Segment:
Mid-size sedan, often positioned as a comfortable, family-oriented vehicle with a focus on value and practicality.
Target Audience:
Families, daily commuters, fleet vehicles.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Chrysler Sebring/300M.
Design Philosophy:
The 2000-2007 Taurus represented a significant evolution, particularly the generation launched in 2000, moving to a more rounded, modern aesthetic and sharing platform elements with Volvo.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides dealership-level repair information, enabling DIY enthusiasts and independent shops to perform accurate diagnostics and repairs, saving time and money compared to dealership labor rates.
General Coverage:
All Models & All Repairs A-Z
Model Years:
2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Trim Levels:
SES, SEL, Ghia (depending on region and year), potentially others
Estimated Page Count:
Varies significantly by specific publisher, but typically 1000-2000+ pages for comprehensive service manuals.
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Authenticity:
Exact same manual used by dealership technicians
Format:
Likely available as a physical book or a searchable PDF (verify with seller)
Engine:
Comprehensive diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for all engine variants, including timing belt/chain service, fuel injection, ignition systems, cooling, lubrication, emissions control.
Transmission:
Detailed procedures for automatic transmission (e.g., 4F50N) service, repair, overhaul, and fluid changes. Torque converter service.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system diagnosis and repair, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), parking brake, and hydraulic components.
Steering Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications, and driveline components (CV axles).
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations, diagnosis of lighting, starting and charging systems, instrument cluster, power accessories, body control modules (BCM), and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, diagnosis and repair of A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, heater core, and climate control modules.
Body:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim removal and installation, seat adjustments, and convertible top operation (if applicable).
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and service, seat belt mechanisms, and related safety components.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, belt replacement, battery maintenance.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts for common and uncommon problems, DTC lookup and interpretation.
Repair Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, and electrical data.
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork.
Format Type:
Physical book or Digital PDF (confirm with seller)
Searchability:
If PDF, should be fully text-searchable for efficient information retrieval.
Quality:
High-quality printing with clear diagrams and legible text (for physical copies).
Binding:
Typically spiral-bound or saddle-stitched for durability and ease of use in a workshop environment (for physical copies).
Paper:
Durable paper stock designed to withstand workshop conditions.
Engine Code Common:
3.0L Duratec V6 (24-valve DOHC, 130 kW / 175 hp, 265 Nm / 195 lb-ft torque approx.)
Engine Code Alternative:
3.0L Vulcan V6 (12-valve OHV, 108 kW / 145 hp, 237 Nm / 175 lb-ft torque approx.) - Primarily in earlier models of this range or base trims.
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 145 hp to 200 hp depending on engine and year.
Torque Range:
Approximately 175 lb-ft to 200 lb-ft depending on engine and year.
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI) for Duratec, Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI) for Vulcan.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating recommendation typically 87 AKI)
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
No manual transmission option typically available for this generation in North America.
Transmission Model:
Commonly the 4F50N automatic transmission for Duratec engines.
Transmission Fluid:
Mercon V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). Refer to manual for specific quantity and change intervals.
Length:
Approximately 199.9 - 201.4 inches (depending on year/trim)
Width:
Approximately 72.9 inches
Height:
Approximately 55.5 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 112.4 inches
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 16.0 - 17.0 cubic feet (depending on year/configuration)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,500 - 3,800 lbs (depending on engine and trim)
NHTSA Front Driver:
Good (for models tested, specific ratings vary by year and test methodology)
NHTSA Front Passenger:
Good (for models tested)
IIHS Small Overlap Front:
Not rated for earlier models; later models may have limited or partial overlap ratings.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some trims/years
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard; side airbags available on some trims.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Mach Audio).
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist sensors on some models.
Phone Integration:
Some models may be equipped with early forms of hands-free phone integration, like Ford's Visteon systems.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, or per Ford's Severe Duty schedule. Synthetic oil recommended for extended intervals if specified.
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Replace every 30,000 miles or sooner if driving in dusty conditions.
Spark Plugs:
Duratec 3.0L: Iridium spark plugs, typically 100,000-mile interval. Vulcan 3.0L: Platinum spark plugs, typically 50,000-mile interval. Verify with manual.
Timing Belt Chain:
Duratec engines use a timing chain, designed for the life of the engine, but requires inspection for noise/wear. Vulcan engines use a timing chain as well.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30, API SN or later certified. Refer to manual for specific viscosity grade and capacity (approx. 5.5 - 6.0 quarts).
Coolant:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent. Typically a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water. Capacity approx. 10.5 quarts.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Engine Mounts:
Can become worn or fail, leading to vibration and clunking noises.
Transmission Shifting:
Some models may experience rough shifting or delayed engagement, often related to solenoid issues or fluid condition.
Window Regulators:
Power window regulators can be a common failure point.
ABS Sensors:
ABS wheel speed sensors can fail, triggering ABS warning lights.
Ford History:
Ford Motor Company, a cornerstone of the American automotive industry, known for its innovation and mass production capabilities.
Taurus Legacy:
The Taurus was a revolutionary car in its early generations, but by the 2000-2007 era, it was facing increasing competition from more modern, globally sourced designs.
Generation Details:
The 2000 model year saw a significant redesign, often referred to as the 'Taurus VIII' generation, sharing its platform with Volvo's S80 and V70 (P2 platform), leading to improved ride quality and safety.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in North America, with key plants including Chicago, Illinois.
