Roadside Emergencies257
Getting roadside assistance ..............................257
Hazard warning flashers ................................258
Fuel cut-off switch ....................................259
Jump-starting the vehicle ...............................260
Customer Assistance 263
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) .......................270
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) .....................270
Fuses 271
Changing a fuse ......................................271
Fuse specification chart ................................271
Maintenance 280
General information ...................................280
Opening and closing the hood ............................281
Under hood overview ..................................282
Engine oil dipstick ....................................286
Engine oil check ......................................286
Engine coolant check ..................................287
Automatic transmission fluid check ........................292
Brake fluid check .....................................297
Fuel filter ...........................................297
Washer fluid check ....................................298
Battery ............................................298
Checking the wiper blades ..............................300
Air filter(s) .........................................301
Adjusting the headlamps ................................303
Changing a bulb ......................................304
Bulb specification chart .................................308
6Table of Contents
2015 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2014
USA(fus)
SYMBOL GLOSSARY
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Safety alertSee Owner’s
ManualAnti-lock
braking
system
Avoid
smoking,
flames, or
sparksBatteryBattery acid
Brake fluid –
non
petroleum
baseBrake systemCabin air
filter
Check fuel
capChild Safety
Door Lock
and UnlockChild seat
lower anchor
Child seat
tether anchorCruise
controlDo not open
when hot
Engine air
filterEngine
coolantEngine
coolant
temperature
Engine oilExplosive gasFan warning
Fasten safety
beltFront airbagFront fog
lamps
Fuel pump
resetFuse
compartmentHazard
warning
flasher
10Introduction
2015 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2014
USA(fus)
Heated Exterior Mirrors (If Equipped)
Note:Do not remove ice from the mirrors with a scraper or attempt to
readjust the mirror glass that has frozen in place. These actions could
cause damage to the glass and mirrors.
Note: Do not clean the housing or glass of any mirror with harsh
abrasives, fuel or other petroleum-based cleaning products.
Both mirrors heat to remove ice, mist and fog when you switch on the
heated rear window.
CABIN AIR FILTER
Note: Make sure you have a cabin air filter installed at all times. This
prevents foreign objects from entering the system. Running the system
without a filter in place could result in degradation or damage to the
system.
Your vehicle is equipped with a cabin air filter, which is located just in
front of the windshield under the cowl grille on the passenger side of
your vehicle.
The particulate air filtration system reduces the concentration of
airborne particles, such as dust, spores and pollen, in the air supplied to
the interior of your vehicle. The particulate filtration system gives the
following benefits to customers:
• Improves the customer’s driving comfort by reducing particle
concentration.
• Improves the interior compartment cleanliness.
• Protects the climate control components from particle deposits.
For more information regarding the interval at which you should replace
the cabin air filter, see the Scheduled Maintenancechapter.
For additional cabin air filter information, or to replace the filter, see an
authorized dealer.
140 Climate Control
2015 Taurus
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USA(fus)
4. Seat the air filter assembly back into the grommets by pushing down
on the air filter assembly.
5. Tighten the clamp.
6. Install and tighten two bolts that attach air filter assembly to the front
of the vehicle.
7. Install the bolt cover (if equipped).
8. Reinstall the harness retaining clip into the front of the air filter assembly.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
Fluid levels between the MIN and MAX lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating range, the performance of the system
could be compromised; seek service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power steering (EPS) system.
There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill. For additional information on
the electric power steering (EPS) system, Refer toDriving Aids.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with
the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed.
WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING: If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below
40°F (5°C), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure
to use washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could
result in impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or
accident.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is low. Only use a washer fluid
that meets Ford specifications. See the technical specifications chart in
the Capacities and Specifications chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Maintenance 297
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•Spray Motorcraft Engine 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.
CLEANING THE WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windows and wiper blades should be cleaned regularly. If the wipers
do not wipe properly, substances on the vehicle’s glass or the wiper
blades may cause squeaking or chatter noise from the blades, and
streaking and smearing of the windshield. To clean these items, follow
these tips:
• The windows may be cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaner such as
Motorcraft® Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (U.S.) or Motorcraft
Premium Glass Cleaner (Canada).
• The wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrates in the U.S., or
Motorcraft Premium Quality Windshield Washer Fluid in Canada.
Replace your wiper blades when they appear worn or do not function
properly.
• Do not use abrasive materials, as they may cause scratches.
• Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
If you cannot remove those streaks after cleaning with the glass cleaner
or if the wipers chatter and move in a jerky motion, clean the outer
surface of the windshield and the wiper blades using a sponge or soft
cloth with a neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with clean water. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse the windshield
with water.
Note: Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause damage
to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines.
312 Vehicle Care
2015 Taurus
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USA(fus)
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 hood latch, all door latches and trunk lid hinges 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 contains 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.
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.
Battery
• Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
316 Vehicle Care
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USA(fus)
Extensive idling or low-speed driving for long distances as inheavy commercial use (such as delivery, taxi, patrol car or livery)
As required Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the information display and perform services
listed in the Normal Scheduled Maintenance
chart.
Inspect frequently,
service as required Replace cabin air filter (if equipped).
Replace engine air filter.
Every 30000 miles
(48000 km) Change automatic transmission fluid.
Every 60000 miles
(96000 km) Replace spark plugs.
Operating in dusty or sandy conditions such as unpaved or
dusty roads
Inspect frequently,
service as required Replace cabin air filter (if equipped).
Replace engine air filter.
Every 5000 miles
(8000 km) Inspect the wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and
measure tread depth.
Every 5000 miles
(8000 km) or six
months Change engine oil and filter.
*
Perform multi-point inspection.
Every 30000 miles
(48000 km) Change automatic transmission fluid.
*Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after each engine oil and filter
change. See the Instrument Cluster chapter.
Exclusive use of E85 (flex fuel vehicles only)
Every oil change If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full with regular unleaded fuel.
Scheduled Maintenance 545
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EXCEPTIONS
Axle Maintenance
Change the axle fluid anytime an axle is submerged in water.
California Fuel Filter Replacement
If you register your vehicle in California, the California Air Resources
Board has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item
does not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability before the
completion of your 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.
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 3000 miles (5000 kilometers).
If the available API SM or SN oils are not available, then the oil change
interval is 1800 miles (3000 kilometers).
Engine Air Filter and Cabin Air Filter Replacement
The life of the engine air filter and cabin air filter is dependent on
exposure to dusty and dirty conditions. Vehicles operated in these
conditions require frequent inspection and replacement of the engine air
filter and cabin air filter.
ENGINE COOLANT CHANGE RECORD
Initial change Six years or 100000 miles (160000 km)(whichever comes first)
After initial change Every three years or 50000 miles (80000 km)
548 Scheduled Maintenance
2015 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2014
USA(fus)