User manual FORD TAURUS-1999

[. . . ] Contents Before driving Introduction Instrumentation Controls and features Seating and safety restraints Starting and driving Starting Driving Roadside emergencies Servicing Maintenance and care Capacities and specifications Customer assistance Reporting safety defects Index 141 190 200 215 216 102 107 124 2 4 16 74 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. Copyright 1998 Ford Motor Company 1 Introduction ICONS Indicates a safety alert. Indicates vehicle information related to recycling and other environmental concerns will follow. [. . . ] Pedal pulsation coupled with noise while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check at 17 km/h (10 mph) after you start the engine and begin to drive away. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician. 107 Driving The ABS operates by detecting the onset of wheel lockup during brake applications and compensating for this tendency. The wheels are prevented from locking even when the brakes are firmly applied. The accompanying illustration depicts the advantage of an ABS equipped vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking traction. ABS warning lamp The ABS warning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. If the light does not illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the ABS needs to be serviced. P the anti-lock brake system is disabled and BRAKE normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning light also remains illuminated with parking brake released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle serviced immediately). Using ABS · In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is required, apply continuous full force on the brake. The ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop. · The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time necessary to apply the brakes or always reduce 108 Driving stopping distance. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop. · We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking technique. To set the parking brake, press the parking brake pedal down until the pedal stops. The BRAKE warning !P lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates and BRAKE remains illuminated (when the ignition is turned ON) until the parking brake is released. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected. 109 Driving Pull the release lever to release the brake. Driving with the parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear out quickly and reduce fuel economy. STEERING Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. To prevent damage to the power steering pump: · Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left for more than a few seconds when the engine is running. · Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level. [. . . ] Vehicle Security Remote keyless entry Styled wheel protector locks Vehicle security systems Comfort and convenience Air conditioner Air filtration systems Cargo nets Cargo organizers Cargo shades Cargo trays Dash trim Engine block heaters Gear shift knob Luggage presenter (Continental only) Manual sliding rear window Tire step 210 Customer assistance Travel equipment Console Console armrest Daytime running lights Factory luggage rack Factory luggage rack adaptors Fog lights Framed luggage covers Heavy-duty battery Neutral towing transfer case kit (Explorer 4. 0L only) Off road lights Pickup box rails Removable luggage rack Removable luggage rack adapters Retractable bed hooks and loops Running boards Snow traction cables Soft luggage cover Speed control Towing mirrors Trailer hitch Trailer hitch bars and balls Trailer hitch wiring adaptor Protection and appearance equipment Air bag anti-theft locks Bed mat/bedliner tailgate covers Bed mats Bedliners Car/truck covers Cargo liners, interior 211 Customer assistance Carpet floor mats Cleaners, waxes and polishes Flat splash guards Front end covers (full and mini) Hood deflectors Locking gas cap Lubricants and oils Molded splash guards Molded vinyl floor mats Rallye bars Rear air deflectors Rear decklid spoilers Side window air deflectors Spare tire lock Step bumpers Step/sill plates Tailgate covers Tailgate lock Tailgate protector Tonneau covers Touch-up paint Universal floor mats For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle: · When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety compliance certification label). Consult your dealer for specific weight information. 212 Customer assistance · The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile communications systems - such as two-way radios, telephones and theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service technician. · Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive use or are not properly installed. [. . . ]