Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size sedan (also available as wagon/coupe for other model years/variants, but 1996 Taurus sedan is primary focus)
Target Audience For Manual:
DIY car owners, independent repair shops, automotive enthusiasts
Competitors 1996:
Chevrolet Lumina, Buick Regal, Pontiac Grand Prix, Chrysler Concorde, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima
Manual Selling Points:
OEM specification, single-year specific, comprehensive coverage, searchable PDF, cost-saving for repairs, long-term usability.
Vehicle Selling Points 1996:
Comfortable ride, spacious interior, distinctive oval design, availability of V6 engines, optional all-wheel drive (in some configurations/generations, though less common in 1996 models compared to later years).
Chassis Systems:
Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Wheel and Tire, Driveline, Axle/Differential, Brake System (including Hydraulic and Power Actuation, Vehicle Dynamic System), Steering System (including Power Steering components, Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder, Air Bag Sliding Contact, Steering Column Switches, DTCs)
Powertrain Systems:
Engine (Cooling, Fuel Charging/Control, Accessory Drive, Starting, Ignition, Emission Control, Intake Air, Evaporative Emissions, Electronic Engine Controls), Supercharger Cooling, Transaxle/Transmission (Automatic and Manual), Exhaust System (Muffler, Catalytic Converter), Fuel System (Tank, Lines, Acceleration/Speed Control)
Electrical Systems:
Climate Control, Instrument Cluster, Charging System, Entertainment System, Lighting, Module Communications Network, Anti-Theft System
Body Systems:
Body Panels (Front End), Body Closures, Interior/Exterior Trim, Mirrors, Seating, Glass/Frames/Mechanisms, Instrument Panel/Console, Handles/Locks/Latches, Entry System, Wipers/Washers, Convertible Top, Bumpers, Safety Belt System, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive diagrams for Audio, Navigation, Charging, Climate Control, Seats, Cluster Illumination, Convertible Top, Cooling Fan, Electronic Engine Controls, Headlamps, Autolamps, Heated Window, Horn, Cigar Lighter, Instrument Cluster, Interior Lamps, Luggage Compartment, Manual Climate Control, Module Communications, Overhead Console, Parking/Rear/License Lamps, Passive Anti-Theft, Power Distribution, Power Door Locks/Mirrors/Windows, Remote Keyless Entry, Reversing Lamps, Shift Interlock, Speed Control, Splice Locations, Starting System, Supplemental Restraint System.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for various systems, component testing
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all covered systems, including disassembly, assembly, component replacement, and adjustments
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Installation Procedures:
Instructions for installing specific components or accessories (where applicable within the scope of a factory manual)
Depth Of Information:
Complete factory-level technical information, including specifications, procedures, diagnostics, and wiring diagrams. Suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians.
Engine 1 Name:
3.0L Vulcan OHV V6
Engine 1 Displacement:
2986 cc (182.2 cu in)
Engine 1 Configuration:
SOHC V6 (Often referred to as Vulcan, but the DOHC Duratec was also an option)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
89.0 mm x 79.5 mm (3.50 in x 3.13 in)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.0:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
145 hp @ 4800 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Torque:
170 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Name:
3.0L Duratec DOHC V6
Engine 2 Displacement:
2986 cc (182.2 cu in)
Engine 2 Configuration:
DOHC V6
Engine 2 Horsepower:
160 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Torque:
185 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm (approx.)
Engine 3 Name:
3.8L Essex OHV V6
Engine 3 Displacement:
3797 cc (231.7 cu in)
Engine 3 Configuration:
OHV V6
Engine 3 Horsepower:
155 hp @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 3 Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 2700 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
16.0 gallons (approx.)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Not specifically rated or data unavailable for 1996 models in current NHTSA database, but generally considered average for its era.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Not specifically rated or data unavailable for 1996 models in current NHTSA database.
ABS:
Standard or optional depending on trim
Traction Control:
Not commonly available on 1996 models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS)
Seat Belts:
Front and rear seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for exact OEM recommendation).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually, or as needed based on conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically 60,000-100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs, earlier for standard plugs (consult manual for specific engine).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles, or more frequently under severe use (refer to manual for AX4N fluid type and capacity).
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 5W-30 recommended for most conditions (verify with manual and climate).
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, meeting Ford Specification WSS-M97B44-D (typically a green coolant).
Transmission Fluid Spec:
MERCON Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - often Ford or equivalent.
Common Issues Engine:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on early Vulcan engines), occasional head gasket issues, oil leaks.
Common Issues Transmission:
AX4N transmission can be prone to solenoid issues or torque converter clutch problems if not properly maintained.
Common Issues Suspension:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and struts due to vehicle weight and mileage.
Common Issues Electrical:
Window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor issues, intermittent sensor failures.
Common Issues Body:
Rust in common areas (wheel wells, rocker panels), paint fade/peeling on plastic components.
Ford Heritage:
Ford Motor Company, a historic American automaker, known for mass production innovation (e.g., Model T) and a wide range of vehicles from trucks to sedans.
Taurus Sable Generation:
This 1996 model falls into the third generation of the Ford Taurus (1996-1999), which introduced a significant redesign with more rounded, 'jellybean' styling.
Sable Relationship:
The Mercury Sable was a badge-engineered version of the Ford Taurus, sharing the same platform and many components but often featuring slightly different styling and luxury appointments.
Assembly Locations:
Primarily assembled at the Atlanta Assembly Plant (Georgia, USA) and Chicago Assembly Plant (Illinois, USA).
Production Volume:
The Taurus was one of Ford's best-selling vehicles during this era.
