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2012 Ford Taurus Owner Guide 2nd Printing - Page 247

2012 Ford Taurus Manual

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Driving The engine traction control and brake traction control system may be deactivated in certain situations. See the Switching 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. Electronic stability control 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 ESC events the stability control light in the instrument cluster will flash. Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the ESC 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 to Trailer towing in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter). 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 AdvanceTrac௡ system 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 AdvanceTrac௡ system, press the stability control switch. Full features of the AdvanceTrac௡ system can be restored by pressing the stability control switch again, or by turning off and restarting the engine. When the AdvanceTrac௡ system is off, the stability control off light will illuminate steadily. Pressing the AdvanceTrac௡ control switch again OFF will turn off the stability control light. In R (Reverse), ABS and the engine traction control and brake traction control features will continue to function; however, ESC is disabled. 247 2012 Taurus Owners Guide, 2nd Printing USA (fus)

Section	Page
Table of Contents	1
Introduction	4
Congratulations	4
Safety and Environment Protection	4
Warning symbols in this guide	4
Warning symbols on your vehicle	4
Protecting the environment	5
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING	5
PERCHLORATE MATERIAL	5
Breaking-in your vehicle	5
SPECIAL NOTICES	6
New Vehicle Limited Warranty	6
Special instructions	6
DATA RECORDING	6
Service Data Recording	6
Event Data Recording	7
CELL PHONE USE	9
EXPORT UNIQUE (NON–UNITED STATES/CANADA) VEHICLE SPECIFIC INFORMATION	9
Instrument Cluster	12
Warning lights and chimes	12
Gauges	17
Message center	19
Info	19
System check and vehicle feature customization	21
System warnings	24
Entertainment Systems	32
Audio systems	32
AM/FM CD/MP3 satellite compatible sound system	32
Setting the clock	33
AM/FM Radio	33
RDS Radio	34
CD/MP3 Player	35
Satellite Radio (if equipped)	37
Sound Adjustments	40
Extra Features	41
Auxiliary input jack (Line in)	41
USB port (if equipped)	43
General audio information	44
Satellite radio information (if equipped)	47
Navigation system (if equipped)	50
SYNC? (if equipped)	50
Climate Controls	51
Manual heating and air conditioning system (if equipped)	51
Operating tips	52
Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control (if equipped)	54
Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control (navigation based – if equipped)	56
Touchscreen functions	58
Voice commands in climate mode	59
Operating tips	59
Rear window defroster	60
Cabin air filter	60
Lights	62
Headlamp Control	62
Autolamp control	62
Autolamps - programmable exit delay	62
High beams	63
Auto high beams (if equipped)	63
Flash-to-pass	66
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)	66
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL	67
Aiming the headlamps	67
Vertical aim adjustment	67
TURN SIGNAL CONTROL	68
INTERIOR LAMPS	69
Front row map lamps	69
Ambient lighting (if equipped)	69
Bulb Replacement	70
Lamp assembly condensation	70
Using the right bulbs	70
Replacing interior bulbs	71
Replacing exterior bulbs	71
Replacing headlamp (low/high beam) bulbs	71
Replacing HID headlamp bulbs (if equipped)	72
Replacing front parking lamp/turn signal/sidemarker bulbs	72
Replacing rear brake/tail/turn and sidemarker lamp bulbs	73
Replacing backup lamp bulbs	73
Replacing high-mount brake lamp bulbs	74
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs	74
Replacing supplemental park lamp bulbs	74
Driver Controls	75
Multi-function lever	75
Windshield wiper rainlamp feature	76
Tilt/Telescope Steering Wheel	76
Illuminated visor mirror	77
Overhead console	77
Storage compartment	77
Electronic compass (if equipped)	78
Compass zone adjustment	78
Compass calibration adjustment	79
Center Console	80
Auxiliary Power Point (12V DC)	80
Power Windows	81
One-touch up or down	82
Global open windows (if equipped)	82
Bounce-Back (one-touch up or down windows only)	82
Security override	83
Window lock	83
Accessory delay	83
Interior mirror	83
Automatic dimming interior rear view mirror (if equipped)	83
Exterior Mirrors	84
Power side view mirrors	84
Heated outside mirrors (if equipped)	85
Fold-away mirrors	85
Blind spot mirrors (if equipped)	85
Power Adjustable Foot Pedals (if equipped)	85
Speed control	86
Using speed control	86
Setting speed control	86
Disengaging speed control	87
Resuming a set speed	87
Increasing speed while using speed control	87
Reducing speed while using speed control	87
Turning off speed control	87
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) (IF EQUIPPED)	88
Setting adaptive cruise control	89
Setting the gap distance	91
Disengaging adaptive cruise control	91
Overriding adaptive cruise control	91
