Ford 1996 Taurus, Taurus User Manual

Table of Contents

Introductory Information ............................. 1

Safety Restraints ............................................ 9

Starting Your Taurus .................................. 59

Warning Lights and Gauges ..................... 71

Instrument Panel Controls ........................ 91

Steering Column Controls ...................... 115

Features ........................................................ 125

Electronic Sound Systems ....................... 169

Driving Your Taurus ................................ 191

Roadside Emergencies .............................. 217

Customer Assistance ................................. 237

Reporting Safety Defects ......................... 244

Accessories .................................................. 249

Servicing Your Taurus ............................. 255

Quick Index ................................................ 341

Index ............................................................. 357

Service Station Information .................... 380

1

Introductory Information

At Ford Motor Company, excellence is the
continuous commitment to achieve the best
result possible. It is dedication to learning what
you want, determination to develop the right
concept, and execution of that concept with care,
precision, and attention to detail. In short,
excellence means being the standard by which
others are judged.

Our Guiding Principles

❑

Quality comes first. For your satisfaction, the
quality of our products and services must be
our number one priority.

❑

You are the focus of everything we do. Our
work must be done with you in mind,
providing better products and services than
our competition.

❑

Continuous improvement is essential to our
success. We must strive for excellence in

everything we do: in our products — in their
safety and value — and in our services, our
human relations, our competitiveness, and
our profitability.

❑

Employee involvement is our way of life.
We are a team. We must treat one another
with trust and respect.

❑

Dealers and suppliers are our partners. We
must maintain mutually beneficial
relationships with dealers, suppliers, and our
other business associates.

2

❑

Integrity is never compromised. Our conduct
worldwide must be pursued in a manner that
is socially responsible and commands respect
for its integrity and for its positive
contributions to society.

This Guide

Congratulations on the purchase of your new
vehicle. This guide has information about the
equipment and the options for your new vehicle.
You may not have bought all of the options
available to you. If you do not know which
information applies to your vehicle, talk to your
dealer.

This guide describes equipment and gives
specifications for equipment that was in effect
when this guide was approved for printing. Ford
may discontinue models or change specifications
or design without any notice and without
incurring obligation.

NOTES and WARNINGS

NOTES give you additional information about

the subject matter you are referencing.
WARNINGS remind you to be especially careful

in those areas where carelessness can cause
damage to your vehicle or personal injury to
yourself, your passengers or other people. Please
read all WARNINGS carefully.

RWARNING

3

Finding Information in This Guide

After you have read this guide once, you will
probably return to it when you have a specific
question or need additional information. To help
you find specific information quickly, you can
use the Quick Index or the Index.

The Quick Index at the end of the book
provides a page number following each item
which indicates where detailed information can
be found.

To use the Index, turn to the back of the book
and search in the alphabetical listing for the
word that best describes the information you
need. If the word you chose is not listed, think
of other related words and look them up. We
have designed the Index so that you can find
information under a technical term.

Canadian Owners — French Version

French Owner Guides can be obtained from your
dealer or by writing to Ford Motor Company of
Canada, Limited, Service Publications, P.O. Box
1580, Station B, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4G3.

Record Booklet

The Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet lists
the services that are most important for keeping
your vehicle in good condition. A record log is
also provided to help you keep track of all
services performed.

4

Your vehicle is covered by three types of
warranties: Basic Vehicle Warranty, Extended

Warranties on certain parts, and Emissions
Warranties.

Read your Warranty Information Booklet carefully
to find out about your vehicle’s warranties and
your basic rights and responsibilities.

If you lose your Warranty Information Booklet, you
can get a new one free of charge. Contact any
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer, or refer to the
addresses and phone numbers on the first page
of this owner guide.

Buying a Ford Extended Service Plan

If you bought your vehicle in the U.S., you can
buy a Ford Extended Service Plan for your
vehicle. This optional contract provides service
protection for a longer period of time than the
basic warranty that comes with your vehicle.

You do not have to buy this option when you
buy your vehicle. However, your option to
purchase the Ford Extended Service Plan runs
out after 18 months or 18,000 miles. See your
dealer for more details about the Ford Extended
Service Plan.

If you purchased a Canadian vehicle and did not
take advantage of the Ford Extended Service
Plan at the time of purchase, you may still be
eligible. See your dealer for the details.

5

Your new vehicle goes through an adjustment or
break-in period during the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) that you drive it. During the break-in
period, you need to pay careful attention to how
you drive your vehicle.

❑

Avoid sudden stops. Because your vehicle
has new brake linings, you should take these
steps:

— Watch traffic carefully so that you can

anticipate when to stop.
— Begin braking well in advance.
— Apply the brakes gradually.

The break-in period for new brake linings
lasts for 100 miles (160 km) of city driving or
1,000 miles (1,600 km) of highway driving.

❑

Use only the type of engine oil that Ford
recommends. See Engine oil recommendations

in the Index. Do not use special “break-in”
oils.

Safety Labels

There are labels, decals and tags on your vehicle
to alert you about possible hazards. The signal
word on the label tells you the degree of hazard
and is used in the following ways:

❑

DANGER: Used to indicate the presence of a
hazard which will cause severe personal
injury or death if the warning is ignored.

❑

WARNING: Used to indicate the presence of
a hazard which can cause severe personal
injury or death if the warning is ignored.

❑

CAUTION: Used to indicate the presence of a
hazard which will or can cause minor
personal injury or property damage if the
warning is ignored.

6

Vehicle

Pollen, bird droppings and tree sap can damage
the paint, especially in hot weather. Wash your
vehicle as often as necessary to keep it clean.

Take similar precautions if your vehicle is
exposed to chemical industrial fallout.

Paint damage resulting from fallout is not
related to a defect in paint materials or
workmanship and therefore is not covered by
warranty. Ford, however, believes that continual
improvement in customer satisfaction is a high
priority. For this reason, Ford has authorized its
dealers to repair, at no charge to the owner, the
surfaces of new vehicles damaged by
environmental fallout within 12 months or 12,000
miles (20,000 km) of purchase, whichever comes
first. Customers may be required to bring their
vehicle in for inspection by a Ford
representative.

Washing and Polishing Your Vehicle

Wash the outside of your vehicle, including the
underside, with a cleaner made for washing cars.
If your vehicle has clear-coat, make sure that the
cleaner is recommended for clear-coat.

DO NOT:

❑

Wash your vehicle with hot water

❑

Wash your vehicle while it sits in direct
sunlight

❑

Wash your vehicle while the body is hot

Polish your vehicle to remove harmful deposits
and protect the finish.

7

Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts

Wash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild
detergent. Do not use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, fuel or strong detergents.

Cleaning Plastic Parts

Some of your vehicle’s exterior trim parts are
plastic. Clean with a tar and road oil remover if
necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner for routine
cleaning.

Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents
or petroleum-based cleaners.

If you have your vehicle rustproofed, remove
oversprayed rustproofing with a tar and road oil
remover. If rustproofing is not removed from
plastic and rubber parts, it can cause
deterioration.

9

Safety Restraints

The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and
your passengers in case of a collision. In most
states and in Canada the law requires their use.

Safety belts provide best restraint when:

❑

the seatback is upright

❑

the occupant is sitting upright (not slouched)

❑

the lap belt is snug and low on the hips

❑

the shoulder belt is snug against the chest

❑

the knees are straight forward

To help you remember to fasten your safety belt,
a warning light may come on and a chime may
sound. See Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime in
the Warning Lights and Gauges chapter.

See the following sections in this chapter for
directions on how to properly use these safety
belts. Also see Safety Restraints for Children in this
chapter for special instructions about using
safety belts for children.

10

RWARNING

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle.
In a collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously injured or
killed. Do not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not equipped
with seats and safety belts. Be sure
everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a safety belt properly.

RWARNING

Make sure that you and your passengers
wear safety belts. Always drive and ride
with your seatback upright and the lap
belt snug and low across the hips.

