Ford Taurus 1997 Owner's Manual

Contents

Before driving

Introduction 2 Instrumentation 3 Controls and features 14 Seating and safety restraints 35

Starting and driving

Starting 78 Driving 84 Roadside emergencies 99

Servicing

Maintenance and care 118 Capacities and specifications 156 Reporting safety defects 168 Index 169

Introduction

ICONS

Indicates a warning. Read the following section on Warnings for a full explanation of them.

Indicates that vehicle information related to recycling and other environmental concerns will follow.

We must all play our part in protecting the environment. Correct vehicle usage and the authorized disposal of waste cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps towards this aim.

WARNINGS

How can you reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment?

In this owner’s guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments highlighted by the warning triangle symbol.

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE

There are no particular breaking-in rules for your vehicle. Simply avoid driving too briskly during the first 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of driving. Vary speeds frequently. This is necessary to give the moving parts a chance to break in.

If possible, you should avoid full use of the brakes for the first 1,600 km (1,000 miles).

From 1,600 km (1,000 miles) onwards you can gradually increase the performance of your vehicle up to the permitted maximum speeds.

INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE

The information found in this guide was in effect at the time of printing. Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation.

TUNE

VOL

PUSH-ON

FUEL DOOR>

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

LOW

COOLANT

THEFT

100

120

100

140

180

P R N D 2 1

MPH km/h

000

00000

BRAKE

+—

110

CRUISE

RPMx1000

ABS

O/D OFF

REAR LAMP OUT

PREMIUM UNLEADED FUEL RECOMMENDED

345

Instrumentation

Fuel gauge (pg. 13)

Headlamp control (pg. 14)

Remote trunk release (pg. 37)

Parking brake release (pg. 85)

Engine coolant temperature gauge (pg. 12)

Speedometer (pg. 11)

air bag (pg. 64)

Driver

Turn signal/wiper washer control (pg. 26)

Tachometer (pg. 12)

Cruise control (pg. 23)

* if equipped

Instrumentation

Electronic sound system; refer to Audio Giude (pg. 22)

FM 12 AMC

BL RF

VOL

PUSH-ON

SEEK

SCAN

TUNE

BASS

EJECT

OFF

VENT

A/C MAX A/C

TREB

REW

BAL

FADE

TAPE SIDE

TAPE

R-DEF

Climate control (pg. 15)

Gearshift (floor-mounted shown) (pg. 86)

Instrumentation

WARNING LIGHTS AND GAUGES Standard instrument cluster

50 60

122

MPH km/h

P R N D D 1

100

00013

FUEL DOOR>

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

LOW

THEFT

COOLANT

Optional Instrument cluster

000

FUEL DOOR>

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

LOW

THEFT

COOLANT

100

00000

MPH km/h

P R N D 2 1

SHO cluster (if equipped)

000

FUEL DOOR>

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

LOW

THEFT

COOLANT

120

140

100

00000

MPH

P R N 2 1

km/h

+–

120

140

160

100

180

110

140

100 110

180

120

100

110

160

180

120

200

130

220

140

240

150

+–

O/D

OFF

O/D

OFF

RPMx1000

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

O/D OFF

345

RPMx1000

PREMIUM UNLEADED FUEL RECOMMENDED

345

RPMx1000

PREMIUM UNLEADED FUEL RECOMMENDED

ABS

CRUISE

ABS

CRUISE

BRAKE

CRUISE

BRAKE

Instrumentation

Turn signal

Illuminates when the left or right turn signal or the hazard lights are turned on.

High beams

Illuminates when the headlamp high beams are on.

Safety belt

Illuminates when the ignition is switched on to remind you to fasten your safety belts. For more information, refer to Using the safety

restraints properly in the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

Door ajar

Illuminates when the ignition switch is in the ON or START position and any door is open.

Service engine soon

This light illuminates when the engine’s Emission Control System requires service. It will also illuminate when the ignition key is in the ON position and the engine is off.

Low fuel

If the fuel gauge reaches approximately 1/16th of a tank, this

SERVICE

ENGINE

SOON

Instrumentation

lamp will illuminate. The ignition must be turned on for this lamp to illuminate.

Low coolant (if equipped)

This lamp will illuminate when the engine coolant inside the reservoir is low. This lamp will come on when the ignition is first turned on, but then should turn off. If the lamp stays on and a chime sounds, you should check the coolant level inside the reservoir. For instructions on adding coolant, see Engine coolant in the index.

