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2011 Ford Taurus Owner Guide 3rd Printing - Page 235

2011 Ford Taurus Manual

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Tires, Wheels and Loading • Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels. RECREATIONAL TOWING Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow your vehicle for personal travel (such as behind a motor home or a truck). Note: Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to the Climate Controls chapter for more information. In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to Wrecker towing in the Roadside Emergencies chapter. These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle after it is hooked-up to the RV or tow dolly. Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles can be towed with all four wheels on the ground or with the front wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly. If you are using a tow dolly follow the instructions specified by the equipment provider. If you are towing with all four wheels on the ground, refer to the towing instructions below. All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles can be towed with all four wheels on the ground or with all four wheels off the ground using a vehicle transport trailer. Do not tow your AWD vehicle with the front wheels off the ground (by using a tow dolly) and the rear wheels on the ground; this will cause damage to your AWD system. If you are using a vehicle transport trailer, follow the instruction specified by the equipment provider. If you are towing with all four wheels on the ground, refer to the towing instructions below. If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, follow these instructions: • Tow only in the forward direction. • Release the parking brake. • Place the transmission shift lever in N (Neutral). • Place the ignition in the accessory position (refer to Starting in the Driving chapter). • Do not exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) • Start the engine and allow it to run for five minutes at the beginning of each day and at each fuel stop. 235 2011 Taurus Owners Guide, 3rd 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	5
Protecting the environment	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	8
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	61
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	74
Replacing high-mount brake lamp bulbs	75
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs	75
Replacing supplemental park lamp bulbs	75
Driver Controls	76
Multi-function lever	76
Windshield wiper rainlamp feature	77
Tilt/Telescope Steering Wheel	77
Illuminated visor mirror	78
Overhead console	78
Storage compartment	78
Electronic compass (if equipped)	79
Compass zone adjustment	79
Compass calibration adjustment	80
Center Console	81
Auxiliary Power Point (12V DC)	82
Power Windows	83
One-touch up or down	83
Global open windows (if equipped)	83
Bounce-Back (one-touch up or down windows only)	84
Security override	84
Window lock	84
Accessory delay	84
Interior mirror	85
Automatic dimming interior rear view mirror (if equipped)	85
Exterior Mirrors	85
Power side view mirrors	85
Heated outside mirrors (if equipped)	86
Fold-away mirrors	86
Blind spot mirrors (if equipped)	86
Power Adjustable Foot Pedals (if equipped)	87
Speed control	87
Using speed control	88
Setting speed control	88
Disengaging speed control	88
Resuming a set speed	88
Increasing speed while using speed control	89
Reducing speed while using speed control	89
Turning off speed control	89
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) (IF EQUIPPED)	89
Setting adaptive cruise control	90
Setting the gap distance	92
Disengaging adaptive cruise control	93
Overriding adaptive cruise control	93
Changing the set speed	93
Resuming the set speed	94
Low speed automatic cancellation	94
Hilly condition usage	94
Turning off cruise control	95
Detection issues	95
ACC not available	96
Blocked sensor	97
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS (IF EQUIPPED)	98
Radio control features	98
Moon roof (if equipped)	99
Power rear sunshade (if equipped)	101
Universal garage door opener (if equipped)	101
HomeLink Wireless Control System (if equipped)	101
Programming	102
Gate Operator & Canadian Programming	103
Operating the HomeLink Wireless Control System	104
Erasing HomeLink buttons	104
Reprogramming a single HomeLink button	105
Positive Retention Floor Mat	105
Trunk release	105
Cargo Area Features	106
Cargo net (if equipped)	106
Locks and Security	107
Keys	107
Intelligent Access Key (IA key) (if equipped)	108
MyKey	109
Power door locks	115
Smart unlocks	115
Smart unlocks for intelligent access keys (IA key) (if equipped)	115
Central unlocking/Two-stage unlocking for intelligent access keys (if equipped)	116
Autolock feature (if enabled)	116
Deactivating/activating autolock feature	116
Power door lock switch autolock enable/disable procedure	117
Autounlock feature (if enabled)	117
Deactivating/activating autounlock feature	118
Power door lock switch autounlock enable/disable procedure	118
Childproof door locks	119
Interior luggage compartment release	119
Remote entry system	121
Intelligent access (if equipped)	122
Unlocking the doors/two stage unlock	122
Opening front windows and moon roof (if equipped)	123
Locking the doors	123
Car finder	123
Sounding a panic alarm	123
Opening the trunk	124
Memory feature (seat, mirrors and adjustable pedals) (if equipped)	124
Programming the memory feature to the transmitter	124
Deprogramming the memory feature from the transmitter	125
Replacing the battery	125
