Driving – FORD 2002 Taurus v.2 User Manual

Page 158

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Always ensure that the weight of occupants, cargo and equipment being
carried is within the weight limitations that have been established for
your vehicle including both gross vehicle weight and front and rear gross
axle weight rating limits. Under no circumstance should these limitations
be exceeded.

Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in
serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.

TRAILER TOWING

Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing vehicle. The amount of
weight you can safely tow depends on the type of engine you have in your
vehicle. Your vehicle does not come from the factory fully equipped to tow.
No towing packages are available through Ford or Mercury/Lincoln dealers.
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km
(500 miles). If towing with a station wagon, inflate the rear tires to 35 psi.

Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transaxle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these components
carefully after towing.

In order to identify your vehicle’s engine, refer to Identifying
components in the engine compartment
in the Maintenance and
specifications
chapter.

The amount of weight that you can tow depends on the type of engine in
your vehicle. See the following charts:

3.0L 2-Valve Vulcan Engine

Model

Passenger Load -
#/kg (lbs.)

Luggage Load -
kg (lbs.)

Max Trailer Wt.-
kg (lbs.)

Sedan

5/340 (750)

0

365 (800)

4/270 (600)

70 (150)

365 (800)

2/135 (300)

70 (150)

500 (1 100)

2/135 (300)

0

565 (1 250)

Wagon

4/270 (600)

0

365 (800)

2/135 (300)

70 (150)

430 (950)

2/135 (300)

0

500 (1 100)

The above chart is based on the specified vehicle at a maximum GCW
(Vehicle weight + Trailer weight) equal to 2 245 kg (4 950 lbs.).

Driving

158

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