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2008 Ford Taurus Owner Guide 3rd Printing - Page 1

2008 Ford Taurus Manual

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Table of Contents Introduction Instrument Cluster Warning lights and chimes Gauges 4 10 10 14 Entertainment Systems How to get going AM/FM stereo with CD AM/FM stereo with in-dash six CD Auxiliary input jack (Line in) USB port Satellite radio information Family entertainment system Navigation system SYNC 16 16 20 28 36 38 41 44 73 73 Climate Controls Manual heating and air conditioning Automatic temperature control Rear window defroster 74 74 76 80 Lights Headlamps Turn signal control Bulb replacement 81 81 85 86 Driver Controls Windshield wiper/washer control Steering wheel adjustment Power windows Mirrors Speed control Moon roof Message center 91 91 92 95 97 100 105 110 1 2008 Taurus (500) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA (fus)

Section	Page
Table of Contents	1
Introduction	4
PERCHLORATE MATERIAL	4
CONGRATULATIONS	4
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION	5
Warning symbols in this guide	5
Warning symbols on your vehicle	5
Protecting the environment	5
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE	5
SPECIAL NOTICES	5
New Vehicle Limited Warranty	5
Special instructions	6
Service Data Recording	6
Event Data Recording	6
Cell phone use	7
Export unique (Non–United States/Canada) vehicle specific information	7
Instrument Cluster	10
WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES	10
GAUGES	14
Entertainment Systems	16
AUDIO SYSTEMS	16
Quick start — How to get going	16
Listening to the radio	16
Listening to satellite radio (if equipped)	17
Listening to a CD/MP3 (if equipped)	17
AM/FM Single CD/MP3 satellite compatible sound system (if equipped)	20
Premium/Audiophile AM/FM in-dash six CD/MP3 satellite compatible sound system (if equipped)	28
Auxiliary input jack (Line in)	36
USB port (if equipped)	38
GENERAL AUDIO INFORMATION	38
Satellite radio information (if equipped)	41
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT DVD SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	44
Quick start	45
To play a DVD in the DVD system:	45
To play a CD in the DVD system:	46
To play an MP3 disc in the DVD system:	46
To play an auxiliary source through the DVD system	47
To listen to audio over the headphones (Dual play mode):	48
Using the infrared (IR) wireless headphones:	48
Using wired headphones (not included):	48
To adjust display brightness:	49
DVD player controls	49
Remote control	52
Battery replacement	55
Headphones	55
Wireless headphones	55
Wired headphones	59
Operation	59
Single play/Dual play	59
Operation with an aftermarket audio system (Headphone only mode)	61
Menu mode	61
Angle mode	61
Aspect ratio	62
Language	62
Subtitles	63
Audio CDs	63
Playing MP3 discs	64
MP3 disc quality factors	64
CD, MP3 and CD player care	65
Playing a DVD	66
Slow play	66
Frame by frame	67
Headphone/auxiliary jacks	67
Audio displays	68
Audio interaction	68
Parental control for the DVD system	68
General information	69
Safety information	70
Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Compliance	71
Care and service of the DVD player	71
Environmental extremes	71
Temperature extremes	72
Humidity and moisture condensation	72
Foreign substances	72
Cleaning the liquid crystal display (LCD) flip-down screen	72
Cleaning DVD and CD discs	72
Compatibility with aftermarket audio systems (headphone only mode)	72
NAVIGATION SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	73
SYNC (LATE AVAILABILITY — IF EQUIPPED)	73
Climate Controls	74
MANUAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	74
Operating tips	75
DUAL ZONE AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)	76
Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control with heated seats (if equipped)	78
Operating tips	79
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER	80
Lights	81
HEADLAMP CONTROL	81
Autolamp control (if equipped)	81
Autolamps - Programmable exit delay	81
Fog lamp control (if equipped)	82
High beams	82
Flash to pass	83
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)	83
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL	83
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS	84
Vertical aim adjustment	84
TURN SIGNAL CONTROL	85
INTERIOR LAMPS	85
Dome lamps and map lamps	85
BULB REPLACEMENT	86
Headlamp Condensation	86
Using the right bulbs	86
Replacing the interior bulbs	87
Replacing exterior bulbs	87
Replacing headlamp (low beam) bulbs	87
