Segment:
Mid-size sedan, often considered a benchmark for American car design and engineering in its era.
Competitors Era:
Chevrolet Lumina, Pontiac Grand Prix, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima.
Aerodynamics:
Known for its distinctive smooth, aerodynamic styling, which was a significant departure from traditional American car design.
Interior Space:
Offered a spacious and comfortable interior, particularly in sedan form, with a large trunk and available wagon configuration.
Performance Variants:
The Taurus SHO (Super High Output) variant offered a Yamaha-designed V6 engine and performance-oriented features, setting it apart from standard models.
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional repair shops, and Taurus enthusiasts looking to maintain or restore their vehicles.
Model Years:
1992, 1993, 1994, 1995
Engine Variants:
3.0L Vulcan V6 (OHV), 3.8L Essex V6 (OHV), 3.8L Supercharged Essex V6 (OHV) - SHO models
Trim Levels:
GL, LX, SE, SEL, SHO, GHiA, wagon variants
Type:
Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (all variants), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control system (EEC-IV), transmission (automatic: AX4N, AXODE, manual: MTX-IV for SHO).
Chassis:
Suspension (front struts, rear independent suspension), steering (power rack and pinion), brakes (front disc, rear drum/disc depending on trim/options), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Lighting (headlamps, tail lamps, interior), instrumentation, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio system, climate control system, wiring diagrams for all major circuits.
Body And Frame:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, structural components, underbody.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), testing procedures for all major electrical and mechanical components.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and rebuilding (e.g., engine overhaul, transmission service, brake caliper replacement).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt inspections and replacement, tune-up procedures.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for fasteners, electrical specifications, fluid capacities and types, engine timing, wheel alignment parameters.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repair.
Base Engine:
3.0L (182 cu in) Vulcan V6 OHV
Base Engine Power:
140-145 hp @ 4800 rpm (depending on year and configuration)
Base Engine Torque:
160-165 lb-ft @ 3400-3700 rpm (depending on year and configuration)
Optional Engine 1 Variant:
3.8L (232 cu in) Essex V6 OHV
Optional Engine 1 Power:
140-145 hp @ 3800-4000 rpm
Optional Engine 1 Torque:
205-210 lb-ft @ 2200-2400 rpm
Sho Engine Variant:
3.8L (232 cu in) Essex V6 OHV Supercharged (SHO)
Sho Engine Power:
235 hp @ 4200 rpm
Sho Engine Torque:
265 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Injection Type:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (Distributorless Ignition System on some later models and SHO)
Standard Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (AX4N, AXODE variants)
Optional Transmission:
5-speed Manual (MTX-IV) - SHO Models Only
Transmission Features:
Overdrive, electronic control, lock-up torque converter.
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (driver), 4-star (passenger) - specific ratings varied slightly by year and test.
ABS:
Standard on most trims by 1995, optional on earlier models.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models.
Airbags:
Driver side airbag standard from 1991 onwards. Passenger airbag optional/standard on later models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point active shoulder belts in the front, three-point belts in the rear.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (consult manual for exact recommendations).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type - standard vs. platinum/iridium).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (highly recommended for longevity).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 API SG or SH rated (check manual for specific engine and temperature range).
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mercon V (or Mercon equivalent) for AX4N/AXODE. MTX-IV (SHO) requires a specific manual transmission fluid, likely a GL-4 rated gear oil.
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Leaking intake manifold gaskets (especially on the Vulcan 3.0L) leading to coolant and vacuum leaks.
Transmission Problems:
Some reports of transmission solenoid failures or torque converter shudder on automatic transmissions (AX4N/AXODE).
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Potential for rear main crankshaft seal leaks.
Sensor Failures:
EGR valve issues, TPS (Throttle Position Sensor), and other engine sensors can cause driveability problems.
Ford Legacy:
Ford Motor Company, a leading American automaker with a long history of producing popular and reliable vehicles.
Generation:
This manual covers the third generation of the Ford Taurus, introduced for the 1992 model year, featuring a significant redesign with a more rounded, aerodynamic shape and improved interior.
Key Updates 1992-1995:
Minor styling tweaks, powertrain enhancements, safety feature upgrades (e.g., standard ABS on more models), and new interior features/trim levels were introduced throughout this generation.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary assembly plants in Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; and Kansas City, Missouri.
