2011 FORD TAURUS air condition

WHICH MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE SHOULD YOU FOLLOW?
Owner checks and services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
by the owner or a service technician at the intervals indicated. Service
information and supporting specifications are provided in this Owner’s
Guide.
Any adverse condition should be brought to the attention of your dealer
or qualified service technician as soon as possible for the proper service
advice. The owner maintenance service checks are generally not covered
by warranties so you may be charged for labor, parts or lubricants used.
Maximum oil change interval
❑As indicated by the instrument cluster message center (can be up to one year or 10,000 miles [16,000 km])
Engine coolant change interval
❑6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) - change engine coolant (whichever comes first)❑After initial change - change engine coolant every 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km).
Check every month
❑Check function of all interior and exterior lights❑Check tires for wear and correct air pressure, including spare tire
❑Check windshield washer fluid level
❑Check engine oil level
Check every six months
❑Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function❑Check parking brake for proper operation
❑Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
❑Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
❑Check battery connections and clean if necessary
❑Check washer spray, wiper operation and clean all wiper blades (replace as necessary)
❑Check and lubricate all hinges, latches and outside locks. Inspect for correct operation
❑Check and lubricate door rubber weatherstrips. Inspect for excessive wear
❑Check and clean body and door drain holes. Inspect for clogs and obstructions
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
382
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Multi-point inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help ensure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Be sure to ask your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership service advisor
or technician about the multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a
comprehensive way to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s
your checklist that gives you immediate feedback on the overall
condition of your vehicle. You’ll know what’s been checked, what’s okay,
as well as those things that may require future or immediate attention.
The multi-point vehicle inspection is one more way to keep your vehicle
running great!
Mutli-point inspection - Recommended at every visit
❑Check and top-up fluid levels: brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission (if equipped with an
underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and window washer
❑Inspect tires for wear and check air pressure, including spare.
❑Check exhaust system for leaks, damage, loose parts and foreign material.
❑Check battery performance.
❑Check operation of horn, exterior lamps, turn signals and hazard warning lights.
❑Check radiator, coolers, heater and air conditioning hoses.
❑Inspect windshield washer spray and wiper operation.
❑Check windshield for cracks, chips and pitting.
❑Inspect for oil and fluid leaks.
❑Inspect engine air filter.
❑Inspect half shaft dust boots, if equipped.
❑Check shocks and struts and other suspension components for leaks and damage.
❑Inspect steering and linkage.
❑Inspect accessory drive belt(s).
❑Inspect clutch operation, if equipped.
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
383
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
If you operate your Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicleprimarilyin one of the
more demandingSpecial Operating Conditionslisted below, you will
need to have some items maintained more frequently. If you only
occasionallyoperate your vehicle under these conditions, it is not
necessary to perform the additional maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership service
advisor or technician.
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
As required– Change engine oil and replace oil filter as indicated by
message center and perform services as listed in the
Normal Scheduled Maintenance chart.
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)– Change automatic transmission fluid.
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)– Change manual transmission fluid.
Inspect frequently, service as
required.– See axle maintenance items under
Exceptions.
Perform the services noted in the preceding table at the specified
time/mileage (km) period either within 3,000 miles (5,000 km) of the
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message appearing in the message center or
when the time/mileage (km) reading indicates service is due.
Example #1:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at
28,751 miles (46,270 km); perform the 30,000 mile (48,000 km)
automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message hasnotcome on
but the odometer reads 30,000 miles (48,000 km); perform the engine air
filter replacement. (i.e., Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ was reset at
25,000 miles [40,000 km].)
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
392
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for long distances as in heavy
commercial use such as delivery, taxi, patrol car or livery
As required– Change engine oil and replace oil filter as indicated by
message center and perform services as listed in the
Normal Scheduled Maintenance chart (except Fiesta).
Every 300 hours of engine
operation*– Change engine oil and replace oil filter (Fiesta).
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)– Change automatic transmission fluid (except Fiesta).
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)– Replace spark plugs.
Inspect frequently, service as
required– Replace cabin air filter (if equipped).
– Replace engine air filter.
* Engine hour meter installation is recommended for these operating
conditions.
Perform the services noted in the preceding table at the specified
time/mileage (km) period either within 3,000 miles (5,000 km) of the
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message appearing in the message center or
when the time/mileage (km) reading indicates service is due.
Example #1:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at
28,751 miles (46,270 km); perform the 30,000 mile (48,000 km)
automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message hasnotcome on
but the odometer reads 30,000 miles (48,000 km); perform the engine air
filter replacement. (i.e., Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ was reset at
25,000 miles [40,000 km].)
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
393
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Operating in dusty conditions such as unpaved or dusty roads
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km)– Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth.
– Inspect the wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or
6 months– Change engine oil and replace oil filter.
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)– Change automatic transmission fluid (except Fiesta).
Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km)– Change manual transmission fluid.
Inspect frequently, service as
required– Replace cabin air filter (if equipped).
– Replace engine air filter.
Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter
change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Exclusive use of E85 (Flex Fuel Vehicles only)
Every oil change interval– If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full with
regular unleaded fuel.
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
394
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

