FORD Taurus 2004 User Manual v.1

Table of Contents

Introduction 4

Instrument Cluster 10

Warning and control lights 10 Gauges 13

Entertainment Systems 15

AM/FM stereo 15 AM/FM stereo cassette 16 AM/FM stereo with CD 19 CD changer 21

Climate Controls 24

Manual heating and air conditioning 24 Electronic automatic temperature control 25 Rear window defroster 28

Table of Contents

Lights 29

Headlamps 29 Turn signal control 32 Bulb replacement 33

Driver Controls 44

Windshield wiper/washer control 44 Steering wheel adjustment 45 Power windows 47 Mirrors 47 Speed control 49 Message center 53

Locks and Security 67

Keys 67 Locks 67 Anti-theft system 77

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Table of Contents

Seating and Safety Restraints 81

Seating 81 Safety restraints 85 Air bags 101 Child restraints 109

Driving 122

Starting 122 Brakes 126 Traction control 128 Transmission operation 130 Vehicle loading 134 Trailer towing 137

Roadside Emergencies 142

Getting roadside assistance 142 Hazard flasher switch 143 Fuel pump shut-off switch 143 Fuses and relays 145 Changing tires 151 Jump starting 156 Wrecker towing 161

Customer Assistance 162

Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 170

Cleaning 171

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Table of Contents

Maintenance and Specifications 177

Engine compartment 179 Engine oil 182 Battery 185 Fuel information 191 Part numbers 220 Refill capacities 221 Lubricant specifications 222

Accessories 230

Index 232

All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written authorization from Ford Motor Company. Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation.

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Introduction

CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and

certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations on acquiring your new Ford Motor Company product. Please take the time to get well acquainted with your vehicle by reading this handbook. The more you know and understand about your vehicle, the greater the safety and pleasure you will derive from driving it.

For more information on Ford Motor Company and its products visit the following website:

• In the United States: www.ford.com

• In Canada: www.ford.ca

• In Mexico: www.ford.com.mx

• In Australia: www.ford.com.au

Additional owner information is given in separate publications.

This Owner’s Guide describes every option and model variant available and therefore some of the items covered may not apply to your particular vehicle. Furthermore, due to printing cycles it may describe options before they are generally available.

Remember to pass on the Owner’s Guide when reselling the vehicle. It is an integral part of the vehicle.

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Introduction

Fuel pump shut-off switch In the event of an accident the

safety switch will automatically cut off the fuel supply to the engine. The switch can also be activated through sudden vibration (e.g. collision when parking). To reset the switch, refer to the Fuel pump shut-off switch in the Roadside emergencies chapter.

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

Warning symbols in this guide

How can you reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment? In this guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments highlighted by the warning triangle symbol. These comments should be read and observed.

Warning symbols on your vehicle

When you see this symbol, it is imperative that you consult the relevant section of this guide before touching or attempting adjustment of any kind.

Protecting the environment

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. Information in this respect is highlighted in this guide with the tree symbol.

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Introduction

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE

Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive continuously at the same speed for the first 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of new vehicle operation. Vary your speed to allow parts to adjust themselves to other parts.

Drive your new vehicle at least 800 km (500 miles) before towing a trailer.

Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils during the first few thousand kilometers (miles) of operation, since these additives may prevent piston ring seating. See Engine oil in the Maintenance and specifications chapter for more information on oil usage.

SPECIAL NOTICES

Emission warranty

The New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes Bumper-to-Bumper Coverage, Safety Restraint Coverage, Corrosion Coverage, and 6.0L Power Stroke Diesel Engine Coverage. In addition, your vehicle is eligible for Emissions Defect and Emissions Performance Warranties. For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered, refer to the Warranty Guide that is provided to you along with your Owner’s Guide.

Service Data Recording

Service date recorders in your vehicle are capable of collecting and storing diagnostic information about your vehicle. This potentially includes information about the performance or status of various systems and modules in the vehicle, such as engine, throttle, steering or brake systems. In order to properly diagnose and service your vehicle, Ford Motor Company, Ford of Canada and service and repair facilities may access vehicle diagnostic information through a direct connection to your vehicle when diagnosing or servicing your vehicle.