RWARNING

Never wear the shoulder belt under the
arm. Never swing it around the neck over
the inside shoulder. Never use a single
belt for more than one person or across
more than one seating position. Each
seating position in your vehicle has a
specific safety belt assembly which is
made up of one buckle and one tongue
that are designed to be used as a pair.
Failure to follow these precautions could
increase the risk and/or severity of injury
in a collision.

11

RWARNING

Ford recommends that all safety belt
assemblies and attaching hardware should
be inspected by a qualified technician
after any collision. Safety belt assemblies
not in use during a collision should also
be inspected and replaced if either
damage or improper operation is noted.

RWARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury in a
collision, children should always ride with
the seatback upright.

RWARNING

Never let a passenger hold a child on his
or her lap while the vehicle is moving.
The passenger cannot protect the child
from injury in a collision.

RWARNING

Lock the doors of your vehicle before
driving to lessen the risk of the door
coming open in a collision.

12

Belts

While your vehicle is in motion, the combination
lap and shoulder belt adjusts to your movement.
However, if you brake hard, turn hard, or if
your vehicle receives an impact of 5 mph
(8 km/h) or more, the lap/shoulder belt locks
and helps reduce your forward movement.

After you get into your vehicle, close the door
and lock it. Then adjust the seat to the position
that suits you best.

Pull the combination lap/shoulder belt from the
retractor so that the shoulder portion of the belt
crosses your shoulder and chest. Be sure the belt
is not twisted. If it is, remove the twist. Insert
the belt tongue into the proper buckle until you
hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the
tongue is securely fastened to the buckle by
pulling on tongue.

Fastening the front seat combination lap and shoulder belt

NOTE: Be sure to read and understand

Important Safety Belt Information at
the beginning of this chapter.

13

Unfastening the combination lap and shoulder belts —
front and rear outboard seating positions

While the belt retracts, guide the tongue to its
original position to prevent it from striking you
or the vehicle.

Safety Belts for Front Outboard Passenger
and Rear Outboard Seating Positions
(Except Wagon Rear-Facing Seat)

Your vehicle is equipped with a dual locking
mode retractor on the shoulder belt portion of
the combination lap/shoulder safety belt for the
front seat outboard passenger and rear outboard
passengers.

Dual locking mode retractors operate in two
ways:

Vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode

In this operating mode, the shoulder belt
retractor will allow the occupant freedom of
movement, locking tight only on hard braking,
hard cornering or impacts of approximately
5 mph (8 km/h) or more. The retractor can also
be made to lock by pulling the belt out quickly.

14

Automatic locking mode

In this operating mode, the shoulder belt
retractor will be automatically locked and will
remain locked when the combination
lap/shoulder safety belt is buckled, and does not
allow the occupant freedom of movement. This
mode provides the following:

❑

A tight lap/shoulder belt on the occupant.

❑

Child safety seat installation.

RWARNING

Rear-facing infant seats should never be
placed in the front seats.

This mode must be used when installing a child
safety seat on the front passenger seat and rear
outboard seats where dual locking retractors are
provided.

To switch the retractor from the emergency
locking mode to the automatic locking mode,
perform the following steps:

1. Buckle the lap/shoulder combination belt.

2. Grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and

pull downward until all of the belt is
extracted and, when allowed to retract, a
clicking sound is heard. At this time, the belt
retractor is in the automatic locking mode
(child restraint mode).

3. A clicking sound will continue to be heard

as the belt is allowed to retract. This
indicates that the retractor is in the
automatic locking mode.

15

NOTE: When the combination lap/shoulder

belt is unbuckled and allowed to
retract completely, the retractor will
switch to the vehicle sensitive
(emergency) locking mode. See the
detailed instructions under Safety Seats
for Children in this chapter.

Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment

Driver and right front passenger

You can adjust the shoulder belt height to one of
five (5) positions.

To adjust the belt down, pinch the release
button. To adjust the belt up, slide the adjuster
up. (You do not have to pinch the release
button.)

Make sure the adjuster is firmly in one of the
five positions. The belt should be adjusted up or
down until the belt rests on your shoulder near
your neck.

The shoulder belt height adjuster

16

RWARNING

Position the shoulder belt height adjuster
so that the belt rests across the middle of
your shoulder. Be sure the shoulder belt is
properly positioned on your shoulder each
time you use the belt. If the shoulder belt
is off your shoulder, on your upper arm
or neck, there is a greater risk of severe
injury in a collision.

Safety Belts for Rear-Facing Occupants
(Wagon)

RWARNING

Never use child safety seats in the third
seat of a wagon.

Your vehicle is equipped with safety seat belts
containing an adjust tongue at the rear-facing
seating positions.

When the adjust tongue of the lap/shoulder
combination seat belt is latched into the buckle,
the tongue will allow the lap portion to become
shorter, but locks the webbing in place to restrict
it from becoming longer.

Before you can reach and latch a combination
lap and shoulder belt having an adjust tongue
into the buckle, you may have to lengthen the
lap belt portion of it. To lengthen the lap belt,
pull some webbing out of the shoulder belt
retractor. While holding the webbing below the
tongue, grasp the tongue so that it is parallel to
the webbing and slide the tongue upward.
Provide enough lap belt length so that the
tongue can reach the buckle.

17

To fasten the belt, pull the combination lap and
shoulder belt from the retractor so that the
shoulder belt portion of the safety belt crosses
your shoulder and chest. Be sure the belt is not
twisted. If the belt is twisted remove the twist.
Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle for
your seating position until you hear a snap and
feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely
fastened to the buckle by pulling on the tongue.

RWARNING

The lap belts should fit snugly and as low
as possible around the hips, not around
the waist.

RWARNING

All front and rear seat outboard
occupants (including pregnant women)
should wear lap and shoulder belts, for
optimum protection in a collision.

RWARNING

Failure to follow these precautions could
increase the risk and/or severity of injury
in a collision. 1) Use the shoulder belt on
the outside shoulder only. Never wear the
shoulder belt under the arm. 2) Never
swing it around your neck over the inside
shoulder. 3) Never use a single belt for
more than one person.

Due to folding rear seats, sometimes the buckles
and tongues toward the center of the vehicle
may be hidden by the rear edge of the seat
cushion. Pull them out so they will be accessible.

18

While you are fastened in the seat belt, the
shoulder belt adjusts to your movement.
However, if you brake hard, turn hard, or if
your vehicle receives an impact of 5 mph
(8 km/h) or more, the safety belt will become
locked and help reduce your forward movement.

To unfasten the belt, push the red release button
on the end of the buckle. This allows the tongue
to unlatch from the buckle. While the belt
retracts, guide the tongue to its original position
to prevent it from striking you or the vehicle.

Unfastening the combination lap and shoulder belts for the
rear-facing third seat (wagon)

19

Center Occupant Rear Safety Belt (Sedan)

The safety belt in the center rear seating position
has a detachable shoulder belt.

To attach the shoulder belt to the lap belt, pull
the shoulder belt out from the retractor in the
seatback and insert the lap belt connecting pin
into the wide end of the key-slot on the
shoulder belt as shown in Figure 1. Pull the
connecting pin into the narrow end of the
key-slot until you hear a snap and feel it latch.
See Figure 2. Make sure the shoulder belt is
securely fastened to the lap belt by pulling up
on the shoulder belt.

The reverse side of the lap belt and the detachable
shoulder belt

20

The reverse side of the shoulder belt attached to the lap
belt

RWARNING

The rear center lap belt must be tightened
separately from the shoulder strap. The
lap belt must fit snugly, and as low as
possible around the hips. Do not wear
around your waist. For information about
adjusting the belt, see “LAP BELTS” in
this chapter.

Detach the shoulder belt before folding down
the passenger side rear seat. To detach the
shoulder belt, slide the connecting pin to the
wide end of the key-slot and lift the shoulder
belt off the connecting pin. As the shoulder belt
retracts, guide the belt so that it does not strike
you or the vehicle.