Changing the set speed	92
Resuming the set speed	92
Low speed automatic cancellation	92
Hilly condition usage	93
Turning off cruise control	93
Detection issues	93
ACC not available	94
Blocked sensor	95
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS (IF EQUIPPED)	96
Radio control features	96
Moon roof (if equipped)	97
Power rear sunshade (if equipped)	99
Universal garage door opener (if equipped)	99
HomeLink? Wireless Control System (if equipped)	99
Programming	100
Gate Operator & Canadian Programming	101
Operating the HomeLink? Wireless Control System	102
Erasing HomeLink? buttons	102
Reprogramming a single HomeLink? button	102
Positive Retention Floor Mat	103
Trunk release	104
Cargo Area Features	105
Cargo net (if equipped)	105
Locks and Security	106
Keys	106
Intelligent Access Key (IA key) (if equipped)	106
MyKey?	107
Power door locks	113
Smart unlocks	113
Smart unlocks for intelligent access keys (IA key) (if equipped)	113
Central unlocking/Two-stage unlocking for intelligent access keys (if equipped)	114
Autolock feature (if enabled)	114
Deactivating/activating autolock feature	115
Power door lock switch autolock enable/disable procedure	115
Autounlock feature (if enabled)	115
Deactivating/activating autounlock feature	116
Power door lock switch autounlock enable/disable procedure	116
Childproof door locks	117
Interior luggage compartment release	117
Remote entry system	119
Intelligent access (if equipped)	120
Unlocking the doors/two-stage unlock	121
Opening front windows and moon roof (if equipped)	121
Locking the doors	121
Car finder	122
Sounding a panic alarm	122
Opening the trunk	122
Memory feature (seat, mirrors and adjustable pedals) (if equipped)	122
Programming the memory feature to the transmitter	123
Deprogramming the memory feature from the transmitter	123
Replacing the battery	124
Replacing lost integrated keyhead transmitters (IKTs) or intelligent access keys (IA keys)	125
How to reprogram your integrated keyhead transmitters (IKTs) or intelligent access keys (IA keys)	125
Illuminated entry	125
Illuminated exit	126
Battery saver	126
Accessory mode battery saver for intelligent access keys (if equipped)	126
SecuriCode™ keyless entry system	127
Programming a personal entry code and keypad association to memory seats, mirrors and adjustable pedals (if equipped)	127
Erasing personal code	128
Anti-scan feature	128
Unlocking and locking the doors using keyless entry	128
Securilock? passive anti-theft system	129
Anti-theft indicator	130
Automatic arming	130
Automatic disarming	130
Replacement of integrated keyhead transmitters (IKT) or intelligent access keys	131
Programming spare keys	131
Perimeter alarm system (if equipped)	134
Seating and Safety Restraints	136
Front seats	136
Adjustable head restraints	136
Adjusting the front manual seat (if equipped)	139
Using the manual lumbar support (if equipped)	140
Adjusting the front power seat (if equipped)	141
Using the power lumbar support (if equipped)	143
Multi-contour Active Motion™ seat (if equipped)	143
Dual setting heated seats (if equipped)	144
Three-position heated and cooled seats (if equipped)	145
Heated seats	145
Cooled seats	146
Climate controlled seats air filter replacement (if equipped)	146
Memory seats/power mirrors/adjustable pedals (if equipped)	148
Easy entry/exit feature (if equipped)	149
Rear seats	149
Non-adjustable second-row outboard head restraints	149
Adjustable second row center head restraint	151
Split-folding rear seat	153
Seat-mounted cup holders and armrest storage compartment (if equipped)	154
Rear heated seats (if equipped)	155
Personal Safety System™	156
How does the Personal Safety System work?	156
Driver and passenger dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints	157
Front crash severity sensor	157
Driver’s seat position sensor	157
Front passenger sensing system	157
Front safety belt usage sensors	158
Front safety belt pretensioners	158
Front safety belt energy management retractors	158
Determining if the Personal Safety System is operational	158
Safety Belt System	159
Combination lap and shoulder belts	160
Restraint of pregnant women	161
Safety belt locking modes	161
Energy management feature — front outboard	163
Safety belt pretensioner	163
Safety belt extension assembly	164
Safety belt height adjustment	164
Safety belt warning light and indicator chime	165
Conditions of operation	165
Belt-Minder?	165
Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minder? feature	168
AIRBAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)	169
Important supplemental restraint system precautions	170
Children and airbags	171
How does the airbag supplemental restraint system work?	172
Front passenger sensing system	173
Determining if the system is operational	178
Seat-mounted side airbag system	178
How does the side airbag system work?	179
Safety Canopy? System	180
How does the Safety Canopy? System work?	181
Determining if the system is operational	183
SOS Post-Crash Alert System™	183
Disposal of airbags and airbag equipped vehicles	183
Safety restraints for children	184
Important child restraint precautions	184