Anti-theft alarm light (if equipped)

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

O/D off (if equipped)

Illuminates when the transaxle control switch (TCS) has been pushed. When the light is on, the transaxle does not shift into overdrive. If the light does not come on when the TCS is depressed or if the light flashes when you are driving, have your vehicle serviced.

LOW

COOLANT

THEFT

O/D

OFF

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. If the light stays on or continues to flash, the ABS needs to be serviced.

ABS

Instrumentation

Cruise control (if equipped)

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

Brake system warning

Extinguishes when the parking brake is released. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level.

Engine oil pressure

When the oil pressure is below the normal operating range, this lamp will illuminate. The engine oil level being too high or too low could cause this lamp to illuminate. This lamp will come on when the ignition is first turned on but then should turn off. If the lamp stays on, continued operation will cause severe engine damage.

CRUISE

BRAKE

Charging system

Briefly illuminates when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. The light also illuminates when the battery is not charging properly, requiring electrical system service.

Air bag readiness

Briefly illuminates when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. If the

Instrumentation

light fails to illuminate, continue to flash or remains on, have the system serviced immediately.

Headlamps on warning chime

Sounds when the headlamps are on, the ignition is off (and the key is not in the ignition) and the driver’s door is opened.

Key-in-ignition warning chime

Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC position and the driver’s door is opened.

Low coolant chime

Sounds when the engine coolant in the coolant reservoir is low.

Safety belt warning chime

For information on the safety belt warning chime, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

Supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning chime

For information on the SRS warning chime, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

Speedometer

Indicates the current vehicle speed.

Instrumentation

50 60

MPH km/h

P R N D D 1

000

00000

100

120

140

160

100

180

110

(Optional instrument cluster)

(Taurus SHO cluster)

000

100

00000

MPH km/h

P R N D 2 1

000

120

100

00000

MPH

P R N 2 1

140

100 110

180

120

100

140

110

160

180

120

200

130

220

140

240

km/h

150

Instrumentation

Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute.

UNLEADED FUEL ONLY

RPMx1000

(Optional cluster and Taurus SHO cluster)

RPMx1000

PREMIUM UNLEADED FUEL RECOMMENDED

Engine coolant temperature gauge

Indicates the temperature of the engine coolant. At normal operating temperature, the

needle remains within the normal area. If it enters the red section, the engine is overheating. Switch off the ignition and let it cool. Refer to Checking and adding engine coolant in the Maintenance and care chapter.

Instrumentation

Odometer

Registers the total kilometers (mileage) of the vehicle.

Trip odometer

Can register the kilometers (mileage) of individual journeys. To reset, depress the control.

Fuel gauge

Displays approximately how much fuel is in the fuel tank (when the key is in the ON position). The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion. The ignition should be in the OFF position while the vehicle is being refueled.

50 60

000

100

00000

MPH km/h

P R N D D 1

50 60

122

100

00013

MPH km/h

P R N D 1

120

140

160

100

180

110

120

140

160

100

180

110

Controls and features

TURNING ON THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LAMPS

Panel dimmer control

Instrument panel illumination, interior lamps and cargo lamp brightness can be adjusted with this control. Move the thumbwheel up to brighten the lamps or down to dim the lamps.

Headlamp control

Turn the headlamp control one turn to turn on the parking lamps. Turn it all the way to turn on the headlamps.

Autolamp delay system (if equipped)

The autolamp system sets the headlamps to turn on and off automatically. You can use the autolamps to:

• Turn on the lamps automatically at night.

• Turn off the lamps automatically in daylight.

• Keep the lamps on for up to three minutes after

the ignition is turned off.

Setting autolamp

1. Make sure headlamp control is in the OFF

position, then turn the key to ON or start the vehicle.

PANEL

DIM

PANEL

DIM

PANEL

DIM

AUTO

LAMP

AUTO LAMP

Controls and features

2. Locate autolamp

thumbwheel and turn

PANEL

DIM

AUTO

LAMP

thumbwheel to beginning of MAX position. The indicator light will come on if it is dark enough to activate the light sensor. The closer the thumbwheel is to the MAX mark, the longer the lamps will stay on after leaving the vehicle.

The autolamps will now automatically turn the headlamps on and off for you. To turn the autolamps off, move thumbwheel back to the OFF position.

Daytime running lights (Canadian vehicles only)

The daytime running light system turns the headlamps on, with a reduced light output, when:

• the engine is running

• the parking brake is released

• the headlamp system is in the OFF position.

The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system

will not illuminate the tail lamps and parking lamps. Turn on your headlamps at dusk. Failure to do so may result in a collision.

CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM Manual heating and air conditioning system

Fan speed control

Controls the volume of air circulated in the

OFF

VENT

A/C MAX A/C

vehicle.

R-DEF

Controls and features

Mode selector control

Controls the direction of the airflow to the

OFF

VENT

A/C MAX A/C

inside of the vehicle.

• MAX A/C - Uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle. It allows for faster cooling but is noisier than A/C. The air conditioning compressor will operate in this mode.

• A/C - Uses outside air to cool the vehicle. It is quieter than MAX A/C but not as economical. The air conditioning compressor will operate in this mode.

• VENT - Distributes outside air through the instrument panel registers.

• OFF - Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate.

•

(Panel and floor) - Distributes outside air through the instrument panel registers and the front and rear floor ducts. The air conditioning compressor will operate in this mode.

•

(Floor) - Allows for maximum heating. The

airflow is from the front and rear floor ducts.

• (Floor and defrost) - Distributes outside air through the floor ducts and the windshield defroster ducts. The air conditioning compressor will operate in this mode.

•

(Front defrost) - Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster ducts. It can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield. The air conditioning compressor will operate in this mode.

Temperature control knob

Turn the dial to the desired mix of warm

OFF

VENT

A/C MAX A/C

(red) and cool (blue) air.

R-DEF

Controls and features

Operating tips

• In humid weather, select before driving. This will prevent your windshield from fogging. After a few minutes, select any desired position.

• To prevent humidity buildup inside the vehicle, don’t drive with the climate control system in the OFF position.

• Don’t put objects under the front seat that will interfere with the airflow to the back seats.

• Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area (at the bottom of the windshield under the hood) on the passenger side of your vehicle.

• If the air conditioner works well in MAX A/C but not in A/C, this may indicate that the passenger compartment air filter (if equipped) needs to be replaced.

Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC) system (if equipped)

VENT

OFF

MAX

AUTO

A/C

TEMP

OUT

SIDE

—+

F-DEF

R-DEF

—+

TEMP

AUTO

The EATC system will maintain a selected temperature and automatically control airflow. You can override automatic operation with any of the six override controls at the bottom of the control panel.

Controls and features

To turn on the EATC

Press AUTO or any of the six manual override buttons along the bottom of the control. The control will operate only when the ignition is turned to the ON position.

To turn off the EATC

Press OFF. When the system is off, the display window will be blank (dark).

Automatic operation

Press AUTO and select the desired temperature. The system will automatically determine fan speed and airflow location. Fan speed remains automatic unless you press FAN. The selected temperature will be shown on the display.

Temperature selection

TEMP will increase or decrease the set temperature. Pressing TEMP will change the temperature one degree in either direction. Pressing and holding TEMP will rapidly change the temperature (in one degree increments) in either direction until either 18°C (65°F) or 29°C (85°F). The temperature will then jump –15°C (5°F) and stop at either 16°C (60°F) which is maximum cooling or 32°C (90°F) which is maximum heating.

AUTO

—+

F-DEF

R-DEF

OFF

—+

F-DEF

R-DEF

—+

F-DEF

R-DEF

TEMP

AUTO

VENT

OFF

MAX

VENT

—

TEMP

AUTO

OFF

MAX

VENT

AUTO

OFF

TEMP

MAX

A/C

AUTO

TEMP

A/C

AUTO

TEMP

A/C

OUT SIDE

Controls and features

Changing modes (Temperature conversion)

Press MAX A/C and the

F-DEF button at the same time to switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius. If the battery is

—+

F-DEF

R-DEF

disconnected, the display will revert to Fahrenheit.

(fan speed)

Once AUTO is pressed, fan speed is adjusted automatically for existing conditions.

You can override automatic fan speed (at any time) by pressing FAN. The display window will show FAN

and a series of dots

—+

F-DEF

R-DEF

indicating fan speed. To return to automatic fan control, press AUTO.

Manual override controls

—+

TEMP

—+

TEMP

AUTO

A/C

AUTO

OFF

MAX

VENT

—+

AUTO

OFF

MAX

VENT

OUT SIDE

TEMP

A/C

OUT SIDE

TEMP

A/C

VENT

OFF

MAX

AUTO

A/C

TEMP

OUT

SIDE

—+

F-DEF

R-DEF

—+

TEMP

AUTO

The override controls are located on the bottom of the EATC and allow you to determine where airflow is directed. To return to full automatic control, press AUTO.