21

The lap belts in the center front seating position
(if equipped) and center rear seat do not adjust
automatically. You must adjust them to fit
snugly and as low as possible around your hips.
Do not wear the lap belt around your waist.

The front center seat belt buckle and tongue are
stowed in a pocket between the seat cushion and
seatback. Remove them from the stowage pocket
before fastening.

Pull the belt across your hips and insert the
tongue into the correct buckle on your seat
until you hear a snap and feel it lock. Make sure
the buckle is securely fastened.

If you need to lengthen the belt, unfasten it and
tip the belt tongue at a right angle to the belt.
Pull the belt tongue over your lap until it
reaches the buckle.

If you need to shorten the belt, pull on the loose
end of the webbing until the belt fits snugly.

Unfastening the lap belts for the center front and center
rear seating positions

22

To unfasten the belt, push the release button on
the end of the buckle. This allows the tongue to
unlatch from the buckle.

RWARNING

The lap belts should fit snugly and as low
as possible around the hips, not around
the waist.

Safety Belt Extension Assembly

For some people, the safety belt may be too
short even when it is fully extended. You can
add about eight inches (20 cm) to the belt length
with a safety belt extension assembly (part
number 611C22). Safety belt extensions are
available at no cost from your dealer.

This assembly is not for use in the wagon
rear-facing seat.

RWARNING

The use of the safety belt extension in the
wagon rear-facing seat will increase the
risk of personal injury.

Use only extensions manufactured by the same
supplier as the safety belt. Manufacturer
identification is located at the end of the
webbing on the label. Also, use the safety belt
extension only if the safety belt is too short for
you when fully extended. Do not use extension
to change the fit of the shoulder belt across the
torso.

RWARNING

Failure to follow these instructions will
affect the performance of the safety belts
and increase the risk of personal injury.

23

Check the safety belt systems periodically to
make sure that they work properly and are not
damaged.

All safety belt assemblies, including retractors,
buckles, front seat belt buckle support assemblies
(slide bar) (if equipped), child safety seat tether
bracket assemblies (if equipped), and attaching
hardware, should be inspected after any
collision. Ford recommends that all safety belt
assemblies used in vehicles involved in a
collision be replaced. However, if the collision
was minor and a qualified technician finds that
the belts do not show damage and continue to
operate properly, they do not need to be
replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use
during a collision should also be inspected and
replaced if either damage or improper operation
is noted.

Cleaning the Safety Belts

Clean the safety belts with any mild soap
solution that is recommended for cleaning
upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the
belt webbing because this may weaken it.

System (SRS)

The driver and right front passenger air bags are
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), provided
at these seating positions in addition to the
lap/shoulder belt, and are designed to
supplement the protection provided to properly
belted occupants in moderate to severe frontal
collisions. The supplemental air bag system does
not provide restraint to the lower body.

24

The Importance of Wearing Safety Belts

RWARNING

Safety belts must be worn by all vehicle
occupants to be properly restrained and
help reduce the risk of injury in a
collision.

RWARNING

All occupants of the vehicle, including the
driver, should always wear their safety
belts, even when an air bag Supplemental
Restraint System is provided.

There are four very important reasons to use
safety belts even with an air bag system. Use
your safety belts to:

❑

help keep you in the proper position (away
from the air bag) when it inflates

❑

reduce the risk of harm in rollover, side or
rear impact collisions, because an air bag is
not designed to inflate in such situations

❑

reduce the risk of harm in frontal collisions
that are not severe enough to activate the
supplemental air bag

❑

reduce the risk of being thrown from your
vehicle

The Importance of Being Properly Seated

In a collision, the air bag must inflate extremely
fast to help provide additional protection for
you. In order to do this, the air bag must inflate
with considerable force. If you are not seated in
a normal riding position with your back against
the seatback, the air bag may not protect you
properly and could possibly hurt you as it
inflates.

25

RWARNING

If a passenger is not properly seated and
restrained, an inflating air bag could cause
serious injury.

Your vehicle is equipped with a right front
passenger air bag. Air bags deploy with great
force, faster than the blink of an eye. Front
passengers, especially children and small adults,
must never sit on the front edge of the seat,
stand near the glove compartment of the
instrument panel, or lean over near the air bag
cover when the vehicle is moving. All occupants
should sit with their backs against the seatback,
move the seat to the most rearward position if
possible and use the safety belts. Children
weighing less than 40 lbs. (18 kg) always should
use child or infant seats.

RWARNING

Rear-facing infant seats should never be
placed in the front seat.

In rear-facing infant seats, the infant’s head is
closer to the air bag. The force of the rapidly
inflating air bag could push the top of the
rear-facing seat against the vehicle seatback or
center armrests (if so equipped), or center
console (if so equipped). REAR-FACING
INFANT CARRIERS MUST ALWAYS BE
SECURED IN THE REAR SEAT, and other child
safety seats and infant seats should be secured in
the rear seat whenever possible.

26

RWARNING

When using forward-facing child seats
move the passenger seat as far back from
the instrument panel as possible. NEVER
SECURE REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS
IN THE FRONT SEAT.

The force of the rapidly inflating passenger air
bag could push the top of the rear-facing seat
against the vehicle seatback, armrests or console.
Rear-facing infant seats must always be secured
in the rear seat.

RWARNING

Do not place objects or mount equipment
on or near the air bag cover on the
steering wheel or in front seat areas that
may come in contact with a deploying air
bag. Failure to follow this instruction may
increase the risk of personal injury in the
event of a collision.

For further information about the proper
mounting of equipment in the front seat of this
vehicle, please refer to Ford’s brochure entitled

Some Important Information About Air Bag
Supplemental Restraint System which can be

obtained by calling Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356.
Ask for brochure FPS-8602.

For additional important safety information on
the proper use of seat belts, child seats, and
infant seats, please read the other sections of this
chapter of the Owner Guide, especially sections
entitled Safety Belts for Children and Safety Seats

for Children.

27

How the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint
System Operates

The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System
consists of the driver and passenger air bags,
impact sensors, a system diagnostic module, a
readiness light and tone, and the electrical
wiring which connects the components.

The driver air bag is in the center of the steering
wheel. The front passenger seat air bag is
located in the center of the instrument panel
ledge above the glove compartment. Both air
bags are designed to stay out of sight until they
are activated.

The location of air bags and warning labels

28

If a collision occurs, the sensors sense the
severity of the impact and activate the air bags if
necessary. The air bag system is designed to
deploy in frontal and front-angled collisions
more severe than hitting a parked vehicle (of
similar size and weight) head-on at about
28 mph (45 km/h). Because the system senses
the crash severity rather than vehicle speed,
some frontal collisions at speeds above 28 mph
(45 km/h) will not inflate the air bag.

When the sensors activate the system, the air
bags inflate rapidly, filling with non-toxic gas
mixture in a fraction of a second. Immediately
after inflation, the air bags deflate by releasing
the gas mixture through vent holes. The whole
process takes place in a matter of seconds.

RWARNING

Air bag system components get hot after
inflation. Do not touch them after
inflation.

29

Inflated driver-side air bag

Inflated passenger-side air bag

30

RWARNING

If the air bag is inflated, THE AIR BAG
WILL NOT FUNCTION AGAIN AND
MUST BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. If
the air bag is not replaced, the unrepaired
area will increase the risk of injury in a
collision.

To ensure that the air bag system will operate as
intended in a crash, the system is equipped with
a diagnostic module, which controls a readiness
lamp and a warning tone. The diagnostic
module monitors its own circuits, the air bag
electrical system, the air bag readiness light, the
air bag power, and the air bag inflators.

The air bag system uses a readiness light on the
instrument cluster and a tone to indicate the
condition of the system. When you turn the
ignition key to the ON position, this light will
illuminate for approximately six (6) seconds and
then turn off. This indicates that the system is
operating normally. NOTE: Maintenance of the
air bag system is not required.