Replacing headlamp (high beam) bulbs	87
Replacing front parking lamp/turn signal/sidemarker bulbs	88
Replacing rear brake/tail/turn/backup and side marker lamp bulbs	89
Replacing high-mount brake lamp bulbs	89
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs	90
Replacing fog lamp bulbs	90
Driver Controls	91
MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER	91
Windshield wiper features (if equipped with Autolamp feature)	91
TILT STEERING WHEEL	92
ILLUMINATED VISOR MIRROR (IF EQUIPPED)	92
INSTRUMENT PANEL STORAGE COMPARTMENT	93
OVERHEAD CONSOLE	93
Storage compartment	93
CLOCK (IF EQUIPPED)	93
CENTER CONSOLE	94
AUXILIARY POWER POINT (12VDC)	94
POWER WINDOWS	95
One touch up or down (Driver’s window only)	96
Window lock	97
Bounce-Back (Driver’s window only)	97
Security Override	97
Accessory delay	97
INTERIOR MIRROR	97
Automatic dimming interior rear view mirror (if equipped)	98
EXTERIOR MIRRORS	98
Power side view mirrors	98
Fold-away mirrors	99
Heated outside mirrors (if equipped)	99
POWER ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDALS (IF EQUIPPED)	99
SPEED CONTROL	100
Setting speed control	100
Disengaging speed control	101
Resuming a set speed	101
Increasing speed while using speed control	102
Reducing speed while using speed control	102
Turning off speed control	103
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS (IF EQUIPPED)	103
Radio control features	103
MOON ROOF (IF EQUIPPED)	105
HOMELINK WIRELESS CONTROL SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	106
Programming	107
Gate Operator & Canadian Programming	108
Operating the HomeLink Wireless Control System	109
Erasing HomeLink buttons	109
Reprogramming a single HomeLink button	109
MESSAGE CENTER	110
Selectable features	110
Reset	110
Info menu	110
Odometer/Trip odometer	110
Distance to empty (DTE)	110
Average fuel economy (AFE)	111
Trip elapsed drive time	111
Compass display	112
Compass zone adjustment	112
Compass calibration adjustment	113
Setup menu	114
System check	114
Oil life	114
Language	115
Units (English/Metric)	115
Autolamp delay (if equipped)	115
Autolock (if equipped)	116
Autounlock (if equipped)	116
Easy entry/exit seat (if equipped)	116
System warnings	116
INTERIOR TRUNK CONTROL	119
Rear sunshade (if equipped)	119
CARGO AREA FEATURES	120
Cargo net (if equipped)	120
Locks and Security	121
KEYS	121
Recommended handling of the Integrated Keyhead Transmitter (IKT)	121
POWER DOOR LOCKS	122
Smart locks	123
Autolock feature	123
Deactivating/activating autolock feature	123
Power door lock switch autolock enable/disable procedure	124
Keyless entry key pad autolock enable/disable procedure	124
Autounlock feature	125
Deactivating/activating autounlock feature	125
Power door lock switch autounlock enable/disable procedure	125
Keyless entry key pad autounlock enable/disable procedure	126
CHILDPROOF DOOR LOCKS	126
INTERIOR LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT RELEASE	127
REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM	128
Unlocking the doors/two stage unlock	129
Locking the doors	129
Car finder	129
Sounding a panic alarm	129
Replacing the battery	131
Replacing lost Integrated Keyhead Transmitters (IKTs)	131
How to reprogram your Integrated Keyhead Transmitters (IKTs)	131
Illuminated entry	132
Perimeter lamps illuminated entry	132
Deactivating/activating perimeter lamps illuminated entry	132
Illuminated exit	133
Battery saver	133
KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM	134
Programming a personal entry code and keypad association to memory seats and mirrors (if equipped)	134
Erasing personal code	135
Anti-scan feature	135
Unlocking and locking the doors using keyless entry	135
SECURILOCK™ PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM	135
Anti-theft indicator	136
Automatic arming	136
Automatic disarming	137
Replacement Integrated Keyless Transmitters (IKT) and coded keys	137
Programming spare keys	137
PERIMETER ALARM SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	139
Arming the system	139
Disarming the system	140
Triggering the anti-theft system	140
Seating and Safety Restraints	141
SEATING	141
Adjustable head restraints	141
Using the manual lumbar support (if equipped)	142
Folding down the front passenger seatback	142
Adjusting the front manual seat (if equipped)	143
Adjusting the front power seat (if equipped)	144
Heated seats (if equipped)	146
Memory seats/power mirrors/adjustable pedals (if equipped)	147
REAR SEATS	147
Head restraints (if equipped)	147
Split-folding rear seat	148
Seat mounted cup holders and armrest storage compartment (if equipped)	149
