2010 FORD TAURUS check transmission fluid

Low washer fluid (RTT):
Illuminates when the washer level in
the washer fluid reservoir is low.
Door ajar (RTT):Illuminates in
the message center display when
the ignition is in the run position
and any door is open.
Trunk ajar (RTT):Illuminates in
the message center display when
the ignition is in the run position
and the trunk is open.
AdvanceTrac
/Traction
Control™:Illuminates when the
AdvanceTrac
/Traction Control™ is
active. If the light remains on, have
the system serviced immediately,
refer to theDrivingchapter for more information.
AdvanceTrac
/Traction
Control™ off light:Illuminates
when the AdvanceTrac
/Traction
Control™ has been disabled by the
driver. Refer to theDrivingchapter
for more information.
Overdrive cancel and grade
assist (if equipped):Illuminates
when the overdrive function of the
transmission has been turned off
and the grade assist function has
been turned on, refer to theDrivingchapter.
Low tire pressure warning:
Illuminates when your tire pressure
is low. If the light remains on at
start up or while driving, the tire
pressure should be checked. Refer
toInflating your tiresin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter. When
the ignition is first turned to on, the light will illuminate for three
seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light does not turn on or
begins to flash, have the system inspected by your authorized dealer. For
OFF
Instrument Cluster
15
2010 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing
USA(fus)

CHECK PARK AID (if equipped)— Displayed when the transmission
is in R (Reverse) and the reverse sensing system (park aid) is disabled.
Refer toRear park aidin this section to enable.
PARK BRAKE ENGAGED— Displayed when the manual park brake is
set, the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph
(5 km/h). If the warning stays on after the park brake is released,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the brake fluid level is low
and the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake
fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
WASHER FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the washer fluid reservoir
is less than one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level. Refer to
Windshield washer fluidin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE— Displayed when one or more tires on your
vehicle has low tire pressure. Refer toInflating your tiresin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT— Displayed when the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System is malfunctioning. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, have the system inspected by your authorized
dealer.
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT— Displayed when a tire pressure
sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. For more
information on how the system operates under these conditions, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT— The power steering system
has disabled power steering assist due to a system error; service is
required.
SERVICE POWER STEERING— The power steering system has
detected a condition that requires service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW— The power steering system
has detected a condition that requires service immediately.
TRUNK AJAR— Displayed when the trunk is not completely closed.
REMOVE OBJECTS NEAR PASS SEAT— Displayed when objects
are by the passenger seat. After the objects are moved away from the
seat, if the warning stays on or continues to come on contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Instrument Cluster
25
2010 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing
USA(fus)

When driving at slow speeds in deep sand under high outside
temperatures, use L (Low) gear when possible. L (Low) gear operation
will maximize the engine and transmission cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the wheel rims (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even AWD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the engine, transmission, AWD system components or axles are
submerged in water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if
necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the engine or
transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant and
PTU (Power Transfer Unit) lubricant should be checked and changed if
necessary.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
Driving
273
2010 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick. (For vehicles with the
EcoBoost engine, move the air filter assembly aside to access the
transmission dipstick. SeeChanging the air filter elementfor more
information).
Maintenance and Specifications
355
2010 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing
USA(fus)

6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
dipstick.
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 180°F-200°F (82°C-93°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be
within the cross-hatch area if at
normal operating temperature
180°F-200°F (82°C-93°C).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiessection in this
chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint
(250 ml) increments through the
filler tube until the level is correct.
Maintenance and Specifications
356
2010 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Fuel tank19.0 gallons
(71.9 L)——
1Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount may vary during fluid changes.2Automatic transmissions that require MERCON
LV should only use MERCON
LV 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. To determine your vehicle’s coolant type
(color), check your coolant reservoir.5See your authorized dealer for fluid level checking or filling.
Maintenance and Specifications
362
2010 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing
USA(fus)

A
Accessory delay ..........................82
Adaptive Cruise Control .............86
AdvanceTrac ..............................244
AdvanceTrac Sport Mode .........248
Air cleaner filter ...............357–359
Air conditioning ....................48, 51
automatic temperature
control system ..........................53
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................48
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................171–172, 180, 182
and child safety seats ............173
description ..............172, 180, 182
disposal ....................................186
driver airbag ............174, 181, 183
indicator light .................180, 185
operation .................174, 181, 183
passenger airbag .....174, 181, 183
side airbag ...............................180
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................269
Ambient mood/lighting ...............66
AM/FM .........................................30
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................336
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................242
Anti-theft system ..............129, 137
arming the system ..................138
disarming a triggered
system .....................................139
triggering .................................139
Audio system (see Radio) .........30Automatic transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............360
fluid, specification ..................360
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................251, 254
fluid, adding ............................355
fluid, checking ........................355
Selectshift (SST) ....................255
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....39
B
Battery .......................................334
acid, treating emergencies .....334
jumping a disabled battery ....304
maintenance-free ....................334
replacement, specifications ...359
servicing ..................................334
Belt-Minder
.............................167
Blind Spot Information
System .......................................263
Booster seats .............................199
Brakes ........................................241
anti-lock ...................................242
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................242
fluid, checking and adding ....355
fluid, refill capacities ..............360
fluid, specifications .................360
lubricant specifications ..........360
parking ....................................243
shift interlock ..........................250
Bulbs ............................................67
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....360
Car2U garage door opener .......102
Cargo cover .................................82
Index
372
2010 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Cargo net ...................................108
CD ................................................30
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................287
Child safety seats ......................190
attaching with tether
straps .......................................197
in front seat ............................190
in rear seat ..............................190
LATCH .....................................194
recommendations ...................188
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................199
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............320
instrument panel ....................322
interior .....................................323
plastic parts ............................321
washing ....................................318
waxing .....................................319
wheels ......................................319
wiper blades ............................321
Climate control
(see Air conditioning
or Heating) ......................48, 51, 53
Clock adjust
AM/FM .......................................31
Collision Warning System .........260
Compass, electronic ....................76
calibration .................................77
set zone adjustment .................76
Console
overhead ....................................75
Controls
power seat ...............................145
steering column ........................95
Coolant
checking and adding ..............336refill capacities ................340, 360
specifications ..........................360
Cross Traffic Alert ....................263
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................84
Cupholder(s) .............................156
Customer Assistance ................277
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................369
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................315
Getting roadside assistance ...277
Getting the service you
need .........................................311
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................316
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................315
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................63
Defrost
rear window and rearview
mirrors .......................................51
windshield ...........................51, 53
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................355
engine oil .................................331
Doors
central unlocking ....................112
Driving under special
conditions ..........................271, 274
sand .........................................272
snow and ice ...........................275
through water .................273, 276
E
Electronic message center .........19
Index
373
2010 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing
USA(fus)