🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Taurus

Model Years Covered:

2000-2007

Market:

US/Canada

Sixth Generation:

2000-2007

Platform:

FN10 (part of the Ford DEW98 platform family, shared with Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Type)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size sedan

Target Audience:

Families, fleet vehicles, executive transport

Key Competitors:

Chevrolet Impala, Buick LeSabre/Park Avenue, Chrysler Concorde/LHS, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima

Platform Sharing:

Unique in its class for sharing a rear-wheel-drive biased platform (DEW98) with Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Type, offering improved handling and ride quality compared to previous FWD Tauruses.

Interior Space:

Known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride.

Powertrain Options:

Emphasis on V6 and V8 engine options providing robust performance for the segment.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All mechanical and electrical systems

Diagnostic Coverage:

Comprehensive troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures

Body And Trim:

Body repairs, interior and exterior trim

Estimated Page Count:

Over 3000 pages (typical for a full factory service manual of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection, ignition system, emission control systems (OBD-II diagnostics)

Transmission:

Automatic Transaxle (AX4N, 4F50N), manual transmission (less common), clutch (if applicable), torque converter, gear shifting mechanisms

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS, EBD, parking brake, brake rotor/pad replacement, brake caliper service

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, sway bars), steering linkage

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering rack/gearbox

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, power accessories

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant handling, diagnosis

Body And Chassis:

Frame, body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, weatherstripping

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, anti-theft systems

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Repair:

Component removal and installation, system repairs, calibration procedures

Diagnostics:

OBD-II scan tool usage, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) explanations and resolutions

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, alignment data, electrical specifications

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to major component overhauls and complex diagnostics.

Diagnostics Level:

Expert-level diagnostic procedures, including the use of specialized Ford scan tools (e.g., WDS - Worldwide Diagnostic System).

Component Rebuild:

Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds, including machining specifications.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed, component-level electrical wiring diagrams with circuit tracing information.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely fully searchable text-based PDF for efficient information retrieval.

Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Digital Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

Operating Systems:

Windows (95/98/ME/XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10), Linux, MAC OS, iOS, Android

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 2000-2007:

3.0L V6 (Duratec and Vulcan variants), 3.9L V8 (Jaguar AJ-V8 based, in later 'Taurus SHO' models and Lincoln LS)

Base Engine Common:

3.0L V6 Duratec (offering better performance and efficiency than the older 3.0L Vulcan OHV V6)

3.0L Duratec V6 (Approximate):

200-201 hp @ 5750-6000 rpm, 200-207 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 rpm

3.0L Vulcan V6 (Approximate):

150 hp @ 4900 rpm, 185 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

3.9L V8 (Sho, Approximate):

235 hp @ 5500 rpm, 265 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm (later SHO models had higher output, up to 275 hp)

Injection Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Pump Type:

In-tank electric fuel pump

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed automatic transaxle (e.g., AX4N, 4F50N)

Optional Transmission:

Manual transmission was very rare or unavailable in North America for this generation. A specific 5-speed manual was available on some earlier models and export markets.

Drive Layout:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard. Some performance models (SHO) may have offered Intelligent AWD.

Transmission Fluid Type:

MERCON V (for 4F50N and AX4N)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 10.5 quarts (9.9 liters) for refill, higher for overhaul.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 202.0 inches (5131 mm)

Width:

Approx. 73.1 inches (1857 mm)

Height:

Approx. 56.0 inches (1422 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 113.4 inches (2880 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 105 cubic feet (2973 liters)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 17 cubic feet (481 liters)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3500-3900 lbs (1588-1769 kg), depending on engine and options.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4/5 stars (for models tested)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4/5 stars (for models tested)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

'Good' (for models tested)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS)

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Control (AdvanceTrac) became available on later models.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, optional side-impact airbags

Seat Belts:

3-point front and rear seat belts, pretensioners for front seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio systems (e.g., Mach audio).

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear parking assist sensors.

Phone Integration:

Early Bluetooth integration (Ford's 'Voice Command' or similar) may be available on later models, though limited compared to modern systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil recommended by Ford.

Engine Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace every 12,000-15,000 miles (19,000-24,000 km) or annually.

Spark Plugs:

3.0L Duratec V6: Iridium spark plugs, typically 100,000 miles (160,000 km) replacement interval. 3.0L Vulcan V6: Conventional spark plugs, typically 30,000 miles (48,000 km) interval.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), or as specified by severe duty service intervals.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30, meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C200-CD (or equivalent for synthetic).

Coolant Type:

Ford Super Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent meeting specification WSS-M97B51-A1 (for ethylene glycol based systems). Check specific vehicle application.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

Ford Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent MERCON ATF for some applications - consult manual).

Ignition Coil Packs:

Common on Duratec engines, can lead to misfires and rough running.

Intake Manifold Gasket:

Plastic intake manifolds on some Duratec engines can develop cracks or gasket leaks, leading to vacuum leaks and poor running.

Transmission Problems:

Some early 4F50N transmissions experienced issues with solenoid packs or torque converter clutch (TCC) operation, though generally more robust than prior transmissions.

Rear Main Seal:

Potential for oil leaks from the rear main crankshaft seal, particularly on higher mileage vehicles.

Suspected Carbon Buildup:

On Duratec engines, carbon buildup can occur on intake valves, affecting performance and efficiency. Seafoam or similar treatments may be beneficial.

📚 Vehicle History

Ford Sedan History:

The Ford Taurus has a long and storied history in the American automotive market, dating back to its revolutionary redesign in 1986 which made it a sales phenomenon.

Generation Overview:

The 2000-2007 models represent the sixth generation of the Taurus, a significant departure from previous generations due to its adoption of the DEW98 rear-wheel-drive platform. This was a controversial move for some traditional Taurus buyers but aimed to elevate the car's driving dynamics and compete with more premium sedans.

Platform Rationale:

The platform sharing with Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Type was part of Ford's 'Premier Automotive Group' strategy to leverage shared architectures.

Facelifts:

Received minor updates and trim changes throughout its lifecycle, including aesthetic revisions and powertrain enhancements.

Manufacturing Plants:

Primarily manufactured at Ford's Atlanta Assembly Plant (Hapeville, Georgia) and Chicago Assembly Plant (Chicago, Illinois).

End Of Production:

Production for the US market ceased in October 2007, making way for the Ford Five Hundred/Taurus (2008MY) and later the revived Taurus nameplate on a front-wheel-drive platform.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Taurus, particularly with the Duratec V6 and the SHO variant, was recognized in Car and Driver's '10Best' lists in earlier generations but continued to be a strong contender in its class during this generation.

Safety Awards:

Achieved good safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, contributing to its reputation as a safe family sedan.