Event Data Recording

Other modules in your vehicle — event data recorders — are capable of collecting and storing data during a crash or near crash event. The recorded information may assist in the investigation of such an event. The modules may record information about both the vehicle and the occupants, potentially including information such as:

• how various systems in your vehicle were operating;

• whether or not the driver and passenger seatbelts were buckled;

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Introduction

• how far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or the brake pedal;

• how fast the vehicle was traveling; and

• where the driver was positioning the steering wheel.

To access this information, special equipment must be directly connected to the recording modules. Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada do not access event data recorder information without obtaining consent, unless pursuant to court order or where required by law enforcement, other government authorities or other third parties acting with lawful authority. Other parties may seek to access the information independently of Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada.

Special instructions

For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic controls.

Please read the section Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in the Seating and Safety Restraints chapter. Failure to follow

the specific warnings and instructions could result in personal injury.

Front seat mounted rear facing child or infant seats should NEVER be used in front of a passenger side air bag unless the

air bag can be and is turned OFF.

MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA VEHICLE SPECIFIC INFORMATION

For your particular global region, your vehicle may be equipped with features and options that are different from the ones that are described in this Owner Guide; therefore, a supplement has been supplied that complements this book. By referring to the pages in the provided supplement, you can properly identify those features, recommendations and specifications that are unique to your vehicle. Refer to this Owner

Guide for all other required information and warnings.

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Introduction

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.

Vehicle Symbol Glossary

Safety Alert

Fasten Safety Belt Air Bag-Front

Air Bag-Side Child Seat

Child Seat Installation Warning

Child Seat Tether Anchor

Anti-Lock Brake System

Traction Control AdvanceTrac娂

Master Lighting Switch Hazard Warning Flasher

Fog Lamps-Front Fuse Compartment

See Owner’s Guide

Child Seat Lower Anchor

Brake System

Brake Fluid Non-Petroleum Based

Fuel Pump Reset Windshield Wash/Wipe

Windshield Defrost/Demist

Rear Window Defrost/Demist

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Vehicle Symbol Glossary

Introduction

Power Windows Front/Rear

Child Safety Door Lock/Unlock

Power Window Lockout

Interior Luggage Compartment Release Symbol

Panic Alarm Engine Oil

Engine Coolant

Engine Coolant Temperature

Do Not Open When Hot Battery

Avoid Smoking, Flames, or Sparks

Battery Acid

Explosive Gas Fan Warning

Power Steering Fluid

Maintain Correct Fluid Level

Emission System Engine Air Filter

MAX

MIN

Passenger Compartment Air Filter

Jack

Check fuel cap Low tire warning

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Instrument Cluster

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES

Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions. Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have the respective system inspected immediately.

Service engine soon: The Service engine soon indicator light

illuminates when the ignition is first turned to the ON position to check the bulb. Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to On board diagnostics (OBD-II) in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced immediately.

Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior

floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.

Check fuel cap: Illuminates when the fuel cap may not be properly installed. Continued driving with this light on may cause the Service engine soon warning light to come on. Refer to Fuel filler cap in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Instrument Cluster

Brake system warning light: To confirm the brake system warning light is functional, it will momentarily illuminate when the ignition is turned to the ON position when the engine is not running, or in a position between ON and START, or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this time, seek service immediately from your dealership. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake system should be inspected immediately by your servicing dealership.

Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is

dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle checked by your dealer immediately.

Anti-lock brake system (if equipped): If the ABS light stays

illuminated or continues to flash, a malfunction has been detected, have the system serviced immediately. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake warning light also is illuminated.

Air bag readiness: If this light fails to illuminate when ignition is turned to ON, continues to flash or remains on, have the system serviced immediately. A chime will also sound when a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system has been detected.

Safety belt: Reminds you to fasten your safety belt. A chime will also sound to remind you to fasten your safety belt.

BRAKE

ABS

Charging system: Illuminates when the battery is not charging properly.

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Instrument Cluster

Engine oil pressure: Illuminates when the oil pressure falls below the normal range, refer to Engine oil in the Maintenance and specifications chapter.

Traction Control娂 active (if equipped): Flashes when the

Traction Control娂 is active. If the light remains on a malfunction has been detected; have the system serviced immediately, refer to the Driving chapter for more information.

