Page 1
Table of contents
Introduction 2
Starting your vehicle 5
Instrument panel controls 9
Flex fuel (FF) component identification 12
Servicing your vehicle 14
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Introduction
ABOUT THIS SUPPLEMENT
This booklet supplements your Owner Guide and is
part of the owner’s package. It describes the
operation of your flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) and
how it differs from a gasoline powered vehicle.
Therefore it is very important that you read and
thoroughly familiarize yourself and others operating
the vehicle with this guide.
Some of the information in this supplement replaces
certain instructions in the Owner Guide. Please read
this supplement carefully and completely. After
reading this supplement, for complete vehicle
information, also refer to the Owner Guide which is
included with the vehicle.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
Your vehicle is equipped with a 3.0L flexible-fuel
(FF) engine and fuel system. The Taurus FFV can
be identified by two decals, located on the front
doors.
The Taurus FFV has two versions, one for methanol
and one for ethanol. Unleaded gasoline may be used
in either version. However, methanol is not to be
used in an ethanol vehicle and vice-versa. A decal on
the inside of the fuel filler door shows you the
correct fuels for your FFV. See the Refueling
section of this supplement for more information on
the fuels which may be used in your FFV.
You may verify which vehicle you have by checking
the eighth character of the Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) located on the lower left corner of
your dashboard. A “1” indicates a methanol/gasoline
version. A “2” indicates an ethanol/gasoline version.
WARNINGS
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 others. Please read all warnings
carefully.
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Introduction
ABOUT THE WARRANTIES
The normal vehicle warranties will apply to your
flexible-fuel vehicle. For further information, refer to
your Warranty Information Booklet.
Specified maintenance procedures must be followed.
repairs must be made by trained personnel.
It is important that your flexible fuel vehicle be
properly maintained by Ford flexible fuel trained
personnel. If a problem occurs, it is important that
properly trained personnel diagnose the cause. If the
problem relates to the fuel system, proper part
replacement is imperative to keep your vehicle
operating at normal performance. Flexible fuel
components and standard fuel components are not
interchangeable and if your vehicle is not serviced in
accordance with flexible fuel vehicle procedures,
damage may occur and your warranty may be
invalidated.
PRECAUTIONARY INFORMATION
Do not swallow fuel of any kind. Fuels such
as gasoline, methanol, ethanol and mixtures
of these fuels are highly toxic and if swallowed can
cause death or permanent injury. Swallowing
methanol can also cause blindness. IMMEDIATELY
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. from a physician to
treat anyone who has swallowed fuel. Be aware, if
fuel is swallowed, onset of serious health effects
may be delayed 12–24 hours.
Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling too
much fuel vapor of any kind can lead to eye
and respiratory tract irritation. In severe cases,
excessive or prolonged breathing of fuel vapor can
cause serious illness and permanent injury.
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Introduction
Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If you
get fuel in your eyes, remove contact lenses
(if worn), flush immediately with plenty of water
for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
Allowing fuel to get in your eyes will cause severe
irritation. Failure to seek proper medical attention
could lead to permanent injury.
If you get fuel on your skin, wash with soap
and water. repeated or prolonged skin
contact with fuel liquid or vapor causes skin
irritation. Make sure you wash your hands before
handling food.
Fuels contain gasoline such as Fuel
Methanol and Fuel Ethanol may contain
benzene which is a cancer-causing agent.
If you are taking medication such as
Antabuset or other forms of disulfiram for
the treatment of alcoholism, skin contact with fuel
containing methanol or ethanol may cause the
same kind of adverse reaction as drinking alcoholic
beverages. In sensitive individuals, serious personal
injury or sickness could result. If you are taking
such medication, you should take extra care to
avoid skin contact with fuel and to avoid breathing
its vapors. If you do get fuel on your skin, wash it
off immediately. Consult a physician promptly if
you experience an adverse reaction.
NOTE: Flexible-fuel vehicle fuel tanks may contain
any percentage of methanol or ethanol from zero to
85 percent or more. Any fuel blends containing
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Starting your vehicle
methanol or ethanol and gasoline should be
“treated” the same as “Fuel Methanol (M85)”, which
is described in the Refueling section of this
supplement.
Health information
Flexible-fuel vehicle fuel tanks may contain any
percentage of methanol or ethanol from zero to 85
percent or more. Any fuel blends containing
methanol or ethanol and gasoline should be treated
the same as “Fuel Methanol (M85)”, which is
described in the Refueling section of this
supplement.