EXCEPTIONS
In addition, there are several exceptions to the Normal Schedule. They
are listed below:
Normal vehicle axle maintenance
❑Rear axles and power take-off (PTO) units containing synthetic lubricant and light duty trucks equipped with Ford-design
axles are lubricated for life. These lubricants are not to be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is re-
quired or the axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle and PTO lubricant should be changed anytime the axle
and PTO have been submerged in water. During extended trailer tow operation above 70°F (21°C) ambient and wide open
throttle for extended periods above 45 mph (72 km/h), non-synthetic rear axle lubricants should be replaced every
3,000 miles (4,800 km) or three months, whichever occurs first. The 3,000 mile (4,800 km) lubricant change interval
may be waived if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear lubricant meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part
number F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent. Add friction modifier XL-3 (EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-
Lok rear axles (refer to
Maintenance product and specificationsin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for details).
The axle lubricant should be changed anytime an axle has been submerged in water.
Police/Taxi/Livery vehicle axle maintenance
❑Replace rear axle lubricant every 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Rear axle lubricant change may be waived if the axle
was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear lubricant meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number FITZ-19580-B or
equivalent. Add four ounces (118 mL) of friction modifier XL-3 (EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-
Lok rear axles. The axle lubricant should be changed anytime the axle has been submerged in water.
California fuel filter replacement
❑If vehicle is registered in California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to perform this main-
tenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s useful life.
Ford Motor Company, however, urges you to have all recommended maintenance services performed at the specified inter-
vals and to record all vehicle service.
Hot climate oil change intervals
❑If operating conditions are normal and you drive your Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle under typical, everyday conditions
andyou are using an API performance category oil of SL or later (for example SM, etc.) then you can follow the
7,500 mile (12,000 km) normal service oil change intervals schedule. Vehicles operating in the Middle East, North Africa,
Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with similar climates must follow the oil change interval of 3,000 mile (5,000 km) if the
owner is using oils defined by the American Petroleum Institute (API) performance category of API SK or earlier (for ex-
ample SJ, etc.).
Engine air filter & cabin air filter replacement
❑Engine air filter and cabin air filter life is dependent on exposure to dusty and dirty conditions. Vehicles operated in these
conditions will require frequent inspection and replacement of the engine air filter and cabin air filter.
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
397
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

A
Accessory delay ..........................85
Adaptive Cruise Control .............90
AdvanceTrac ..............................245
AdvanceTrac Sport Mode .........249
Air cleaner filter ...............361, 365
Air conditioning ....................51, 54
automatic temperature
control system ..........................56
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................51
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 .........................270
Ambient mood/lighting ...............70
AM/FM .........................................32
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................337
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................243
Anti-theft system ..............131, 136
arming the system ..................136
disarming a triggered
system .....................................136
Audio system (see Radio) .........32
Automatic transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............366fluid, specification ..................366
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................253, 255
fluid, adding ............................356
fluid, checking ........................356
Selectshift (SST) ....................256
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....41
B
Battery .......................................335
acid, treating emergencies .....335
jumping a disabled battery ....305
maintenance-free ....................335
replacement, specifications ...365
servicing ..................................335
Belt-Minder
.............................167
Blind Spot Information
System .......................................264
Booster seats .............................199
Brakes ........................................242
anti-lock ...................................243
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................243
fluid, checking and adding ....356
fluid, refill capacities ..............366
fluid, specifications .................366
lubricant specifications ..........366
parking ....................................244
shift interlock ..........................251
Bulbs ............................................70
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....366
Cargo cover ...............................101
Cargo net ...................................106
CD ................................................32
Index
400
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................288
Child safety seats ......................190
attaching with
tether straps ...........................196
in front seat ............................191
in rear seat ..............................191
LATCH .....................................194
recommendations ...................188
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................199
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............318
instrument panel ....................321
interior .....................................322
plastic parts ............................320
washing ....................................317
waxing .....................................317
wheels ......................................318
wiper blades ............................320
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) ...........................51, 54, 56
Clock adjust
AM/FM .......................................33
Collision Warning System .........261
Compass, electronic ....................79
calibration .................................80
set zone adjustment .................80
Console
overhead ..............................78–79
Controls
power seat ...............................142
steering column ........................98
Coolant
checking and adding ..............337
refill capacities ................340, 366
specifications ..........................366Cross Traffic Alert ....................264
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................88
Cupholder(s) .............................156
Customer Assistance ................278
Ford Extended
Service Plan ....................375, 378
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................314
Getting roadside assistance ...278
Getting the service
you need .................................310
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................315
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................313
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................66
Defrost
rear window and rearview
mirrors .......................................54
windshield ...........................54, 56
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................356
engine oil .................................331
Doors
central unlocking ....................115
Driving under special
conditions ..........................272, 274
sand .........................................273
snow and ice ...........................275
through water .................274, 277
Index
401
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)