Positioning:
        
        
            The 1996 Ford Taurus represented Ford's significant redesign of its flagship sedan, aiming to compete in the burgeoning mid-size/full-size segment with a focus on updated styling and engineering.
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors:
        
        
            Chevrolet Lumina, Pontiac Grand Prix, Buick Regal, Chrysler Concorde, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord.
        
     
    
    
        
            Design Evolution:
        
        
            The 1996 model year saw a major platform change and radical 'oval' styling, a departure from previous generations.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Significance:
        
        
            The automatic transaxle was a critical component for the driving experience and fuel efficiency of the Taurus.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Primary Focus:
        
        
            Automatic Transaxle Removal and Installation
        
     
    
        
            Scope:
        
        
            Specific to the automatic transmission/transaxle systems of the 1996 Ford Taurus.
        
     
    
    
        
            Estimated Pages:
        
        
            Variable (PDF content length, typically 50-150 pages for specific subsystem manuals)
        
     
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            Service Manual / Repair Manual (Chapter/Section Focus)
        
     
    
    
    
    
        
            Format:
        
        
            PDF loaded onto CD-ROM
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Components:
        
        
            Torque converter, transmission case, valve body, gear sets, clutch packs, planetary gear sets, output shafts, internal solenoids, sensors (e.g., speed sensors, input/output shaft sensors).
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain Components:
        
        
            Axles, CV joints, drive shafts, differential (integrated within transaxle).
        
     
    
        
            Hydraulic System:
        
        
            Transmission fluid passages, pump, cooler lines, pressure checks.
        
     
    
        
            Electronic Control:
        
        
            Transmission Control Module (TCM) interface, sensor inputs, solenoid outputs, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to transmission operation.
        
     
    
    
        
            Removal Procedures:
        
        
            Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing the automatic transaxle from the vehicle, including subframe removal, drive axle disconnection, starter motor removal, and transmission mount unfastening.
        
     
    
        
            Installation Procedures:
        
        
            Reverse of removal process, including proper alignment, torque specifications for fasteners, and fluid filling.
        
     
    
        
            Fluid Service:
        
        
            Procedures for checking transmission fluid level, changing transmission fluid, and replacing the transmission filter.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Diagnostic flowcharts and common fault identification for transmission performance issues (e.g., slipping, harsh shifts, no engagement).
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Intermediate to Advanced; focuses on the physical removal and reinstallation of the transaxle, with implied knowledge of related systems for successful completion.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Focus:
        
        
            Covers common diagnostic trouble codes and symptoms related to the transaxle.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Options:
        
        
            3.0L Vulcan OHV V6, 3.0L Duratec DOHC V6 (introduced later in the generation).
        
     
    
        
            Engine For This Manual:
        
        
            Likely applies to both engine variants as the transaxle is largely shared, though torque handling might differ slightly.
        
     
    
    
        
            Vulcan V6 Hp:
        
        
            Approximately 145-150 hp (varies by specific tune)
        
     
    
        
            Vulcan V6 Torque:
        
        
            Approximately 170-175 lb-ft
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type:
        
        
            4-Speed Automatic Transaxle (AX4N)
        
     
    
    
        
            Optional Transmissions:
        
        
            None commonly associated with this year/model for automatic, manual transmissions were less common or phased out for sedans.
        
     
    
    
        
            Gear Ratios:
        
        
            Typical ratios for a 4-speed automatic of the era, specific ratios would be detailed in a full service manual.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            Mercon V (or equivalent Mercon specification, check owner's manual for definitive spec for this year).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Capacity:
        
        
            Approximately 10.5 quarts (9.9 liters) for a complete refill (check specific model documentation).
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
        
        
            Acceptable (IIHS rated for later models, earlier '96 models might vary)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
        
        
            Acceptable (IIHS rated for later models, earlier '96 models might vary)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard on most models
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and Passenger airbags standard.
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            Front and rear seat belts, with shoulder belts for front passengers.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change:
        
        
            Recommended every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. Check owner's manual for specific intervals.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Typically replaced concurrently with fluid change.
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Specification:
        
        
            MERCON V automatic transmission fluid. Equivalent is acceptable if meeting MERCON V standards.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Color:
        
        
            Red
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Slipping:
        
        
            Common with age and mileage, often related to worn clutch packs or low/degraded fluid.
        
     
    
        
            Harsh Shifting:
        
        
            Can be due to valve body issues, worn solenoids, or internal transmission problems.
        
     
    
        
            Leaks:
        
        
            Common points of leakage include transmission pan gasket, cooler lines, and axle seals.
        
     
    
        
            Torque Converter Shudder:
        
        
            Can occur as the torque converter clutch wears.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Ford Sedan Legacy:
        
        
            Ford has a long history of producing popular sedans, with the Taurus being its flagship for many years.
        
     
    
    
        
            Generation Change:
        
        
            The 1996 model year marked a significant redesign from the previous JN10 platform to the FN10 platform (DEW98 for specific variants) with a distinctive 'New Edge' styling direction.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Locations:
        
        
            Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Kansas City, Missouri; Wayne, Michigan (USA).
        
     
    
        
            Production Years:
        
        
            1995-1999 (for the fourth generation).