A problem with the system is indicated by one
or more of the following:

❑

the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,

❑

or it will not light immediately after ignition
is turned on,

❑

or a group of five beeps will be heard. The
tone pattern will repeat periodically until the
problem and light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, have the air bag
system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the air bag
Supplemental Restraint System may not function
properly in the event of a collision.

31

RWARNING

Do not attempt to service, repair, or
modify the Air Bag Supplemental
Restraint System or its fuses. See your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.

Disposal of air bags or air bag equipped
vehicles

For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped
vehicles, see your local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer. Air bags MUST be disposed of by
qualified personnel.

In the U.S. and Canada, you are required by law
to use safety restraints for children. If small
children ride in your vehicle — this generally
includes children who are four years old or
younger and who weigh 40 pounds (18 kg) or
less — you must put them in safety seats that
are made specially for children. Safety belts
alone do not provide maximum protection for
these children. Check your local and state laws
for specific requirements.

RWARNING

Never let a passenger hold a child on his
or her lap while the vehicle is moving.
The passenger cannot protect the child
from injury in a collision.

RWARNING

To prevent the risk of injury, make sure
children sit where they can be properly
restrained.

32

RWARNING

Passengers should not be allowed to ride
in the cargo area. Persons not riding in a
seat with a fastened seat belt are much
more likely to suffer serious injury in a
collision. Cargo should always be secured
to prevent it from shifting and causing
damage to the vehicle or harm to
passengers.

When possible, put children in the rear seat of
your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that
children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seating positions than in the front
seating positions.

RWARNING

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s
instructions included with the safety seat
you put in your vehicle. If you do not
install and use the safety seat properly,
the child may be injured in a sudden stop
or collision.

RWARNING

Safety belts and seats can become hot in a
vehicle that has been closed up in sunny
weather; they could burn a small child.
Check seat covers and buckles before you
place a child anywhere near them.

RWARNING

Never leave a child unattended in your
vehicle.

33

Safety Seats for Children

Use a safety seat that is recommended for the
size and weight of the child. Always follow the
safety seat manufacturer’s instructions when
installing and using the safety seat.

Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat
having a top tether strap. Install the child safety
seat in a seating position which is capable of
providing a tether anchorage. For more
information on top tether straps see Attaching
Safety Seats With Tether Straps in this chapter.

When installing a child safety seat, be sure to
use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating
position, and make sure the tongue is securely
fastened in the buckle. For a shoulder/lap belt
combination with a sliding tongue, make sure
the retractor is in the automatic locking mode.

Your vehicle is equipped with a right front
passenger air bag. Air bags deploy with great
force, faster than the blink of an eye. Front
passengers, especially children and small adults,
must never sit on the front edge of the seat,
stand near the glove compartment of the
instrument panel, or lean over near the air bag
cover when the vehicle is moving. All occupants
should sit with their backs against the seatback,
move the seat to the most rearward position if
possible and use the safety belts. Children
weighing less than 40 lbs. (18 kg) always should
use child or infant seats.

RWARNING

When using forward-facing child seats
move the passenger seat as far back from
the instrument panel as possible. NEVER
SECURE REAR-FACING INFANT SEATS
IN THE FRONT SEAT.

34

The force of the rapidly inflating passenger air
bag could push the top of the rear-facing seat
against the vehicle seatback, armrests or console.
Rear-facing infant seats must always be secured
in the rear seat.

All child restraint systems are designed to be
secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or by the
lap portion of a lap-shoulder belt.

RWARNING

If you do not properly secure the safety
seat, the child occupying the seat may be
injured during a collision or sudden stop.
An unsecured safety seat could also injure
other passengers.

RWARNING

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s
instructions included with the safety seat
you put in your vehicle. If you do not
install and use the safety seat properly,
the child may be injured in a sudden stop
or collision.

RWARNING

Never use child safety seats in the third
seat of a wagon.

RWARNING

Always keep the buckle release button
pointing upward and away from the child
seat, with the tongue between the child
seat and the release button as shown in
the following illustration.

35

Safety belt buckle placement for child seats

Installing Child Safety Seats in the Front
Passenger Seat and Outer Rear Seating
Positions

Your vehicle is equipped with a dual locking
mode retractor on the shoulder belt portion of
the combination lap/shoulder safety belt for the
front passenger seat and rear outer seats. The
automatic locking mode must be used when
installing a child seat or infant carrier in the
front passenger seat or rear outer seats.

RWARNING

Never install a rear-facing child seat or
infant carrier in the right front passenger
seat.

36

If you choose to install a child safety seat in the
front seating position, move vehicle seat as far
back as possible.

1. Position the child seat on the passenger seat

of the vehicle.

2. Pull down on shoulder belt, then grasp

shoulder belt and lap belt together. See
Figure 1.

Pulling out belt webbing

37

3. While holding the shoulder and lap belt

portions together, route the tongue through
the child seat according to the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions. See Figure 2. Be
sure that the belt webbing is not twisted.

Routing the lap/shoulder belt

38

Buckling the belt

39

4. Grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and

pull downward until all of the belt is
extracted and a click is heard. At this time,
the retractor is in the automatic locking
mode (child seat restraint mode).
See Figure 4.

Setting the retractor to automatic locking mode

5. Allow the belt to retract. Pull up on the

shoulder webbing. A clicking sound will be
heard as the belt retracts. This indicates the
retractor is in the automatic locking mode.
Push down on the child seat while you pull
up on the belt to remove any slack in the
belt. Figures 5 and 6.

40

Allowing shoulder belt to retract

Removing slack from belt

41

6. Before placing the child in the child seat,

forcibly tilt the seat from side to side, and
tug it forward to make sure that the seat is
securely held in place, Figure 7.

Checking that the seat is secure

42

7. Double check that the retractor is in the

automatic locking mode. Try to pull more
belt out of the retractor. If you cannot, the
belt is in the automatic locking mode,
Figure 8.

Checking the retractor

8. Check to make sure that the child seat is

properly secured prior to each use. If the
retractor is not locked, repeat steps 4
through 7.

NOTE: To remove the retractor from automatic

lock mode, allow seat belt to retract
fully to its stowed position and the
retractor will automatically switch back
to the vehicle sensitive locking mode
for normal adult usage.

43

RWARNING

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s
instructions included with the safety seat
you put in your vehicle. If you do not
install and use the safety seat properly,
the child may be injured in a sudden stop
or collision.

Attaching Safety Seats With Tether Straps

Some manufacturers make safety seats that
include a tether strap that goes over the back of
the vehicle seat and attaches to an anchoring
point. Other manufacturers offer the tether strap
as an accessory. Contact the manufacturer of
your child safety seat for information about
ordering a tether strap.

Front Seats

To install a tether from a child safety seat in the
front seat:

1. Buckle the lap/shoulder belt (in the seat

directly behind the front passenger seat in
which the child safety seat will be installed).

2. Pull all the stored belt out of the rear seat

retractor to switch the retractor to automatic
locking mode.

3. Let the retractor wind up the slack from the

lap/shoulder belt.

4. Install the child safety seat in the front seat.

Refer to the previous section on Installing
Safety Seats. Hook the tether strap hook
around the webbing near the center of the
shoulder portion of the locked lap/shoulder
belt.

5. Tighten the tether strap.

44

Rear Seats

If you use a tethered safety seat on one of the
rear seats, you can anchor the strap to the
appropriate tether anchor directly behind that
seat position.

Tether anchorage hardware

Attachment holes (at each rear outboard seating
position) have been provided in your vehicle to
attach anchor hardware, if required. Kits can be
obtained at no charge from any Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer.

Be sure to follow the child safety seat
manufacturer’s instructions.

RWARNING

Tighten the anchor according to
specifications. Otherwise, the safety seat
may not be properly secured and the child
may be injured in a sudden stop or
collision.

In a station wagon, you simply attach the tether
strap to one of the anchors that are already
installed for you.

Tether anchorage hardware

All wagons have a tether anchor installed for
each of the second row seating positions.

45

Finding the tether anchors in the wagon

1. Behind the second seat, find the plastic

snap-on covers for the floor anchors.