Replacing lost integrated keyhead transmitters (IKTs) or intelligent access keys (IA keys)	127
How to reprogram your integrated keyhead transmitters (IKTs) or intelligent access keys (IA keys)	127
Illuminated entry	127
Illuminated exit	128
Battery saver	128
Accessory mode battery saver for intelligent access keys with push button start (if equipped)	128
SecuriCode™ keyless entry system	129
Programming a personal entry code and keypad association to memory seats, mirrors and adjustable pedals (if equipped)	129
Erasing personal code	130
Anti-scan feature	130
Unlocking and locking the doors using keyless entry	130
Securilock passive anti-theft system	131
Anti-theft indicator	132
Automatic arming	132
Automatic disarming	132
Replacement of integrated keyhead transmitters (IKT) or intelligent access keys	132
Programming spare keys	133
Perimeter alarm system	136
Arming the system	136
Seating and Safety Restraints	138
Front seats	138
Adjustable head restraints	138
Adjusting the front manual seat (if equipped)	141
Using the manual lumbar support (if equipped)	142
Adjusting the front power seat	142
Using the power lumbar support (if equipped)	144
Multi-contour Active Motion™ seat (if equipped)	145
Dual setting heated seats (if equipped)	146
Three-position heated and cooled seats (if equipped)	147
Climate controlled seats air filter replacement	148
Memory seats/power mirrors/adjustable pedals (if equipped)	150
Easy entry/exit feature (if equipped)	151
Rear seats	151
Non-adjustable second-row outboard head restraints	151
Adjustable second row center head restraint	152
Split-folding rear seat	155
Seat-mounted cup holders and armrest storage compartment (if equipped)	156
Rear heated seats (if equipped)	156
Safety restraints	157
Personal Safety System™	157
How does the Personal Safety System work?	158
Driver and passenger dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints	158
Front crash severity sensor	158
Driver’s seat position sensor	159
Front passenger sensing system	159
Front safety belt usage sensors	159
Front safety belt pretensioners	160
Front safety belt energy management retractors	160
Determining if the Personal Safety System is operational	160
Safety restraints precautions	160
Combination lap and shoulder belts	162
Restraint of pregnant women	162
Safety belt locking modes	163
Energy management feature — front outboard	164
Safety belt pretensioner	165
Safety belt extension assembly	165
Safety belt height adjustment	166
Safety belt warning light and indicator chime	166
Conditions of operation	166
Belt-Minder	167
Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minder feature	169
AIRBAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)	171
Important supplemental restraint system precautions	172
Children and airbags	173
How does the airbag supplemental restraint system work?	174
Front passenger sensing system	175
Determining if the system is operational	180
Seat-mounted side airbag system	180
How does the side airbag system work?	181
Safety Canopy System	182
How does the Safety Canopy System work?	183
Determining if the system is operational	185
SOS Post-Crash Alert System™	185
Disposal of airbags and airbag equipped vehicles	186
Safety restraints for children	186
Important child restraint precautions	186
Recommendations for attaching child safety restraints for children	188
Transporting children	189
Safety seats for children	190
Infant and/or toddler seats	190
Installing child safety seats with combination lap and shoulder belts	190
Attaching child safety seats with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) attachments	194
Combining safety belt and LATCH lower anchors for attaching child safety seats	196
Attaching child safety seats with tether straps	196
Child booster seats	198
When children should use booster seats	199
Types of booster seats	200
The importance of shoulder belts	202
Child restraint and safety belt maintenance	202
Tires, Wheels and Loading	204
Information about uniform tire quality grading	204
Treadwear	204
Traction AA A B C	204
Temperature A B C	205
Tires	205
Glossary of tire terminology	205
Inflating your tires	206
Tire care	208
Inspecting your tires and wheel valve stems	208
Tire wear	209
Damage	209
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)	210
Tire replacement requirements	210
Safety practices	212
Highway hazards	212
Tire and wheel alignment	212
Tire rotation	213
Information contained on the tire sidewall	214
Information on “P” type tires	214
Additional information contained on the tire sidewall for “LT” type tires	217
Information on “T” type tires	218
Location of the tire label	218
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)	219
Changing tires with a TPMS	220
Understanding your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)	221
When your temporary spare tire is installed	221
When you believe your system is not operating properly	222
When inflating your tires	223
How temperature affects your tire pressure	223
Snow tires and chains	224
Summer tires	225
Vehicle loading – with and without a trailer	225
Trailer towing	232
Preparing to tow	233
Hitches	233
Safety chains	233
Trailer brakes	233
Trailer lamps	234
Driving while you tow	234
Trailer towing tips	234
Recreational towing	235
Driving	236
Starting	236
Positions of the ignition (if equipped)	236
Starting your vehicle	236
Important safety precautions	237
Starting the engine	238
Push button start system (if equipped)	239
Guarding against exhaust fumes	241
Important ventilating information	242
Engine block heater (if equipped)	242
Brakes	243
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)	244
Using ABS	244
