Tune-Up - 4-cyl Ford Taurus I

ENGINE IDENTIFICATION

Engine can be identified by eighth character of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is stamped on a metal plate on top left corner of instrument panel cover, and is visible through windshield.

VIN ENGINE CODES

TUNE-UP NOTES

Note. When performing tune-up procedures described in this article, the following notes and precautions must be followed: Due to late changes and corrections, always refer to Engine Tune-Up Decal in engine compartment before performing tune-up. If manual and decal differ, always use decal specifications. Do not allow or create a condition of engine misfire in more than one cylinder for an extended period of time. Damage to catalytic converter may occur due to loading converter with unburned air/fuel mixture. Do not add fuel system cleaning agents to fuel tank as they can damage the catalytic converter. Before making a compression test or cranking engine using a remote starting switch, disconnect coil wire from distributor and secure to a good ground.

ENGINE COMPRESSION

Test compression with all spark plugs removed and engine warm. Crank engine through at least 5 compression strokes before recording pressure. Maximum compression variation between highest and lowest cylinder must not exceed 25%.

VALVE CLEARANCE

VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT

2.5L CFI

I-E-I-E-E-I-E-I (Front-to-rear).

SPARK PLUGS

SPARK PLUG TYPE

SPARK PLUG INSTALLATION

HIGH TENSION WIRE RESISTANCE

1. Loosen wires from spark plugs by twisting spark plug boot carefully to loosen seal on spark plug. Remove wires by pulling on plug boot. Remove distributor cap from distributor, leaving wires connected to cap. NOTE: DO NOT disconnect wires from distributor cap unless replacement is necessary.
2. Using an ohmmeter, check resistance of each wire by connecting one ohmmeter lead to spark plug terminal and other lead to distributor cap insert. If there is more than 7000 ohms resistance per foot, remove wire and test again. If resistance is still more than 7000 ohms per foot, replace wire.

Note. Whenever a high tension wire is disconnected, the interior of the spark plug terminal boot must be coated with silicone grease before reconnecting.

DISTRIBUTOR

All models use Thick Film Integrated (TFI-IV) ignition systems. The TFI-IV system uses a small module attached to the distributor body.

2.5L CFI HSC Firing Order & Timing Marks. Scheme 1

IGNITION TIMING

Note. Timing light should be connected to No. 1 spark plug wire using an adapter or clamp-on connector. Do not puncture spark plug wire or boot to make connection.

1. Set parking brake and block wheels. Disconnect automatic parking brake. Turn all accessories off. Place transmission in Neutral. Connect timing light to engine. Disconnect single in-line spout connector near distributor.
2. Start engine and warm to normal operating temperature. With engine at timing RPM, adjust timing. Turn engine off. Disconnect timing light and reconnect single in-line spout connector.

IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS

Note. If idle RPM is not correct after performing this procedure, EEC-IV diagnosis is necessary.

1. Set parking brake and block wheels. Start engine and warm to normal operating temperature. Remove air cleaner. Turn all accessories off.
2. Place transmission in Drive (auto. trans.) or Neutral (man. trans.). Connect a jumper wire between self-test input connector and signal return pin on self-test connector. (Scheme 2) Turn ignition on with engine off.
3. ISC plunger will retract within 10-15 seconds. If plunger does not retract, perform appropriate EEC-IV diagnostic procedure. Turn ignition off, wait 10-15 seconds and remove jumper wire. Disconnect ISC motor from harness.
4. Start engine and ensure idle speed is within specification. If idle speed is not to specification, remove CFI assembly from vehicle. Use a small punch to remove tamper resistant plug covering throttle stop adjusting screw. Remove and replace screw. (Scheme 2)and (Scheme 3).
5. Install CFI assembly on vehicle and stabilize engine. Adjust idle RPM using throttle stop adjusting screw. Turn engine off and reconnect ISC motor. Turn engine on and check for proper operation of ISC motor. Install a new tamper resistant plug over throttle stop adjusting screw.

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

COLD (FAST) IDLE RPM

Note. No fast idle adjustments are possible on fuel injected engines. If engine performance is unsatisfactory, EEC-IV service is required.

IDLE MIXTURE ADJUSTMENT

Note. No idle mixture adjustments are possible on fuel injected engines. If engine performance is unsatisfactory, EEC-IV service is required.

FUEL PUMP

Make all tests with engine at normal operating temperature, engine at idle speed and transmission in Neutral. When making pressure test, pinch off pump-to-tank fuel return line.

FUEL PUMP PERFORMANCE

All models use Motorcraft Thick Film Integrated (TFI-IV) ignition systems.

IGNITION COIL

IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE (OHMS)

FUEL SYSTEM

FUEL INJECTION

BATTERY

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

STARTER

Motorcraft positive engagement type.

STARTER SPECIFICATIONS @ 12 VOLTS

ALTERNATOR

Motorcraft alternators are used on all models.

ALTERNATOR SPECIFICATIONS

ALTERNATOR REGULATOR

Motorcraft solid state electronic regulator is calibrated and preset by manufacturer. No adjustment is required or possible on this unit. Two models are used, one for vehicles with ammeter and one for vehicles with indicator light.

SERVICE INTERVALS

Note. On some vehicles, the Service Interval Light will come on after 5000-7000 miles. To reset, depress both Trip and Trip Reset buttons. Light will go out and 3 beeps will be heard.

REPLACEMENT INTERVALS

ADJUSTMENTS

BELT ADJUSTMENT Tension in Lbs. (Kg) Using Strand Tension Gauge

CAPACITIES

COOLING SYSTEM CAPACITIES

ENGINE OIL CAPACITIES

TRANSMISSION CAPACITIES