Ford Taurus 1997 Owner's Manual page 123

Maintenance and care
CHECKING AND ADDING ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Check the engine oil each time you fuel your
vehicle.
To check the oil:
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground. If the
engine is warm, turn the engine off and wait a few
minutes for the oil to drain into the oil pan.
2. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park).
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
4. Locate and carefully
remove the engine oil
dipstick.
FULL
ADD 1 QT
5. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully,
then remove it again. The oil level should be in the
range shown on the dipstick.
6. If the oil level is below the MIN line or the ADD 1
QUART line, add oil as necessary. If the oil level is
beyond the MAX or FULL line, engine damage or
high engine oil consumption may occur and some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service
technician.
7. Put the dipstick back in and ensure it is fully
seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer to
Checking the engine oil in this chapter.
2. If the fluid level is not within the normal range,
add only certified engine oil of the preferred
viscosity. Add engine oil through the oil filler cap.
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