PREPARING TO START YOUR VEHICLE
Climate conditions and other factors play a large
part in deciding how to start the engine. Read all the
starting instructions carefully, so you’ll be aware of
these factors when you start the engine.
Before turning the key, make sure the
parking brake has been set fully. Place the
gearshift in P (Park).
Do not crank the starter continuously for more than
30 seconds at a time, as starter overheating or other
damage could result. If the engine fails or falters in
starting, wait three or four seconds before
re-engaging the starter. If the engine is flooded, or
fires intermittently, and fails to start during a
30–second cranking period, wait two minutes before
attempting to start the engine again.
A computer system controls the engine’s idle RPM.
When you start your vehicle, the engine’s idling RPM
normally runs high. These higher engine speeds will
slow down when the vehicle warms up. If they do
not, have the idle RPM checked.
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Starting your vehicle
If the engine idling speed does not slow
down automatically, do not allow your
vehicle to idle for more than 10 minutes. Have the
vehicle checked as soon as possible. Extended
idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine, fuel systems and
exhaust system, creating the risk of fire or other
damage to the vehicle and possibly resulting in
personal injury.
If fuel odor is detected inside the vehicle, have the
vehicle checked by a qualified service technician.
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage
or other enclosed area. Exhaust fumes can
be toxic. Always open the garage door before you
start the engine.
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
1. Make sure you and all your passengers buckle
your safety belts.
2. Make sure your headlamps and other accessories
are turned off.
3. Make sure the gearshift lever is in P (Park) and
the parking brake is set before you turn the key.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting procedure
1. Follow the steps under Preparing to Start Your
Vehicle.
2. Turn the key to START until the engine starts,
then release the key. Do not press down on the
accelerator.
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Starting your vehicle
3. Release the key as soon as the engine starts. Do
not hold the key in START or you could damage the
starter. After you start the engine, let it idle for
about 15 seconds.
4. Hold your foot on the brake pedal, put the
gearshift lever in gear and release the parking brake.
Slowly release the brake pedal and drive away in a
normal manner.
Cold weather starting
Your flexible-fuel vehicle is equipped with an engine
block heater. The standard 110V AC (male) plug is
located in the upper left-hand air inlet opening,
under the bumper.
When the temperature is expected to be –12°C
(10°F) below and your vehicle has M85 or E
you should plug in the engine block heater to ensure
a quick start.
If temperatures are expected to remain below –12°C
(10°F), it is recommended that you reduce the
alcohol content in your fuel tank to about 70% by
adding unleaded gasoline if your tank is not already
full. Thirteen liters (3 gallons) of gasoline will
reduce the alcohol in 3/4 full tank from 85% to
about 70 %. In some areas, winter blends of fuel
methanol (M85) and fuel ethanol (E
85) will already
d
contain the extra gasoline. See the Refueling section
of this supplement for more information on alcohol
fuels.
If you should unexpectedly have 85% alcohol in your
fuel tank in extremely cold temperatures with no
way to use the engine block heater, the engine may
require extended crank times and several attempts
to start.
85 fuel,
d
If the engine fails to start using the preceding
instructions
1. Press the accelerator pedal 1/3 to 1/2 of the way
to floor and hold.
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Starting your vehicle
2. Turn the key to START position.
3. When the engine starts, release the key, then
release the accelerator pedal gradually as the engine
speeds up.
4. If the engine still fails to start, repeat steps one
through three.
5. After the engine starts, hold your foot on the
brake pedal, put the gearshift lever in gear and
release the parking brake. Slowly release the brake
pedal and drive away in a normal manner.
If your vehicle has alcohol content in the fuel tank
between 10 and 30 percent, and the outside
temperature is above 27°C (80°F), you may
experience a rough or rolling idle after start up. The
idle should improve in 10 to 30 seconds.
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Instrument panel controls
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5
4
2
7
6
8
5
1
9
50 60
40
000
10
20
0
30
20
0
60
0
00000
0
MPH km/h
P
R N D 1
100
D
H
F
FUEL DOOR>
E
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
MILES TO EMPTY
PUSH FOR
% ALCOHOL
C
+–
70
80
2
90
140
180
1
100
110
0
UNLEADED FUEL ONLY
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1. Miles to Empty and % Alcohol display
2. Fuel gauge
3. Engine coolant temperature gauge
4. Turn signal indicator
5. Trip odometer
6. Speedometer
7. Odometer
8. Trip odometer reset control
9. Tachometer
10. Warning/indicator lights
11. % Alcohol display control
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RPMx1000
ABS
11
10
5
6
7
P!