2. Use a screwdriver or coin to snap the covers

off the anchor in a rearward and upward
direction. Remove the covers completely.

3. Snap the tether strap hook onto the

U-shaped tether anchor.

46

Built-In Child Seat (Wagon — If equipped)

The second row seat may include an optional
built-in child safety seat on the passenger side.
The child restraint is to be used only by children
who are at least one year old, weigh between 9
and 27 kilograms (20 and 60 pounds) and whose
shoulders (top) are below the shoulder harness
slots in the seatback.

If your child is less than one year old or weighs
less than 9 kilograms (20 pounds), always use a
rear facing infant or convertible seat because a
child of that size is not sufficiently developed to
withstand crash forces in a front facing position.
Follow the specific manufacturer’s instructions
for weight and height restrictions.

Children must be properly buckled before riding
in the vehicle. It is the law in every state and
province. This child seat conforms to all
Federal/Canadian motor vehicle safety
standards.

Built-in child seat belt retractors

The belts on the built-in child seat are equipped
with a retractor that locks when both belt
tongues are latched into the crotch safety belt
buckle.

The retractor will automatically snug the belts
around the child. Frequently check the child
seat’s lap and shoulder harness belts for correct
placement and tightness. Use the child seat only
if the harness belts will stay snug with a child
buckled in the seat. If belts do not remain snug,
take the vehicle to the dealer for child seat
repair.

47

RWARNING

Always adjust the lap and shoulder
harness belts provided with this child seat
snugly around your child.

RWARNING

Never leave a child unattended in your
vehicle.

RWARNING

Safety belts and seats can become hot in a
vehicle that has been closed up in sunny
weather; they could burn a small child.
Check seat covers and buckles before you
place a child anywhere near them.

RWARNING

Failure to follow all of the instructions on
the use of this child restraint system can
result in your child striking the vehicle’s
interior during a sudden stop or crash.

How to use the Built-In Child Seat

Read the following procedures and all of the
labels on the Built-In Child Seat before using the
seat.

RWARNING

Never use the Built-In Child Seat as a
booster cushion with the adult safety
belts. A child using the adult belts could
slide forward and out from under the
safety belts.

48

1. Pull and release flap from top of seatback.

See Figure 1.

NOTE: The child seat cannot be opened unless

the seatback is latched in the upright
position.

Figure 1: Releasing the flap

2. Grasp the child seat at the top of the

seatback and pull the top forward to release
the latch. See Figure 2.

Figure 2: Releasing the latch

49

3. Continue to unfold the child seat until it

rests on the seat as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3: Opening the built-in child seat

4. Read the information and warnings on the

child seat cushion and shoulder safety belt.
Refer to Figure 4. Check the child’s size,
weight and age to be sure the child is not
too small or too large for the child seat.

Figure 4: Child seat information and warnings

50

5. If connected, squeeze the top and the bottom

of the right half of the chest clip and pull to
separate both halves.

6. Place the child on the child seat and position

the shoulder belts over each shoulder. Refer
to Figure 5.

Figure 5: Shoulder safety belt placement on the child

NOTE: Read the following steps carefully to

become familiar with the indicator
windows located on each safety belt
tongue and the chest clip. When either
of the tongues or the chest clip is
unbuckled, the color red appears in the
window. When the tongues or chest
clip are securely buckled, the color
green appears.

51

7. Insert either the left or right safety belt

tongue into the single opening of the crotch
safety belt buckle as shown in Figure 6. (It
does not matter which tongue is inserted
first.) Then insert the other tongue. Allow
belts to retract and fit snugly.

NOTE: The indicator window on each tongue

must appear green when buckled.

NOTE: If a belt locks during extraction, allow

belts to retract FULLY and repeat
procedure.

RWARNING

If both tongues do not latch in the buckle,
do not use the child seat. See your dealer
for repairs.

52

Figure6:Fasteningthecrotchsafetybeltbuckle

53

8. Fasten both halves of the chest clip below
the child’s shoulders and adjust it to
comfortably hold the shoulder belts in place
on the child’s chest. The color green must
appear in the indicator window when
fastened. (The purpose of this clip is to
position the shoulder belts correctly on the
child’s shoulders. The clip can be easily
pulled apart and is designed to pull apart
during a collision. The clip helps keep the
belts on the shoulders of a sleeping or
squirming child.) Refer to Figure 7.

54

Figure7:Securingthechestclip

55

9. Pull the shoulder belts out to ensure that the
crotch safety belt buckle is securely fastened
and the retractor is locked. Refer to Figure 8.

Figure 8: Checking for securely latched buckle and locked
retractor

10. If the belts become too tight, unbuckle the
crotch safety belt buckle, allow belts to
retract, then reinsert both belt tongues.

To remove the child from the built-in child
seat:

1. Squeeze the tabs on the top and bottom of
the chest clip and pull the halves apart to
open the chest clip. Refer back to Figure 7.

2. Press the release button on the crotch safety
belt buckle.

3. Slide the shoulder belts off the child’s
shoulders and remove the child. Refer back
to Figure 5.

56

To stow the built-in child seat:

1. Return the child seat cushion to the upright
position.

2. Press firmly in the center and top of the
child seat to place it in the stowed position.

3. Reattach the flap on the child seat to the top
of the seatback.

The seat can now be used by an adult or the
seatback can be folded down.

NOTE: The seatback cannot be folded down

unless the child seat is fully stowed.

Inspection after a collision

RWARNING

All built-in child restraints, including
seats, buckles, retractors, seat latches,
interlocks, and attaching hardware should
be inspected by a qualified Dealer
technician after any collision. If the child
seat was in use during a collision, Ford
recommends replacing it. However, if the
collision was minor and a qualified
technician finds that the child restraints
do not show damage and continue to
operate properly, they do not need to be
replaced. Built-in child seats not in use
during a collision should also be
inspected and replaced if either damage or
improper operation is noted.

57

Built-in child seat maintenance

Regularly inspect the lap and shoulder belts
system of your child seat. See your Ford dealer
if the shoulder belt webbing is frayed, or if the
buckle and tongue are damaged and/or do not
function properly.

Cleaning

Your built-in child seat may be cleaned with
mild soap and water. Do not use household
cleaners as they may weaken the webbing or
damage the plastic parts. For your convenience,
the liner is removable and can be
machine-washed and air-dried.

Safety Belts for Children

Children who are too large for child safety seats
should always wear safety belts. (See instructions
with your child seat, or contact its manufacturer,
to determine maximum size of child that will
safely fit in the seat.)

RWARNING

If safety belts are not properly worn and
adjusted as described, the risk of serious
injury to the child in a collision will be
much greater.

If the shoulder belt portion of one of the lap and
shoulder belts can be positioned so that it does
not cross or rest in front of the child’s face or
neck, the child should wear the lap and shoulder
belt. Moving the child closer to the center of the
vehicle may help provide a good shoulder belt
fit.

58

To improve the fit of lap and shoulder belts on
children who have outgrown child safety seats,
Ford recommends use of a belt-positioning
booster seat that is labelled as conforming to all
Federal motor vehicle safety standards.
Belt-positioning booster seats raise the child and
provide a shorter, firmer seating cushion that
encourages safer seating posture and better fit of
lap and shoulder belts on the child. A
belt-positioning booster should be used if the
shoulder belt rests in front of the child’s face or
neck, or if the lap belt does not fit snugly on
both thighs, or if the thighs are too short to let
the child sit all the way back on the seat cushion
when the lower legs hang over the edge of the
seat cushion. You may wish to discuss the
specific needs of your child with your
pediatrician.

RWARNING

Do not use a belt-positioning booster with
a lap-only belt.

Lap belts and the lap belt portion of lap and
shoulder belts should always be worn snugly
and below the hips, touching the child’s thighs.

RWARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury in a
collision, children should always ride with
the seatback upright.

59

Starting Your Taurus

Understanding the Positions of the Ignition

The positions of the key in the ignition

ACCESSORY allows some of your vehicle’s
electrical accessories such as the radio and the
windshield wipers to operate while the engine is
not running.