Brake assist	244
ABS warning lamp	244
Brake over accelerator	245
Parking brake	245
AdvanceTrac stability enhancement system	246
Steering	251
Brake-shift interlock	252
Automatic transmission operation	254
Automatic transmission adaptive learning	254
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed automatic transmission with transmission control switch (if equipped)	254
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed with SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST) (if equipped)	256
Paddle shifters	258
Reverse sensing system (if equipped)	259
Rearview camera system (if equipped)	261
Collision warning system (if equipped)	264
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) (if equipped)	267
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system (if equipped)	273
Driving on slippery surfaces with AWD vehicles	274
Basic operating principles	274
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement	274
If your vehicle gets stuck	275
Emergency maneuvers	275
AWD Systems (if equipped)	276
Sand	276
Mud and water	276
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain	277
Driving on snow and ice	278
Maintenance and modifications	279
Driving through water	279
Roadside Emergencies	280
Roadside Assistance	280
Vehicles sold in the U.S. : Getting roadside assistance	280
Vehicles sold in the U.S. : Using roadside assistance	280
Vehicles sold in Canada : Getting roadside assistance	281
Vehicles sold in Canada : Using roadside assistance	281
Hazard flasher control	281
Fuel Pump Shut-off	282
Fuses and relays	282
Fuses	282
Standard fuse amperage rating and color	283
Passenger compartment fuse panel	284
Power distribution box	287
Changing the tires	290
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information	291
Stopping and securing the vehicle	293
Removing the spare tire and jack	293
Tire change procedure	293
Stowing the tire and jack	296
Temporary Mobility Kit (if equipped)	297
General information	298
Tips for use of the temporary mobility kit	299
What to do when a tire is punctured	300
First stage: Reinflating the tire with sealing compound and air	300
Second stage: Checking tire pressure	302
What to do after the tire has been sealed	303
Wheel lug nut torque specifications	306
Running out of fuel	307
Jump starting	307
Preparing your vehicle	307
Connecting the jumper cables	308
Jump starting	309
Removing the jumper cables	309
Wrecker towing	310
Emergency towing	311
Customer Assistance	312
GETTING THE SERVICES YOU NEED	312
Away from home	312
Additional assistance	313
In California (U.S. only)	314
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program (U.S. only)	315
Utilizing The Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada only)	316
GETTING ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA	316
ORDERING ADDITIONAL OWNER’S LITERATURE	318
Obtaining a French Owner’s Guide	318
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only)	319
Reporting safety defects (Canada only)	319
Cleaning	320
Washing the exterior	320
Waxing	321
Paint chips	321
Aluminum wheels and wheel covers	321
Engine	321
Plastic (non-painted) exterior parts	323
Windows and wiper blades	323
Instrument panel/Interior trim and cluster lens	324
Interior	325
Leather seats (if equipped, except for the King Ranch edition)	326
Leather seats for the King Ranch edition only (if equipped)	326
Underbody	327
Ford and Lincoln car care products	328
Maintenance and Specifications	329
Service recommendations	329
Precautions when servicing your vehicle	329
Working with the engine off	329
Working with the engine on	329
Opening the hood	330
Identifying components in the engine compartment	331
Windshield washer fluid	333
Changing the wiper blades	334
Engine oil	334
Checking the engine oil	334
Adding engine oil	335
Engine oil and filter recommendations	336
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil	336
Use SAE 5W-30 engine oil	337
Battery	338
Engine coolant	340
Checking engine coolant	340
Adding engine coolant	341
Recycled engine coolant	343
Coolant refill capacity	343
Severe climates	343
What you should know about fail-safe cooling	344
How fail-safe cooling works	344
When fail-safe mode is activated	345
Fuel Filter	346
What you should know about automotive fuels	346
Important safety precautions	346
Refueling	348
Easy Fuel “no cap” fuel system	348
Choosing the right fuel	349
Octane recommendations	350
Fuel quality	350
Cleaner air	351
Running out of fuel	351
Refilling with a portable fuel container	351
Essentials of good fuel economy	352
Measuring techniques	352
Filling the tank	352
Calculating fuel economy	353
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits	354
Habits	354
Maintenance	354
Conditions	355
Emission control system	355
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)	356
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing	357
Power steering fluid (except SHO engine)	358
Brake fluid	359
Transmission fluid	359
Checking automatic transmission fluid	359
Low fluid level	362
Correct fluid level	362
High fluid level	362
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels	363
Air filter	364
Changing the air filter element	364
Vehicle storage	365
Motorcraft part numbers	368
Maintenance product specifications and capacities	369
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	383
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	384
Multi-point inspection	386
Normal scheduled maintenance and log	388
Maintenance schedule log	391
Special operating conditions	394
Special operating condition log	397
Exceptions	399
Engine coolant change record	401
Engine coolant change log	401

