The Ford Taurus, a distinguished mid-size sedan from the third generation (1996-2000), represents a significant chapter in American automotive engineering. Known for its aero-smooth styling and spacious, comfort-oriented interior, the Taurus was designed to appeal to families and commuters, offering a compelling blend of practicality and refined design. Available in trim levels such as LX, SE, GS, and XLS, it competed effectively in a segment populated by established names like the Chevrolet Impala and Toyota Camry. The 2000 model year Taurus offered robust powertrain options, including the powerful 3.0L Duratec 30 V6 and the efficient 3.0L Vulcan OHV V6, paired with reliable front-wheel-drive transmissions, ensuring a dependable and comfortable driving experience for its era.
This comprehensive workshop service and repair manual provides extensive guidance for maintaining and repairing the 2000 Ford Taurus. Covering over 1000 pages of detailed information, it serves as an indispensable resource for owners, mechanics, and technicians. The manual delves into all major systems, including engine, transmission, braking, suspension, steering, electrical, HVAC, fuel, exhaust, cooling, body, frame, interior, lighting, and safety systems. It details routine maintenance, advanced troubleshooting, engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical diagnostics, and bodywork procedures, complete with technical specifications, torque values, and special tool information, all presented for clarity and ease of use.
Generation Designation:
Third Generation (DN101)
Generation Years:
1996-2000
Target Audience:
Families, Commuters
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Impala, Buick LeSabre, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima
Design Philosophy:
Aero-smooth styling, spacious interior, comfort-oriented ride
Trim Levels For 2000:
LX, SE, GS, XLS
Coverage Scope:
Complete Workshop Service and Repair
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (PDF)
Engine:
Yes (all variants for 2000 model year)
Transmission:
Yes (Automatic and Manual variants)
Braking System:
Yes (ABS, conventional)
Suspension:
Yes (Front and Rear)
Steering:
Yes (Power Steering)
Electrical System:
Yes (Wiring Diagrams, Components)
HVAC System:
Yes (Climate Control)
Fuel System:
Yes (Fuel Injection)
Body And Frame:
Yes (Structural, Panels, Doors, Glass)
Interior:
Yes (Trim, Seats, Dash)
Lighting System:
Yes (Headlights, Taillights, Interior)
Safety Systems:
Yes (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Routine Maintenance:
Yes (Oil changes, Filter replacements, Tune-ups)
Troubleshooting:
Yes (Diagnostic charts, Symptom-based repairs)
Engine Repair:
Yes (Rebuilds, Component replacement)
Transmission Service:
Yes (Fluid changes, Seal replacement, Rebuilds)
Brake Repair:
Yes (Pad/Rotor replacement, Caliper service, Hydraulic system)
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Yes (Shocks, Struts, Ball Joints, Tie Rods)
Electrical Diagnostics:
Yes (Component testing, Wiring harness repair)
HVAC Repair:
Yes (Compressor, Evaporator, Heater Core)
Bodywork And Collision Repair:
Yes (Panel alignment, Dent removal guidance)
Interior Trim Removal Installation:
Yes
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced (OBD-II codes, Component testing, Live data interpretation)
Rebuild Procedures:
Comprehensive (Engine, Transmission, Major components)
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed (System-specific, Component locations)
Torque Specifications:
Extensive (All critical fasteners)
Special Tools:
Yes (Identification and usage where applicable)
Searchability:
Searchable Text
Print Readability:
High (Designed for clear digital viewing and printing)
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Download)
Engine 1 Type:
3.0L Duratec 30 V6
Engine 1 Displacement:
2986 cc (182.2 ci)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
200 hp @ 5650 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
89.0 mm x 79.5 mm (3.50 in x 3.13 in)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.7:1
Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Engine 1 Cylinder Head Design:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder
Engine 2 Type:
3.0L Vulcan OHV V6 (Base models)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2986 cc (182.2 ci)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
150 hp @ 4900 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
170 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
9.0:1
Engine 2 Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 2 Cylinder Head Design:
OHV (Overhead Valve), 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (minimum)
Transmission Standard:
4-speed Automatic (AX4N)
Transmission Optional:
4-speed Automatic (AX4S) for Vulcan V6; 5-speed Manual (MTX-75) available on select trims with Duratec V6
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Transmission Fluid Spec Duratec Ax4N:
MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Ax4N:
8.1 Quarts (7.7 Liters)
Transmission Fluid Spec Vulcan Ax4S:
MERCON ATF
Wheelbase:
2771 mm (109.1 inches)
Length:
4948 mm (194.8 inches)
Width:
1852 mm (72.9 inches)
Height:
1425 mm (56.1 inches)
Curb Weight Min:
1542 kg (3400 lbs)
Curb Weight Max:
1637 kg (3610 lbs)
Trunk Volume:
510 liters (18.0 cubic feet)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
★★★★ (4-Star)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
★★★★ (4-Star)
ABS:
Standard on most trims
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (Standard)
Seatbelts:
Front and Rear 3-Point Seatbelts, Pretensioners
Audio System:
AM/FM Stereo with Cassette and CD Player (Optional)
Speaker Configuration:
4 to 8 speaker systems available
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Onboard Diagnostics:
OBD-II compliant
Oil Change Interval Typical:
7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic blend)
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement Duratec:
100,000 miles (Platinum or Iridium plugs)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
30,000-60,000 miles (depending on driving conditions)
Engine Oil Spec Duratec:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG/SH/SJ)
Engine Oil Spec Vulcan:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG/SH/SJ)
Coolant Spec:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant VC-1 (Green)
Common Issue Intake Manifold Vulcan:
Cracking of plastic intake manifold on Vulcan engine (leading to vacuum leaks)
Common Issue Transaxle Mounts:
Premature wear of transaxle mounts and bushings
Common Issue Window Regulators:
Failure of power window regulators
Common Issue Coil Packs Duratec:
Premature failure of ignition coil packs on Duratec V6
Taurus Introduction:
1986 (Revolutionary 'Aero' design)
Third Gen Introduction:
1996 (Major redesign, more rounded styling)
Manufacturing Locations:
Chicago Assembly Plant, Atlanta Assembly Plant (USA)
Production Years Third Gen:
1996-2007 (for Taurus platform)
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times in its history, though not specifically for the 2000 model year, it benefited from this lineage.