BRAKE
CRUISE
FUEL RELATED FUNCTIONS
The following features are not available on vehicles
sold in Canada.
Miles to empty
The “Miles to Empty” function tells you
approximately how may miles you can drive before
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Instrument panel controls
you run out of fuel. The “Miles to Empty” is the
default display which will be indicated unless the
driver depresses the button to request a “%
ALCOHOL” display.
For your convenience, if the miles remaining is
below 50 miles, the Miles to Empty display will flash
for approximately five seconds when the key is first
turned on. The display will repeat this action for
each key-on while the miles remaining is below 50
miles.
Low Fuel Indication - In addition to the Miles to
Empty display, the FFV instrument cluster features
a Low Fuel Warning lamp which replaces the
warning indicators used in previous model years.
Please refer to the Instrument Panel, Warning
Lights and Gauges section of the Taurus Owner
Guide for a description of this feature.
Typical Key-On - When the ignition key is turned on,
the Miles to Empty display will initialize by showing
three eights (888) for approximately five seconds
before indicating the miles remaining.
Key-On After Refueling - When you add at least 9.5
liters (2.5 gallons) of fuel to your tank, the
remaining miles will be calculated shortly after the
engine is started. The display will initialize at key-on
by showing three eights (888) for about five
seconds. The display will show three dashes (---) for
about two minutes while the engine is on and the
new fuel level and fuel alcohol percentage are being
determined. The display will then indicate the new
remaining miles. To ensure accuracy, turn the
ignition OFF when you add fuel to your tank.
The Miles to Empty display is calculated based on
the running average fuel economy value. This value
is based on at least 500 miles of driving history. If
your battery has been disconnected, the running
average fuel economy will be reset to an initial value
as it was when the vehicle was new. The Miles to
Empty display will then update based on this value.
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Instrument panel controls
% Alcohol display
This display indicates the approximate percentage of
“alcohol” in the fuel line to the engine. It cannot
differentiate between ethanol and methanol.
Therefore, your readout will be meaningful only
when the fuel type being used matches the type
shown on the label inside your fuel filler door.
The display “% Alcohol”, depress the button located
to the right of the “Miles to Empty” display on the
instrument cluster. There is a label next to the
button which reads, “PUSH FOR % ALCOHOL”. The
display will indicate % Alcohol for approximately five
seconds and then return to the Miles to Empty
display.
As noted in the Miles to Empty section, adding at
least 9.5 liters (2.5 gallons) of fuel will cause the
display to recalculate the miles remaining and the %
alcohol based on the current tank of fuel. To ensure
accuracy, turn the ignition OFF when you fill the
fuel tank.
It is important to use only the fuels recommended
for your FFV. Refer to the Refueling section of this
supplement for information.
OTHER WARNING LIGHTS AND GAUGES
The FFV instrument cluster also has separate
warning lights and gauges that tell you the condition
of your vehicle. When illuminated, these warning
lights and gauges warn you about the brakes and
parking brake, safety belts, battery, oil pressure, high
beams, air bag, anti-lock brake system, Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) system (check engine),
temperature of the engine coolant, how much fuel
you have in your tank, how fast you are driving,
engine RPM, and the total distance your vehicle has
been driven.
Refer to your Owner Guide for information regarding
the warning lights and gauges for your flexible-fuel
vehicle.
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Flex fuel (FF) component identification
FLEX FUEL (FF) COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION
The accompanying illustration shows all of the
unique 3.0L Taurus FF components at a glance.
All of these unique materials and alloys have
“methanol fuel compatibility”. NEVER replace a
unique FF component with a standard vehicle
component. Ford Motor Company has designed
the materials, components and system
configurations specifically for the 3.0L Taurus FF
vehicle and is monitoring the service history of
these vehicle.
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3
1
2
11
5
4
9
10
1. Spark plug— Has a colder heat range and the
wire electrode is wider for better heat transfer.
2. Engine— Internal engine changes for “alcohol
fuel compatibility.”
3. Fuel injectors— Higher fuel flow capacity,
modified spray nozzle design and material changes
for “alcohol fuel compatibility.”
4. Engine oil— Specifically designed for engines
operated with methanol and ethanol fuels.
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Flex fuel (FF) component identification
5. Fuel rail— Material changes are made for
“alcohol fuel compatibility.”
6. Fuel pressure regulator— Material changes are
made for “alcohol fuel compatibility.”
7. Engine block heater— Use to assist in cold
start below –12°C (10°F).
8. PCM processor— Calibration is utilized to
optimize engine function for alcohol fuel operation.