Match case Limit results 1 per page

•

Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must

park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.

RECREATIONAL TOWING

Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow

your vehicle for personal travel (such as behind a motor home or a

truck).

Note:

Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to

prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to the

Climate

Controls

chapter for more information.

In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to

Wrecker towing

in the

Roadside Emergencies

chapter.

These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle after it

is hooked-up to the RV or tow dolly.

Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles

can be towed with all four wheels

on the ground or with the front wheels off the ground by using a tow

dolly. If you are using a tow dolly follow the instructions specified by the

equipment provider. If you are towing with all four wheels on the ground,

refer to the towing instructions below.

All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles

can be towed with all four wheels on

the ground or with all four wheels off the ground using a vehicle

transport trailer.

Do not tow your AWD vehicle with the front

wheels off the ground (by using a tow dolly) and the rear wheels

on the ground; this will cause damage to your AWD system.

If you

are using a vehicle transport trailer, follow the instruction specified by

the equipment provider. If you are towing with all four wheels on the

ground, refer to the towing instructions below.

If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, follow these

instructions:

•

Tow only in the forward direction.

•

Release the parking brake.

•

Place the transmission shift lever in N (Neutral).

•

Place the ignition in the accessory position (refer to

Starting

in the

Driving

chapter).

•

Do not exceed 65 mph (105 km/h)

•

Start the engine and allow it to run for five minutes at the beginning

of each day and at each fuel stop.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

235

2011 Taurus

Owners Guide, 3rd Printing

USA

(fus)