Note:During normal vehicle operation, thecoolant may change color from orange topink or light red. As long as the coolant isclear and uncontaminated, this color changedoes not indicate the coolant has degradednor does it require the coolant to be drained,the system to be flushed, or the coolant tobe replaced.
In case of emergency, you can add a largeamount of water without engine coolantin order to reach a vehicle service location.In this instance, qualified personnel:
1. Must drain the cooling system.
2. Chemically clean the coolant systemwith Motorcraft Premium CoolingSystem Flush.
3. Refill with engine coolant as soon aspossible.
Water alone, without engine coolant, cancause engine damage from corrosion,overheating or freezing.
Do not use the following as a coolantsubstitute:
•Alcohol.
•Methanol.
•Brine.
•Any coolant mixed with alcohol ormethanol antifreeze.
Alcohol and other liquids can cause enginedamage from overheating or freezing.
Do not add extra inhibitors or additives tothe coolant. These can be harmful andcompromise the corrosion protection ofthe coolant.
Recycled Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycledcoolant as an approved recycling processis not yet available.
Dispose of used engine coolant in anappropriate manner. Follow yourcommunity's regulations and standardsfor recycling and disposing of automotivefluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to increase thecoolant concentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60%provides improved freeze pointprotection. Coolant concentrationsabove 60% decrease the overheatprotection characteristics of thecoolant and may cause enginedamage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•You can decrease the coolantconcentration to 40%.
•Coolant concentrations below 40%decrease the freeze and corrosionprotection characteristics of thecoolant and may cause enginedamage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extremeclimates should use prediluted coolant foroptimum cooling system and engineprotection.
Coolant Change
At specific mileage intervals, as listed inthe scheduled maintenance information,the coolant should be changed. Addprediluted coolant approved to the correctspecification. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 297).
Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarilydrive your vehicle before any incrementalcomponent damage occurs. The fail-safedistance depends on ambienttemperature, vehicle load and terrain.
245
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Maintenance
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level islow. Only use a washer fluid that meetsFord specifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 297).
State or local regulations on volatileorganic compounds may restrict the useof methanol, a common windshield washerantifreeze additive. Washer fluidscontaining non-methanol antifreezeagents should be used only if they providecold weather protection without damagingthe vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades orwasher system.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetimefuel filter that is integrated with the fueltank. Regular maintenance or replacementis not needed.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY
WARNINGS
Batteries normally produce explosivegases which can cause personalinjury. Therefore, do not allowflames, sparks or lighted substances tocome near the battery. When working nearthe battery, always shield your face andprotect your eyes. Always provide correctventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery,excessive pressure on the end wallscould cause acid to flow through thevent caps, resulting in personal injury anddamage to the vehicle or battery. Lift thebattery with a battery carrier or with yourhands on opposite corners.
WARNINGS
Keep batteries out of reach ofchildren. Batteries contain sulfuricacid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes orclothing. Shield your eyes when workingnear the battery to protect against possiblesplashing of acid solution. In case of acidcontact with skin or eyes, flushimmediately with water for a minimum of15 minutes and get prompt medicalattention. If acid is swallowed, call aphysician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and relatedaccessories contain lead and leadcompounds. Wash hands afterhandling.
This vehicle may be fitted with morethan one battery. Removing thebattery cables from only one batterydoes not disconnect your vehicle electricalsystem. Make sure you disconnect thebattery cables from all batteries whendisconnecting power. Failure to do so maycause serious personal injury or propertydamage.
Your vehicle is fitted with a Motorcraftmaintenance-free battery which normallydoes not require additional water.
When a battery replacement is required,you must use a recommendedreplacement battery that matches theelectrical requirements of the vehicle.
Note:After cleaning or replacing thebattery, make sure you reinstall the batterycover or shield.
Note:If you add electrical accessories orcomponents to the vehicle, it may adverselyaffect the low voltage battery performanceand durability. This may also affect theperformance of other electrical systems inthe vehicle.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep thetop of the battery clean and dry.
