๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Ford Model: Taurus Year: 1998 Codes Platform Code: FN10 Assembly Plant Codes: Chicago, IL; Atlanta, GA; Kansas City, MO ๐ Introduction Market Position Positioning: The 1998 Ford Taurus represented the third generation of Ford's popular mid-size sedan, aiming to compete in a segment dominated by Japanese and domestic rivals. This manual provides the essential factory-derived technical information for owners and independent repair professionals. Competitive Analysis Competitors 1998: Chevrolet Lumina, Buick Century/Regal, Pontiac Grand Prix, Chrysler Sebring/Concorde, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima Key Features Vehicle Notable Features 1998: Optional 3.4L SHO V8 engine, improved chassis dynamics over previous generations, revised interior and exterior styling. Key Features Manual Manual Benefits: Licensed OE data, instant access, cost-effective compared to print, comprehensive coverage for DIYers and professional mechanics. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: 1998 Ford Taurus Engine Variants Covered: 3.0L Vulcan OHV V6, 3.4L SHO DOHC V8 Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1500-2000 (estimated based on typical factory service manuals for this era) Manual Type Type: Service and Repair Manual Software Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download (Licensed) ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (3.0L Vulcan OHV, 3.4L SHO DOHC), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (AX4N, AX4S, AXM), Drivetrain (Front Wheel Drive) Chassis: Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front Disc, Rear Disc/Drum), Wheels & Tires Electrical: Wiring Diagrams, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instruments & Gauges, Power Accessories, Climate Control Electricals, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Body And Interior: Body Structure, Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Seats, Restraints (Airbags), HVAC System (Controls & Components) Procedures Included Diagnostic Procedures: On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), DTC clearing, Component Testing, Sensor Data Interpretation Repair Procedures: Engine overhaul, Transmission rebuild, Brake caliper replacement, Suspension component installation, Electrical component diagnosis and replacement, HVAC system service Maintenance Procedures: Oil changes, Filter replacements, Fluid checks and top-offs, Spark plug replacement, Belt inspection and replacement Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive factory-level detail, including specifications, troubleshooting guides, repair sequences, and torque values. ๐ Manual Specifications File Format Digital Quality: High-resolution, searchable PDF text, designed for readability on various devices. Print Quality Print Suitability: Printable pages for physical workshop use. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Download) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine 1: 3.0L (182 cu in) Vulcan OHV V6 Engine 1 Configuration: Overhead Valve (OHV), 60-degree V6 Engine 1 Bore X Stroke: 3.52 in x 3.15 in (89.4 mm x 80.0 mm) Engine 1 Compression Ratio: 9.0:1 Engine 1 Horsepower: 155 hp @ 4800 RPM Engine 1 Torque: 185 lb-ft @ 3250 RPM Performance Engine 2: 3.4L (207 cu in) SHO DOHC V8 Engine 2 Configuration: Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), 60-degree V8 Engine 2 Bore X Stroke: 3.50 in x 2.60 in (89.0 mm x 66.0 mm) Engine 2 Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 Engine 2 Horsepower: 235 hp @ 6000 RPM Engine 2 Torque: 230 lb-ft @ 4800 RPM Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Regular (87 Octane) for 3.0L, Premium Unleaded (91 Octane Recommended) for 3.4L SHO ๐ง Transmission Standard Transmission 1: 4-Speed Automatic (AX4S) Optional Transmission 2: 4-Speed Automatic (AX4N) - Standard on SHO models Features Shift Control: Electronic with Progressive Range Selection (PRS) Transmission Fluid Spec: Mercon V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - Consult manual for exact fluid type based on transmission code ๐ Dimensions Exterior Length: 199.7 inches (5072 mm) Width: 73.3 inches (1862 mm) Height: 55.1 inches (1400 mm) Wheelbase: 113.4 inches (2880 mm) Weights Curb Weight: 3400-3700 lbs (approximate, varies by model/engine) ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Driver Front Impact: 4 Stars (1998 model year ratings) NHTSA Passenger Front Impact: 4 Stars (1998 model year ratings) Active Features ABS: Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models, standard on SHO. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags Seat Belts: Front Three-Point Safety Belts, Rear Three-Point Safety Belts ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette tape player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level. Climate Control: Manual HVAC controls, optional Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) system on higher trims. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most trims. OBD System: OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) compliant, allowing for electronic fault code reading. ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations based on oil type). Spark Plug Replacement: Approximately 60,000-100,000 miles for platinum-tipped spark plugs (check manual for exact intervals and plug type). Transmission Fluid Change: Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles, or as indicated by fluid condition/manufacturer recommendations. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Spec: SAE 5W-30 API Service SG/SH or SJ (check owner's manual for exact specification). Coolant Spec: Ford-specified Engine Coolant/Antifreeze (typically a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and distilled water). Brake Fluid Spec: DOT...
The 1998 Ford Taurus represented the third generation of Ford's popular mid-size sedan, aiming to compete in a segment dominated by Japanese and domestic rivals. This manual provides the essential factory-derived technical information for owners and independent repair professionals.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors 1998:
Chevrolet Lumina, Buick Century/Regal, Pontiac Grand Prix, Chrysler Sebring/Concorde, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima
Key Features Vehicle
Notable Features 1998:
Optional 3.4L SHO V8 engine, improved chassis dynamics over previous generations, revised interior and exterior styling.
Key Features Manual
Manual Benefits:
Licensed OE data, instant access, cost-effective compared to print, comprehensive coverage for DIYers and professional mechanics.
๐ Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
1998 Ford Taurus
Engine Variants Covered:
3.0L Vulcan OHV V6, 3.4L SHO DOHC V8
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2000 (estimated based on typical factory service manuals for this era)
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendations based on oil type).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000-100,000 miles for platinum-tipped spark plugs (check manual for exact intervals and plug type).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles, or as indicated by fluid condition/manufacturer recommendations.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 API Service SG/SH or SJ (check owner's manual for exact specification).
Coolant Spec:
Ford-specified Engine Coolant/Antifreeze (typically a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and distilled water).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Intake manifold gaskets (plastic design), various suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends), wheel bearings, exhaust system components.
Powertrain Issues:
Variable valve timing actuator leaks on later models (less common on 1998 SHO), transmission solenoid issues, occasional coolant leaks from intake manifold.
Electrical Issues:
Instrument cluster failures, power window motor failures, door lock actuator failures.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Ford Legacy:
Ford has a long history of producing popular and influential vehicles, particularly in the family sedan segment, with the Taurus being a flagship model for much of the 1980s and 1990s.
Model Evolution
Taurus Generations:
The 1998 model is part of the third generation (1996-1999), characterized by a significant redesign incorporating oval styling cues, a more spacious interior, and a focus on improved driving dynamics and safety.
Production
Production Period:
The Ford Taurus was in production from 1986 to 2007 in North America, with multiple generations and facelifts during its run.
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The Taurus, particularly the SHO variants, received multiple 'Car and Driver' 10Best awards in earlier generations, though the 1998 model was not specifically honored with this award.
Iiihs Safety Ratings:
Frontal offset crash test ratings were generally good for this era, but specific official IIHS ratings for the 1998 model may need to be sourced separately from the manual.