Speed control (if equipped):

Illuminates when the speed control is activated. Turns off when the speed control system is deactivated.

Securilock娂 Anti-theft system:

Flashes when the Securilock娂 Passive Anti-theft System has been activated. Refer to Securilock娂 Passive Anti-theft System in the Locks and Security chapter.

Turn signal: Illuminates when the left or right turn signal or the hazard lights are turned on. If the indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.

High beams: Illuminates when the high beam headlamps are turned on.

CRUISE

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.

Headlamps on warning chime: Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the driver’s door is opened.

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Instrument Cluster

GAUGES

Speedometer: Indicates the current vehicle speed.

Engine coolant temperature gauge: Indicates engine coolant

temperature. At normal operating temperature, the needle will be in the normal range (between “H” and

“C”). If it enters the red section, the engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off the engine and let the engine cool.

Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is

running or hot.

Tachometer: Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute. Driving with your tachometer pointer continuously at the top of the scale may damage the engine.

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Instrument Cluster

Fuel gauge: Indicates approximately how much fuel is left in the fuel tank (when the ignition is in the ON position). The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion or on a grade.

The FUEL icon and arrow indicates which side of the vehicle the fuel filler door is located.

Refer to Filling the tank in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter for more information.

Odometer: Registers the total kilometers (miles) of the vehicle.

Refer to Message Center in the Drivers Controls chapter on how to switch the display from Metric to English.

Trip odometer: Registers the kilometers (miles) of individual journeys. Press and release the message center INFO button until “TRIP” appears in the display (this represents the trip mode). Press and hold the RESET button for three seconds to reset.

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Entertainment Systems

AM/FM STEREO (IF EQUIPPED)

1. Clock: To set the hour, press and hold the H control. When the desired hour appears, release the control.

To set the minute, press and hold the M control. When the desired minute appears, release the control.

Entertainment Systems

2. Bass: Press

/ to

decrease/increase the bass output.

3. Treble: Press

/ to

decrease/increase the treble output.

4. Balance: Press

/ to shift

sound to the left/right speakers.

5. Fade: Press

/ to shift

sound to the rear/front speakers.

6. Scan: Press SCAN to hear a brief sampling of all listenable radio stations. Press again to stop.

7. Memory preset buttons: To set a station: Select frequency band

BASS

TREB

BAL

FADE

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Entertainment Systems

AM/FM1/FM2; tune to a station, press and hold a preset button until sound returns.

8. Tune: Press frequency down/up.

/ to change

9. Seek: Press and release

for previous/next strong station.

10. Power/volume: Press to turn ON/OFF; turn to increase or decrease volume levels.

11. AM/FM: Press to choose a frequency band AM/FM1/FM2.

VOL PUSH ON

AM/FM STEREO CASSETTE/MACH姞 AUDIO SYSTEM WITH AM/FM STEREO CASSETTE (IF EQUIPPED)

1. Tape: Insert the cassette with the opening to the right. If a tape is already inserted into the system, press TAPE to begin tape play.

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Entertainment Systems

2. Clock: To set the hour, press and hold the H control. When the desired hour appears, release the control.

To set the minute, press and hold the M control. When the desired minute appears, release the control.

3. CD: Press to play the CD (if equipped).

Note: All cassette ICPs are CDDJ compatible, but CDDJ is an option with limited availability as defined in the order guide.

4. Bass: Press decrease/increase the bass output.

/ to

BASS

5. Treble: Press

/ to

decrease/increase the treble output.

6. Balance: Press

/ to shift

sound to the left/right speakers.

7. Fade: Press

/ to shift

sound to the rear/front speakers.

8. Scan: Press SCAN to hear a brief sampling of all listenable radio stations, tape or CD selections. Press again to stop.

9. Shuffle: Press to play CD tracks in random order.

10. COMP (compression): While playing a CD, press to bring soft and loud passages together for a more consistent listening level.

TREB

BAL

FADE

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Entertainment Systems

11. Dolby威 noise reduction: Reduces tape noise and hiss while playing a tape, press to activate/deactivate.

12. Side 1–2: Press to change tape direction.

13. FF (fast forward): Press to advance the tape or CD.

14. REW (rewind): Press to rewind the tape or reverse the CD.

15. Memory preset buttons: To set a station: Select frequency band AM/FM1/FM2; tune to a station, press and hold a preset button until sound returns.

