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Ford Taurus 2010 Owners Manual

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    							When driving at slow speeds off-highway under high outside
    temperatures, use L (Low) gear when possible. L (Low) gear operation
    will maximize the engine and transmission cooling capability.
    Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
    protect overheating of the engine.
    Basic operating principles
    •Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
    characteristics of your vehicle.
    •Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by
    loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
    If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
    •If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
    avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
    pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
    wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
    •It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
    down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
    control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
    sharply or abruptly.
    •It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
    reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
    sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
    sideways out of control or rollover. Remember, your safety and the
    safety of others should be your primary concern.
    If your vehicle gets stuck
    If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
    shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
    steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
    Your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control™, it may be beneficial to
    disengage the Traction Control™ system while attempting to rock the
    vehicle.
    Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
    temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
    Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
    to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
    overheat.
    Driving
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    							WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
    the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
    position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
    WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
    warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
    working properly. See your authorized dealer.
    WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
    The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
    Emergency maneuvers
    •In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
    must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle (i.e.,
    turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
    the emergency). Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
    not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
    brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
    called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
    result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
    and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
    vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
    •In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
    attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
    •If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
    concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
    responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
    avoid these abrupt inputs.
    AWD Systems (if equipped)
    AWD uses all four wheels to power the vehicle. This increases traction,
    enabling you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a
    conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
    Sand
    When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
    area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
    gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
    and avoid spinning the wheels.
    Driving
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    							When driving at slow speeds in deep sand under high outside
    temperatures, use L (Low) gear when possible. L (Low) gear operation
    will maximize the engine and transmission cooling capability.
    Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
    protect overheating of the engine.
    Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
    and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
    be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
    out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
    Mud and water
    If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
    capability may be limited.
    When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
    than the bottom of the wheel rims (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
    ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
    Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
    vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
    your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
    Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
    are driving in mud. Even AWD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
    when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
    spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
    the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
    If the engine, transmission, AWD system components or axles are
    submerged in water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if
    necessary.
    Driving through deep water may damage the engine or
    transmission.
    If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant and
    PTU (Power Transfer Unit) lubricant should be checked and changed if
    necessary.
    After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
    and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
    imbalance that could damage drive components.
    Driving
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    							“Tread Lightly” is an educational
    program designed to increase public
    awareness of land-use regulations
    and responsibilities in our nations
    wilderness areas. Ford Motor
    Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
    Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
    other public and private lands by “treading lightly.”
    Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
    Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
    or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
    or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
    slopes or hills.A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
    possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
    the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
    seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
    over a hill without the aid of an observer.
    When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in a lower gear rather than
    downshifting to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has
    started. This reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
    If you do stall out, Do not try to turnaround because you might roll over.
    It is better to back down to a safe location.
    Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much
    power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
    vehicle control.
    Descend a hill in the same gear you
    would use to climb up the hill to
    avoid excessive brake application
    and brake overheating. Do not
    descend in neutral; instead,
    disengage overdrive or manually
    shift to a lower gear. When
    descending a steep hill, avoid
    sudden hard braking as you could
    lose control. The front wheels have
    to be turning in order to steer the
    vehicle.
    Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore apply the brakes steadily. Do
    not “pump” the brakes.
    Driving
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    							Driving on snow and ice
    Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause transmission damage.
    AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
    can skid like any other vehicle.
    Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
    steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
    Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
    snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
    from a full stop.
    Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD vehicle may accelerate
    better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
    faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
    not become overconfident as to road conditions.
    Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
    for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
    gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Since
    your vehicle is equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS),
    do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter
    for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
    WARNING:If you are driving in slippery conditions that require
    tire chains or cables, then it is critical that you drive cautiously.
    Keep speeds down, allow for longer stopping distances and avoid
    aggressive steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control
    which can lead to serious injury or death. If the rear end of the vehicle
    slides while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you
    regain control of the vehicle.
    Maintenance and Modifications
    The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
    and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
    and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
    Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
    as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
    using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
    Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
    it more likely the vehicle will rollover as a result of a loss of control.
    Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
    equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder or luggage racks).
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    							Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
    your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
    and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
    vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
    heavy off-highway usage.
    DRIVING THROUGH WATER
    If driving through deep or standing
    water is unavoidable, proceed very
    slowly especially when the depth is
    not known. Never drive through
    water that is higher than the bottom
    of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
    bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
    When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
    Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
    engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
    the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
    transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
    Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
    vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
    Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
    Driving
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    							ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
    Getting roadside assistance
    To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
    Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
    program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
    is available:
    •24–hours, seven days a week
    •for the coverage period listed on the Roadside Assistance Card
    included in your Owner Guide portfolio.
