🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Taurus

Generation:

Third Generation (1996-1999)

Body Style:

Sedan, Wagon

Platform:

DN101 (Front-wheel drive)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size sedan and wagon, popular family vehicle in the late 1990s.

Competitors:

Chevrolet Lumina, Buick LeSabre, Pontiac Bonneville, Chrysler Concorde, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Avalon.

Design:

Distinctive oval styling cues, comfortable ride, spacious interior.

Engine Options:

Offered a range of V6 engines catering to different performance and efficiency needs, including the potent SHO variant.

Benefit To Owner:

Empowers owners and technicians with the same detailed information used by dealership service departments for accurate repairs and maintenance.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Years:

1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999

Covered Engines:

3.0L (2V) V6 Vulcan, 3.0L (4V) V6 Duratec, 3.4L V8 SHO

Covered Transmissions:

AX4N, AX4S (Automatic)

Estimated Pages:

Over 1500 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing components, lubrication system.

Engine Control:

PCM diagnosis, sensor testing (MAP, TPS, ECT, CKP, CMP), actuator control, fuel injection system, ignition system diagnostics.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant passages, fan operation, hoses and clamps.

Emission System:

EGR system, PCV system, EVAP system, catalytic converter operation, O2 sensors.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel lines, evaporative emission control.

Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coils/wires, distributor (if applicable), ignition timing, knock sensor.

Starting Charging:

Starter motor, solenoid, battery, alternator, charging system diagnosis.

Drivetrain:

Axles, CV joints, wheel bearings, differential (transaxle).

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (AX4N/AX4S) repair, overhaul, valve body, solenoids, torque converter, fluid changes.

Brake System:

Disc brakes (front/rear), drum brakes (rear), hydraulic system, ABS operation, master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake.

Suspension:

Front struts, rear shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings, sway bars, springs.

Steering System:

Power steering pump, steering gear/rack and pinion, steering column, tie rods, power steering fluid.

Wheels Tires:

Tire pressure, rotation, balancing, wheel alignment specifications.

Body System:

Doors, hood, trunk lid, latches, hinges, body panels, alignment.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system operation, refrigerant, blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor, condenser.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting, instruments, power windows, locks, mirrors, horn.

Interior:

Seats, seat belts, airbags (if applicable), dashboard, trim panels, interior lighting.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-ups, brake inspections, belt replacements.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul.

Rebuilding:

Detailed procedures for major component overhauls, including engines and transmissions.

Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic parameters.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and bodywork.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Printability:

Fully printable, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF download)

Visuals:

Detailed exploded views, diagrams, and pictures.

Searchability:

Searchable text within the PDF document.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine 1:

3.0L (2V) Vulcan V6

Displacement 1:

2986 cc (182.2 cu in)

Bore X Stroke 1:

3.54 x 3.15 in (90.0 x 80.0 mm)

Compression Ratio 1:

9.0:1

Horsepower 1:

Approx. 155 hp @ 5000 rpm (varies slightly by year)

Torque 1:

Approx. 175 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm (varies slightly by year)

Base Engine 2:

3.0L (4V) Duratec V6

Displacement 2:

2967 cc (181.1 cu in)

Bore X Stroke 2:

3.50 x 3.05 in (88.9 x 77.5 mm)

Compression Ratio 2:

10.0:1

Horsepower 2:

Approx. 200 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque 2:

Approx. 200 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Sho Engine:

3.4L SHO V8

Displacement Sho:

3404 cc (207.8 cu in)

Bore X Stroke Sho:

3.62 x 2.75 in (92.0 x 70.0 mm)

Compression Ratio Sho:

10.0:1

Horsepower Sho:

Approx. 235 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque Sho:

Approx. 230 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Injection Type:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (AX4S, AX4N)

Manual Transmission:

Not available for these model years/engine configurations.

Selectable Modes:

Some models may have a 'Sport' or 'Traction Control' mode integrated with the transmission control.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Mercon V (Recommended)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 9.0-10.5 quarts (8.5-10.0 liters) for a dry fill, subject to specific model and cooler lines.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 199.0-201.4 inches (5055-5090 mm)

Width:

Approx. 73.3 inches (1862 mm)

Height:

Approx. 55.3-56.4 inches (1405-1433 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 111.7 inches (2837 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 105.4 cu ft (2.98 m³)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 16.0-17.4 cu ft (0.45-0.49 m³)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3400-3800 lbs (1542-1724 kg), depending on engine and trim.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact 1998:

4 Stars (Driver), 5 Stars (Passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact 1998:

Not Rated (Lacks side airbags)

ABS:

Available (Anti-lock Braking System) on most models.

Traction Control:

Available on some higher trims/engine options.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seatbelts, front pre-tensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette and/or CD player. Premium sound systems optional on higher trims.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Communication Network:

Basic OBD-II diagnostic port. Limited internal communication network for the era.

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors were common options.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions. Consult the manual for exact specifications.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) or as recommended by driving conditions. Crucial for longevity.

Coolant Change:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km) or 2-3 years. Use correct coolant type.

Spark Plugs:

Refer to manual, typically 100,000 miles for iridium/platinum, or 30,000-60,000 for standard copper plugs.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG, SH, or SJ certified synthetic blend or conventional oil. Viscosity: 5W-30 recommended for most conditions. Consult manual for specifics.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5-5.0 quarts (4.3-4.7 liters) with filter change, varies by engine.

Coolant Type:

Ford-specified orange ethylene glycol coolant (or equivalent meeting WSS-M97B51-A1).

Power Steering Fluid:

Mercon ATF or specified power steering fluid.

Common Problems:

Transmission internal failures (especially AX4S), intake manifold gasket leaks (3.0L Vulcan), EGR valve issues, ABS sensor failures, power window regulators, rear main seal leaks.

Preventative Maintenance:

Regular transmission fluid and filter changes are critical. Monitor for coolant leaks and address promptly.

📚 Vehicle History

Ford History:

Ford Motor Company, a major American automaker with a long history of producing popular vehicles since 1903.

Taurus Legacy:

The Taurus was a flagship model for Ford, known for its aerodynamic styling and front-wheel-drive platform that revolutionized American sedans in the 1980s. The third generation (1996-1999) featured a significant styling update and platform revision.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily assembled in Atlanta, Georgia, and Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Taurus Production Years:

1986-2007 (North America), continued in other markets.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Ford Taurus (specifically the SHO variant) was recognized on Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times in earlier generations, though less so for the 1996-1999 models.

Reliability Rankings:

Generally rated as average to below average in reliability surveys of its era, particularly concerning the transmission. Consult specific model year reports for detailed data.