16. Tune: Works in radio mode or CD mode. Press frequency down/up or previous/next

disc.

17. Cassette door: Insert a cassette into the cassette door.

/ to change

18. Seek: Press and release

/ for previous/next

strong radio station, tape selection or CD track.

19. Power/volume: Press to turn ON/OFF; turn to increase or decrease volume levels.

20. AM/FM: Press to choose a frequency band in radio mode (AM/FM1/FM2).

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

VOL PUSH ON

Entertainment Systems

21. EJ (Eject): Press to eject a tape.

AUDIO SYSTEM WITH AM/FM STEREO/SINGLE CD PLAYER (IF EQUIPPED)

1. Clock: To set the hour, press and hold the H control. When the desired hour appears, release the control.

To set the minute, press and hold the M control. When the desired minute appears, release the control.

2. Bass: Press

/ to

decrease/increase the bass output.

3. Treble: Press

/ to

decrease/increase the treble output.

4. Balance: Press

/ to shift

sound to the left/right speakers.

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

BASS

TREB

BAL

Entertainment Systems

5. Fade: Press / to shift sound to the rear/front speakers.

6. Scan: Press to hear a brief sampling of all listenable radio stations or CD tracks. Press again to stop.

7. CD: Press to play a CD. Press again to toggle between single CD mode and CD Changer mode (if equipped).

8. Shuffle: Press to play CD tracks in random order.

9. COMP (compression): Press to bring soft and loud passages together for a more consistent listening level.

10. FF (fast forward): Press and hold until desired selection is reached.

11. REW (rewind): Press and hold until desired selection is reached.

12. Memory preset buttons: To set a station: Select frequency band AM/FM; tune to a station, press and hold a preset button until sound returns.

13. Tune: Press radio frequency down/up. With CD

changer (if equipped), press to select the previous/next CD.

14. Seek: Press and release strong radio station or previous/next

CD track.

/ for previous/next

/ to change

FADE

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

15. Power/volume: Press to turn ON/OFF; turn to increase or decrease volume levels.

16. EJ (Eject): Press to eject a CD.

Entertainment Systems

VOL PUSH ON

17. AM/FM: Press to choose a frequency band (AM/FM1/FM2).

CD CHANGER (IF EQUIPPED)

Your CD changer is either located in the trunk, the console or the right side cargo area storage compartment.

1. Slide the door to access the CD changer magazine.

2. Press

3. Turn the magazine (A) over.

4. Using the disc holder release

to eject the magazine.

knob (C), pull the disc holder (B) out of the magazine.

Do not pull too hard on the disc holder as the disc holder may come completely out of the magazine. If this happens, reinsert the disc holder back into the magazine while pressing on the lever.

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Entertainment Systems

5. Line up the CD with the groove of the disc holder. Ensure that the label on the CD faces downwards.

6. Press the disc holder until it locks securely into the magazine.

Ensure that the disc holder is evenly inserted and at the same level as the magazine (A). The unit will not operate if the disc holder is not inserted at the same level (B).

RADIO FREQUENCIES

AM and FM frequencies are established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Those frequencies are:

AM - 530, 540–1700, 1710 kHz

FM- 87.7, 87.9–107.7, 107.9 MHz

RADIO RECEPTION FACTORS

There are three factors that can affect radio reception:

• Distance/strength: The further you travel from an FM station, the weaker the signal and the weaker the reception.

• Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, power lines, electric fences, traffic lights and thunderstorms can interfere with your reception.

• Station overload: When you pass a broadcast tower, a stronger signal may overtake a weaker one and play while the weak station frequency is displayed.

CASSETTE/PLAYER CARE

Do:

• Use only cassettes that are 90 minutes long or less.

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Entertainment Systems

• Tighten very loose tapes by inserting a finger or pencil into the hole and turning the hub.

• Remove loose labels before inserting tapes.

• Allow tapes which have been subjected to extreme heat, humidity or

cold to reach a moderate temperature before playing.

• Clean the cassette player head with a cassette cleaning cartridge after 10–12 hours of play to maintain good sound/operation.

