Ford Taurus 2010 Owners Manual
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•Be sure that areas where the vehicle is parked are clean and clear of all combustibles such as petroleum products, dust, rags, paper and similar items. •Be sure that the engine block heater, heater cord and extension cord are solidly connected. A poor connection can cause the cord to become very hot and may result in an electrical shock or fire. Be sure to check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system has been operating for approximately a half hour. •Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order. How to use the engine block heater Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean them, use a dry cloth. Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block heater will use .4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. Your factory installed block heater system does not have a thermostat; however, maximum temperature is attained after approximately three hours of operation. Block heater operation longer than three hours will not improve system performance and will unnecessarily use additional electricity. Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the prongs of the engine block heater cord plug. BRAKES Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer. Refer toBrake system warning lightin theInstrument Cluster chapter for information on the brake system warning light. P! BRAKE Driving 241 2010 Taurus(500) Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing USA(fus)
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern. Using ABS When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However, the ABS does not decrease stopping distance. Brake Assist The Brake Assist system provides full braking force during panic braking situations. It detects a rapid application of the brake pedal and uses the ABS system to achieve maximum braking pressure. Once a panic brake application is detected, the system will remain activated as long as the brake pedal is pressed or ABS is engaged. The system is deactivated by either releasing the brake pedal or coming to a complete stop. When the system activates, noise from the ABS pump motor and brake pedal pulsation may be observed; this is normal. ABS warning lamp The ABS lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned on. If the light does not illuminate during start up, remains on or flashes, the ABS is disabled due to a malfunction and needs to be serviced. Even when the ABS is disabled, normal braking is still effective. If your BRAKE warning lamp illuminates with the parking brake released, have your brake system serviced immediately. ABS P! BRAKE Driving 242 2010 Taurus(500) Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing USA(fus)
Parking brake Apply the parking brake whenever the vehicle is parked. To set the parking brake, press the parking brake pedal down until the pedal stops. The BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates and remains illuminated (when the ignition is turned on) until the parking brake is released. WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle. However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected. Press the parking brake pedal downward again to release the parking brake. Driving with the parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear out quickly and reduce fuel economy. Note:If the vehicle is driven with the parking brake applied, a chime will sound. P! BRAKE Driving 243 2010 Taurus(500) Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing USA(fus)
ADVANCETRACSTABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM WARNING:Vehicle modifications involving braking system, aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire construction and/or wheel/tire size may change the handling characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance of the AdvanceTracsystem. In addition, installing any stereo loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the AdvanceTrac system. Install any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as far as possible from the front center console, the tunnel, and the front seats in order to minimize the risk of interfering with the AdvanceTracsensors. Reducing the effectiveness of the AdvanceTracsystem could lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. WARNING:Remember that even advanced technology cannot defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage. Activation of the AdvanceTracsystem is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this could reduce the operator’s ability to control the vehicle potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If your AdvanceTracsystem activates, SLOW DOWN. WARNING:If a failure has been detected within the AdvanceTracsystem, thesliding caricon will illuminate steadily, and you may hear a chime. If equipped with a message center, the vehicle will also indicate a failure with the Brake system, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately. Operating your vehicle with AdvanceTracdisabled could lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. Your vehicle is equipped with the AdvanceTracsystem. The AdvanceTracsystem provides the following stability enhancement features for certain driving situations: •Traction Control (TCS), which functions to help avoid drive-wheel spin and loss of traction. •Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which functions to help avoid skids or lateral slides Driving 244 2010 Taurus(500) Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing USA(fus)
The AdvanceTracsystem automatically enables each time the engine is started. All features of the AdvanceTracsystem (TCS and ESC) are active and monitor the vehicle from start-up. However, the system will only intervene if the driving situation requires it. The AdvanceTracsystem includes an AdvanceTrac“OFF” control switch on the instrument panel, a “sliding car” icon and a “sliding car off” icon in the instrument cluster. Both the “sliding car” icon and the “sliding car off” iconin the instrument cluster will illuminate temporarily during start-up as part of a normal system self-check. The “sliding car” icon may illuminate (flash) during certain driving situation which cause the AdvanceTracsystem to operate. If the “sliding car” icon illuminates steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately. If equipped with a message center, the vehicle will also indicate a failure with the brake system. Note:If the system cannot be turned off, refer toMyKeyin theLocks and Securitychapter for more information. When AdvanceTracperforms a normal system self-check, some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a rumble, grunting, or grinding noise after startup and when driving off. When an event occurs that activates AdvanceTracyou may experience the following: •A slight deceleration of the vehicle •The “sliding car” indicator light will flash. •If your foot is on the brake pedal, a vibration in the pedal •If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the brake pedal may move as the systems applies higher brake forces. You may also hear a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during this severe condition. •The brake pedal may feel stiffer than usual. Traction Control (TCS) Traction Control is a driver aid feature that helps your vehicle maintain traction of the wheels, typically when driving on slippery and/or hilly road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel spin. Driving 245 2010 Taurus(500) Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing USA(fus)
