4. Wipe the air filter housing and cover clean to remove any dirt or
debris and to ensure good sealing.
5. Install a new air filter element. Be careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air filter housing and cover. This could cause
filter damage and allow unfiltered air to enter the engine if not properly
seated.
6. Replace the air filter housing
cover and secure the clamps. Be
sure that the air cleaner cover tabs
are engaged into the slots of the air
cleaner housing.
Note:Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage. The customer warranty may be void for any damage to
the engine if the correct air filter element is not used.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of time
(30 days or more), refer to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating condition.
All motor vehicles and their components were engineered and tested for
reliable, regular driving. Long term storage under various conditions may
lead to component degradation or failure unless specific precautions are
taken to preserve the components.
General
•Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
•Protect from sunlight, if possible.
•If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular maintenance to
protect against rust and damage.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
364
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Ford ESP Can Quickly Pay for Itself
One service bill – the cost of parts and labor – can easily exceed the
price of your Ford ESP Service Contract. With Ford ESP, you minimize
your risk for unexpected repair bills and rising repair costs.
Avoid the rising cost of properly maintaining your vehicle!
Ford ESP also offers a Premium Maintenance Plan that covers items that
routinely wear out.
The coverage is prepaid, so you never have to worry about affording
your vehicle maintenance. It covers regular checkups, routine
inspections, preventive care and replacement of items that require
periodic attention fornormal “wear”:
•Wiper blades•Brake pads and linings
•Spark plugs (except
California)•Shock absorbers
•Clutch disc•Belts and hoses
Contact your selling Ford or Lincoln dealership today so they can
customize a Ford Extended Service Plan that fits your driving lifestyle
and budget.
Interest free finance options available
Take advantage of our installment payment plan, just a 10% down
payment will provide you with an affordable no interest, no-fee payment
opportunity.
Ford Extended Service Plan
379
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Engine oil/coolant change intervals
Engine oilAs indicated by the message center: do not
exceed one year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Engine coolant,
initial change6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, after
initial changeEvery 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Check every month
Engine oil level
Function of all interior and exterior lights
Tires for wear and proper pressure, including spare
Windshield washer fluid level
Check every six months
Battery connections; clean if necessary
Body and door drain holes for obstructions; clean if necessary
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
Door weatherstrips for wear; lubricate if necessary
Hinges/latches/outside locks for proper operation; lubricate if necessary
Parking brake for proper operation
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
Washer spray/wiper operation; clean or replace blades as necessary
Scheduled Maintenance
385
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
A
Accessory delay ..........................84
Adaptive Cruise Control .............89
AdvanceTrac ..............................245
AdvanceTrac Sport Mode .........250
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
Air cleaner filter ...............363, 367
Air conditioning ....................51, 54
automatic temperature
control system ..........................57
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................51
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................273
Ambient mood/lighting ...............69
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................339
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 ..............368
fluid, specification ..................368Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................253, 255
fluid, adding ............................358
fluid, checking ........................358
Selectshift (SST) ....................257
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....42
B
Battery .......................................337
acid, treating emergencies .....337
jumping a disabled battery ....307
maintenance-free ....................337
replacement, specifications ...367
servicing ..................................337
Belt-Minder.............................167
Blind Spot Information
System .......................................267
Blind spot mirror ......................266
Booster seats .............................199
Brakes ........................................242
anti-lock ...................................243
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................243
fluid, checking and adding ....358
fluid, refill capacities ..............368
fluid, specifications .................368
lubricant specifications ..........368
parking ....................................244
shift interlock ..........................251
Bulbs ............................................70
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....368
Cargo cover ...............................101
Cargo net ...................................106
Cell phone use ..............................9
Index
400
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Illuminated visor mirror .............78
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................190
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................356
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................325
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................67
Intelligent Access Key ..............108
Intelligent Access with push
button start ...............................122
J
Jack ............................................290
positioning ...............................290
storage .....................................290
Jump-starting your vehicle ......307
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................116
keypad .....................................129
locking and unlocking doors ..130
programming entry code .......129
Keys ...................................107, 132
positions of the ignition .........235
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................62
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................71
daytime running light ...............66
headlamps .................................62
headlamps, flash to pass ..........66instrument panel, dimming .....67
interior lamps .....................69, 71
replacing bulbs .........................71
LATCH anchors .........................194
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........243
Load limits .................................223
Locks
autolock ...................................116
childproof ................................119
doors ........................................115
Lubricant specifications ...........368
Lug nuts ....................................306
Lumbar support,
seats ...........................142–143, 145
M
Massage seats ............................145
Message center ...........................19
english/metric button ...............24
system check button ................24
warning messages .....................24
Mirrors ...................................85–86
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................85
fold away ...................................87
heated ........................................86
programmable memory ..........124
side view mirrors (power) .......86
Moon roof ....................................99
Motorcraftparts ..............327, 367
Multi-contour seats ...................145
MyKey ........................................109
N
Navigation system .......................50
Index
403
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)