Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds.Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Release the parking brake. With your foot on the brake pedal and with
the A/C on, put the vehicle in D (Drive) and allow the engine to idle for
at least one minute.
7. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 km) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and radio settings must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
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Maintenance and Specifications
312
Peace of mind
Remote start
Vehicle security systems
Wheel locks
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
Compliance Certification label). Consult your authorized dealer for
specific weight information.
•The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems — such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service
technician.
•Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use.
•To avoid interference with other vehicle functions, such as anti-lock
braking systems, amateur radio users who install radios and antennas
onto their vehicle should not locate the Amateur Radio Antennas in
the area of the driver’s side hood.
•Electrical or electronic accessories or components that are added to
the vehicle by the authorized dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability.
2008 Taurus X(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Accessories
340
A
Accessory delay ........................103
AdvanceTrac ..............................248
Air cleaner filter ...............332–333
Air conditioning ........76, 78, 80, 82
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................180–181, 189, 191
and child safety seats ............182
description ..............181, 189, 191
disposal ....................................194
driver airbag ............183, 190, 192
indicator light .................189, 194
operation .................183, 190, 192
passenger airbag .....183, 190, 192
side airbag ...............................189
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................258
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................313
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................246
Anti-theft system ..............147, 150
arming the system ..................150
disarming a triggered
system .....................................151
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................16, 20, 28
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................330
fluid, checking ........................330
fluid, refill capacities ..............334
fluid, specification ..................334
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................253
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....36
B
Battery .......................................311acid, treating emergencies .....311
jumping a disabled battery ....281
maintenance-free ....................311
replacement, specifications ...333
servicing ..................................311
Belt-Minder.............................175
Booster seats .............................195
Brakes ........................................246
anti-lock ...................................246
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................246
fluid, checking and adding ....330
fluid, refill capacities ..............334
fluid, specifications .................334
lubricant specifications ..........334
parking ....................................247
shift interlock ..........................252
Bulbs ............................................91
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....334
Cargo cover ...............................129
Cargo net ...................................129
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................273
Child safety restraints ..............195
child safety belts ....................195
Child safety seats ......................199
in front seat ............................200
in rear seat ..............................200
tether anchorage hardware ...203
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................195
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............298
instrument panel ....................300
interior .....................................300
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
341
fluid, refill capacity ................334
fluid, specifications .................334
Power Windows .........................101
R
Radio ................................16, 20, 28
Rear seat entertainment
system ..........................................44
Relays ........................................266
Remote entry system .......137–138
illuminated entry ............142, 144
locking/unlocking doors .138–139
opening the trunk ...................140
panic alarm .............................139
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................142
replacing the batteries ...........141
Reverse sensing system ...........255
Roadside assistance ..................264
Roof rack ...................................130
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........174
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................166, 170–173
Safety Canopy ...................189, 191
Safety defects, reporting ..294–295
Safety restraints ........166, 170–174
Belt-Minder...........................175
extension assembly ................174
for adults .........................171–173
for children .....................194–195
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................168
safety belt maintenance .........174
warning light and chime ........175Safety seats for children ..........199
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................337
Satellite Radio Information ........41
Seats ..........................................152
child safety seats ....................199
front seats ...............152–153, 156
heated ............................78, 80, 82
memory seat ...................140, 157
second row seats ............158, 161
third row seats ........161, 164–165
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................147
Servicing your vehicle ..............303
Setting the clock
AM/FM single CD .....................21
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................29
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........276
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................333, 336
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................334
Speed control ............................106
Starting your vehicle ........241–243
jump starting ..........................281
Steering wheel
controls ....................................109
tilting .........................................97
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................97
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Roadside Emergencies ...........273
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....227
Tires ...........................211–212, 273
2008 Taurus X(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
345