SAFETY RESTRAINTS	149
Personal Safety System™	149
How does the Personal Safety System™ work?	150
Driver and passenger dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints	150
Front crash severity sensor	150
Driver’s seat position sensor	151
Front passenger sensing system	151
Front safety belt usage sensors	151
Front safety belt pretensioners	152
Front safety belt energy management retractors	152
Determining if the Personal Safety System™ is operational	152
Safety belt precautions	153
Combination lap and shoulder belts	154
Energy Management Feature — Front Outboard	154
Vehicle sensitive mode	155
Automatic locking mode	155
When to use the automatic locking mode	155
How to use the automatic locking mode	155
How to disengage the automatic locking mode	156
Safety belt height adjustment	156
Safety belt pretensioner	157
Safety belt extension assembly	157
Safety belt maintenance	157
Safety belt warning light and indicator chime	158
Conditions of operation	158
Belt-Minder	158
One time disable	161
Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minder feature	161
AIRBAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)	162
Important supplemental restraint system precautions	163
Children and airbags	164
How does the airbag supplemental restraint system work?	165
Front passenger sensing system	166
Determining if the system is operational	171
Seat-mounted side airbag system	171
How does the side airbag system work?	172
Safety Canopy™ system	173
How does the Safety Canopy™ system work?	174
Determining if the system is operational	176
Disposal of airbags and airbag equipped vehicles	176
SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN	176
Important child restraint precautions	177
Children and safety belts	177
Child booster seats	177
When children should use booster seats	178
Types of booster seats	179
The importance of shoulder belts	180
SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN	181
Child and infant or child safety seats	181
Installing child safety seats with combination lap and shoulder belts	182
Attaching child safety seats with tether straps	185
Attaching safety seats with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) attachments for child seat anchors	186
Tires, Wheels and Loading	189
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING	189
Treadwear	189
Traction AA A B C	189
Temperature A B C	190
TIRES	190
Glossary of tire terminology	190
INFLATING YOUR TIRES	191
TIRE CARE	193
Inspecting your tires	193
Tire wear	194
Damage	194
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)	195
Tire replacement requirements	195
Safety practices	196
Highway hazards	197
Tire and wheel alignment	197
Tire rotation	197
INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE TIRE SIDEWALL	199
Information on “P” type tires	199
Additional information contained on the tire sidewall for “LT” type tires	202
Information on “T” type tires	203
Location of the tire label	203
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)	204
Understanding your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)	205
When your temporary spare tire is installed	206
When you believe your system is not operating properly	206
When inflating your tires	208
How temperature affects your tire pressure	209
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS	209
VEHICLE LOADING – WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER	210
TRAILER TOWING	216
Preparing to tow	216
Hitches	216
Safety chains	216
Trailer brakes	217
Trailer lamps	217
Driving while you tow	217
Servicing after towing	217
Trailer towing tips	218
RECREATIONAL TOWING	218
Driving	220
STARTING	220
Positions of the ignition	220
Starting your vehicle	220
Important safety precautions	221
Starting the engine	222
Guarding against exhaust fumes	223
Important ventilating information	223
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)	223
BRAKES	225
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)	225
Using ABS	225
ABS warning lamp	225
Parking brake	226
ADVANCETRAC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) (IF EQUIPPED)	227
TRACTION CONTROL™ (IF EQUIPPED)	229
STEERING	230
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION	231
Brake-shift interlock	231
Automatic Transaxle Adaptive Learning	232
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed automatic transaxle	233
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	235
ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	237
Driving off-highway with AWD vehicles	237
Basic operating principles	237
