🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Ford Model: Taurus Generation: First Generation Body Style: Sedan (4-door), Station Wagon (5-door) Production Years Covered By Manual: 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Mid-size sedan and station wagon Target Audience: Families, professionals, fleet buyers Competitive Analysis Key Competitors Era: Chevrolet Lumina, Buick LeSabre, Chrysler New Yorker, Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Key Features Design Innovation: Aerodynamic styling, front-wheel drive (transaxle), spacious interior ('Cab-Forward' design influence) Practicality: Comfortable ride, practical wagon variant, good fuel economy for its class Sales Success: Hugely successful, revitalized Ford's passenger car lineup, best-selling American car for several years 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Complete Workshop Service and Repair Manual Language: English Format: Downloadable PDF Page Count: Comprehensive (typically over 2000 pages for this era of workshop manual) Scope: Covers all systems, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine removal/installation, cylinder head, valve train, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system, timing belts/chains Engine Performance: Fuel system (injection, carburetion for early models), ignition system, emission control systems, engine diagnostics Transmission Manual: Manual transmission (MTX) overhaul, clutch system, shift linkage Transmission Automatic: Automatic transaxle (AXOD, AX4S, AX4N for later models) overhaul, torque converter, valve body, hydraulic system, electronic controls Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive axle shafts, CV joints, differential service Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, struts, springs, control arms, bushings, wheel bearings Steering: Power steering system, steering rack/gearbox, steering column, tie rods Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes, drum brakes (rear), hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), parking brake Electrical System: Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams Body And Chassis: Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, frame/unibody structure HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, refrigerant service Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, belt and hose inspection/replacement Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting, error code interpretation (OBD-I) Repair: Component removal, installation, adjustment, and rebuilding for all major systems Diagnostics: Detailed diagnostic trees, testing procedures for sensors and actuators, ignition timing adjustment Specifications: Torque specifications, alignment data, electrical values, fluid capacities and types Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive (covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls) Diagnostic Tools: Information on using specific diagnostic tools and equipment for the era (e.g., timing lights, multimeters, basic scan tools for OBD-I) Wiring Diagrams: Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Fully searchable text content Print Quality: High-resolution scans, suitable for printing Accessibility: Instant download Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code 1986-1989: 4-cylinder Vulcan 2.3L (140 cu in) MPI - 86 hp @ 4600 rpm, 120 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm Engine Code 1986-1990: V6 Essex 2.5L (153 cu in) Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI) - 100 hp @ 4600 rpm, 133 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm (for early models, replaced by 3.0L) Engine Code 1986-1995: V6 Vulcan 3.0L (182 cu in) MPI - 140 hp @ 4800 rpm, 170 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (common engine) Engine Code 1988-1995: V6 SHO (Super High Output) 3.0L Yamaha V6 - 220 hp @ 6000 rpm, 200 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (later increased to 3.2L) Performance Horsepower Range: 86 hp to 220 hp Torque Range: 120 lb-ft to 200 lb-ft Fuel System Injection Type: Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) standard across most engines; Throttle Body Injection (TBI) on some early 4-cylinders Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for Vulcan, higher for SHO) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 4-speed Automatic Transaxle (AXOD, AX4S, AX4N for later models) Optional Transmission Type Optional: 5-speed Manual Transaxle (MTX) Features Drive Layout: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Automatic Features: Electronic Controls (ECT) on later models for shift quality and efficiency 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 104.2 inches Length Sedan: 189.6 inches Width: 70.2 inches Height Sedan: 53.7 inches Interior Passenger Volume: Approx. 102 cu ft Cargo Trunk Volume: Approx. 16.0 cu ft Weights Curb Weight Range: Approx. 3000 - 3400 lbs (depending on engine and body style) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver: Good (for 1987 Sedan model, as tested by IIHS) Active Features ABS: Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on many models Traction Control: Not commonly available in this generation, limited to some later model SHO variants or aftermarket Passive Features Airbags: Driver side airbag became standard equipment in later years of this generation (e.g., 1990+), optional earlier Seatbelts: 3-point front and rear seatbelts 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims or later models Display: Analog gauges, analog climate controls, basic digital displays for odometer and trip computer on some models Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most trims Power Accessories: Power windows, power door locks, power...