252
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Maintenance
After battery replacement, or in somecases after charging the battery with anexternal charger, the battery managementsystem requires eight hours of vehicle sleeptime to relearn the battery state of charge.During this time your vehicle must remainfully locked with the ignition switched off.
Note:Prior to relearning the battery stateof charge, the battery management systemmay temporarily disable some electricalsystems.
Electrical Accessory Installation
To make sure the battery managementsystem works correctly, do not connect anelectrical device ground connectiondirectly to the battery negative post. Thiscan cause inaccurate measurements ofthe battery condition and potentialincorrect system operation.
Note:If you add electrical accessories orcomponents to the vehicle, it may adverselyaffect battery performance and durability.This may also affect the performance ofother electrical systems in the vehicle.
CHECKING THE WIPER
BLADES
Run the tip of your fingers over the edge ofthe blade to check for roughness.
Clean the wiper blades with washer fluidor water applied with a soft sponge orcloth.
CHANGING THE WIPER
BLADES
Replace the wiper blades at least annuallyfor optimum performance.
You can improve poor wiper quality bycleaning the wiper blades and thewindshield. See Cleaning the Windowsand Wiper Blades (page 262).
Changing the Windshield WiperBlades
Note:Do not hold the wiper blade whenlifting the wiper arm.
Note:Make sure that the wiper arm doesnot spring back against the glass when thewiper blade is not attached.
1. Lift the wiper arm and then press thewiper blade locking buttons together.
2. Slightly rotate the wiper blade.
3. Remove the wiper blade.
4. Install in the reverse order.
Note:Make sure that the wiper blade locksinto place.
254
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
MaintenanceE142463 E129990
1
1 2
ADJUSTING THE HEADLAMPS
Vertical Aim Adjustment
The headlamps on your vehicle areproperly aimed at the assembly plant. Ifyour vehicle has been in an accident, havethe alignment of your headlamps checkedby your authorized dealer.
Headlamp Aiming Target
8 feet (2.4 meters)A
Center height of lamp to groundB
25 feet (7.6 meters)C
Horizontal reference lineD
Vertical Aim Adjustment
1. Park the vehicle directly in front of awall or screen on a level surface,approximately 25 feet (7.6 meters)away.
2. Measure the height from the center ofyour headlamp (indicated by a 3.0millimeter circle on the lens) to theground and mark an 8 foot (2.4 meter)horizontal reference line on the verticalwall or screen at this height (a piece ofmasking tape works well).
Note:To see a clearer light pattern foradjusting, you may want to block the lightfrom one headlamp while adjusting theother.
3. Turn on the low beam headlamps toilluminate the wall or screen and openthe hood. Cover one of the headlampsso no light hits the wall.
4.There is a distinct cut-off (change fromlight to dark) in the left portion of thebeam pattern. Position the top edge ofthis cut-off 2 inches (5 centimeters)below the horizontal reference line.
255
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
MaintenanceE142592 E142465 E167359
5. Locate the vertical adjuster on eachheadlamp. Use a Phillips #2screwdriver to turn the adjuster eitherclockwise or counterclockwise toadjust the vertical aim of theheadlamp. The horizontal edge of thebrighter light should touch thehorizontal reference line.
6.Repeat Steps 3 through 7 to adjust theother headlamp.
7.Close the hood and turn off the lamps.
Horizontal Aim Adjustment
Horizontal aim is not required for thisvehicle and is not adjustable.
CHANGING A BULB
WARNINGS
Bulbs can become hot. Let the bulbcool down before removing it. Failureto do so could result in personalinjury.
Switch the lamps and the ignition off.Failure to follow this warning couldresult in serious personal injury.
Use the correct specification bulb. SeeBulb Specification Chart (page 257).
Install in the reverse order unless otherwisestated.
