Basic Information Identification Make: Ford Model: Taurus Year: 1993 Codes Platform Code: FN91 Introduction Market Position Market Position: The 1993 Ford Taurus represented the second generation of Ford's highly successful mid-size sedan, known for its distinctive 'aero' styling and front-wheel-drive platform, which was a significant departure from previous American sedans. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Chevrolet Lumina, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima Key Features Platform Innovation: The Taurus was instrumental in popularizing the aerodynamic styling and front-wheel-drive layout in the American automotive market, setting a new design trend. Variant Offering: Available in various trim levels (e.g., GL, LX, SE) and powertrain configurations, including the high-performance Taurus SHO. Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: All models and all repairs A-Z Page Count Estimated Page Count: Over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era) Manual Type Manual Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (3.0L Vulcan OHV V6, 3.8L Essex OHV V6), Transmission (AXODE 4-speed automatic, MT5 5-speed manual for SHO) Chassis: Suspension (front MacPherson struts, rear independent trailing arm), Steering (power rack and pinion), Brakes (front disc, rear drum/disc depending on trim) Electrical: Wiring diagrams, lighting, starting and charging system, ignition system, fuel injection system (EFI), instrument cluster, power accessories, HVAC controls Body And Trim: Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, glass, doors, latches, weatherstripping HVAC: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system diagnosis and repair Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-I diagnostic codes and procedures Major Repairs: Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul/replacement, brake system overhauls, suspension component replacement, electrical system diagnosis and repair Special Procedures: Fuel system servicing, cooling system servicing, exhaust system repair, timing belt replacement (if applicable to specific engines), airbag system servicing (if equipped) Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications. Manual Specifications File Format File Format: Searchable PDF Print Quality Print Quality: High-resolution scans of original factory documentation Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: ESSEX (3.8L) Engine Displacement: 3.8 Liters (232 cu. in.) Engine Configuration: Overhead Valve (OHV) V6 Bore X Stroke: 3.52 in. x 3.15 in. (89.4 mm x 80.0 mm) Compression Ratio: 8.0:1 Horsepower: 140 HP @ 3600 RPM (approx.) Torque: 215 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM (approx.) Secondary Engine Engine Code: VULCAN (3.0L) Engine Displacement: 3.0 Liters (183 cu. in.) Engine Configuration: Overhead Valve (OHV) V6 Horsepower: 140 HP @ 4800 RPM (approx.) Torque: 165 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM (approx.) Sho Engine Engine Code: SHO V6 (Yamaha) Engine Displacement: 3.0 Liters (183 cu. in.) Engine Configuration: 24-valve DOHC V6 Horsepower: 220 HP @ 6000 RPM (approx.) Torque: 200 lb-ft @ 4800 RPM (approx.) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Port Injection Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane typical) Transmission Standard Transmission Type: AXODE 4-speed automatic (standard on non-SHO models) Optional Transmission Type: MT5 5-speed manual (exclusive to Taurus SHO) Features Axode Features: Lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency Sho Features Transmission Type: Mazda/Ford M5R5A 5-speed manual transaxle Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: Mercon (Ford Specification) Manual Transmission Fluid: Mercon (Ford Specification) or equivalent manual transmission fluid Dimensions Exterior Length: 193.9 inches (4925 mm) Width: 70.3 inches (1786 mm) Height: 54.4 inches (1382 mm) Wheelbase: 104.2 inches (2647 mm) Front Track: 59.7 inches (1516 mm) Rear Track: 60.0 inches (1524 mm) Weights Curb Weight: 3100-3400 lbs (approx., depending on configuration) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 4200-4500 lbs (approx.) Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Driver Front Impact: 4 stars (1993 model year testing, typical for vehicles of this era) NHTSA Passenger Front Impact: 4 stars (1993 model year testing, typical for vehicles of this era) Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models Passive Features Airbags: Driver-side airbag standard Seatbelts: Front: Three-point automatic locking retractors; Rear: Lap belts and shoulder belts (if equipped) Body Structure: Reinforced safety cage construction Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player available on higher trims. Factory premium sound systems often featured graphic equalizers. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most trims Trip Computer: Optional on higher trims, providing basic fuel economy and range information. Connectivity OBD System: OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics, First Generation), utilizing diagnostic codes accessed via a specific connector and procedure. Maintenance Service Intervals Oil And Filter Change: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first Air Filter Replacement: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years Spark Plug Replacement: Every 100,000 miles (Platimum tipped plugs) Coolant Flush: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: SAE 5W-30 (API SG or SH rated) Engine Oil Capacity: 4.5 US...
