Page 294 of 336
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
2009 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
294
Page 297 of 336
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level dipstick.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully, then remove it again.
•If the oil level iswithin this
range,the oil level is acceptable.
DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level isbelow this
mark,engineoil must be added
to raise the level within the
normal operating range.
•If required, add engine oil to the
engine. Refer toAdding engine
oilin this chapter.
2009 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
297
Page 298 of 336

•Do not overfill the engine
with oil. Oil levels above this
mark may cause engine
damage.If the engine is
overfilled, some oil must be
removed from the engine by an
authorized dealer.
7. Put the dipstick back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal operating range, add
only certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the
engine oil filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the
opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
normal operating range on the engine oil level dipstick.
4. Install the dipstick and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
until it stops.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level dipstick and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
2009 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
298
Page 332 of 336

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