9. Wiring harness— Wiring changes have been
made to connect with the fuel sensor.
10. Fuel sensor— Determines the percentage of
methanol in the fuel for methanol FFVs or
percentage ethanol for ethanol FFVs.
11. Fuel supply and return lines— Material
changes are made for “alcohol fuel compatibility.”
12. Fuel pump assembly/fuel sending unit— Fuel
pump specifically designed for alcohol fuels.
Stainless steel parts are used.
13. Vapor control valve— Controls vapor flow to
charcoal canister
14. Filler tube— Improved coating is applied and
anti-siphon screens installed.
15. Fuel filter— Material changes are made for
“alcohol fuel compatibility.”
16. Charcoal canister tray— Protective enclosure.
17. Evaporative emission system— Charcoal
canister system enlarged and modified for additional
alcohol fuel vapor capacity and higher vapor flow.
18. Vapor (rollover) valves— Helps to increase
fuel capacity and vapor flow. Material changes are
made for “alcohol fuel compatibility.”
19. Fuel tank— A specially coated steel fuel tank is
used for “alcohol fuel compatibility.”
“Alcohol fuel compatibility” means that the
component performs satisfactorily, is durable and
does not contaminate the fuel when tested in
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Servicing your vehicle
worst-case methanol-gasoline and ethanol-gasoline
blends up to 85% alcohol.
REFUELING
Use only fuels which meet the specifications issued
by the American Automobile Manufacturer’s
Association (AAMA) and of the type specified for
the calibration number printed on the calibration
decal. Use of other fuels may cause powertrain
damage as well as loss of vehicle performance. It will
also invalidate the Ford Warranty and any extended
service agreement.
WHAT FUELS SHOULD BE USED?
The Taurus FFV has two versions, one for fuel
methanol and one for fuel ethanol. Unleaded
gasoline may be used in either version. However,
fuel methanol is not to be used in a fuel ethanol
vehicle, and vice-versa. The correct fuels for your
FFV are shown on a decal, located on the inside
surface of the fuel filler door.
These vehicles will operate well on ordinary
commercial quality unleaded regular gasoline, but
only the highest quality fuel methanol or fuel
ethanol will provide the same level protection and
performance. The American Automobile
Manufacturer’s Association (AAMA) has published
standards for these fuels designed to give FFV’s the
best possible performance, safety and durability. To
assist alcohol fuel providers in meeting these
standards, the AAMA has also published companion
guidelines which proscribe “Methanol and Ethanol
Fuel Compatible” dispensing station equipment.
Stations may apply to the AAMA to be certified as
meeting these standards. However, not all stations
meet these stations meet these standards at this
time. To ensure proper operation of your Taurus
FFV on the appropriate alcohol fuel, refuel at
stations certified by the AAMA.
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Servicing your vehicle
WHAT IS FUEL METHANOL (M85)?
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood
alcohol, is a colorless, odorless liquid produced from
coal or natural gas. It is not the same substance as
the alcohol found in alcoholic beverages (ethanol or
ethyl alcohol) but is more toxic.
Fuel methanol (M85) is a mixture of approximately
85% commercial grade methanol (M100) and 15%
unleaded gasoline. Gasoline is added to give certain
qualities important for use as a motor fuel. The
resulting fuel has a higher octane rating than
unleaded regular gasoline and other properties
which allow engine designs with greater efficiency
and power.
Winter blends of fuel methanol (M85) may contain
up to 30% unleaded gasoline to enhance cold engine
starts. Severely cold weather may require additional
measures for reliable starting. This supplement
contains specific information for starting under these
conditions.
Since methanol has less energy per gallon, fuel
economy in miles per gallon will decrease as the
percentage of methanol goes up. However, it is still
more efficient on an energy basis to run M85 in a
flexible fuel vehicle than gasoline.
Methanol corrodes some metals and causes some
plastic and rubber materials to swell, break down or
become brittle and crack, especially when mixed
with gasoline. Special materials and procedures have
been developed for the Taurus FFV and for the
dispensers used by M85 fuel providers.
U.S. government regulations require retail fuel
methanol dispensing pumps to have a small
square orange and black label with the common
abbreviation for the fuel such as: “M85” above the
mid-line and the words “MINIMUM xx%
METHANOL” below the mid-line.The “xx%” is
replaced with either “70%” or “85%” as
appropriate for the region.