Don’t:

• Expose tapes to direct sunlight, extreme humidity, heat or cold.

• Leave tapes in the cassette player for a long time when not being

played.

CD/CD PLAYER CARE

Do:

• Handle discs by their edges only. Never touch the playing surface.

• Inspect discs before playing. Clean only with an approved CD cleaner

and wipe from the center out.

Don’t:

• Expose discs to direct sunlight or heat sources for extended periods of time.

• Insert more than one disc into each slot of the CD changer magazine.

• Clean using a circular motion.

CD units are designed to play commercially pressed 12 cm (4.75 in) audio compact discs only. Due to technical incompatibility, certain recordable and re-recordable compact discs may not function correctly when used in Ford CD players. Irregular shaped CDs, CDs with a scratch protection film attached, and CDs with homemade paper (adhesive) labels should not be inserted into the CD player. The label may peel and cause the CD to become jammed. It is recommended that homemade CDs be identified with permanent felt tip marker rather than adhesive labels. Ball point pens may damage CDs. Please contact your dealer for further information.

AUDIO SYSTEM WARRANTY AND SERVICE

Refer to the Warranty Guide for audio system warranty information. If service is necessary, see your dealer or qualified technician.

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Climate Controls

MANUAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)

1. Temperature selection:

Controls the temperature of the airflow in the vehicle.

2. Passenger airbag indicator

light: Indicates whether the Passenger air bag is currently ON or OFF. Refer to Front passenger sensing system in the Seating and Safety Restraints chapter.

3. Air flow selections: Controls the direction of the airflow in the

vehicle. See the following for a brief description on each control. MAX A/C: Uses recirculated air through the instrument panel registers

to cool the vehicle. This mode maximizes the airflow and as it is re-cooling the interior air, it is more economical and efficient. May reduce undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.

A/C: Uses outside air to cool the vehicle. Air flows from the instrument panel register vents only.

: Distributes outside air through the instrument panel vents.

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

: Distributes outside air through the instrument panel and floor

vents.

: Distributes outside air through the floor vents.

: Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster vents and

floor vents.

: Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster vents.

4. Fan speed adjustment: Controls the volume of air circulated in the

vehicle.

5. Rear defrost control: Press to

defrost the rear window.

OPERATING TIPS

• To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place the air flow selector in the

• To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle: do not drive with the air flow selector in the OFF or MAX A/C position.

position.

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Climate Controls

• Under normal weather conditions, do not leave the air flow selector in MAX A/C or OFF when the vehicle is parked. This allows the vehicle to “breathe” using the outside air inlet vents.

• Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the airflow to the back seats.

• Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of the windshield.

To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:

1. Select

2. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.

3. Set the fan speed to HI

4. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows

To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents located in the middle of the instrument panel.

Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.

ELECTRONIC AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (EATC) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)

12 13 14

AUTO

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

OFF

TEMP

5 3

A/C

PASS

AIRBAG

OFF

Climate Controls

1. OFF: Outside air is shut out and

the fan will not operate.

2. A/C: Press to turn on and manually control the air conditioning in all

modes except the system to automatically control the temperature.

3. Passenger airbag off: Indicates whether the passenger airbag is ON

or OFF. Refer to Front passenger sensing system in the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

recirculated air operation. When activated, recirculates air in the cabin thereby reducing the amount of time to cool down the interior of the vehicle. May also help reduce undesired odors from reaching the interior of the vehicle. Will work in all modes except Defrost. Recirculation turns off automatically when Floor, Floor/Defrost or Defrost is selected to reduce the humidity inside the vehicle.

5. Temperature control: Press this

control to select the temperature. The display window indicates the selected temperature.

6. Auto: To engage automatic

temperature control, press AUTO to select the desired temperature using the temperature control. The system will automatically determine fan speed, airflow location, outside or recirculated air to heat or cool the vehicle to reach the desired temperature.

7. Fan Speed: Press to manually

increase/decrease fan speed. In manual mode, the display will show the system will automatically control fan speed to achieve the desired temperature.

8. Manual override controls:

Allows you to manually determine where airflow is directed. To return to full automatic control, press AUTO.

