User manual FORD TAURUS-1997

[. . . ] 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 Reporting safety defects Index 118 156 168 169 78 84 99 2 3 14 35 1 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. [. . . ] These fumes are harmful and could kill you. Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever: · the vehicle is raised for service · the sound of the exhaust system changes · the vehicle has been damaged in a collision Important ventilating information If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for long periods of time, open the windows at least 2. 5 cm (one inch). Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped) to bring in fresh air. 82 Starting Improve vehicle ventilation by keeping all air inlet vents clear of snow, leaves and other debris. 83 Driving BRAKES Your brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the "Service Guide" for maintenance scheduling. Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped) The ABS operates by detecting the onset of wheel lock up during brake applications and compensating for this tendency. The front 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. ABS warning lamp The ABS warning lamp in the instrument ABS cluster illuminates if an ABS fault is detected. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. P operation is still ABS effective unless the BRAKE BRAKE warning lamp is also illuminated. Using ABS · In an emergency, apply 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 quiet stop. 84 Driving · We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks. Parking brake The parking brake should be used whenever the vehicle is parked. Push pedal downward to set the parking brake. 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 the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle. The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle. 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. 85 Driving Pull release handle toward you to release parking brake. Driving with the parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear out quickly and reduce fuel economy. SEMI-ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL (TAURUS SHO ONLY) Firm shock absorber performance enhances ride and handling during certain road conditions. The shock absorber is returned to a softer performance when driver or road induced motion ceases. [. . . ] Any cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the upper portion of the instrument panel should be avoided. The dull finish in this area is to help protect the driver from undesirable windshield reflection. Cleaning the interior fabric Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner. Follow the directions that come with the cleaner. 154 Maintenance and care Cleaning leather seats (if equipped) For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth. [. . . ]