Market Position:
Designed for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics alike, offering a cost-effective alternative to dealership service.
Competitive Analysis:
Provides a level of detail comparable to factory service manuals, covering specific model year updates and common issues.
Key Features:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions, exploded views, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
Coverage Areas:
All major mechanical, electrical, and body systems
Page Count:
Extensive (typically 1000+ pages)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital File (PDF)
Systems Covered:
Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, HVAC, Fuel System, Electrical System, Body, Interior, Emissions Control, Diagnostics
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, component replacement, system repair, overhaul procedures, wiring diagrams, specifications
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds; includes diagnostic fault codes (DTCs)
Primary Engine 1:
3.0L Duratec V6 (SOHC/DOHC)
Engine Displacement 1:
2967 cc
Engine Horsepower 1:
201 hp @ 5800 rpm (DOHC)
Engine Torque 1:
200 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (DOHC)
Primary Engine 2:
3.0L Vulcan V6 (OHV)
Engine Displacement 2:
2986 cc
Engine Horsepower 2:
150 hp @ 5000 rpm
Engine Torque 2:
175 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (some models Flex Fuel E85 capable)
Engine Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 13.0 quarts (12.3 liters)
Engine Oil Capacity Duratec:
5.5 quarts (5.2 liters) with filter (Duratec)
Engine Oil Capacity Vulcan:
5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter (Vulcan)
Recommended Oil Grade:
SAE 5W-20 (preferred for fuel economy and performance), SAE 5W-30 for Duratec; SAE 5W-30 for Vulcan
Standard Transmission:
4-speed automatic (4F50N)
Optional Transmission:
None for this model year
Transmission Fluid Type:
MERCON V (e.g., Motorcraft XT-5-QM, XT-5-DM)
Transmission Fluid Capacity
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 11.4 quarts (10.8 liters) total capacity
Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, overdrive with lock-up torque converter
Exterior Length:
198.4 inches (5039 mm) Sedan; 199.7 inches (5072 mm) Wagon
Exterior Width:
73.0 inches (1854 mm)
Exterior Height:
55.7 inches (1415 mm) Sedan; 58.4 inches (1483 mm) Wagon
Wheelbase:
112.9 inches (2868 mm)
Front Track:
61.4 inches (1560 mm)
Rear Track:
61.6 inches (1565 mm)
Cargo Volume Sedan:
16.0 cubic feet (453 liters)
Cargo Volume Wagon:
38.7 cubic feet (1096 liters) behind rear seat; 81.1 cubic feet (2296 liters) with rear seat folded
Curb Weight Min:
3550 lbs (1610 kg) (approximate for base models)
Curb Weight Max:
3800 lbs (1724 kg) (approximate for higher trims/wagon)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
18.0 gallons (68 liters)
Nhtsa Front Impact Driver Rating
NHTSA Front Impact Driver Rating:
Five Stars (2004 Model)
Nhtsa Front Impact Passenger Rating
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger Rating:
Five Stars (2004 Model)
Nhtsa Side Impact Front Driver Rating
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver Rating:
Four Stars (2004 Model)
Nhtsa Side Impact Front Passenger Rating
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger Rating:
Four Stars (2004 Model)
Nhtsa Side Impact Rear Driver Rating
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver Rating:
Four Stars (2004 Model)
Nhtsa Side Impact Rear Passenger Rating
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger Rating:
Four Stars (2004 Model)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Four Stars (2004 Model)
Passive Features:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags (optional on some trims), front and rear 3-point safety belts, LATCH child seat anchors
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control (optional on some trims), All-Wheel Drive (optional on some trims)
Infotainment:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio system, optional cassette player, voice-activated communications system (late models/optional).
Driver Assistance:
Cruise control, optional rear parking assist sensors.
Connectivity:
Power outlets, optional steering wheel audio controls.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamps, optional fog lamps, cornering lamps.
Service Intervals Oil Change
Service Intervals Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil.
Service Intervals Air Filter
Service Intervals Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Service Intervals Spark Plugs:
Duratec V6: 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Irridium plugs); Vulcan V6: 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Long-life plugs).
Service Intervals Transmission Fluid
Service Intervals Transmission Fluid:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or under severe service conditions.
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Fluid Specifications Coolant:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Orange), ESE-M97B44-A or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Fluid Specifications Brake
Fluid Specifications Brake:
DOT 3
Known Issues Common:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on Vulcan engines), PCV valve clogging, AC evaporator core leaks, rear main crankshaft seal leaks, automatic transmission solenoid issues, occasional electrical gremlins (window motors, central locking).
Known Issues Specific:
CV axle boot failures, power steering fluid leaks from pump or lines, alternator failure.
Brand Heritage:
Ford Motor Company, established in 1903, a pioneer in mass-produced automobiles.
Model Evolution:
The 2004 Taurus represents the third generation of the platform, introduced for the 1996 model year. Significant redesigns occurred in 1999 (Gen 2) and 2000 (Gen 2.1) before this iteration. The 2004 model year saw minor updates, including some styling tweaks and feature enhancements.
Production Years:
1985-2007 (North America); 1995-2019 (China as Ford Taurus (China))
Manufacturing Locations:
Chicago, Illinois; Atlanta, Georgia; and Kansas City, Missouri, USA