• MAX A/C - Uses recirculated air to cool the

vehicle. The temperature will display 16°C

Controls and features

(60°F).To exit, press AUTO or any of the other override controls. MAX A/C is noisier but more economical than A/C. The airflow will be from the instrument panel registers. The air conditioning compressor will operate in this mode.

• VENT - Distributes outside air through the

instrument panel registers. However, the air will not be cooled below the outside temperature.

•

• (Floor and defrost) - Distributes outside air

•

• OFF - Outside air is shut out and the fan will not

Displaying outside temperature

• OUTSIDE TEMP - Outside air temperature will be

(Panel and floor) - Distributes outside air through the instrument panel registers and the front and rear seat floor ducts. The air will be heated or cooled based on temperature selection. The air conditioning compressor will operate in this mode.

(Floor) - Allows for maximum heating

through the front and rear seat floor ducts.

through the floor ducts and the windshield defroster ducts. If the outside temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or higher, the air conditioner will dehumidify the air to prevent fogging. The air conditioning compressor will operate in this mode.

F-DEF (Defrost) - Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster ducts. It can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield. If the outside temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or higher, the air conditioner will dehumidify the air to prevent fogging. The air conditioning compressor will operate in this mode.

operate.

displayed. If the EATC is off, the display will go blank after four seconds. If the EATC is on, the display will show the outside temperature until the button is pressed again.

Controls and features

The outside temperature reading is most accurate when the vehicle is moving. Higher readings may be obtained when the vehicle is not moving. The readings that you get may not agree with temperatures given on the radio due to differences in vehicle and station locations.

Operating tips

• In humid weather, select F-DEF before driving. This will prevent your windshield from fogging. After a few minutes, select any desired position.

• To prevent humidity buildup inside the vehicle, don’t drive with the climate control system in the OFF position.

• Don’t put objects under the front seat that will interfere with the air circulation to the back seats.

• Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area (at the bottom of the windshield under the hood) on the passenger side of your vehicle.

• If the air conditioner works well in MAX A/C but not in A/C, this may indicate that the passenger compartment air filter (if equipped) needs to be replaced.

Rear window defroster and heated outside rear view mirrors

The defroster clears away fog, frost and thin ice from the rear window and outside rear view mirrors. Clear away snow from rear window and mirrors. The defroster operates for 10 minutes then shuts off. If more defrosting is required, press the control again.

R-DEF

Controls and features

Liftgate wiper and washer (wagon only)

The liftgate wiper/washer control is located under the headlamp controls. Press the wiper control to activate the rear wiper. Press control again to turn off the wiper.

Press the washer control to activate rear washer. The wiper will come on when the washer control is pressed, if not already on.

AUDIO SYSTEM

Refer to the Audio Guide for instructions on how to operate the audio system.

FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH

Refer to the Roadside emergencies chapter for instructions on how to operate the fuel pump shut-off switch.

POSITIONS OF THE IGNITION

1. ACCESSORY allows

the electrical

accessories such as the radio and wipers/washer to operate while the

engine is not running.

2. LOCK locks the

steering wheel and gearshift lever and allows key removal.

Controls and features

3. OFF shuts off the ignition and accessories and

allows the gearshift and steering wheel to move.

4. ON tests the warning lights. The key must remain

here when the engine is running.

5. START cranks the engine. The key must return to

ON when running.

CRUISE CONTROL To turn cruise control on

Press ON. Vehicle speed cannot

be controlled until the vehicle is travelling at or above 48 km/h (30 mph).

Do not use the cruise control in heavy traffic or winding, slippery or unpaved roads.

Do not shift into N (Neutral) while the cruise control is on.

To turn cruise control off

Press OFF or turn off the vehicle ignition.

OFF

RESUME

SET

ACCEL

COAST

RESUME

SET

ACCEL

COAST

Once cruise control is switched off, the previously programmed set speed will be erased.

Controls and features

To set a speed

Press SET ACCEL. For cruise control to operate, the cruise control must be ON and the vehicle speed must be greater than 48 km/h (30 mph).

If you drive up or down a steep hill, your vehicle speed may vary momentarily slower or faster than the set speed. This is normal.

Cruise control cannot reduce the vehicle speed if it increases above the set speed on a downhill. If your vehicle speed is faster than the set speed while driving on a downhill in Overdrive, you may want to shift to the next lower gear to reduce your vehicle speed.

If your vehicle slows down more than 16 km/h (10 mph) below your set speed on an uphill, your cruise control will disengage. This is normal. Pressing RESUME will re-engage it.

Do not use your cruise control in heavy traffic or roads that are winding, slippery or unpaved.