9. F : Distributes outside air

through the windshield defroster ducts. Can be used to clear ice or

Recirculation control: Used to manually enable or disable

with a bar graph to indicate fan speed. When in AUTO mode,

(Defrost). Press again to disengage. Press AUTO for

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Climate Controls

fog from the windshield. Outside air and A/C will be automatically engaged to assist in clearing the windshield.

10. Rear defrost control: Press to

defrost the rear window.

11.

ducts. The system will automatically provide outside air to reduce window fogging.

12.

equipped).

13.

registers (if equipped), the front and rear seat floor ducts.

14.

registers (if equipped).

Fahrenheit/Celsius temperature:

same time, to toggle between Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature. The set point temperatures in Celsius will be displayed in one degree increments.

OPERATING TIPS

• To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place

• To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle: do not drive with the

• Under normal weather conditions, do not leave the air flow selector in

• Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the

• Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of

To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:

1. Select

2. Select A/C

3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.

4. Set the fan speed to HI

: Distributes air through the windshield defroster ducts and floor

: Distributes air through the floor and rear seat floor ducts (if

: Distributes air through the instrument panel and center console

Press A/C and F controls at the

the air flow selector in the

control in the OFF mode or in recirculation mode without the A/C engaged.

MAX A/C or OFF when the vehicle is parked. This allows the vehicle to “breathe” using the outside air inlet vents.

airflow to the back seats.

the windshield.

position.

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Climate Controls

5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows

To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents located in the middle of the instrument panel.

Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.

REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER

The rear defroster control is located on the instrument panel.

Press the rear defroster control to clear the rear window of thin ice and fog.

• A small LED will illuminate when the rear defroster is activated.

The ignition must be in the ON position to operate the rear window defroster.

The defroster turns off automatically after 10 minutes or when the ignition is turned to the OFF position. To manually turn off the defroster before 10 minutes have passed, push the control again.

Activating the rear window defroster will also activate the heated mirrors (if equipped). For more information refer to Heated outside mirrors in the Driver controls chapter.

CABIN AIR FILTER (IF EQUIPPED)

Your vehicle may be equipped with a Cabin air filter. The particulate air filtration system is designed to reduce the concentration of airborne particles such as dust, spores and pollen in the air being supplied to the interior of the vehicle. The particulate filtration system gives the following benefits to customers:

• Improves the customer’s driving comfort by reducing particle concentration

• Improves the interior compartment cleanliness

• Protects the climate control components from particle deposits

The filter is located just in front of the windshield under the cowl grille on the passenger side of the vehicle.

For more information, or to replace the filter, see your Ford, Lincoln or Mercury Dealer.

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Lights

HEADLAMP CONTROL

Turns the lamps off.

Turns on the parking lamps, instrument panel lamps, license plate lamps and tail lamps.

Turns the headlamps on.

Autolamp control (if equipped)

The autolamp system provides light sensitive automatic on-off control of the exterior lights normally controlled by the headlamp control.

The autolamp system also keeps the lights on for a fixed period of time after the ignition switch is turned to OFF.

• To turn autolamps on, rotate the control counterclockwise.

• To turn autolamps off, rotate the control clockwise to OFF.

Lights

Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)

Turns the headlamps on with a reduced output.

To activate:

• the ignition must be in the ON position and

• the headlamp control is in the OFF or parking lamp.

Always remember to turn on your headlamps at dusk or during

inclement weather. The Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) system does not activate with your tail lamps and generally may not provide adequate lighting during these conditions. Failure to activate your headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision.

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Lights

High beams

Push the lever toward the instrument panel to activate. Pull the lever towards you to deactivate.

Flash to pass

Pull toward you slightly to activate and release to deactivate.

PANEL DIMMER CONTROL

Use to adjust the brightness of the instrument panel and all applicable switches in the vehicle during headlamp and parklamp operation.

Move the control to the full upright position, past detent, to turn on the interior lamps.

AIMING THE HEADLAMPS

The headlamps on your vehicle are properly aimed at the assembly plant. If your vehicle has been in an accident the alignment of your headlamps should be checked by a qualified service technician.

Vertical aim adjustment

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface approximately 7.6 meters (25 feet) from a vertical wall or screen directly in front of it.

2004 Taurus (tau) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

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