Customer Assistance 277
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 283
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 284
Cleaning 285
Maintenance and Specifications 292
Engine compartment 294
Engine oil 296
Battery 299
Engine coolant 302
Fuel information 307
Air filter(s) 322
Part numbers 323
Maintenance product specifications and capacities 324
Engine data 326
Accessories 329
Index 331
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Table of Contents
3
2009 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Service Engine SoonEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check Fuel CapLow Tire Pressure
Warning
2009 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Introduction
11
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Battery
5. Power distribution box
6. Air filter assembly
7. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
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Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
294
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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Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
307
AIR FILTER
Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft part numbersin this chapter.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or
personal burn injuries do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.
Changing the air filter element
1. Release the clamps that secure
the air filter housing cover.
2. Carefully separate the two halves
of the air filter housing.
3. Remove the air filter element
from the air filter housing.
4. Wipe the air filter housing and
cover clean to remove any dirt or
debris and to ensure good sealing.
5. Install a new air filter element. Be
careful not to crimp the filter element edges between the air filter
housing and cover. This could cause filter damage and allow unfiltered
air to enter the engine if not properly seated.
6. Replace the air filter housing
cover and secure the clamps. Be
sure that the air cleaner cover tabs
are engaged into the slots of the air
cleaner housing.
Note:Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage. The customer warranty may be void for any damage to
the engine if the correct air filter element is not used.
2009 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
322
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 3.5L V6 Engine
Engine air filter element FA-1884
Battery BXT-59
Oil filter FL-400-SB12
PCV valve
1
Spark plugs2
1
The PCV valve is a critical emission component. It is one of the items
listed in thescheduled maintenance informationand is essential to
the life and performance of your vehicle and to its emissions system.
For PCV valve replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the PCV valve.
Replace the PCV valve with one that meets Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as a Motorcraft or
equivalent replacement part. The customer warranty may be void
for any damage to the emissions system if such a PCV valve is not
used.
2For spark plug replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the spark plugs.
Replace the spark plugs with ones that meet Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as Motorcraft or
equivalent replacement parts. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the engine if such spark plugs are not
used.
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Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
323
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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Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
331
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
2009 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
332