Ford Taurus Guide

Table of contents

Introduction 2
Starting your vehicle 5
Instrument panel controls 9
Flex fuel (FF) component identification 12
Servicing your vehicle 14

1

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.

2

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.

3

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

4

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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