LOCK locks the steering wheel. It also locks the
gearshift for all vehicles with an automatic
transaxle.

The automatic transaxle gearshift must be in P
(Park) to move the key to the LOCK position.

LOCK is the only position that allows you to
remove the key. The LOCK feature helps to
protect your vehicle from theft.

If the key is stuck in the LOCK position, move
the steering wheel left or right until the key
turns freely.

OFF allows you to shut off the engine and all
accessories without locking the steering wheel or
the automatic transaxle gearshift lever.

60

ON allows you to test your vehicle’s warning
lights (except the brake system warning light) to
make sure they work before you start the
engine. The key returns to the ON position once
the engine is started and remains in this position
while the engine runs.

START cranks the engine. Release the key once
the engine starts so that you do not damage the
starter. The key should return to ON when you
release it. The START position also allows you
to test the brake warning light.

Removing the Key From the Ignition

Procedures for removing the key from the
ignition will be the same for both the column­and console-mounted gearshifts.

1. Put the gearshift in P (Park).

2. Set the parking brake fully.

3. Turn the ignition to the LOCK position.

4. Remove the key.
If you have difficulty in turning the key, rotate

the steering wheel slightly because it may be
binding.

If the driver’s door is open while the key is still
in the ignition, a warning chime sounds.

RWARNING

Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is securely latched
in P (Park).

61

RWARNING

Do not leave children, unreliable adults,
or pets alone in your vehicle. They could
accidentally injure themselves or others
through inadvertent operation of the
vehicle. Further, on hot, sunny days,
temperatures in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause
severe and possibly fatal injuries to
people as well as animals.

Preparing to Start Your Vehicle

RWARNING

Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in
a stopped vehicle for more than a short
period of time with the engine running.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. See Guarding
Against Exhaust Fumes in this chapter for
more instructions.

Before you start your vehicle, do the following:

1. Make sure all occupants in the vehicle
buckle their safety belts. See Safety Restraints
in the Index for more details.

2. Make sure your headlamps and other
accessories are turned off and the parking
brake is set.

3. Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park)
before you turn the key.

Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the Warning
Lights and Gauges chapter.

62

Starting Your Engine

To start your engine:

1. Follow the steps under Preparing to Start
Your Vehicle at the beginning of this section.

2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.

3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.

4. Turn the key to the START position
(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the
key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.

rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.

For a cold engine:

❑

At temperatures 10˚F (-12˚C) and below: If
the engine does not start in fifteen (15)
seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you
do not flood the engine, then try again.

❑

At temperatures above 10˚F (-12˚C): If the
engine does not start in five (5) seconds on
the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait
approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.

For a warm engine:

❑

Do not hold the key in the START position
for more than five (5) seconds at a time. If
the engine does not start within five (5)
seconds on the first try, turn the key to the
OFF position. Wait a few seconds after the
starter stops, then try again.

63

Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key
as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.

After you start the engine, let it idle for a few
seconds. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and
put the gearshift lever in gear. Release the
parking brake. Slowly release the brake pedal
and drive away in the normal manner.

NOTE: Your vehicle is equipped with an

automatic transaxle and has an
interlock that prevents you from
shifting out of P (Park) unless your
foot is on the brake pedal.

If the engine does not start after two attempts:

1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.

2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.

3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.

4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.

5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up. Then drive away in the
normal manner.

If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been triggered. For
directions on how to reset the switch see Fuel
Pump Shut-Off Switch later in this chapter.

A computer system controls the engine’s idle
speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine’s
idle speed normally runs high. These faster
engine speeds will make your vehicle coast
slightly faster than its normal idle speed. It
should, however, slow down after a short time.
If it does not, have the idle speed checked by
your dealer or a qualified technician.

64

If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.

RWARNING

Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.

RWARNING

Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.

If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero
temperatures, use an engine block heater (if
your vehicle has this option).

Engine Block Heater (If equipped)

Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach

-10˚F (-23˚C) or below. An engine block heater

warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows
the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.

To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a
grounded 110-volt outlet. Ford recommends that
you use a 110-volt circuit that is protected by a
ground fault circuit interrupter.

65

For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before you start your vehicle. Using the
heater for longer than three hours will not
damage the engine, so you can plug it in at
night to start your vehicle the following
morning.

RWARNING

To prevent electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.

Not Start or Does Not Start After
a Collision

Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch

If the engine cranks but does not start or does
not start even after a small collision, the fuel
pump shut-off switch may have been activated.
The shut-off switch is a device intended to stop
the fuel pump when your vehicle has been
involved in a substantial jolt.

Once the shut-off switch is activated, you must
reset the switch by hand before you can start
your vehicle. If you have a sedan, the switch is
on the right side of the trunk behind the trunk
liner. If you have a wagon, it is behind the
service panel on the right side of the cargo area.

66

The right side of the trunk in the sedan

Inside the right side service panel in the wagon

RWARNING

If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.

67

If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:

1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.

2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.

3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button on the fuel pump shut-off
switch down.

4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.

5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel. If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again. If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.

6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving the vehicle.

Vehicles with automatic transaxles cannot be
started by pushing. Follow the directions under

If Your Vehicle Needs a Jump-Start in the Roadside
Emergencies Chapter.

68

Carbon monoxide, although colorless and
odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.

RWARNING

Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in
a stopped vehicle for more than a short
period of time with the engine running.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. See Guarding
Against Exhaust Fumes in this chapter for
more instructions.

RWARNING

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.

Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:

❑

your vehicle is raised for service

❑

the sound of the exhaust system changes

❑

your vehicle has been damaged in a collision

69

Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet
vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.

If the engine is idling while you are stopped in
an open area for long periods of time, open the
windows at least one inch (2.5 cm). Also, adjust
the heating or air conditioning system to bring
in outside air.

❑

If you use the heater, set the fan speed on
either medium or HI with the select knob on
either R (floor) or VENT.

❑

If you use the air conditioner, set the fan
speed on either medium or HI with the select
knob on A/C. (Do not use MAX A/C.)

❑

If you use the automatic temperature control,
set the fan speed on medium or high and
press the S (panel and floor) or R (floor)
manual override button. (Do not use AUTO
or MAX A/C.)

71

Warning Lights and
Gauges

In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges
are grouped together on the instrument panel.
We call this grouping a cluster. Your vehicle has
one of the following clusters:

❑

Standard cluster

❑

Optional cluster

❑

SHO cluster

If you are not sure which cluster your vehicle
has, check the diagrams on the following pages.

The Standard Cluster

The following warning lights and gauges are on
the standard cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible problems with
your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are
optional. The following sections detail what each
of these indicators means.

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73

Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime

This warning light and chime remind you to
fasten your safety belt. The following conditions
will take place:

❑

If the driver’s safety belt is not buckled when
the key is turned to the ON position, the
light will activate for 1 to 2 minutes and the
chime will sound for 4 to 8 seconds.

❑

If the driver’s safety belt is buckled while the
light is on or the chime is sounding, both the
light and the chime will turn off.

❑

If the driver’s safety belt is buckled before the
key is turned to the ON position, the light
will briefly activate, then shut off and the
chime will not activate.

Safety belt warning light

Brake System Warning Light

The warning light for the brakes can show two
things — that the parking brake is not fully
released, or that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by
your dealer or a qualified service technician.

74

Brake system warning light

This light comes on when the parking brake is
set, or if it is not set, it comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition to the START position. It
normally goes off shortly after the engine starts
and you release the parking brake. If the light
stays on after you have fully released the
parking brake, have the hydraulic brake system
serviced by your dealer or a qualified service
technician.

RWARNING

The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.

Charging System Light

This light, shown as a battery symbol on your
cluster, indicates that your battery is not being
charged and that you need to have the electrical
system checked.

Charging system light

75

This light comes on every time you turn your
ignition key to the ON or START position. The
light should go off when the engine starts and
the alternator begins to charge.

