Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Lumina/Monte Carlo, Pontiac Grand Prix, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima.
Design Philosophy:
Aerodynamic styling, comfortable interior, front-wheel drive platform.
Powertrain Options:
Emphasis on V6 engines for power and refinement.
Demographic:
Families, commuters seeking comfort and space.
General Coverage:
All repairs, servicing, and troubleshooting procedures.
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (Specific count not provided, but described as very detailed)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Exhaust
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front & Rear), Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Starting & Charging System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Body Electrical, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Electronics
Body:
Body and Frame, Exterior Trim, Interior Trim, HVAC System, Doors, Windows, Seats, Restraint Systems (Airbags)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake system service, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnostics and repair, body panel repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting, wiring diagrams for diagnosis.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-I/OBD-II depending on specific powertrain), diagnostic connector locations, reading sensor data.
Depth:
Professional-level detailed instructions with step-by-step guidance, exploded diagrams, and high-quality photographs/illustrations.
Engine 1:
3.0L Vulcan V6 (SPI)
Engine 1 Displacement:
2986 cc (182 cu in)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 60-degree V6
Engine 1 Horsepower:
145 hp @ 5000 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
170 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm
Engine 2:
3.4L DOHC Duratec V6
Engine 2 Displacement:
3371 cc (205 cu in)
Engine 2 Configuration:
Double Overhead Cam (DOHC), 60-degree V6
Engine 2 Horsepower:
190 hp @ 5250 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
215 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Electronic Ignition System (DIS) on 3.4L, Distributor with TFI module on 3.0L
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1
Emissions System:
Catalytic converter, EGR valve, Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV).
Transmission 1:
4-speed Automatic (AX4N)
Transmission 1 Engine Fitment:
Standard on 3.0L Vulcan V6 and 3.4L Duratec V6
Transmission 2:
N/A (No manual transmission offered for 1997 model year)
Transmission Control:
Electronic Control
Transmission Fluid Type:
MERCON® ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 10.6 quarts (10.0 liters) for AX4N (dry fill)
NHTSA Driver Frontal Impact:
Not rated (as per historical data availability for this era)
NHTSA Passenger Frontal Impact:
Not rated (as per historical data availability for this era)
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all wheels.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Front three-point automatic locking retractors; rear three-point belts.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Check owner's manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or approximately every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
3.0L Vulcan: ~100,000 miles. 3.4L Duratec: ~100,000 miles. Consult manual for specific types and gap.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 (preferred for all temperatures) or SAE 10W-30. Check owner's manual for specific conditions.
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.0L Vulcan: 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter. 3.4L Duratec: 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 11.5 quarts (10.9 liters) for vehicles with engine oil cooler, 11.0 quarts (10.4 liters) without.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid.
Common Problems:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on 3.0L Vulcan), head gasket issues (less common but possible), power steering pump leaks, ABS sensor failures, rear axle seal leaks, window regulator failures, HVAC blend door actuator problems.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Address coolant leaks promptly to prevent engine damage. Check electrical connectors for corrosion. Use proper torque specifications for all fasteners.
Ford Legacy:
Ford has a long history of producing popular and influential American sedans.
Taurus Legacy:
The 1997 model represents the third generation of the highly successful Ford Taurus, introduced for the 1996 model year. It featured a significant redesign from the previous oval styling, adopting a more conventional, yet still aerodynamic, shape.
Manufacturing Locations:
Chicago, Illinois, USA; Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Production Years:
1996-1999 (for third generation)
Car And Driver 10Best:
The Ford Taurus (and its Mercury Sable sibling) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' list in its earlier generations, but the 1997 model year was not a recipient.
Safety Organizations:
For its era, Ford vehicles were generally considered competitive in safety, though specific detailed ratings like modern IIHS frontal/side impact scores are not readily available for this specific year and model.