Excessive wheel spin is controlled in two ways, which may work separately or in tandem, Engine Traction Control and Brake Traction Control. Engine Traction Control works to limit drive-wheel spin by momentarily reducing engine power. Brake Traction Control works to limit wheel spin by momentarily applying the brakes to the wheel that is slipping. Traction Control is most active at low speeds. During Traction Control events the “sliding car” icon in the instrument cluster will flash. If the Traction Control system is activated excessively in a short period of time, the braking portion of the system may become temporarily disabled to allow the brakes to cool down. In this situation, Traction Control will use only engine power reduction or transfer to help control the wheels from over-spinning. When the brakes have cooled down, the system will regain all features. Anti-lock braking and ESC will continue to function during the cool-down period. The Engine Traction Control and Brake Traction Control system may be deactivated in certain situations. See theSwitching Off AdvanceTrac section below. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Electronic Stability Control (ESC) may enhance your vehicle’s directional stability during adverse maneuvers, for example when cornering severely or avoiding objects in the roadway. ESC operates by applying brakes to one or more of the wheels individually and, if necessary, reducing engine power if the system detects that the vehicle is about to skid or slide laterally. During Electronic Stability Control events the “sliding car” icon in the instrument cluster will flash. Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the Electronic Stability Control system, which include but are not limited to: •Taking a turn too fast •Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle •Driving over a patch of ice or other slippery surfaces •Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road •Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice versa •Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa •Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer toTrailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter). Driving 246 2010 Taurus(500) Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing USA(fus)
Switching Off AdvanceTrac If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine power, switching off certain features of the AdvanceTracsystem may be beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This will restore full engine power and will enhance momentum through the obstacle. To switch off the AdvanceTracsystem press the AdvanceTracOff control switch. Full features of the AdvanceTracsystem can be restored by pressing the AdvanceTracOffcontrol switch again or by turning off and restarting the engine. When the AdvanceTracsystem is off, the “sliding car off” icon will illuminate steadily. Pressing the AdvanceTracOffcontrol switch again will turn off the “sliding car off” icon. In R (Reverse), ABS and the Engine and Brake Traction Control features will continue to function; however, ESC is disabled. AdvanceTracFeatures Control switch functionsMode“Sliding car off” icon Message Center Display (if equipped)ESCTraction Control Default at start-upSystem InitializationTurns on during bulb checkNothing DisplayedEnabled Enabled Control switch pressed once momentarilyTraction Control OFFOnTRACTION CONTROL OFFEnabled Disabled Control switch pressed twice rapidly, brakes appliedSport Mode (SHO with Performance Pack Only)OnADVANCETRAC SPORT MODEEnabled Enabled OFF Driving 247 2010 Taurus(500) Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing USA(fus)
AdvanceTracFeatures Control switch functionsMode“Sliding car off” icon Message Center Display (if equipped)ESCTraction Control Control switch pressed and held for more than five seconds, vehicle speed = 0 mph, brakes appliedAdvanceTrac Disabled (SHO with Performance Pack Only)OnADVANCETRAC OFFDisabled Disabled Control switch pressed again after deactivationAdvanceTrac fully enabledOffADVANCETRAC ONEnabled Enabled AdvanceTracSport Mode The AdvanceTracsystem provides an available Sport Mode on some models. This can be selected utilizing the AdvanceTrac off control switch as shown in the table above. Sport mode is not intended for use on public roadways as this mode provides less AdvanceTracsystem intervention than when the default ESC and Traction Control systems are on. Sport mode will allow more spirited driving while the AdvanceTracsystem is still enabled. STEERING 3.5L V6 Engine (SHO):Your vehicle is equipped with an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill. If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort. Extreme continuous steering may increase the effort it takes for you to steer. This occurs to prevent internal overheating and permanent damage to your steering system. If this should occur, you will neither lose the ability to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause permanent damage. Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the system to cool and steering assist will return to normal. Driving 248 2010 Taurus(500) Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing USA(fus)
The EPS system has diagnostic checks that continuously monitor the EPS system to ensure proper operation. When a system error is detected, the following message SERVICE POWER STEERING, SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW or POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT may display in the message center, refer to theMessage centerin the Instrument Clusterchapter for more information. WARNING:The EPS system has diagnostics checks that continuously monitor the EPS system to ensure proper operation of the electronic system. When an electronic error is detected, the message POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT will be displayed in the message center. If this happens, stop the vehicle in a safe place, and turn off the engine. After at least 10 seconds, reset the system by restarting the engine, and watch the message center for POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT. If the message returns, or returns while driving, take the vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. With the message displayed, the steering assist is turned off, making the vehicle harder to steer. WARNING:If the message SERVICE POWER STEERING is displayed in the message center, the EPS system has detected a problem with the system function. On the next key cycle the message SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW will be displayed and steering assist will be removed until the steering system is serviced. Have your vehicle taken to the nearest dealer as soon as possible. 3.5L,V6 engine:Your vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic steering system. To help prevent damage to the power steering system, never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running. If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort. •Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level (below the MIN mark on the reservoir). •Some noise is normal during operation. If excessive, check for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your authorized dealer. •Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your authorized dealer. Driving 249 2010 Taurus(500) Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing USA(fus)
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir. If the steering wanders or pulls equipped with either EPS or Hydraulic steering system, check for: •an improperly inflated tire •uneven tire wear •loose or worn suspension components •loose or worn steering components •improper vehicle alignment A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering seem to wander/pull. BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is in the on position unless brake pedal is pressed. If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in the on position and the brake pedal pressed, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relaysin theRoadside Emergencieschapter. If the fuse is not blown and the brakelamps are working properly, the following procedure will allow you to move the gearshift lever from P (Park).Note:For some markets this feature will be disabled. 1. Apply the parking brake. 2. Remove cup holder insert. 3. Using a screwdriver (or similar tool), remove the protective cover to the interlock release access hole on the console. 4. Insert the screwdriver (or similar tool) into the access hole and press while pulling the gearshift lever out of the P (Park) position and into the N (Neutral) position. 5. Remove the tool and reinstall the protective cover. 6. Start the vehicle and release the parking brake. Driving 250 2010 Taurus(500) Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing USA(fus)