2017 FORD TAURUS maintenance

4. Switch the engine off and wait 15minutes for the oil to drain into the oilpan. Checking the engine oil level toosoon after you switch the engine offmay result in an inaccurate reading.
5. Open the hood. See Opening andClosing the Hood (page 236).
6. Remove the dipstick and wipe it witha clean, lint-free cloth. See UnderHood Overview (page 240).
7. Replace the dipstick and remove itagain to check the oil level. SeeEngine Oil Dipstick (page 241).
8.Make sure that the oil level is betweenthe maximum and minimum marks. Ifthe oil level is at the minimum mark,add oil immediately. See Capacitiesand Specifications (page 304).
9. If the oil level is correct, replace thedipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
Note:Do not remove the dipstick when theengine is running.
Note: If the oil level is between themaximum and minimum marks, the oil levelis acceptable. Do not add oil.
Note:The oil consumption of new enginesreaches its normal level after approximately3,100 mi (5,000 km).
Adding Engine Oil
WARNING
Do not remove the filler cap whenthe engine is running.
Do not use supplemental engine oiladditives because they are unnecessaryand could lead to engine damage that maynot be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Only use oils certified for gasoline enginesby the American Petroleum Institute (API).An oil with this trademark symbolconforms to the current engine andemission system protection standards andfuel economy requirements of theInternational Lubricants SpecificationAdvisory Committee (ILSAC).
To top up the engine oil level do thefollowing:
1. Clean the area surrounding the engineoil filler cap before you remove it.
2. Remove the engine oil filler cap. SeeUnder Hood Overview (page 240).Turn it counterclockwise and removeit.
3. Add engine oil that meets Fordspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 304). You mayhave to use a funnel to pour the engineoil into the opening.
4. Recheck the oil level.
5. If the oil level is correct, replace thedipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
6. Replace the engine oil filler cap. Turnit clockwise until you feel a strongresistance.
Note: Do not add oil further than themaximum mark. Oil levels above themaximum mark may cause engine damage.
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Note:Make sure you install the oil filler capcorrectly.
Note:Soak up any spillage with anabsorbent cloth immediately.
OIL CHANGE INDICATOR
RESET
Use the information display controls onthe steering wheel to reset the oil changeindicator.
From the main menu scroll to:
Action and descriptionMessage
Press the right arrow button,then from this menu scrollto the following message.
Settings
Press the right arrow button,then from this menu scrollto the following message.
Vehicle
Press the right arrow button,then from this menu scrollto the following message.
Oil Life
Press and hold the OKbutton until the instrumentcluster displays thefollowing message.
Hold OK toReset
Reset Successful
When the oil change indic-ator resets the instrumentcluster displays 100%.
Remaining Life
{00}%
Action and descriptionMessage
If the instrument clusterdisplays one of the followingmessages, repeat theprocess.
Not Reset
Reset Cancelled
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
WARNINGS
Do not remove the coolant reservoircap when the cooling system is hot.Wait 10 minutes for the coolingsystem to cool down. Cover the coolantreservoir cap with a thick cloth to preventthe possibility of scalding and slowlyremove the cap. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injury.
Do not put coolant in the windshieldwasher fluid reservoir. If sprayed onthe windshield, coolant could makeit difficult to see through the windshield.
To reduce the risk of personal injury,make sure the engine is cool beforeunscrewing the coolant pressurerelief cap. The cooling system is underpressure. Steam and hot liquid can comeout forcefully when you loosen the capslightly.
Do not add coolant further than theMAX mark.
When the engine is cold, check theconcentration and level of the coolant atthe intervals listed in the scheduledmaintenance information. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 447).
Note:Make sure that the coolant level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks on thecoolant reservoir.
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Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. Thelevel may extend beyond the MAX mark.
Maintain coolant concentration within48% to 50%, which equates to a freezepoint between -30°F (-34°C) and -34°F(-37°C). Coolant concentration should bechecked using a refractometer. We do notrecommend the use of hydrometers orcoolant test strips for measuring coolantconcentration.