If the light stays on or comes on when the
engine is running, have the electrical system
checked as soon as possible.

Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light

This light indicates the engine’s oil pressure, not
the oil level. However, if the engine’s oil level is
low, it could affect the oil pressure. The light
should come on every time the ignition key is
turned to the ON or START position, and
should turn off after the engine is running.

Engine oil pressure warning light

If the light stays on or turns on when the engine
is running, the engine has lost oil pressure and
continued operation will cause severe engine
damage.

If you lose engine oil pressure:

1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.

2. Shut off the engine immediately. If you do
not stop the engine as soon as safely
possible, severe engine damage could result.

76

3. Check the engine’s oil level, following the
instructions on checking and adding engine
oil in this Owner Guide. (See Engine oil in
the Index.) If you do not follow these
instructions, engine damage could result. To
ensure an accurate reading, your vehicle
should be on level ground.

4. If the level is low, add only as much oil as
necessary to bring it to the full level before
you start the engine again. Do not overfill.
Do not operate the engine if the light is on,
regardless of the oil level. Contact your
nearest dealer for further service actions.

High Beam Light

This light comes on when the headlamps are
turned to high beam or when you flash the
lights.

If your vehicle is equipped with Daylight
Running Lamps (DRL), the high beam light will
not come on when you flash the lights.

High beam light

77

Door Ajar Light and Chime

This light comes on and a single chime sounds if
one of the doors or the liftgate or liftgate
window (wagon) is not completely shut and the
ignition is in the ON position.

Door ajar light

Chime for Headlamps On

This chime sounds if the driver or any passenger
door is open when the parking lamps or
headlamps are on. The chime sounds until you
close the door, turn off the lamps or turn the
ignition to the ON position.

A 3-second chime sounds after a 20-second delay
if the ignition has been turned to the OFF
position, the parking lamps or headlamps are
on, and no door has been opened.

Air Bag Readiness Light

A problem with the system is indicated by one
or more of the following: the readiness light will
either flash or stay lit, or it will not light, or a
group of five beeps will be heard.

RWARNING

If any of these things happen, even
intermittently, have the air bag system
serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer immediately.

78

Air bag readiness light

Service Engine Soon Warning Light

The Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II)
system consists of the hardware and software
necessary to monitor the operation of the
powertrain. The OBD II system is designed to
check the function of the vehicle’s powertrain
control system during normal operation. If an
emission problem is detected, the Service Engine
Soon light (in the cluster) is turned on.

Modification or additions to the vehicle may
cause incorrect operation of the OBD II system.
Additions such as burglar alarms, cellular
phones, and CB radios must be carefully
installed. Do not install these devices by tapping
into or running wires close to powertrain control
system wires or components.

Service engine soon light

79

This light comes on when you turn the ignition
key to ON, but should turn off when the engine
starts. If the light does not come on when you
turn the ignition to ON or if it comes on and
stays on when you are driving, have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible. This
indicates a possible problem with one of the
vehicle’s emission control systems. You do not
need to have your vehicle towed in.

If the light turns on and off at one (1) second
intervals while you are driving the vehicle, it
means that the engine is misfiring. If this
condition persists, damage could occur to the
engine or catalytic converter. Avoid heavy
acceleration and have your vehicle serviced at
the first opportunity. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed in.

If the light turns on and off on rare occasions
while you are driving, it means that a
malfunction occurred and the condition corrected
itself.

An example of a condition which corrects itself
occurs when an engine running out of fuel
begins to misfire. In this case, the Service Engine
Soon Warning Light may turn on and will then
set a Diagnostic Trouble Code indicating that the
engine was misfiring while the last of the fuel
was being consumed. After refueling, the Service
Engine Soon Warning Light will turn off after
the vehicle has completed three consecutive
warm up cycles without a misfire condition
occurring. A warm up cycle consists of engine
start from a cold condition (engine at ambient
temperature) and running until the engine
reaches normal operating temperature.

80

On the fourth engine start up, the Service
Engine Soon Warning Light will turn off as soon
as the engine begins to crank. It is not necessary
to have the engine serviced.

Under certain conditions, the Service Engine
Soon light may come on if the fuel cap is not
properly installed. If the Service Engine Soon
light comes on and you suspect that the fuel cap
is not properly installed, pull off the road as
soon as it is safely possible and turn off the
engine. Remove and replace the fuel cap, making
sure it is properly seated.

After completing the three consecutive warm up
cycles and on the fourth engine start up, the
Service Engine Soon warning light should turn
off. If the light does not go off after the fourth
engine restart, have your vehicle serviced by
your dealer or a qualified technician.

Low Fuel Light

This light comes on when your fuel gauge
indicates approximately 1/16 of a tank. The
ignition must be turned to the ON position for
this light to come on. This light will glow
steadily.

Low fuel light

81

Turn Signal Indicator Lights

The turn signal arrow will flash to indicate the
direction in which you are going to be turning.

Cruise Control Indicator Light
(If equipped)

This light comes on when the cruise control ON
switch is pressed. It turns off when the cruise
control OFF switch is pressed or when the
ignition is turned to the OFF position.

Cruise control indicator light

Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light
(If equipped)

This light comes on for a few seconds when you
turn the ignition key to the START position. It
should go off shortly after the engine starts. If it
stays on longer than five (5) seconds, it indicates
that your anti-lock brake system may not be
working properly. Normal braking is not
affected unless the BRAKE system warning light
also remains on for longer than six (6) seconds.

82

You should have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your dealer or qualified service
technician to restore the benefits of the anti-lock
feature. See Anti-lock brakes in the Index for more
information.

Anti-lock brake system warning light

Fuel Gauge

The fuel gauge displays approximately how
much fuel is in the fuel tank only when the
ignition is in the ON position.

For proper fuel gauge indication after adding
fuel, the ignition should be in the OFF position
while the vehicle is being refueled.

The fuel gauge indicator may vary slightly when
the vehicle is in motion.

With the ignition in the OFF position, the fuel
gauge indicator may drift from the ignition ON
indication.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge

This gauge indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the
coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the
gauge indication will not be accurate.

The pointer moves from the C (cold) mark into
the Normal band as the engine coolant warms
up. It is acceptable for the pointer to fluctuate
within the Normal band under normal driving

83

conditions. Under certain driving conditions,
such as heavy stop and go traffic or driving up
hills in hot weather, the pointer may move to
the top of the Normal band.

Engine coolant temperature gauge

If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves
above the Normal band, the engine coolant is
overheating and continued operation may cause
engine damage.

If your engine coolant overheats:

1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.

2. Turn off the engine.

3. Let the engine cool.

4. Check the coolant level following the
instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine, see Engine Coolant in the
Index. If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured.

If the coolant continues to overheat, have the
cooling system serviced.

84

Speedometer

The speedometer tells you how many miles
(kilometers) per hour your vehicle is moving.

Odometer

The odometer tells you the total number of miles
(kilometers) your vehicle has been driven.

Trip Odometer

The trip odometer tells you how many miles
(kilometers) your vehicle has been driven since
the last reset. Press the reset button to return the
trip odometer to zero.

Tachometer

The tachometer tells you the approximate engine
revolutions per minute (how fast the engine is
running). You may damage the engine if you
drive with the indicator in the red zone.

The Optional and SHO Clusters

The optional cluster and the SHO cluster have
indicator lights that are not on the standard
cluster. For details about these lights, read the
information below. To learn about the standard
warning lights and gauges that come on all
clusters, see The Standard Cluster earlier in this
chapter.

The optional cluster has a 120 mph (200 km/h)
speedometer and a 7,000 rpm tachometer.

The SHO cluster also has a 150 mph (240 km/h)
speedometer and an 8,000 rpm tachometer.

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Low Coolant Light and Chime

This light indicates that the level of the engine
coolant is low inside the coolant reservoir.

Low coolant light

This light comes on for a few seconds when
your ignition key is turned to the ON position,
but should turn off when the engine starts. If the
coolant is low, the light will come on and a
single chime will sound. If this light stays on,
check the level of coolant inside the coolant
reservoir. For instructions on adding coolant
mixture, see Engine coolant in the Index.