OFF

RESUME

SET

ACCEL

COAST

To set a higher set speed

• Press and hold SET ACCEL. Release the control when the desired vehicle speed is reached or

OFF

RESUME

SET

ACCEL

COAST

• Press and release SET ACCEL. Each press will increase the set speed by 1.6 km/h (1 mph) or

• Accelerate with your accelerator pedal, then press and release SET ACCEL.

Controls and features

You can accelerate with the accelerator pedal at any time during cruise control usage. Releasing the accelerator pedal will return your vehicle to the previously programmed set speed.

To set a lower set speed

• Press and hold COAST. Release the control when the desired speed is reached or

• Press and release COAST. Each press will decrease the set speed by 1.6 km/h (1 mph) or

• Depress the brake pedal. When the desired vehicle speed is reached, press SET ACCEL.

To disengage cruise control

• Depress the brake pedal.

Disengaging the cruise control will not erase the previously programmed set speed.

Pressing OFF will erase the previously programmed set speed.

OFF

RESUME

SET

ACCEL

COAST

To return to a set speed

• Press RESUME. For RESUME to operate, the vehicle speed must be faster than 48 km/h (30 mph).

OFF

RESUME

SET

ACCEL

COAST

Controls and features

Indicator light

Lights when the cruise control is turned on and remains lit until either the cruise control or the ignition is turned off.

TURN SIGNAL CONTROL Turn signals

Push the control down to activate the left turn signal. Push control up to activate the right turn signal.

High beams

Push the control forward to activate the high beams.

CRUISE

Controls and features

Flash-to-pass

Pull the control toward you to activate the flash-to-pass function.

WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHER

Push the control on the end of the turn signal control to activate washer. Push the control once for a single wipe. Push and hold for a longer wash cycle.

Turn the dial at end of the turn signal control to adjust wiper interval and speed.



OFF



OFF

HAZARD FLASHER

Push the control located on top of the steering column to activate four-way flashers. Push control again to turn flashers off.

Controls and features

TILT STEERING

Pull the tilt steering control toward you to move the steering wheel up or down. Hold the control while adjusting the wheel to the desired position, then release the control.

Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.

MOON ROOF (IF EQUIPPED)

Press SLIDE to open and close moon roof. Press AUTO and release to open completely with one touch.

Press UP or DN on the TILT control to tilt moon roof when closed.

LIGHT

SLIDE

TILT

AUTO

LIGHT

Sliding shade

The moon roof has a sliding shade that you can open or close when the moon roof is closed.

DOME LAMPS AND MAP LAMPS

The front dome lamp is located overhead between the driver and passenger seats. If the vehicle is equipped with a moon roof, the dome lamp is located behind the moon roof.

Controls and features

The dome lamp will stay on if the control is moved to the ON position. When the control is in the DOOR position, the lamp will only come on when a door is opened. If the control is moved to the OFF position, the lamp will not come on at all.

The dome lamp will illuminate whenever a front door is opened. If either front door has been opened from the outside, the lamp will remain on for 25 seconds after the door is shut. If any other door has been opened from the inside, the lamp will shut off immediately after the door is closed.

The map lamps and controls are located on the dome lamp. Press the controls on either side of each map lamp to activate the lamps.

If equipped with a moon roof, the map lamps are located on the moon roof control panel. Press LIGHT to

LIGHT

illuminate the map lamp.

TILT

OFF DOOR ON

SLIDE

LIGHT

Controls and features

POWER WINDOWS

Press and hold the rocker switches to open and close windows. When AUTO is pressed and released quickly, the driver’s window will open completely without holding the switch down. Each passenger has window controls.

The window lock feature allows only the driver to operate the power windows.

POWER DOOR LOCKS (IF EQUIPPED)

Press U to unlock all doors and L to lock all doors.

Controls and features

Central locking/Two step unlocking

When unlocking the driver or front passenger door with the key, turn it once toward the front of the vehicle to unlock that door only. Turn the key a second time to unlock all doors. When locking, turn the key toward the back of the vehicle to lock all doors.

Liftgate (wagon only)

The power liftgate lock is located on the right inside trim panel in the cargo area. When this lock is pressed, all doors and the liftgate will lock.

POWER SIDE VIEW MIRRORS

To change mirror position, first select a mirror by moving the selector control left

) or right ( ),

( then moving the control to set the desired position.

Power heated side view mirrors (if equipped)

The heated mirrors will melt frost, thin ice or remove fog when the rear window defroster is activated.

+ 137 hidden pages