine oil .................................308
Driving under special
conditions ..........................259, 261
sand .........................................260
snow and ice ...........................262
through water .................260, 263
DVD system .................................44
E
Electronic message center .......116
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................281
Emission control system ..........326
Engine ........................................336
cleaning ...................................298
coolant .....................................313
idle speed control ...................311
lubrication specifications .......334
refill capacities ........................334
service points ..........................305
starting after a collision .........266
Engine block heater .................244
Engine oil ..................................308
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................308
checking and adding ..............308
dipstick ....................................308
filter, specifications ........310, 333
recommendations ...................310
refill capacities ........................334
specifications ..........................334
Event data recording ....................6
2008 Taurus X(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
342