Low Washer Fluid Light

This light comes on if the reservoir is less than a
quarter full when you turn on the windshield
washers.

Low washer fluid light

Rear Lamp Out Indicator

This light indicates that a rear tail lamp or
brakelamp is not functioning. It comes on
momentarily when the ignition is turned to the
ON position, then goes out.

88

This light will come on to show a rear tail lamp
burnout when the light switch is turned to the
parking lamp or headlamp position.

This light will come on to show a brakelamp
burnout only when the brake pedal is pressed.

The light will stay on until the ignition is turned
to the OFF position.

Rear lamp out light

NOTE: The warning light may not work or

you may get a false reading if you use
trailer lights or use improper
replacement bulbs.

Anti-Theft Alarm Light

This light is used when you set the anti-theft
alarm system. See Anti-theft system in the Index.

Anti-theft alarm light

89

Overdrive Off Indicator

This light tells you that the Overdrive Off (O/D
OFF) switch on the gearshift lever has been
pushed. When the light is on, the transaxle will
not shift into overdrive. Depressing the O/D
OFF switch located below the gearshift release
button on the floor gearshift or located on the
end of the column gearshift will return the
vehicle to “overdrive on” mode. The transaxle
will be in the “overdrive on” mode when the
vehicle is started even if the “O/D OFF” mode
was selected when the vehicle was last shut off.

If the light does not come on when the O/D
OFF switch is depressed or if the light flashes
when you are driving, have your vehicle
serviced at the first opportunity. If this condition
persists, damage could occur to the transaxle.

Overdrive off indicator

91

Instrument Panel Controls

The main controls for the climate control system,
clock, and radio are in the oval Integrated
Control Panel on the instrument panel.

The controls for the lights and climate control air
registers are also on the instrument panel.

Clean the instrument panel lens and woodtone
trim with a soft cloth and a glass cleaner. Do
not use paper towel or any abrasive cleaner to
clean either the lens or the woodtone trim as
these may cause scratches.

NOTE: Any cleaner or polish that increases the

gloss (shine) of the upper part of the
instrument panel should be avoided.
The dull finish in this area is to help
protect the driver from undesirable
windshield reflection.

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Your vehicle has one of the following climate
control systems:

❑

Manual Heating and Air Conditioning System

❑

Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
(EATC) System

If you are not sure which system your vehicle
has, see the diagrams on the following pages.

Manual Heating and Air Conditioning
System

The knobs that control the manual heating and air
conditioning system

Fan speed knob

The fan speed knob controls the volume of air
circulated in the vehicle. There are four fan
speeds: LO, medium/low (first dot),
medium/high (second dot), and HI.

Function selector knob

The function selector knob controls airflow to
the inside of the vehicle.

94

MAX A/C

MAX A/C uses recirculated air to cool the
vehicle. It allows for faster cooling but is noisier
than A/C. The airflow will be from the
instrument panel registers.

A/C

A/C uses outside air to cool the vehicle. It is
quieter that MAX A/C, but not as economical.
The airflow will be from the instrument panel
registers.

VENT

VENT brings in outside air through the
instrument panel registers. It can be used for
heating or ventilating.

OFF

In OFF, outside air is shut out and the fan will
not operate.

S (Panel and floor)

This brings in outside air through the instrument
panel registers and the front and rear floor
ducts. It can be used for heating or ventilating.

R (Floor)

This allows for maximum heating. The airflow is
from the front and rear floor ducts.

95

P (Floor and defrost)

This brings in outside air through the floor ducts
and the windshield defroster ducts. It can be
used for heating or ventilation.

V (Defrost)

This brings in outside air through the
windshield defroster ducts. It can be used to
clear ice or fog from the windshield.

Temperature control knob

The temperature control knob may be adjusted
from cool (blue range) to warm (red range).

Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
System

The control for your Electronic Automatic
Temperature Control (EATC) is located at the
center of the instrument panel in the Integrated
Control Panel and will operate only when the
ignition is turned to the ON position.

The EATC feature maintains the temperature
you select and automatically controls the airflow
for your comfort. It also allows you to override
the automatic operation with manual override
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To turn your EATC on, press the AUTO button
or any of the six manual override buttons along
the bottom of the control.

To turn your EATC off, press the OFF button.
When the system is off, the Display window will
be blank (dark).

If you select AUTO, the system will
automatically determine fan speed and airflow
location. If a manual override button is selected,
your selection determines airflow location only.
Fan speed remains automatic unless you
override it by pressing either side of the FAN
speed button located at the extreme left of the
control panel.

Temperature selection

The TEMP button at the upper left of the
Control is for temperature selection. The

a

side
of the TEMP button will increase the set
temperature and the

b

side of the TEMP button
will lower the set temperature. Pressing the
button and releasing it will change the set
temperature one degree. Holding either side of
the button in will rapidly change the
temperature setting in one degree increments to
either 65˚F (18˚C) or 85˚F (29˚C). Then, the set
temperature will jump 5˚F(3˚C) and stop at
either 60˚F (16˚C) which is maximum cooling or
90˚F (32˚C) which is maximum heating.

To change the temperature, select any
temperature between 6O˚F (16˚C) and 90˚F
(32˚C) by pressing the

a

or

b

side of the
TEMP button. The EATC will display the
selected temperature.

98

If you want continuous maximum cooling, press
the

b

side of the TEMP button until 60˚F (16˚C)
is shown in the display window. Your EATC
will cool at maximum and disregard the 60˚F
(16˚C) setting until you select a warmer
temperature with the

a

side of the TEMP
button. If you want continuous maximum
heating, press the

a

side of the TEMP button
until 90˚F (32˚C) is shown in the display
window. Your EATC will provide maximum
heat regardless of the 90˚F (32˚C) setting until
you select a cooler temperature with the

b

side

of the TEMP button.

The display window

The display window will indicate the selected
temperature and the operating function you
have chosen: AUTO or one of the six manual
overrides. It will also indicate manual control of
the fan speed with the word FAN,H, and dots.
The display window with all possible displays
and their positions are shown here. Normally
not all are shown at the same time but are
included here to familiarize you with the names
and symbols.

99

Changing the display from farenheit to
celsius

To change the temperature display from
Farenheit to Celsius, depress the MAX A/C and
V F-DEF at the same time and hold them
down for about a second. To change back to the
original setting, repeat the process. If the battery
is disconnected, the display will revert to
Fahrenheit and must be reset to Celsius.

Automatic operation

Press the AUTO button and select the desired
temperature. The selected temperature and
AUTO will be shown in the Display window.
The EATC will automatically heat or cool to
achieve the set temperature. Under normal
conditions, your EATC will need no additional
attention.

The AUTO temperature display

When in AUTO and weather conditions require
heat, air will be sent to the floor. But a feature is
included in your EATC to prevent blowing cold
air to the floor if the engine coolant is not warm
enough to allow heating. The EATC will direct
the airflow to the windshield at low fan speed.
In 3-1/2 minutes or less, the fan speed will start
to increase and the airflow will change to the
floor area.

100

When in AUTO and weather conditions require
cooling, the EATC will use outside air or
recirculated air, depending on the temperature
that is selected.

If unusual conditions exist (i.e., window fogging,
etc.), the six manual override buttons allow you
to select special air discharge locations. The fan
speed button allows you to adjust the fan speed
to suit your needs.

Fan speed button

Your EATC automatically adjusts the fan speed
to the existing conditions. You must press AUTO
for automatic fan speed operation. To control the
fan speed yourself, use the button which will
cancel the automatic fan speed control. The
button is located at the left side of the EATC
control panel. It is markedH. Press the (-) side
for lower speeds. Press the (+) side for higher
speeds.

When you press the fan speed button, the fan
speed will go to manual control. The display
window will show the word FAN,

H

and a
series of dots along with the selected
temperature and operating function.

The fan display