The 1993 Ford Taurus represented the second generation of Ford's highly successful mid-size sedan, known for its distinctive 'aero' styling and front-wheel-drive platform, which was a significant departure from previous American sedans.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Lumina, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima
Key Features
Platform Innovation:
The Taurus was instrumental in popularizing the aerodynamic styling and front-wheel-drive layout in the American automotive market, setting a new design trend.
Variant Offering:
Available in various trim levels (e.g., GL, LX, SE) and powertrain configurations, including the high-performance Taurus SHO.
Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Scope:
All models and all repairs A-Z
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-I diagnostic codes and procedures
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul/replacement, brake system overhauls, suspension component replacement, electrical system diagnosis and repair
Special Procedures:
Fuel system servicing, cooling system servicing, exhaust system repair, timing belt replacement (if applicable to specific engines), airbag system servicing (if equipped)
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
Searchable PDF
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory documentation
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
ESSEX (3.8L)
Engine Displacement:
3.8 Liters (232 cu. in.)
Engine Configuration:
Overhead Valve (OHV) V6
Bore X Stroke:
3.52 in. x 3.15 in. (89.4 mm x 80.0 mm)
Compression Ratio:
8.0:1
Horsepower:
140 HP @ 3600 RPM (approx.)
Torque:
215 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM (approx.)
Secondary Engine
Engine Code:
VULCAN (3.0L)
Engine Displacement:
3.0 Liters (183 cu. in.)
Engine Configuration:
Overhead Valve (OHV) V6
Horsepower:
140 HP @ 4800 RPM (approx.)
Torque:
165 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM (approx.)
Sho Engine
Engine Code:
SHO V6 (Yamaha)
Engine Displacement:
3.0 Liters (183 cu. in.)
Engine Configuration:
24-valve DOHC V6
Horsepower:
220 HP @ 6000 RPM (approx.)
Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 4800 RPM (approx.)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Port Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane typical)
Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
AXODE 4-speed automatic (standard on non-SHO models)
Optional
Transmission Type:
MT5 5-speed manual (exclusive to Taurus SHO)
Features
Axode Features:
Lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency
Sho Features
Transmission Type:
Mazda/Ford M5R5A 5-speed manual transaxle
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mercon (Ford Specification)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mercon (Ford Specification) or equivalent manual transmission fluid
Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
193.9 inches (4925 mm)
Width:
70.3 inches (1786 mm)
Height:
54.4 inches (1382 mm)
Wheelbase:
104.2 inches (2647 mm)
Front Track:
59.7 inches (1516 mm)
Rear Track:
60.0 inches (1524 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
3100-3400 lbs (approx., depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
4200-4500 lbs (approx.)
Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4 stars (1993 model year testing, typical for vehicles of this era)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4 stars (1993 model year testing, typical for vehicles of this era)
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard
Seatbelts:
Front: Three-point automatic locking retractors; Rear: Lap belts and shoulder belts (if equipped)
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage construction
Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player available on higher trims. Factory premium sound systems often featured graphic equalizers.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Trip Computer:
Optional on higher trims, providing basic fuel economy and range information.
Connectivity
OBD System:
OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics, First Generation), utilizing diagnostic codes accessed via a specific connector and procedure.
Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (Platimum tipped plugs)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG or SH rated)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter (3.0L & 3.8L)
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Wheel bearings, front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends), power steering pump and rack, exhaust manifold leaks (especially 3.8L), intake manifold gaskets
Electrical Gremlins:
Wiring harness issues, intermittent dashboard warning lights, power window/lock failures can occur with age.
Transmission Concerns:
AXODE transmission can develop seal leaks or torque converter shudder if not properly maintained. The SHO MT5 is generally robust but requires proper fluid changes.
Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
Ford Motor Company, a long-standing American automaker with a history of innovation and mass production.
Model Evolution
Introduction Year:
1986 (First Generation)
Second Generation Introduction:
1992
Platform Change:
The 1992 redesign featured a more rounded, aerodynamic profile, a stiffer unibody structure, and improved interior ergonomics.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Chicago, Illinois; Atlanta, Georgia
Production Period:
1992-1997 (Second Generation)
Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for multiple years, including 1993, highlighting its strong design and performance (especially the SHO variant).
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
Nominated and considered a strong contender, although the award for 1993 went to the Chevrolet Camaro.