Adding Coolant
WARNING
Never remove the coolant reservoircap when the engine is running orhot.
Note: Automotive fluids are notinterchangeable. Take care not to putengine coolant in the windshield washerfluid reservoir or windshield washer fluid inthe engine coolant reservoir.
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, coolingsystem sealants, or non-specified additivesas they can cause damage to the enginecooling or heating systems. Resultingcomponent damage may not be covered bythe vehicle Warranty.
It is very important to use predilutedcoolant approved to the correctspecification in order to avoid plugging thesmall passageways in the engine coolingsystem. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 297). Do not mixdifferent colors or types of coolant in yourvehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or usingan incorrect coolant may harm the engineor cooling system components and maynot be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note:If prediluted coolant is not available,use the approved concentrated coolantdiluting it to 50/50 with distilled water. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page 297).Using water that has not been deionisedmay contribute to deposit formation,corrosion and plugging of the small coolingsystem passageways.
Note:Coolants marketed for all makes andmodels may not be approved to Fordspecifications and may cause damage tothe cooling system. Resulting componentdamage may not be covered by the vehicleWarranty.
If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
To top up the coolant level do thefollowing:
1. Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressureescapes as you unscrew the cap.
2. Add prediluted coolant approved tothe correct specification. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page297).
3. Add enough prediluted coolant toreach the correct level.
4.Replace the coolant reservoir cap, turnit clockwise until you feel a strongresistance.
5. Check the coolant level in the coolantreservoir the next few times you driveyour vehicle. If necessary, add enoughprediluted engine coolant to bring thecoolant level to the correct level.
If you have to add more than 1.1 qt (1 L) ofengine coolant per month, have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.Operating an engine with a low level ofcoolant can result in engine overheatingand possible engine damage.
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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.
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How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat,the coolant temperature gaugemoves toward the red zone:
A warning lamp illuminates anda message may appear in theinformation display.
If the engine reaches a presetover-temperature condition, the engineautomatically switches to alternatingcylinder operation. Each disabled cylinderacts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle stilloperates, however:
•Engine power is limited.
•The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the enginetemperature, causing the engine tocompletely shut down. Your steering andbraking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, youcan re-start the engine. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible to minimizeengine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNINGS
Fail-safe mode is for use duringemergencies only. Operate yourvehicle in fail-safe mode only as longas necessary to bring your vehicle to restin a safe location and seek immediaterepairs. When in fail-safe mode, yourvehicle will have limited power, will not beable to maintain high-speed operation, andmay completely shut down withoutwarning, potentially losing engine power,power steering assist, and power brakeassist, which may increase the possibilityof a crash resulting in serious injury.
WARNINGS
Never remove the coolant reservoircap when the engine is running orhot.
Your vehicle has limited engine powerwhen in the fail-safe mode, drive yourvehicle with caution. Your vehicle does notmaintain high-speed operation and theengine may operate poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable ofautomatically shutting down to preventengine damage. In this situation:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and switch the engine off.
2. If you are a member of a roadsideassistance program, we recommendthat you contact your roadsideassistance service provider.
3. If this is not possible, wait a shortperiod for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level. If the coolantlevel is at or below the minimum mark,add prediluted coolant immediately.
5. When the engine temperature cools,you can re-start the engine. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible tominimize engine damage.
Note:Driving your vehicle without repairincreases the chance of engine damage.
Engine Coolant TemperatureManagement (If Equipped)
WARNING
To reduce the risk of crash and injury,be prepared that the vehicle speedmay reduce and the vehicle may notbe able to accelerate with full power untilthe coolant temperature reduces.
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If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, theengine may temporarily reach a highertemperature during severe operatingconditions, for example ascending a longor steep grade in high ambienttemperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolanttemperature gauge moves toward the redzone and a message may appear in theinformation display.
You may notice a reduction in vehiclespeed caused by reduced engine power inorder to manage the engine coolanttemperature. Your vehicle may enter thismode if certain high-temperature andhigh-load conditions take place. Theamount of speed reduction depends onvehicle loading, grade and ambienttemperature. If this occurs, there is no needto pull off the road. You can continue todrive your vehicle.
