Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size family sedan and wagon
Target Demographic:
Families seeking practical, comfortable, and spacious transportation
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Lumina/Impala, Buick LeSabre/Century, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord
Design Language:
Rounded, aerodynamic styling (distinctive for its era)
Interior Space:
Spacious cabin and trunk, particularly in the wagon variant
Comfort Ride:
Focus on a comfortable and quiet ride
Powertrain Control:
Engine Control Module (ECM) wiring, Ignition system, Fuel injection, Emissions control
Chassis Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Power Steering, Cruise Control
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control (HVAC), Power windows, Power locks, Power seats, Interior lighting, Exterior lighting (headlights, taillights, turn signals), Horn, Wiper/Washer system
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS) wiring, Seatbelt pre-tensioner wiring
Audio And Telematics:
Radio wiring, Speaker wiring, Antenna wiring
Instrumentation And Gauges:
Instrument cluster wiring, Warning lights, Gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature)
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, Symptom-based troubleshooting charts, Fuse and relay testing
Component Identification:
Locating major electrical components, Identifying connectors and their pin assignments
Wiring Repair:
Wire splicing and repair techniques, Connector replacement guidelines
Detail Level:
Comprehensive, detailed circuit diagrams for all major electrical systems
Diagram Clarity:
Color-coded wiring (often indicated in the PDF, though actual print may vary), Clear component and connector labels
PDF Quality:
High-resolution, searchable text (typical for factory service manuals)
Printability:
Printable pages for convenient workshop use
Binding Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Engine Displacement 1:
3.0 L (182 cu in) Vulcan V6
Engine Configuration 1:
Overhead Valve (OHV), V6
Horsepower 1:
145 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque 1:
170 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm
Engine Displacement 2:
3.4 L (207 cu in) LA3 V6
Engine Configuration 2:
Overhead Valve (OHV), V6
Horsepower 2:
155 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque 2:
190 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm
Engine Displacement 3:
3.8 L (232 cu in) Essex V6 (Supercharged SHO)
Engine Configuration 3:
Overhead Valve (OHV), V6, Supercharged
Horsepower 3:
235 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque 3:
255 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 11-12 quarts (depending on engine)
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent (e.g., Dex-Cool compatible) for later models, but typically conventional green for 1997.
Transmission Type 1:
4-speed Automatic (AX4N/AX4S)
Transmission Type 2:
5-speed Manual (M5OD-R2) - Rare, primarily for base models or specific markets
Transmission Type 3:
4-speed Automatic with Selectable Drive Control (SDC) (AX4N) - Found on higher trims and SHO
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mercon V (recommended, though Mercon was original spec)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 10-12 quarts (total capacity, pan drop refill is less)
NHTSA Frontal Driver Side:
★★★★ (4/5 stars) for 1997-1999 models (testing varied)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Side:
★★★★ (4/5 stars) for 1997-1999 models (testing varied)
ABS:
Optional on most trims, standard on SHO
Traction Control:
Optional on some models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point height-adjustable seatbelts, Rear 3-point seatbelts
Child Safety Anchors:
LATCH system not standard on this generation
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed, depending on driving environment.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 3-5 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 50,000 - 100,000 miles (consult owner's manual for specific recommendations, as some considered it 'lifetime' fluid).
Spark Plug Replacement:
30,000 miles for standard V6; 100,000 miles for Platinum/Iridium plugs if equipped.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 (preferred), 5W-20 or 10W-30 may be acceptable depending on ambient temperature.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 - 5 quarts with filter change.
Power Steering Fluid:
Ford Power Steering Fluid or Mercon ATF
Head Gasket Leaks:
Common on the 3.0L Vulcan V6, especially if overheated or maintenance neglected.
Transmission Failures:
AX4S/AX4N transmissions could be prone to shifting issues or failure, often related to fluid degradation or solenoid problems.
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Plastic intake manifold gaskets can degrade and cause vacuum leaks.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion in connectors, failing ground points, and aging wiring harnesses can lead to intermittent electrical faults, making this wiring diagram manual essential.
Idle Control Valve:
Can become dirty and cause rough idling or stalling.
Ford History:
Ford Motor Company, a foundational American automaker with a long history of producing popular and durable vehicles.
Taurus Introduction:
Introduced in 1986, the Taurus revolutionized automotive design with its aerodynamic 'jelly bean' styling and became a sales leader in the US.
Second Generation:
The 1996 model year marked the introduction of the second generation, featuring updated styling and engineering. The 1997 model is part of this generation.
Sho Variant:
The 'Special High Output' (SHO) variant, introduced in 1989, offered performance-oriented engines (including V6 and V8) and sportier handling.
Manufacturing Locations:
Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Kansas City, Missouri; Wayne, Michigan
Production Years For Gen:
1996-1999 (Second Generation)
Car And Driver 10Best:
The first-generation Taurus was a Car and Driver 10Best winner for multiple years, establishing its reputation.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings for the 1997 model varied; some components like transmissions were known to be less reliable than desired, highlighting the need for good repair resources.
