Positioning:
The 1998 Ford Taurus represented the third generation of Ford's popular mid-size sedan, aiming to compete in a segment dominated by Japanese and domestic rivals. This manual provides the essential factory-derived technical information for owners and independent repair professionals.
Competitors 1998:
Chevrolet Lumina, Buick Century/Regal, Pontiac Grand Prix, Chrysler Sebring/Concorde, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima
Notable Features 1998:
Optional 3.4L SHO V8 engine, improved chassis dynamics over previous generations, revised interior and exterior styling.
Manual Benefits:
Licensed OE data, instant access, cost-effective compared to print, comprehensive coverage for DIYers and professional mechanics.
Powertrain:
Engine (3.0L Vulcan OHV, 3.4L SHO DOHC), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (AX4N, AX4S, AXM), Drivetrain (Front Wheel Drive)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front Disc, Rear Disc/Drum), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instruments & Gauges, Power Accessories, Climate Control Electricals, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Body And Interior:
Body Structure, Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Seats, Restraints (Airbags), HVAC System (Controls & Components)
Diagnostic Procedures:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), DTC clearing, Component Testing, Sensor Data Interpretation
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, Transmission rebuild, Brake caliper replacement, Suspension component installation, Electrical component diagnosis and replacement, HVAC system service
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, Filter replacements, Fluid checks and top-offs, Spark plug replacement, Belt inspection and replacement
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, including specifications, troubleshooting guides, repair sequences, and torque values.
Engine 1:
3.0L (182 cu in) Vulcan OHV V6
Engine 1 Configuration:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 60-degree V6
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
3.52 in x 3.15 in (89.4 mm x 80.0 mm)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.0:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
155 hp @ 4800 RPM
Engine 1 Torque:
185 lb-ft @ 3250 RPM
Engine 2:
3.4L (207 cu in) SHO DOHC V8
Engine 2 Configuration:
Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), 60-degree V8
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
3.50 in x 2.60 in (89.0 mm x 66.0 mm)
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Engine 2 Horsepower:
235 hp @ 6000 RPM
Engine 2 Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 4800 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular (87 Octane) for 3.0L, Premium Unleaded (91 Octane Recommended) for 3.4L SHO
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4 Stars (1998 model year ratings)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4 Stars (1998 model year ratings)
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models, standard on SHO.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seat Belts:
Front Three-Point Safety Belts, Rear Three-Point Safety Belts
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette tape player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC controls, optional Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) system on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
OBD System:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) compliant, allowing for electronic fault code reading.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations based on oil type).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000-100,000 miles for platinum-tipped spark plugs (check manual for exact intervals and plug type).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles, or as indicated by fluid condition/manufacturer recommendations.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 API Service SG/SH or SJ (check owner's manual for exact specification).
Coolant Spec:
Ford-specified Engine Coolant/Antifreeze (typically a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and distilled water).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Common Wear Items:
Intake manifold gaskets (plastic design), various suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends), wheel bearings, exhaust system components.
Powertrain Issues:
Variable valve timing actuator leaks on later models (less common on 1998 SHO), transmission solenoid issues, occasional coolant leaks from intake manifold.
Electrical Issues:
Instrument cluster failures, power window motor failures, door lock actuator failures.
Ford Legacy:
Ford has a long history of producing popular and influential vehicles, particularly in the family sedan segment, with the Taurus being a flagship model for much of the 1980s and 1990s.
Taurus Generations:
The 1998 model is part of the third generation (1996-1999), characterized by a significant redesign incorporating oval styling cues, a more spacious interior, and a focus on improved driving dynamics and safety.
Production Period:
The Ford Taurus was in production from 1986 to 2007 in North America, with multiple generations and facelifts during its run.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The Taurus, particularly the SHO variants, received multiple 'Car and Driver' 10Best awards in earlier generations, though the 1998 model was not specifically honored with this award.
Iiihs Safety Ratings:
Frontal offset crash test ratings were generally good for this era, but specific official IIHS ratings for the 1998 model may need to be sourced separately from the manual.
