2009 FORD TAURUS coolant

•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
water to the “FULL COLD” level. For all other vehicles which have a
coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to
remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with
an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.
The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
Add the proper mixture of coolant and water to the cooling system by
following these steps:
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture, to
within the “COLD FILL RANGE” or the “FULL COLD” level on the
reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the
radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toChecking engine coolant). If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to –34°F/–36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
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Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your authorized dealer check the engine cooling system.
Your cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low
level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine
damage.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold
Engine Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet
available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined inAdding engine coolant
in this section.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than –34°F [–36°C]):
•It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
•NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
•Increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
freeze protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the
winter months.
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If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
•NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The service engine soon
indicator will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
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Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
WARNING:Fail-safe mode is for use during emergencies only.
Operate the vehicle in fail-safe mode only as long as necessary to
bring the vehicle to rest in a safe location and seek immediate repairs.
When in fail-safe mode, the vehicle will have limited power, will not be
able to maintain high-speed operation, and may completely shut down
without warning, potentially losing engine power, power steering assist,
and power brake assist, which may increase the possibility of a crash
resulting in serious injury.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot. The hot coolant is under pressure and
may cause serious burns.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with
the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
WARNING:Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
WARNING:The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel
filler cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait
until it stops before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise,
fuel may spray out and injure you or others.
WARNING:If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap,
excessive vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system
or cause the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in
serious personal injury.
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POWER STEERING FLUID
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the service
interval schedules.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir. Refer toMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter for the proper
fluid type.
BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range the performance of the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
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Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Engine coolant11.1 quarts
(10.5L)Motorcraft Premium
Gold Engine Coolant
with bittering agent
(yellow-colored)
4
VC-7-B /
WSS-M97B51-A1
Power steering fluidBetween MAX and
MIN on reservoirMotorcraft
MERCONVATFXT-5-QM /
MERCONV
Windshield washer fluidTop-off fluid as
neededMotorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A /
WSB-M8B16-A2
Fuel tank20.5 gallons
(77.6L) AWD,
PZEV AWD and
PZEV FWD——
20.0 gallons
(75.7L) (FWD)
1Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount may vary during fluid changes.2Automatic transmissions that require MERCONV should only use MERCONV fluid. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid
other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.3Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.4Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.5See your authorized dealer for fluid level checking or filling.
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A
Accessory delay ..........................99
AdvanceTrac ..............................236
Air cleaner filter ...............322–323
Air conditioning ....................76, 78
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................167, 176, 178
and child safety seats ............169
description ..............167, 176, 178
disposal ....................................182
driver airbag ............169, 177, 179
indicator light .................175, 181
operation .................169, 177, 179
passenger airbag .....169, 177, 179
side airbag ...............................176
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................247
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................302
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................234
Anti-theft system ..............139, 143
arming the system ..................143
disarming a triggered
system .....................................144
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................18, 22, 29
Automatic transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............324
fluid, specification ..................324
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................242
fluid, adding ............................320
fluid, checking ........................320
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....37
B
Battery .......................................299acid, treating emergencies .....299
jumping a disabled battery ....270
maintenance-free ....................299
replacement, specifications ...323
servicing ..................................299
Belt-Minder.............................162
Booster seats .............................195
Brakes ........................................234
anti-lock ...................................234
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................235
fluid, checking and adding ....319
fluid, refill capacities ..............324
fluid, specifications .................324
lubricant specifications ..........324
parking ....................................235
shift interlock ..........................241
Bulbs ............................................87
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....324
Cargo cover ...............................121
Cargo net ...................................122
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................262
Child safety seats ......................186
attaching with tether straps ..192
in front seat ............................187
in rear seat ..............................187
LATCH .....................................190
recommendations ...................184
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................195
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............287
instrument panel ....................289
interior .....................................289
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plastic parts ............................288
washing ....................................285
waxing .....................................286
wheels ......................................286
wiper blades ............................288
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......76, 78
Clock ............................................95
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................30
AM/FM/CD .................................23
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment ...............114
Console
overhead ....................................95
Controls
power seat ...............................148
steering column ......................105
Coolant
checking and adding ..............302
refill capacities ................305, 324
specifications ..........................324
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................102
Cupholder(s) .............................153
Customer Assistance ................253
Ford Extended Service Plan...281
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............282
Getting roadside assistance ...253
Getting the service you
need .........................................277
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................283
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................281D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................84
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................320
engine oil .................................296
Driving under special
conditions ..........................248, 250
sand .........................................249
snow and ice ...........................251
through water .................250, 252
DVD system .................................45
E
Electronic message center .......111
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................270
Emission control system ..........316
Engine ........................................326
cleaning ...................................287
coolant .....................................302
fail-safe cooling .......................306
idle speed control ...................299
lubrication specifications .......324
refill capacities ........................324
service points ..................294–295
starting after a collision .........255
Engine block heater .................232
Engine oil ..................................296
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................296
checking and adding ..............296
dipstick ....................................296
filter, specifications ........298, 323
recommendations ...................298
refill capacities ........................324
specifications ..........................324
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