2011 FORD TAURUS engine oil

•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski racks) may reduce
fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
Maintenance and Specifications
352
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Body
•Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing and underside of front fenders.
See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
•Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax
to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is
washed. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges, and latches with a light
grade oil. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contain contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add Motorcraft
Gas Stabilizer or
equivalent meeting Ford material specification ESE-M99C112-A to the
vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage periods exceed
30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label. The vehicle should
then be operated at idle speed to circulate the additive throughout the
fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
Maintenance and Specifications
363
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 3.5L V6 Engine 3.5L V6 SHO engine
Air filter element FA-1884 FA-1884
Battery BXT-59 BXT-65–650
Oil filter FL-500-S FL-500-S
Spark plugs SP-411
1SP-512-A1
1
Refer toscheduled 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.
Maintenance and Specifications
365
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Engine oil5.5 quarts
(5.2L)
(3.5L V6
engine)•Motorcraft
SAE 5W-20
Premium Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
•Motorcraft
SAE 5W-20 Full
Synthetic Motor Oil (US)
•Motorcraft
SAE 5W-20
Super Premium Motor Oil
(Canada)
•Motorcraft
SAE 5W-20
Synthetic Motor Oil (Canada)
3
•XO-5W20-QSP (US)
•XO-5W-20-QFS (US)
•CXO-5W20- LSP12
(Canada)
•CXO-5W20-LFS12
(Canada) /
WSS-M2C930-A and API
Certification Mark
5.5 quarts
(5.2L)
(3.5L V6 SHO
engine)•Motorcraft
SAE 5W-30
Premium Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
•Motorcraft
SAE 5W-30 Full
Synthetic Motor Oil (US)
•Motorcraft
SAE 5W-30
Super Premium Motor Oil
(Canada)
•Motorcraft
SAE 5W-30
Synthetic Motor Oil (Canada)
3
•XO-5W30-QSP (US)
•XO-5W30-QFS (US)
•CXO-5W30-LSP12
(Canada)
•CXO-5W30-LFS12
(Canada) /
WSS-M2C929-A with API
Certification Mark
Engine coolant11.1 quarts
(10.5L)
6
•Motorcraft
Specialty Green
Engine Coolant
4
•VC-10-A2 (US)
•CVC-10-A (Canada) /
WSS-M97B55-A
•Motorcraft
Specialty Orange
Engine Coolant (US)
•Motorcraft
Specialty Orange
Engine Coolant (Canada)
4
•VC-3-B (US)
•CVC-3-B (Canada) /
WSS-M97B44-D
Maintenance and Specifications
367
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Power steering fluid
(except SHO
engine)Between MAX
and MIN on
reservoirMotorcraft

MERCON
VATFXT-5-QM /
MERCON
V
Windshield washer
fluidFill as requiredMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield Washer
Concentrate (US)
Premium Quality Windshield
Washer Fluid (Canada)ZC-32-A (US)
CXC-37-(A, B, D, and F)
(Canada) /
WSB-M8B16-A2/- -
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-M2C929-A (3.5L V6 SHO engine) or WSS-M2C930-A (3.5L
V6 engine) and the API Certification mark.4Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle. Check the coolant bottle labeling for the
correct fluid type to use.5See your authorized dealer for fluid level checking or filling.6SHO engine coolant capacity - 11.4 quarts (10.8L)
Maintenance and Specifications
368
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

ENGINE DATA
Engine 3.5L V6 engine 3.5L V6 SHO engine
Cubic inches 214 214
FuelSeeOctane
recommendations
earlier in this chapter.SeeOctane
recommendationsearlier
in this chapter.
Firing order 1–4–2–5–3–6 1–4–2–5–3–6
Ignition system Coil on plug Coil on plug
Spark plug gap0.052–0.056 inch
(1.32–1.42 mm)0.033–0.037 inch
(.84–.94 mm)
Compression
ratio10.3:1 10.0:1
Engine drivebelt routing
3.5L V6 engine
1. Short drivebelt is on first pulley groove closest to engine (except
vehicles with electric power assisted steering).
2. Long drivebelt is on second pulley groove farthest from engine.
Maintenance and Specifications
369
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

FORD CUSTOM ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of Ford Custom Accessories are available for your
vehicle through your local Ford or Ford of Canada dealer. These quality
accessories have been specifically engineered to fulfill your automotive
needs; they are custom designed to complement the style and
aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In addition, each accessory is
made from high quality materials and meets or exceeds Ford’s rigorous
engineering and safety specifications. Ford Motor Company will repair or
replace any properly dealer-installed Ford Custom Accessories found to
be defective in factory-supplied materials or workmanship during the
warranty period, as well as any component damaged by the defective
accessories. The accessories will be warranted for whichever provides
you the greatest benefit:
•12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km) (whichever occurs first), or
•the remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
Contact your dealer for details and a copy of the warranty.
The following is a list of several Ford Custom Accessories. Not all
accessories are available for all models. For a complete listing of the
accessories that are available for your vehicle, please contact your dealer
or visit our online store at: www.fordaccessories.com.
Exterior style
•Bug shield•Side window deflector
•Moonroof deflector•Splash guards
•Rear spoiler•Custom graphics*
Interior style
•All weather floor mats•Rear seat entertainment*
•Carpeted floor mats•Subwoofer*
•Ambient lighting•Custom seat covers*
Lifestyle
•Ash cup / smoker’s package•Roof racks and carriers*
•Navigation*•Rear bumper protector*
•Cargo net*•Cargo organization and
management
Accessories
373
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

GENERAL MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
Why maintain your vehicle?
This guide describes the scheduled maintenance required for your
vehicle. Carefully following this schedule helps protect against major
repair expenses resulting from neglect or inadequate maintenance and
may also help to increase the value of your vehicle when you sell or
trade it.
It is your responsibility to see that all scheduled maintenance is
performed and that the materials used meet Ford engineering
specifications. Failure to perform scheduled maintenance specific in this
guide will invalidate warranty coverage on parts affected by the lack of
maintenance. Be sure receipts for completed maintenance are kept with
the vehicle and confirmation of the work performed is always recorded in
this guide.
Your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer has factory-trained technicians who
can perform the required maintenance using genuine Ford parts. They
are committed to meeting your service needs and to assuring your
continuing satisfaction.
Protecting your investment
Maintenance is an investment that will pay dividends in the form of
improved reliability, durability and resale value. To ensure the proper
performance of your vehicle and its emission control systems, it is
imperative that scheduled maintenance be completed at the designated
intervals.
For your convenience, your vehicle is equipped with a message center
which determines the proper oil change service interval. You should
perform the engine oil change as indicated by the instrument cluster
message center. The message center will display ENGINE OIL CHANGE
SOON or OIL CHANGE REQUIRED to indicate when an oil change is
needed. The engine oil change service needs to be completed within two
weeks or 500 miles (800 km) after the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED
message is displayed. Your oil change service interval can be up to one
year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km). Reset your Intelligent Oil Life
Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter change; refer to the
Instrument Clusterchapter.
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
379
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)