Target Audience:
Owners, DIY mechanics, professional automotive technicians.
Competitors 2008:
Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300, Buick LaCrosse
Vehicle Strengths:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, availability of powerful V8 engine option, modern styling for its era.
Value:
Provides comprehensive DIY and professional repair guidance, saving time and money on vehicle maintenance and repairs.
Engine Management:
Full diagnostics, testing, and repair of all engine systems, including fuel, ignition, emissions, cooling, and lubrication.
Powertrain:
Comprehensive coverage of automatic transmissions (e.g., 6-speed 6F50/6F55), including removal, installation, overhaul, diagnostics, and fluid service.
Chassis:
Detailed procedures for suspension, steering, brakes (including ABS and traction control), and wheel alignment.
Electrical:
Extensive coverage of the entire electrical system, including wiring diagrams, component testing, battery, charging system, lighting, body control modules (BCM), and convenience features.
Body:
Repair and replacement procedures for exterior and interior body panels, doors, glass, bumpers, seats, and trim.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures and flowcharts for identifying and resolving common and complex issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle components and systems.
Diagnostics:
Use of diagnostic scan tools, understanding OBD-II codes, and testing individual components.
Rebuilds:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission overhauls and rebuilds.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and component-level diagnostics.
Engine Option 1:
3.5L V6 (Duratec 35)
Engine Option 2:
4.6L V8 ( a Ford Modular engine derivative, often the '3V' variant)
3.5L V6 Horsepower:
263 hp @ 6250 rpm
3.5L V6 Torque:
249 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
4.6L V8 Horsepower:
276 hp @ 5500 rpm
4.6L V8 Torque:
310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Port Injection (SPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (premium may be recommended for optimal performance in some conditions)
Valvetrain:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder
Ignition System:
Coil-on-plug (COP) ignition
Transmission Type:
6-speed automatic (6F50 for 3.5L V6, 6F55 for 4.6L V8)
Optional Transmission:
N/A (6-speed auto was standard across the lineup)
Transmission Control:
Electronic control with SelectShift® capability
Transmission Fluid Type:
MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 9.0 - 10.5 quarts (refer to manual for exact capacity)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (AdvanceTrac®)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning front seatbelts with load limiters.
Audio System:
Optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, AM/FM stereo with CD player, MP3 capability, and available premium sound systems (e.g., Sony).
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Bluetooth:
Optional SYNC® voice-activated communications and entertainment system, providing Bluetooth connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to owner's manual for specific recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended at 100,000 miles for normal service, or sooner under severe driving conditions.
Engine Coolant Change:
Initial change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (using Motorcraft® Gold Coolant or equivalent).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 (API certified, synthetic blend or full synthetic recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.5L V6: Approx. 6.0 quarts (with filter); 4.6L V8: Approx. 7.0 quarts (with filter)
Common Issue 1:
Transmission solenoid issues or torque converter shudder in 6-speed automatics (especially early models).
Common Issue 2:
Potential for throttle body issues or rough idle on the 3.5L Duratec engine.
Common Issue 3:
Water pump leaks (especially on the 3.5L V6 engine, often integrated into the timing cover).
Common Issue 4:
Interior trim piece rattles or loose components.
Ford Sedan Legacy:
Ford has a long history of producing popular sedans, building on successful models like the LTD, Crown Victoria, and earlier Taurus generations.
Taurus Generation:
This 2008 model is part of the fifth generation (2008-2009), which saw the Taurus return to its original nameplate after a brief period as the 'Five Hundred'. It was a significant redesign based on the new D3 platform.
Manufacturing Location:
Chicago Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
Production Years Generation:
2008-2009
