The Ford Taurus, a distinguished mid-size sedan produced from 1986 to 2007, underwent a significant redesign for its 1996 model year, adopting the aerodynamic 'New Edge' styling and the versatile DEW98 platform. This generation offered robust engineering, with standard models featuring a 3.0L Vulcan OHV V6 engine producing 145 horsepower, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Optional for the performance-oriented SHO model was a potent 3.4L DOHC V8 engine delivering 235 horsepower and a 5-speed manual transmission. Known for its market presence and often recognized by automotive critics, the Taurus provided a balance of comfort, style, and performance, competing effectively against contemporaries like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. This technical service bulletin and procedure manual excerpt provides in-depth guidance in English for the 1996 Ford Taurus, focusing on engine management and sensor systems. It details specific procedures for the Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP), including its removal, installation, testing, and diagnostic troubleshooting for circuit faults. The manual covers related components within the ignition, electrical, and emission control systems, offering step-by-step instructions, component testing procedures, and troubleshooting charts. Designed for intermediate to advanced users, it also touches upon using OBD-II scan tools and interpreting diagnostic trouble codes, making it an essential resource for maintaining and repairing this vehicle. 🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Ford Model: Taurus Year: 1996 Generation Generation Code: Third Generation (1996-1999) 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Mid-size Sedan Competitive Analysis Key Competitors 1996: Chevrolet Lumina, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Chrysler Concorde Key Features Platform Introduction: Ford DEW98 platform, a rear-wheel-drive derived platform adapted for front-wheel-drive applications. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Specific Procedure: Camshaft Position Sensor Removal Page Count Estimated Pages: N/A (Digital Format) Manual Type Type: Technical Service Bulletin/Procedure Manual Excerpt Specific Focus: Component repair and diagnostic procedure Language Language: English Format Format: PDF on CD 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Management: Engine Control Module (ECM) related components and diagnostics Sensors: Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) function, testing, and replacement Ignition System: Ignition system components related to CMP sensor operation Electrical System: Wiring diagrams and troubleshooting for the CMP sensor circuit Emission Control: Components and systems related to emissions control, as sensor faults can impact emissions. Procedures Included Diagnostic Steps: Troubleshooting steps for CMP sensor circuit faults Repair Procedures: Step-by-step removal and installation instructions for the CMP sensor Component Testing: Testing the CMP sensor's output signal and resistance values Troubleshooting Charts: Flowcharts for diagnosing CMP sensor related issues Technical Depth Depth Level: Intermediate to Advanced (specific component repair) Diagnostic Tools: Guidance on using OBD-II scan tools for retrieving diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and live data. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable PDF Cd Rom Type: CD-ROM containing digital manual files Print Quality Printability: Printable pages Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: SEA (3.0L Vulcan OHV V6) Displacement: 3.0 Liters (182 cu in) Configuration: Overhead Valve (OHV), V6 Performance Horsepower 3.0L: 145 hp @ 4900 rpm Torque 3.0L: 180 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm Fuel System Injection Type: Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Engine Variants Optional Engine Code: ZNA (3.4L DOHC V8 - SHO model) Optional Engine Displacement: 3.4 Liters (207 cu in) Optional Engine Configuration: Double Overhead Cam (DOHC), V8 Optional Engine Horsepower: 235 hp @ 6000 rpm (SHO) Optional Engine Torque: 230 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (SHO) Engine Management ECU Identification: PCM (Powertrain Control Module) managing fuel and ignition timing based on sensor inputs, including CMP. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic (AX4N) Optional Transmission Type Sho: 5-Speed Manual (T5/T45) Features Overdrive: All automatic transmissions feature overdrive (4th gear) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 111.5 inches Length: 199.7 inches Width: 73.1 inches Height: 56.1 inches Weights Curb Weight Min: 3,436 lbs (Approx.) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 4,440 lbs (Approx.) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver: 4 Stars (1996 Model Year) NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger: 4 Stars (1996 Model Year) Active Features ABS: Standard on some trims, optional on others Passive Features Airbags: Driver and passenger airbags Seatbelts: Frontal and rear seatbelts with pretensioners 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Optional AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player, premium sound systems available. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most trims Connectivity Connectivity Options: Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on vehicle diagnostics and basic electronic systems. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to owner's manual for specific recommendation based on usage) Spark Plug Replacement: Approximately every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type) Coolant Flush: Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Specification: API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual for exact viscosity and approval) Transmission Fluid Specification: Mercon V (check manual for specific type for AX4N)...