Recommendations for attaching child safety restraints for children	186
Transporting children	187
Safety seats for children	188
Infant and/or toddler seats	188
Installing child safety seats with combination lap and shoulder belts	189
Attaching child safety seats with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) attachments	193
Combining safety belt and LATCH lower anchors for attaching child safety seats	194
Attaching child safety seats with tether straps	195
Child booster seats	196
When children should use booster seats	197
Types of booster seats	198
The importance of shoulder belts	199
Child restraint and safety belt maintenance	200
Tires, Wheels and Loading	201
Information about uniform tire quality grading	201
Treadwear	201
Traction AA A B C	201
Temperature A B C	202
Tires	202
Glossary of Tire Terminology	202
Inflating your tires	203
Tire care	206
Inspecting your tires and wheel valve stems	206
Tire wear	206
Damage	207
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)	207
Tire Replacement Requirements	208
Safety Practices	209
Highway hazards	209
Tire and Wheel Alignment	210
Tire rotation	210
Information Contained on the Tire Sidewall	211
Information on “P” type tires	212
Additional information contained on the tire sidewall for “LT” type tires	215
Information on “T” type tires	216
Location of the tire label	216
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)	217
Changing Tires with a TPMS	218
Understanding your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)	218
When your temporary spare tire is installed	218
When you believe your system is not operating properly	219
When inflating your tires	220
How temperature affects your tire pressure	220
Snow tires and chains	221
Summer tires	222
Vehicle loading – with and without a trailer	222
Trailer towing	229
Preparing to tow	230
Hitches	230
Safety chains	230
Trailer brakes	230
Trailer Lamps	231
Driving while you tow	231
Trailer towing tips	232
Recreational towing	232
Driving	234
Starting	234
Positions of the ignition (if equipped)	234
Starting your vehicle	234
Important safety precautions	235
Starting the engine	236
Push button start system (if equipped)	237
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes	239
Important Ventilating Information	240
Engine block heater (if equipped)	240
Brakes	242
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)	242
Using ABS	242
Brake assist	242
ABS warning lamp	243
Brake over accelerator	243
Parking brake	243
AdvanceTrac? stability enhancement system	244
Steering	249
Brake-shift interlock	250
Automatic transmission operation	252
Automatic transmission adaptive learning	252
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed automatic transmission with transmission control switch (if equipped)	252
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed with SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST) (if equipped)	254
Paddle shifters	256
Reverse sensing system (if equipped)	257
Rearview camera system (if equipped)	259
Collision warning system (if equipped)	261
Blind spot mirrors (if equipped)	265
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS?) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) (if equipped)	266
All-wheel drive (AWD) system (if equipped)	272
Driving on slippery surfaces with AWD vehicles	273
Basic operating principles	273
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement	273
If your vehicle gets stuck	274
Emergency maneuvers	274
AWD Systems (if equipped)	275
Sand	275
Mud and water	275
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain	276
Driving on snow and ice	277
Maintenance and modifications	278
Driving through water	278
Roadside Emergencies	279
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE	279
Vehicles sold in the U.S. : Getting roadside assistance	279
Vehicles sold in the U.S. : Using roadside assistance	279
Vehicles sold in Canada : Getting roadside assistance	280
Vehicles sold in Canada : Using roadside assistance	280
Hazard flasher control	280
Fuel Pump Shut-off	281
Fuses and relays	281
Fuses	281
Standard fuse amperage rating and color	282
Passenger compartment fuse panel	283
Power distribution box	286
Changing the tires	289
Dissimilar Spare Tire/Wheel Information	290
Stopping and securing the vehicle	292
Removing the spare tire and jack	292
Tire change procedure	292
Stowing the tire and jack	295
Temporary Mobility Kit (If Equipped)	296
General information	297
Tips for use of the Temporary Mobility Kit	298
What to do when a Tire Is Punctured	299
First stage: Reinflating the tire with sealing compound and air	299
Second Stage: Checking Tire Pressure	301
What to do after the Tire has been Sealed	302
Wheel Lug Nut Torque Specifications	305
Running out of fuel	305
Jump starting	306
Preparing your vehicle	306
Connecting the jumper cables	307
Jump starting	307
Removing the jumper cables	308
Wrecker towing	309
Emergency towing	310
Customer Assistance	311
GETTING THE SERVICES YOU NEED	311
Away from home	311
Additional assistance	312
IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)	313
THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (BBB) AUTO LINE PROGRAM (U.S. ONLY)	314
UTILIZING THE MEDIATION/ARBITRATION PROGRAM (CANADA ONLY)	315
GETTING ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA	315
ORDERING ADDITIONAL OWNER’S LITERATURE	317
Obtaining a French Owner’s Guide	317
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (U.S. ONLY)	317
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (CANADA ONLY)	318
Cleaning	319
Washing the exterior	319
Waxing	320
Paint chips	320
Aluminum wheels and wheel covers	320
Engine	321
Plastic (non-painted) exterior parts	322
Windows and wiper blades	322
Instrument panel/Interior trim and cluster lens	323
Interior	324
Leather seats (if equipped)	325
Underbody	325
Ford and Lincoln car care products	325
Maintenance and Specifications	327
Service recommendations	327
Precautions when servicing your vehicle	327
Working with the engine off	327
Working with the engine on	327
Opening the hood	328
Identifying components in the engine compartment	329
	329
Windshield washer fluid	331
Changing the wiper blades	332
Engine oil	332
Checking the engine oil	332
Adding engine oil	334
Engine oil and filter recommendations	334
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil	334
Use SAE 5W-30 engine oil	335
Battery	336
Engine coolant	338
Checking engine coolant	338
Adding engine coolant	339
Recycled engine coolant	341
Coolant refill capacity	341
Severe climates	342
What you should know about fail-safe cooling	342
How fail-safe cooling works	342
When fail-safe mode is activated	343
Fuel Filter	344
What you should know about automotive fuels	344
Important safety precautions	344
Refueling	345
Easy Fuel? “no cap” fuel system	346
Choosing the right fuel	347
Octane recommendations	347
Fuel quality	348
Cleaner air	348
Running out of fuel	348
Refilling with a portable fuel container	349
Essentials of good fuel economy	350
Measuring techniques	350
Filling the tank	350
Calculating fuel economy	351
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits	351
Habits	352
Maintenance	352
Conditions	352
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM	353
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)	354
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing	355
Power steering fluid (except SHO engine)	356
Brake fluid	356
Transmission fluid	357
Checking automatic transmission fluid	357
Low fluid level	359
Correct fluid level	360
High fluid level	360
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels	360
Air filter	361
Changing the air filter element	362
Vehicle storage	363
Motorcraft part numbers	366
Maintenance product specifications and capacities	367
Engine data	372
Engine drivebelt routing	372
Identifying your vehicle	373
Safety Compliance Certification Label	373
Vehicle identification number (VIN)	374
Transmission code designations	375
Accessories	376
Ford Custom Accessories for your vehicle	376
Exterior style	376
Interior style	376
Lifestyle	376
Peace of mind	377
Ford Extended Service Plan	378
FORD ESP EXTENDED SERVICE PLANS (U.S. ONLY)	378
FORD ESP EXTENDED SERVICE PLANS (CANADA ONLY)	381
Scheduled Maintenance	382
GENERAL MAINTENANCE INFORMATION	382
Why maintain your vehicle?	382
Protecting Your Investment	382
Oils, Fluids and Flushing	383
Genuine Ford parts and service	384
Convenience	384
Factory-trained technicians	384
Genuine Ford and Motorcraft? replacement parts	384
Value shopping for your vehicle’s maintenance needs	384
Owner Checks and Services	385
Multi-Point Inspection	386
NORMAL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND LOG	388
Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™	388
Maintenance Schedule Log	391
SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS	394
Special Operating Condition Log	396
EXCEPTIONS	398
ENGINE COOLANT CHANGE RECORD	399
Engine Coolant Change Log	399

Match case Limit results 1 per page

The engine traction control and brake traction control system may be

deactivated in certain situations. See the

Switching 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. Electronic stability control 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 ESC events the stability control light in the instrument cluster

will flash.

Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the ESC 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 to

Trailer

towing

in the

Tires, Wheels and Loading

chapter).

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 AdvanceTrac

system 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 AdvanceTrac

system, press the stability control

switch. Full features of the AdvanceTrac

system can be restored by

pressing the stability control switch again, or by turning off and

restarting the engine.

When the AdvanceTrac

system is

off, the stability control off light will

illuminate steadily. Pressing the

AdvanceTrac

control switch again

will turn off the stability control light.

In R (Reverse), ABS and the engine traction control and brake traction

control features will continue to function; however, ESC is disabled.

OFF

Driving

247

2012 Taurus

Owners Guide, 2nd Printing

USA

(fus)