Ford Taurus X (2009 year). Manual — part 85

TRANSMISSION FLUID

Checking automatic transmission fluid

Refer to your scheduled maintenance information for scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.

Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.

1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.

2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.

3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.

4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.

5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer to Identifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.

6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.

7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.

Low fluid level

Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is in the add range or does not
show at all on the dipstick.

Correct fluid level

The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 149°F (65°C) on a level surface. The normal operating
temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of
driving.

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342

The transmission fluid should be
within the cross-hatch area if at
normal operating temperature 149°F
(65°C).

High fluid level

Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.

High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.

Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels

Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Maintenance product specifications and capacities section in this
chapter.

Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.

If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint
(250 ml) increments through the
filler tube until the level is correct.

If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized
dealer.

An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.

Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.

AIR FILTER

Refer to scheduled maintenance information for the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.

When changing the air filter element, use only the air filter element
listed. Refer to Motorcraft part numbers in this chapter.

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343

WARNING: To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or
personal burn injuries do not start your engine with the air

cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.

Changing the air filter element

1. Release the clamps that secure
the air filter housing cover.

2. Carefully separate the two halves
of the air filter housing.

3. Remove the air filter element
from the air filter housing.

4. Wipe the air filter housing and
cover clean to remove any dirt or
debris and to ensure good sealing.

5. Install a new air filter element. Be
careful not to crimp the filter element edges between the air filter
housing and cover. This could cause filter damage and allow unfiltered
air to enter the engine if not properly seated.

6. Replace the air filter housing
cover and secure the clamps. Be
sure that the air cleaner cover tabs
are engaged into the slots of the air
cleaner housing.

Note: Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage. The customer warranty may be void for any damage to
the engine if the correct air filter element is not used.

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344

MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS

Component

3.5L V6 Engine

Engine air filter element

FA-1884

Battery

BXT-59

Oil filter

FL-400-SB12 or FL-500-S

3

PCV valve

1

Spark plugs

2

1

The PCV valve is a critical emission component. It is one of the items

listed in scheduled maintenance information and is essential to the
life and performance of your vehicle and to its emissions system.

For PCV valve replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance information for the appropriate intervals for
changing the PCV valve.

Replace the PCV valve with one that meets Ford material and design
specifications for your vehicle, such as a Motorcraft or equivalent
replacement part. The customer warranty may be void for any
damage to the emissions system if such a PCV valve is not used.

2

For spark plug replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to

scheduled maintenance information for the appropriate intervals for
changing the spark plugs.

Replace the spark plugs with ones that meet Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as Motorcraft or
equivalent replacement parts. The customer warranty may be void
for any damage to the engine if such spark plugs are not used.

3

When replacing the oil filter, note the part number on the oil filter

being replaced.

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345