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Servicing your vehicle
WHAT IS FUEL ETHANOL (ED85)
Pure ethanol is the alcohol which is the intoxicating
agent in liquor, beer and wine. It is distilled from the
fermentation of plants such as field corn and sugar
cane. When ethanol is used in the making of motor
fuels, a small amount of a bad tasting chemical is
added to discourage beverage use. The resulting fuel
feedstock is called E
ethanol diluted by 2% to 5% gasoline as the
“denaturant”.
Fuel ethanol (E
more unleaded gasoline. The resulting fuel also has a
higher octane rating than unleaded regular gasoline
and other properties which allow engine designs
with greater efficiency and power.
As with fuel methanol, winter blends may contain up
to 30% unleaded gasoline (25% plus the denaturant)
to enhance cold engine starts. Severely cold weather
may require additional measures for reliable starting.
This supplement contains specific information for
starting under these conditions.
Like methanol, ethanol is more chemically active
than gasoline. It too corrodes some metals and
causes some plastic and rubber components to swell,
break down or become brittle and crank, especially
when mixed with gasoline. The same special
materials and procedures developed for the Taurus
Methanol FFV are used in the Taurus Ethanol FFV.
Ethanol also has less energy per gallon, so fuel
economy in miles per gallon will decrease as the
percentage of ethanol goes up. However, the
decrease is not as severs as with methanol.
U.S. government regulations require fuel ethanol
dispensing pumps to have a small square orange
and black label with the common abbreviation for
the fuel such as: “E85” above the mid-line and the
words “MINIMUM xx% ETHANOL” below the
mid-line. The “xx%” is replaced with either
“70%” or “85%” as appropriate for the region.
100 meaning 100% pure
d
85) is then made by adding 15%
d
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Servicing your vehicle
See Precautionary Information for more fuel
information.
Use of other fuels may cause powertrain damage as
well as loss of vehicle performance. It will also
invalidate your extended service agreement.
Do not operate the engine while refueling. Do not
smoke while refueling.
Do not modify the fuel system configuration
or components, or replace components with
parts not especially designed for use with fuel
methanol or fuel ethanol. Ford Motor Company
has speically designed the materials, components
and system configuration for methanol- or
ethanol-fueled vehicles and each particular system
is precisely calibrated for efficient operation. The
use of different parts or materials could produce
an untested configuration that could result in fire,
personal injury, or could cause engine damage.
ADDING ENGINE OIL
Use an engine oil which is formulated specifically for
vehicle which are capable of using fuel methanol. Do
not use or mix other types of engine oil. Ford
recommends using Motorcraft Oil (XO-10W30–FFV
or CXO-10W30–FFV [available only in Canada]) for
methanol/gasoline and ethanol/gasoline flexible fuel
vehicles or an equivalent oil that meets Ford
specification WSE-M2C909–A2.
Use of a specific oil is mandatory for proper
operation of flexible fueled engines throughout the
warranty period and for validation of the extended
service agreement.
When a Taurus FFV is being operated in an area
where methanol/ethanol are not available or using
only unleaded gasoline with 10% or less alcohol, the
use of Ford specified synthetic engine oil (part
number XO-10W30–FFV or equivalent) is not
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Servicing your vehicle
required. Motorcraft engine oil (part number
XO-5W30–QSP or XO-10W30–QSP or equivalent) is
the recommended engine oil for these vehicles. Oil
change intervals must be maintained at the
recommended 8,000 km (5,000 miles) with either oil
usage. If the vehicle is occasionally driven using
methanol/ethanol blended fuels, the FFV engine oil
(XO-10W30–FFV) MUST be used. The FFV vehicle
recommended Motorcraft spark plugs stock number
AWSFA-12C installed as original equipment MUST
continue to be used for ALL types of fuels.
SPARK PLUGS
The spark plugs used in the flexible fuel vehicle are
different than those used in the gasoline-powered
vehicle. This is necessary to prevent engine damage
due to pre-ignition.
Standard spark plugs must never be installed on the
FFV engine, because disabling and expensive engine
damage may occur. Proper spark plugs may be
purchased through your dealer. Ask for Motorcraft
part number AWSFA-12C. At the time of this writing,
no equivalent is available. For additional information,
contact your dealer.
FUEL FILTER
The fuel filter used on flexible fuel vehicles is
specifically designed using materials that are
methanol compatible. Refer to the Service Guide for
recommended intervals. When your fuel filter
requires servicing, your FFV trained Ford dealer can
install the proper replacement (Motorcraft part
number FG-877).
LONG-TERM STORAGE
Due to the small amounts of corrosive impurities
that may be found in M85 and E
85, it is
d
recommended that the fuel be switched over to
100% high-quality unleaded gasoline prior to
long-term storage of your FFV.
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