Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic
and, by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid
needs to be changed. However, discolored fluids that also show signs of
overheating and foreign material contamination should be inspected
immediately by a qualified expert, such as the factory-trained technicians
at your dealership. Your vehicle’s oils and fluids should be changed at the
specified intervals or in conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viable
way to change fluid for many vehicle sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are flushed only with new fluid
that is the same as that required to fill and operate the system, or using
a Ford-approved flushing chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
every month or at six month intervals.
Check every month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure.
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 and 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 and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as
necessary.
Scheduled Maintenance527
2014 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
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 make sure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Multi-point Inspection
Accessory drive belt(s) Half-shaft dust boots (if equipped)
Battery performance Horn operation
Clutch operation (if equipped) Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Engine air filter Suspension component for leaks or
damage
Exhaust system Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps and hazard
warning system operationTires (including spare) for wear and
proper pressure
**
Fluid levels*; fill if necessary Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission
(with an underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and window
washer
**If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire
sealant expiration Use By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
Be sure to ask your 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!
528Scheduled Maintenance
2014 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)
EXCEPTIONS
There are several exceptions to the Normal Schedule. They are listed
below:
Normal vehicle axle maintenance:Rear axles and power take-off
(PTO) units with synthetic fluid and light-duty trucks equipped with
Ford-design axles are lubricated for life; do not check or change fluid
unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the assembly has been
submerged in water. During long periods of trailer towing with outside
temperatures above 70°F (21°C) and at wide-open throttle for long
periods above 45 mph (72 km/h), non-synthetic rear axle fluids should
be changed every 3000 miles (4800 kilometers) or three months,
whichever comes first. This interval can be waived if the axle is filled
with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid 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 (seeTechnical specificationsin theCapacities
and Specificationschapter for details).
Police/Taxi/Livery vehicle axle maintenance:Change rear axle fluid
every 100000 miles (160000 kilometers). Rear axle fluid change may be
waived if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting
Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number FITZ-19580-B or
equivalent. Add four ounces (118 mL) of additive friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles. The axle fluid should be changed anytime the axle has been
submerged in water.
California fuel filter replacement:If the vehicle is registered in
California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance 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 intervals
and to record all vehicle service.
Class A Motorhome:Change brake fluid every two years.
Hot climate oil change intervals:Vehicles operating in the Middle
East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with similar climates
using an American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified for Gasoline
Engines (Certification mark) oil of SM or SN quality, the normal oil
change interval is 5000 miles (8000 kilometers).
If the available API SM or SN oils are not available, then the oil change
service interval is 3000 miles (4800 kilometers).
540Scheduled Maintenance
2014 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)
911 Assist™ ......................401, 476
A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................194
Accessing and using your USB
port ............................................453
Accessing call history/phone
book during active call .............390
Accessing your calendar ..........475
Accessing your media menu
features ......................................412
Accessing your phone menu
features ......................................392
Accessory delay ..........................97
Active call menu options .........390
Active Park Assist .....................200
Adaptive Cruise Control ...........210
Adding (pairing) a phone ........462
Advanced menu options ...399, 419
Advanced menu options
(prompts, languages, defaults,
master reset, installing
applications) ..............................399
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................45
and child safety seats ..............46
description ................................45
disposal ......................................55
driver airbag ..............................45
passenger airbag .......................45
side airbag ...........................45, 51
Air cleaner filter .......296–297, 356
Air conditioning ........................130
manual heating and air
conditioning system ...............130
Air filter, cabin ..........................138All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................186
Ambient mood/lighting .............482
AM/FM .......................................441
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................283
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................194
Anti-theft system ..................77, 80
arming the system ..............77, 80
disarming a triggered system ..80
Audio system
Single CD ................366, 370, 372
Audio system
(see Radio) ................366, 370, 372
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................181
fluid, adding ....................288–289
fluid, checking ................288–289
fluid, refill capacities ..............352
fluid, specification ..................352
Selectshift (SST) ....................182
Auxiliary Input Jack .................450
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ..379
Auxiliary powerpoint ................160
A/V inputs ..........................381, 458
B
Battery .......................................294
acid, treating emergencies .....294
jumping a disabled battery ....256
maintenance-free ....................294
replacement, specifications ...356
servicing ..................................294
Blind Spot Information
System .......................................225
542Index
2014 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)
Booster seats ...............................22
Brakes ........................................193
anti-lock ...................................194
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................194
brake warning light ................194
fluid, checking and adding ....293
fluid, refill capacities ..............352
fluid, specifications .................352
lubricant specifications ..........352
parking ....................................194
shift interlock ..........................183
trailer .......................................245
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....352
Cargo net ...................................235
CD ..............................366, 370, 372
CD player ..........................364, 452
CD voice commands .................453
Cell phone use ............................15
Changing a tire .........................335
Child safety restraints ..........28–29
Child safety seats
attaching with tether straps ....29
automatic locking mode
(retractor) .................................36
LATCH .......................................28
Child safety seats - booster
seats .............................................22
Cleaning the touchscreen ........431
Cleaning your vehicle ...............305
engine compartment ..............307
instrument panel ....................309
interior .....................................309
plastic parts ............................306
washing ....................................305waxing .....................................307
wheels ......................................311
wiper blades ............................308
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ..........130
Climate voice commands .........493
Clock ..................................366, 480
Collision Warning System .........230
Compass Display .......................114
Console ......................................161
overhead ..................................162
Coolant ......................................283
checking and adding ..............283
refill capacities ........................352
specifications ..........................352
Cross Traffic Alert ....................225
Cruise control ...........................209
Cupholder(s) .............................153
Customer Assistance ................254
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................361
Getting roadside assistance ...254
Getting the service you
need .........................................259
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................265
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................263
D
Defrost ...............130–131, 133, 135
rear window ............................138
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..................................288–289
engine oil .................................282
Index543
2014 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)
Display settings .........................481
Driver alert ................................219
Driving under special
conditions ..................185, 188, 190
sand .........................................189
snow and ice ...........................191
through water .................189, 251
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) .........131, 133, 135
E
Electronic message center .......110
Electronic stability control ......197
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................256
running out of fuel .................172
Emergency brake
(see Parking brake) ..................194
Emission control system ..........177
End user license agreement ....506
Engine ........................................350
cleaning ...................................307
coolant .....................................283
fail-safe cooling .......................286
idle speed control ...................294
lubrication specifications .......352
refill capacities ........................352
service points ..................279, 281
Engine block heater .................168
Engine oil
checking and adding ..............282
dipstick ....................................282
filter, specifications ................356
refill capacities ........................352
specifications ..........................352
Event data recording ..................12
Exhaust fumes ..........................168F
Fail safe cooling ........................286
Fleet MyKey programming ........64
Floor mats .................................252
Fluid capacities .........................352
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................187
Fuel
cap ...........................................174
capacity ...................................352
choosing the right fuel ...........171
filler funnel .............................172
filling your vehicle with fuel ..174
filter, specifications ........293, 356
fuel pump shut-off ..................255
octane rating ...................172, 350
quality ......................................171
running out of fuel .................172
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................170
Fuel and distance computer ....114
outside temperature
indicator ..................................114
to empty indicator ..................114
trip distance ............................114
trip/reset button .....................114
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .........................................171
Fuses ..................................267–268
G
Garage door opener ..................155
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............174
Gauges ...............................103–104
odometer .................................114
trip odometer ..........................114
544Index
2014 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)