Market Segment:
Mid-size Sedan (Family Car)
Competitors 2002:
Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chrysler Concorde
Selling Points:
Spacious Interior, Comfortable Ride, Durable Powertrains (particularly Vulcan V6), Wide Availability
Manual Advantage:
Licensed OE (Original Equipment) derived information, instant online access, year-long subscription
Engine Mechanical:
3.0L Vulcan V6 (OHV), 3.0L Duratec V6 (DOHC)
Engine Management:
Fuel Injection, Ignition System, Emissions Control
Transmission Automatic:
AX4N (4-Speed Automatic)
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Suspension:
Front Struts, Rear Independent Suspension (Short-Long Arm)
Steering:
Rack and Pinion Power Steering
Brakes:
Front Disc, Rear Drum (Optional Rear Disc), ABS
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Accessories
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning System Components and Operation
Body Interior:
Interior Trim, Seats, Door Panels, Dashboard
Body Exterior:
Body Panels, Bumpers, Doors, Hood, Trunk
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks, Tune-Ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Fault Codes, Symptom-Based Diagnosis
Repair:
Engine Overhauls, Transmission Rebuilds, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Service
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing
Depth:
Factory-Level Detail for Professional Technicians and Advanced DIYers
Engine 1:
3.0L (2986cc) Vulcan OHV V6
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
3.52 in x 3.15 in (89.4 mm x 80.0 mm)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.0:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
150 hp @ 4900 RPM
Engine 1 Torque:
170 lb-ft @ 3250 RPM
Engine 2:
3.0L (2967cc) Duratec DOHC V6
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
3.50 in x 3.15 in (88.9 mm x 80.0 mm)
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Engine 2 Horsepower:
200 hp @ 6250 RPM
Engine 2 Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 4750 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
★★★★ (4/5 Stars)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
★★★★ (4/5 Stars)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags (Depowered Passenger Airbag)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 50,000 miles or 5 years (for standard ethylene glycol coolant).
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Check periodically, change every 50,000 - 100,000 miles based on driving severity (refer to manual).
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 API Certified (for both Vulcan and Duratec engines, check viscosity for climate).
Transmission Fluid Spec:
MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
Coolant Spec:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green, meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D) or equivalent.
Common Issues:
Interior trim panel detachment, suspension wear (ball joints, control arm bushings), power window regulator failure, occasional coolant leaks from intake manifold gaskets (Duratec), ABS sensor failures.
Ford Heritage:
Ford Motor Company, a long-standing American automotive manufacturer known for mass production and innovation.
Taurus Evolution:
Introduced in 1986, the Taurus was a revolutionary model for Ford, pioneering aerodynamic design and becoming one of America's best-selling cars. The 2002 model represents the fourth generation, a refresh of the 1996-1999 design with updated styling and powertrains.
Manufacturing Plant:
Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Wayne, Michigan (USA)