Page 284 of 541
Engine shield
Some vehicles may be equipped with an aero-shield under the engine.
This shield needs to be removed for service, including oil and filter
changes. It is secured with four quick release fasteners.
284Maintenance
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 285 of 541
2.0L EcoBoost™ engine
A. Engine coolant reservoir
B. Brake fluid reservoir
C. Battery
D. Power distribution box
E. Air filter assembly
F. Engine oil filler cap
G. Engine oil dipstick
H. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
A
HGFE
BCD
Maintenance285
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 286 of 541

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
A.–MIN
B. – MAX
ENGINE OIL CHECK
Note:Check the level before starting the engine.
Note:Make sure that the level is between the MIN and MAX marks.
1. Make sure that your vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 10 minutes for the oil to drain into the oil
pan.
3. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth. Replace
the dipstick and remove it again to check the oil level.
If the level is at the MIN mark, add oil immediately.
Adding engine oil
Note:Do not remove the filler cap when the engine is running.
Note:Do not add engine oil further than the MAX mark. Oil levels above
the MAX mark may cause engine damage.
Only use oils certified for gasoline engines by the
American Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this
trademark symbol conforms to the current engine and
emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricant
Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC),
comprised of U.S. and Japanese automobile
manufacturers.
1. Remove the filler cap.
2. Add engine oil that meets Ford specifications. SeeCapacities and
Specificationsfor more information.
3. Replace the filler cap. Turn it until you feel a strong resistance.
286Maintenance
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 311 of 541

WAXING
•Wash the vehicle first.
•Use a quality wax that does not contain abrasives.
•Do not allow paint sealant to come in contact with any non-body
(low-gloss black) colored trim, such as grained door handles, roof
racks, bumpers, side moldings, mirror housings or the windshield cowl
area. The paint sealant will “gray” or stain the parts over time.
REPAIRING MINOR PAINT DAMAGE
Your authorized dealer has touch-up paint to match your vehicle’s color.
Take your color code (printed on a sticker in the driver’s door jamb) to
your authorized dealer to ensure you get the correct color.
•Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect deposits, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout before repairing paint chips.
•Always read the instructions before using the products.
CLEANING THE ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal.
When washing:
•Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The
high-pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause
damage.
•Do not spray a hot engine with cold water to avoid cracking the engine
block or other engine components.
•Spray MotorcraftEngine Shampoo and Degreaser on all parts that
require cleaning and pressure rinse clean. In Canada, use Motorcraft
Engine Shampoo.
•Never wash or rinse the engine while it is hot or running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
•Never wash or rinse any ignition coil, spark plug wire or spark plug
well, or the area in and around these locations.
•Cover the battery, power distribution box, and air filter assembly to
prevent water damage when cleaning the engine.
Vehicle Care311
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 315 of 541

•Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based or high caustic-based wheel
cleaners, steel wool, fuels or strong household detergent.
•To remove tar and grease, use MotorcraftBug and Tar Remover.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of time
(30 days or more), read the following maintenance recommendations to
make sure 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.
•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.
•Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges, and latches with a light
grade oil.
•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.
Vehicle Care315
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 354 of 541
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Engine 3.5L V6 engine3.5L V6 SHO
engine2.0L
EcoBoost™
engine
Cubic inches 214 214 122
Required fuelSeeOctane recommendationsin the Fuel and
Refueling chapter.
Firing order 1–4–2–5–3–6 1–4–2–5–3–6 1-3-4-2
Ignition
systemCoilonplug Coilonplug Coilonplug
Spark plug
gap0.049-0.053 in.
(1.25-1.35 mm)0.033–0.037 in.
(0.84–0.94 mm)0.027–0.031 in.
(0.70–0 .80 mm)
Compression
ratio10.8:1 10.0:1 9.3:1
354Capacities and Specifications
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 357 of 541
Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Engine oil
5,6
3.5L V6 engine
6.0 quarts (5.7L)•MotorcraftSAE 5W-20
Premium Synthetic
Blend Motor Oil (US)
•MotorcraftSAE 5W-20
Full Synthetic Motor Oil
(US)
•MotorcraftSAE 5W-20
Super Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)
•MotorcraftSAE 5W-20
Synthetic Motor Oil
(Canada)•XO-5W20-QSP (US)
•XO-5W-20-QFS (US)
•CXO-5W20- LSP12
(Canada)
•CXO-5W20-LFS12
(Canada) /
WSS-M2C945-A and API
Certification Mark
3.5L V6 SHO
engine
6.0 quarts (5.7L) /
2.0L EcoBoost™
engine
5.7 quarts (5.4L)•MotorcraftSAE 5W-30
Premium Synthetic
Blend Motor Oil (US)
•MotorcraftSAE 5W-30
Full Synthetic Motor Oil
(US)
•MotorcraftSAE 5W-30
Super Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)
•MotorcraftSAE 5W-30
Synthetic Motor Oil
(Canada)•XO-5W30-QSP (US)
•XO-5W30-QFS (US)
•CXO-5W30-LSP12
(Canada)
•CXO-5W30-LFS12
(Canada) /
WSS-M2C946-A with API
Certification Mark
Capacities and Specifications357
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 359 of 541

Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
3Automatic transmissions that require MERCONLV should only use MERCONLV fluid. Refer
toscheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any
fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.4See your authorized dealer for fluid level checking or filling.5Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C946-A (3.5L V6 SHO/2.0L EcoBoost™ engines) or
WSS-M2C945 -A (3.5L V6 engine) and display the API Certification Mark.6Your engine has been designed to be used with Ford engine oil, which gives a fuel economy
benefit while maintaining the durability of your engine.
Using oils other than the one specified can result in longer engine cranking periods, reduced
engine performance, reduced fuel economy and increased emission levels.7Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
Capacities and Specifications359
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)