    Roadside assistance will cover:
    •a flat tire change with a good spare (except vehicles that have been
    supplied with a tire inflation kit)
    •battery jump start
    •lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s
    responsibility)
    •fuel delivery – Independent Service Contractors, if not prohibited by
    state, local or municipal law shall deliver up to 2.0 gallons (7.5L) of
    gasoline or 5 gallons (18.9L) of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle. Fuel
    delivery service is limited to two no-charge occurrences within a
    12-month period.
    •winch out – available within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of a paved or
    county maintained road, no recoveries.
    •towing – Ford/Mercury/Lincoln eligible vehicle towed to an authorized
    dealer within 35 miles (56.3 km) of the disablement location or to the
    nearest authorized dealer. If a member requests to be towed to an
    authorized dealer more than 35 miles (56.3 km) from the disablement
    location, the member shall be responsible for any mileage costs in
    excess of 35 miles (56.3 km).
    Trailers shall be covered up to $200 if the disabled eligible vehicle
    requires service at the nearest authorized dealer. If the trailer is disabled,
    but the towing vehicle is operational, the trailer does not qualify for any
    roadside services.
    Roadside Emergencies
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    							Canadian customers refer to your Customer Information Guide
    for information on:
    •coverage period
    •exact fuel amounts
    •towing of your disabled vehicle
    •emergency travel expense reimbursement
    •travel planning benefits
    In Canada, for uninterrupted Roadside Assistance coverage, you may
    purchase extended coverage prior to your Basic Warranty’s Roadside
    Assistance expiring. For more information and enrollment, contact
    1–877–294–2582 or visit our website at www.ford.ca.
    Using roadside assistance
    Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
    wallet for quick reference. In the United States, this card is found in the
    Owner Guide portfolio in the glove compartment. In Canada, the card is
    found in theCustomer Information Guidein the glove compartment.
    U.S. Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicle customers who require Roadside
    Assistance, call 1-800-241-3673.
    Canadian customers who require roadside assistance, call
    1-800-665-2006.
    If you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford Motor
    Company will reimburse a reasonable amount for towing to the nearest
    dealership within 35 miles. To obtain reimbursement information, U.S.
    Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicle customers call 1-800-241-3673.
    Customers will be asked to submit their original receipts.
    Canadian customers who need to obtain reimbursement information, call
    1–800–665–2006.
    HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL
    The hazard flasher control is located
    on the instrument panel by the
    radio. The hazard flashers will
    operate when the ignition is in any
    position or if the key is not in the
    ignition.
    Press in the flasher control and all front and rear direction signals will
    flash. Press the flasher control again to turn them off. Use it when your
    vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
    Roadside Emergencies
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    							Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.
    FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF
    In the event of a moderate to severe collision, this vehicle is equipped
    with a fuel pump shut-off feature that stops the flow of fuel to the
    engine. Not every impact will cause a shut-off.
    Note:If your vehicle has the push button start system, press the
    stop/start button twice to reactivate the fuel system.
    Should your vehicle shut off after a collision due to this feature, you may
    restart your vehicle by doing the following:
    1. Turn the ignition switch to the off position.
    2. Turn the ignition switch to the on position.
    In some instances the vehicle may not restart the first time you try to
    restart and may take one additional attempt.
    WARNING:Failure to inspect and if necessary repair fuel leaks
    after a collision may increase the risk of fire and serious injury.
    Ford Motor Company recommends that the fuel system be inspected
    by an authorized dealer after any collision.
    FUSES AND RELAYS
    Fuses
    If electrical components in the
    vehicle are not working, a fuse may
    have blown. Blown fuses are
    identified by a broken wire within
    the fuse. Check the appropriate
    fuses before replacing any electrical
    components.
    Note:Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified amperage
    rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire
    damage and could start a fire.
    15
    Roadside Emergencies
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    							Standard fuse amperage rating and color
    COLOR
    Fuse
    ratingMini
    fusesStandard
    fusesMaxi
    fusesCartridge
    maxi
    fusesFuse link
    cartridge
    2A Grey Grey — — —
    3A Violet Violet — — —
    4A Pink Pink — — —
    5A Tan Tan — — —
    7.5A Brown Brown — — —
    10A Red Red — — —
    15A Blue Blue — — —
    20A Yellow Yellow Yellow Blue Blue
    25A Natural Natural — — —
    30A Green Green Green Pink Pink
    40A — — Orange Green Green
    50A — — Red Red Red
    60A — — Blue Yellow Yellow
    70A — — Tan — Brown
    80A — — Natural Black Black
    Roadside Emergencies
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