Ford Taurus X (2009 year). Manual — part 80

It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter or
another with equivalent performance for your engine application.

BATTERY

Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.

If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
It is recommended that the negative battery cable terminal be
disconnected from the battery if you plan to store your vehicle for an
extended period of time. This will minimize the discharge of your battery
during storage.
Note: Electrical or electronic accessories or components added to
the vehicle by the dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability.

WARNING: Batteries normally produce explosive gases which
can cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks

or lighted substances to come near the battery. When working near the
battery, always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide
proper ventilation.

WARNING: When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive
pressure on the end walls could cause acid to flow through the

vent caps, resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or
battery. Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on
opposite corners.

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WARNING: Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries
contain sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.

Shield your eyes when working near the battery to protect against
possible splashing of acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or
eyes, flush immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and
get prompt medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician
immediately.

WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.

Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:

1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.

2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.

3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.

4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.

5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.

6. Release the parking brake. With your foot on the brake pedal and with
the A/C on, put the vehicle in D (Drive) and allow the engine to idle for
at least one minute.

7. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.

• The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 km) or more to

relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.

• If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle

quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.

If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and radio settings must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.

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• Always dispose of automotive

batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.

ENGINE COOLANT

Checking engine coolant

The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
intervals listed in scheduled maintenance information. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water,
which equates to a freeze point of -34°F (-36°C). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester. The level of
coolant should be maintained at the “FULL COLD” level or within the
“COLD FILL RANGE” in the coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add
coolant per the instructions in the Adding engine coolant section.

Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly. A
50/50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
• Freeze protection down to -34°F (-36°C).
• Boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
• Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
• Proper function of calibrated gauges.

L

E

A

D

RETURN

RECYCLE

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When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.

• The engine coolant should be at the “FULL COLD” level or within the

“COLD FILL RANGE” as listed on the engine coolant reservoir
(depending upon application).

• Refer to scheduled maintenance information for service interval

schedules.

• Be sure to read and understand Precautions when servicing your

vehicle in this chapter.

If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer to Adding
engine coolant in this chapter.

Note: Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.

Adding engine coolant

When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir, when the
engine is cool, until the appropriate fill level is obtained.

WARNING: Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot.
Steam and scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system

can burn you badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts.

WARNING: Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer
fluid container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant

could make it difficult to see through the windshield.

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