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement	237
If your vehicle gets stuck	238
Emergency maneuvers	238
AWD Systems (if equipped)	239
Sand	239
Mud and water	239
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain	240
Driving on snow and ice	241
Maintenance and Modifications	242
DRIVING THROUGH WATER	242
Roadside Emergencies	243
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE	243
Getting roadside assistance	243
Using roadside assistance	244
Roadside coverage beyond basic warranty	244
HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL	245
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH	245
FUSES AND RELAYS	246
Fuses	246
Standard fuse amperage rating and color	246
Passenger compartment fuse panel	247
Power distribution box	249
CHANGING THE TIRES	252
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information	253
Stopping and securing the vehicle	255
Removing the spare tire and jack	255
Tire change procedure	255
Stowing the tire and jack	258
WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS	259
JUMP STARTING	260
Preparing your vehicle	260
Connecting the jumper cables	261
Jump starting	262
Removing the jumper cables	263
WRECKER TOWING	265
Customer Assistance	267
GETTING THE SERVICES YOU NEED	267
At home	267
Away from home	267
Additional Assistance	268
IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)	269
THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (BBB) AUTO LINE PROGRAM (U.S. ONLY)	270
UTILIZING THE MEDIATION/ARBITRATION PROGRAM (CANADA ONLY)	271
FORD EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN	271
GETTING ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA	272
ORDERING ADDITIONAL OWNER’S LITERATURE	273
Obtaining a French owner’s guide	273
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (U.S. ONLY)	273
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (CANADA ONLY)	274
Cleaning	275
WASHING THE EXTERIOR	275
WAXING	276
PAINT CHIPS	276
ALUMINUM WHEELS AND WHEEL COVERS	276
ENGINE	277
PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS	277
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES	278
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS	279
INTERIOR	279
LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)	280
UNDERBODY	280
FORD AND LINCOLN MERCURY CAR CARE PRODUCTS	281
Maintenance and Specifications	282
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS	282
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE	282
Working with the engine off	282
Working with the engine on	282
OPENING THE HOOD	283
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT	284
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID	285
CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES	286
ENGINE OIL	286
Checking the engine oil	286
Adding engine oil	288
Engine oil and filter recommendations	288
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil	288
BATTERY	289
ENGINE COOLANT	291
Checking engine coolant	291
Adding engine coolant	292
Recycled engine coolant	295
Coolant refill capacity	295
Severe climates	295
FUEL FILTER	296
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS	296
Important safety precautions	296
Refueling	298
Fuel Filler Cap	298
Choosing the right fuel	299
Octane recommendations	300
Fuel quality	300
Cleaner air	301
Running out of fuel	301
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY	301
Measuring techniques	301
Filling the tank	301
Calculating fuel economy	302
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits	303
Habits	303
Maintenance	303
Conditions	303
EPA window sticker	304
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM	304
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)	305
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing	306
POWER STEERING FLUID	307
BRAKE FLUID	308
TRANSAXLE FLUID	308
Checking automatic transaxle fluid	308
Low fluid level	309
Correct fluid level	309
High fluid level	309
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels	309
AIR FILTER	310
Changing the air filter element	310
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS	311
MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES	312
ENGINE DATA	315
Engine drivebelt routing	315
IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE	316
Safety Compliance Certification Label	316
Vehicle identification number (VIN)	316
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE CODE DESIGNATIONS	317
Accessories	318
GENUINE FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE	318
Exterior style	318
Interior style	318
Lifestyle	318
Peace of mind	319