High-Intensity DischargeHeadlamps
These lamps operate at a high voltage. Seean authorized dealer if they fail.
Front Fog Lamp (If Equipped)
1.Switch all of the lamps and the ignitionoff.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector.
3.Turn the bulb holder counterclockwiseand remove it.
Note:Do not touch the bulb glass.
Note:You cannot separate the bulb fromthe bulb holder.
LED Lamps
LED lamps are not serviceable items. Seean authorized dealer if they fail.
The following lamps are LED:
•Front parking lamps.
•Front side marker lamps.
•Front direction indicators.
•Front side marker lamps.
•Side direction indicators.
•Brake and rear lamps.
•Central high mounted brake lamp.
•Rear direction indicators.
•Reversing lamps.
License Plate Lamp
1.Switch all of the lamps and the ignitionoff.
256
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
MaintenanceE163826
2. Remove the screws that secure thelamp assembly.3. Remove the bulb.
BULB SPECIFICATION CHART
The specified replacement bulbs are in thechart below. Headlamp bulbs must bemarked with an authorized D.O.T.(Department of Transportation) for NorthAmerica to affirm lamp performance, lightbrightness and pattern and safe visibility.The correct bulbs will not damage thelamp assembly or void the lamp assemblywarranty and will provide quality bulb burntime.
Trade numberFunction
D3S* Headlamp (high intensity discharge) Lowand High
LED* Sidemarker - front
LED* Park lamp - front
7444NA* Turn lamp - front
LEDSignal indicator mirror lamp
LEDApproach lamp
LED* Tail and brake lamp
LED* Turn lamp - rear
LED* Backup lamp
257
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
MaintenanceE178598 E178599
Trade numberFunction
W5WLicense plate lamp
LED* High-mount brake lamp
W5WInterior lamps
* To replace these lamps, see an authorized dealer.
To replace instrument panel lights, see an authorized dealer.
258
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Maintenance
GENERAL INFORMATION
Your dealer has many quality productsavailable to clean your vehicle and protectits finishes.
CLEANING PRODUCTS
Materials
For best results, use the following productsor products of equivalent quality:
SpecificationName
Motorcraft® Bug and Tar Remover ZC-42 (U.S. & Canada)
Motorcraft® Custom Bright Metal Cleaner ZC-15 (U.S. & Canada)
ESR-M14P4-AMotorcraft® Detail Wash ZC-3-A (U.S. & Canada)
Motorcraft® Engine Shampoo and Degreaser ZC-20 (U.S.)
Motorcraft® Engine Shampoo CXC-66-A (Canada)
Motorcraft® Leather and Vinyl Cleaner ZC-56 (U.S. & Canada)
Motorcraft® Multi-Purpose Cleaner CXC-101 (Canada)
WSS-M14P19-AMotorcraft® Premium Windshield Wash Concentrate with BitterantZC-32-B2 (U.S.)
WSS-M14P19-AMotorcraft® Premium Windshield Wash Concentrate with BitterantCXC-37-A/B/D/F (Canada)
Motorcraft® Professional Strength Carpet & Upholstery CleanerZC-54 (U.S. & Canada)
Motorcraft® Spot and Stain Remover ZC-14 (U.S.)
ESR-M14P5-AMotorcraft® Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner ZC-23 (U.S.)
ESR-M14P5-AMotorcraft® Premium Glass Cleaner CXC-100 (Canada)
Motorcraft® Wheel and Tire Cleaner ZC-37-A (U.S. & Canada)
Motorcraft® Dusting Cloth (ZC-24)
CLEANING THE EXTERIOR
Wash your vehicle regularly with cool orlukewarm water and a neutral pHshampoo, we recommend MotorcraftDetail Wash.
•Never use strong household detergentsor soap, for example dish washing orlaundry liquid. These products candiscolor and spot painted surfaces.
•Never wash your vehicle when it is hotto the touch, or during strong or directsunlight.
260
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Vehicle Care