The air conditioning may automaticallyturn on and off during severe operatingconditions to protect the engine fromoverheating. When the coolanttemperature decreases to the normaloperating temperature, the air conditioningturns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge movesfully into the red zone, or if the coolanttemperature warning or service enginesoon messages appear in your informationdisplay, do the following:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and shift the transmission intopark (P).
2. Leave the engine running until thecoolant temperature gauge needlereturns to the normal position. Afterseveral minutes, if the temperaturedoes not drop, follow the remainingsteps.
3.Switch the engine off and wait for it tocool. Check the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
5. If the coolant level is normal, restartthe engine and continue.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK - 2.0L
ECOBOOST™
6F35 Transmission
The automatic transmission does not havea transmission fluid dipstick.
The automatic transmission does notconsume fluid. If the transmission is notworking correctly, for example, thetransmission slips, shifts slowly or thereare signs of fluid leakage, have the systemchecked by an authorized dealer.
Change the automatic transmission fluidand filter at the correct service interval.
Do not use supplemental automatictransmission fluid additives because theyare unnecessary and could lead totransmission damage that may not becovered by the vehicle Warranty.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK - 3.5L DURATEC/
3.5L ECOBOOST™
6F50/6F55 Transmission (If Equipped)
WARNINGS
The dipstick cap and surroundingcomponents may be hot, use gloves.
Use gloves when moving the air filterassembly. Components will be hot.
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Note:Automatic transmission fluidexpands when warmed. To obtain anaccurate fluid check, drive your vehicle untilyou warm it up, approximately 20 mi(30 km). If you operate your vehicle for anextended period at high speeds, in city trafficduring hot weather or pulling a trailer, switchyour vehicle off until it reaches normaloperating temperatures to allow the fluidto cool before checking. Depending onvehicle use, cooling times could take up to30 minutes or longer.
Refer to your scheduled maintenanceinformation for scheduled intervals for fluidchecks and changes. Your transmissiondoes not consume fluid. However, youshould check the fluid level if thetransmission is not working properly. Forexample, if the transmission slips or shiftsslowly or if you notice some sign of a fluidleak.
1. Drive your vehicle 20 mi (30 km) oruntil it reaches normal operatingtemperature.
2.Park your vehicle on a level surface andengage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged andyour foot on the brake pedal, start theengine and move the gearshift leverthrough all of the gear ranges. Allow aminimum of 10 seconds for each gearto engage.
4. Put the gearshift lever in park (P) andleave the engine running.
Note:For vehicles with the EcoBoostengine, move the air filter assembly asideto access the transmission dipstick. SeeMoving the Air Filter Assembly for moreinformation.
5. Remove the dipstick and wipe it cleanwith a dry, lint free clean rag. Ifnecessary, refer to the Under hoodoverview in this chapter for the locationof the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure youfully seat it in the filler tube by turningit to the locked position.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect thefluid level. The fluid should be in thedesignated areas for normal operatingtemperature.
Moving the Air Filter Assembly(Accessing the Dipstick)
WARNING
Do not run engine with the air filterdisconnected.
1. Switch the engine off.
2. Clean the area around the clamp thatconnects the air filter assembly to therubber hose and then loosen it.
3. Remove the bolt cover.
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3

4. Remove two bolts that attach the airfilter assembly to the front of thevehicle.
5. Remove the harness retaining clip bypulling up.
6. Do not disconnect the sensor.
7. Pull the air filter assembly up todisconnect it from the seatedgrommets located under the air filterassembly.
8. Rotate the air filter assembly 90degrees counterclockwise. Make surethe rubber hose is still connected to theair filter assembly.
9. Tighten the clamp.
You can now access the transmission fluidlevel indicator.
Checking the fluid level
Low fluid level
If the fluid level is below the MIN range ofthe dipstick, add fluid to reach the hashmark level.
Note:If the fluid level is below the MINlevel, do not drive the vehicle. An underfillcondition may cause shift or engagementconcerns or possible damage.
Correct fluid level
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