The Ford Taurus, a distinguished mid-size sedan produced from 1986 to 2007, underwent a significant redesign for its 1996 model year, adopting the aerodynamic 'New Edge' styling and the versatile DEW98 platform. This generation offered robust engineering, with standard models featuring a 3.0L Vulcan OHV V6 engine producing 145 horsepower, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Optional for the performance-oriented SHO model was a potent 3.4L DOHC V8 engine delivering 235 horsepower and a 5-speed manual transmission. Known for its market presence and often recognized by automotive critics, the Taurus provided a balance of comfort, style, and performance, competing effectively against contemporaries like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
This technical service bulletin and procedure manual excerpt provides in-depth guidance in English for the 1996 Ford Taurus, focusing on engine management and sensor systems. It details specific procedures for the Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP), including its removal, installation, testing, and diagnostic troubleshooting for circuit faults. The manual covers related components within the ignition, electrical, and emission control systems, offering step-by-step instructions, component testing procedures, and troubleshooting charts. Designed for intermediate to advanced users, it also touches upon using OBD-II scan tools and interpreting diagnostic trouble codes, making it an essential resource for maintaining and repairing this vehicle.
🏷️ Basic Information
Identification
Make:
Ford
Model:
Taurus
Year:
1996
Generation
Generation Code:
Third Generation (1996-1999)
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size Sedan
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors 1996:
Chevrolet Lumina, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Chrysler Concorde
Key Features
Platform Introduction:
Ford DEW98 platform, a rear-wheel-drive derived platform adapted for front-wheel-drive applications.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Specific Procedure:
Camshaft Position Sensor Removal
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
N/A (Digital Format)
Manual Type
Type:
Technical Service Bulletin/Procedure Manual Excerpt
Specific Focus:
Component repair and diagnostic procedure
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF on CD
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Management:
Engine Control Module (ECM) related components and diagnostics
Sensors:
Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) function, testing, and replacement
Ignition System:
Ignition system components related to CMP sensor operation
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams and troubleshooting for the CMP sensor circuit
Emission Control:
Components and systems related to emissions control, as sensor faults can impact emissions.
Procedures Included
Diagnostic Steps:
Troubleshooting steps for CMP sensor circuit faults
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step removal and installation instructions for the CMP sensor
Component Testing:
Testing the CMP sensor's output signal and resistance values
Troubleshooting Charts:
Flowcharts for diagnosing CMP sensor related issues
Technical Depth
Depth Level:
Intermediate to Advanced (specific component repair)
Diagnostic Tools:
Guidance on using OBD-II scan tools for retrieving diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and live data.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF
Cd Rom Type:
CD-ROM containing digital manual files
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable pages
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
SEA (3.0L Vulcan OHV V6)
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (182 cu in)
Configuration:
Overhead Valve (OHV), V6
Performance
Horsepower 3.0L:
145 hp @ 4900 rpm
Torque 3.0L:
180 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Variants
Optional Engine Code:
ZNA (3.4L DOHC V8 - SHO model)
Optional Engine Displacement:
3.4 Liters (207 cu in)
Optional Engine Configuration:
Double Overhead Cam (DOHC), V8
Optional Engine Horsepower:
235 hp @ 6000 rpm (SHO)
Optional Engine Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (SHO)
Engine Management
ECU Identification:
PCM (Powertrain Control Module) managing fuel and ignition timing based on sensor inputs, including CMP.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (AX4N)
Optional
Transmission Type Sho:
5-Speed Manual (T5/T45)
Features
Overdrive:
All automatic transmissions feature overdrive (4th gear)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
111.5 inches
Length:
199.7 inches
Width:
73.1 inches
Height:
56.1 inches
Weights
Curb Weight Min:
3,436 lbs (Approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
4,440 lbs (Approx.)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:
4 Stars (1996 Model Year)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:
4 Stars (1996 Model Year)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard on some trims, optional on others
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Frontal and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Optional AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player, premium sound systems available.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on vehicle diagnostics and basic electronic systems.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to owner's manual for specific recommendation based on usage)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual for exact viscosity and approval)
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Mercon V (check manual for specific type for AX4N)
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent; 50/50 mix with distilled water
Power Steering Fluid:
Mercon ATF or Ford Power Steering Fluid (check owner's manual)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 brake fluid
Known Issues
Common Issues:
Head gasket leaks (especially on 3.0L Vulcan engine), transmission solenoid issues (AX4N), ignition coil failures, power steering pump leaks, HVAC blend door actuator failures.
Ford Motor Company, a long-standing American automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and volume production.
Model Evolution
Taurus History:
The Taurus was a highly successful model for Ford, often leading sales charts in the 1980s and early 1990s. The 1996 model represented a significant redesign, moving to a more aerodynamic and rounded 'New Edge' styling, and introducing the DEW98 platform.
Production
Production Years:
1986-2007 (North America)
Manufacturing Locations:
Chicago, Illinois; Atlanta, Georgia; and other Ford assembly plants.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
Ford Taurus (various models and years, though not specifically 1996) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best list, highlighting its market appeal and engineering.
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