Page 3 of 336
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)
Page 11 of 336
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
Page 299 of 336

Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil
Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms
to the current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee (ILSAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.
To protect your engine and engine’s warranty, use Motorcraft SAE 5W-20
or an equivalent SAE 5W-20 oil meeting Ford specification
WSS-M2C930-A.SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel economy and
durability performance meeting all requirements for your
vehicle’s engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in thescheduled maintenance information.
Ford production and Motorcraft replacement oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter or
another with equivalent performance for your engine application.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
2009 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
299
Page 307 of 336

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.
2009 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
307
Page 333 of 336

Event data recording ....................8
Exhaust fumes ..........................232
F
Fail safe cooling ........................306
Family entertainment system ....45
Fluid capacities .........................324
Fog lamps ....................................83
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................247
Fuel ............................................307
calculating fuel
economy ..........................113, 313
cap ...........................................310
capacity ...................................324
choosing the right fuel ...........311
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................316
detergent in fuel .....................312
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................307, 310, 313
filter, specifications ........307, 323
fuel pump shut-off switch .....255
improving fuel economy ........313
octane rating ...................311, 326
quality ......................................312
running out of fuel .................312
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................307
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......255
Fuses ..........................................255
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............310
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................313
Gauges .........................................16H
Hazard flashers .........................254
Head restraints .........145, 151–152
Headlamps ...................................82
aiming ........................................85
autolamp system .......................82
bulb specifications ....................87
daytime running lights .............84
flash to pass ..............................84
high beam .................................83
replacing bulbs ...................88–89
turning on and off ....................82
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...........................74, 76, 78
Homelink wireless control
system ........................................108
Hood ..........................................293
How to get going ........................18
I
Ignition ...............................229, 326
Illuminated visor mirror .............94
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................186
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................318
Instrument panel ........................95
cleaning ...................................289
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................84
J
Jack ............................................262
positioning ...............................262
2009 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
333