FORD TAURUS 2012 6.G Owner's Manual
Page 21 of 406
MPG (L/km)
This displays instantaneous fuel economy as a bar graph ranging from↓
poor economy to↑excellent economy.
Your vehicle must be moving to calculate instantaneous fuel economy.
When your vehicle is not moving, this function shows↓, one or no bars
illuminated. Instantaneous fuel economy cannot be reset.
TIMER
Timer displays the trip elapsed drive time.
To operate, do the following:
1. Press and release RESET in order to start the timer.
2. Press and release RESET to pause the timer.
3. Press and hold RESET until the timer resets.
Blank Screen
The message center display will be blank after cycling through all of the
Info menu items.
System check and vehicle feature customization
Press the SETUP button repeatedly
to cycle the message center through
the following features:
RESET FOR SYSTEM CHECK
When this message appears, press RESET and the message center will
begin to cycle through the following systems and provide a status of the
item if needed.
Note:Some systems show a message only if a condition is present.
1. OIL LIFE
2. WASHER FLUID LEVEL
3. DOOR AJAR STATUS
4. TRUNK AJAR/CLOSED
5. BLIND SPOT SYSTEM (if equipped)
6. CROSS TRAFFIC SYSTEM (if equipped)
7. BRAKE SYSTEM
8. FUEL LEVEL
9. MYKEY DISTANCE (if MyKeyis programmed)
10. MYKEY(S) PROGRAMMED
11. ADMIN KEYS PROGRAMMED
Instrument Cluster
21
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 22 of 406
OIL LIFE
This displays the remaining oil life.
An oil change is required whenever indicated by the message center and
according to the recommended maintenance schedule. USE ONLY
RECOMMENDED ENGINE OILS.
To reset the oil monitoring system to 100% after each oil change,
perform the following:
1. Press and release SETUP to display “OIL LIFE XXX% HOLD RESET =
NEW”.
2. Press and hold RESET for two seconds and release to reset the oil life
to 100%.
UNITS
Displays the current units in English or Metric.
Press RESET to change between English and Metric.
AUTO HIGH BEAM (if equipped)
This feature automatically turns on your high beams if it is dark enough
and no other traffic is present.
Press RESET to turn the auto high beam on or off.
AUTOLAMP (SEC)
This feature keeps your headlights on for up to three minutes after the
ignition is switched off.
Press RESET to select the new Autolamp delay values of 0, 10, 20, 30,
60, 90, 120 or 180 seconds.
AUTOLOCK
This feature automatically locks all vehicle doors when the vehicle is
shifted into any gear, putting the vehicle in motion.
Press RESET to turn autolock on or off.
AUTOUNLOCK
This feature automatically unlocks all vehicle doors when the driver’s
door is opened within 10 minutes of the ignition being turned off.
Press RESET to turn autounlock on or off.
Instrument Cluster
22
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 23 of 406
COLLISION WARN GAP (if equipped)
This allows you to adjust the sensitivity setting of the collision warning
system. SeeCollision Warning Systemin theDrivingchapter for more
information.
Press RESET to change the sensitivity setting.
COLLISION WARN CHIME (if equipped)
This feature warns the driver of a possible collision. SeeCollision
warning systemin theDrivingchapter for more information.
Press RESET to turn the warning chime on or off. The system will revert
to chime on each time the vehicle is started. The heads-up display and/or
chime will activate briefly to confirm the last setting.
COLLISION WARN SYSTEM (if equipped)
This feature warns the driver of a possible collision. SeeCollision
warning systemin theDrivingchapter for more information.
Press RESET to turn the collision warning system on or off. The system
will revert to on each time the vehicle is started. The heads-up display
and/or chime will activate briefly to confirm the last setting.
BLIND SPOT (if equipped)
The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is designed to assist the
driver by monitoring the side areas on both sides of the vehicle.
Press RESET to turn it off or on.
CROSS TRAFFIC (if equipped)
The Cross Traffic Alert system is designed to assist and warn the driver
when backing out of parking spaces.
Press RESET to turn it off or on.
EASY ENTRY
This feature automatically moves the driver’s seat and steering wheel (if
equipped with power tilt) to a preset position for easy entry into the
vehicle.
Press RESET to turn the easy entry seat on or off.
REAR PARK AID (if equipped)
This feature sounds a warning tone to warn the driver of obstacles near
the rear bumper, and functions only when R (Reverse) gear is selected.
Press RESET to turn it off or on.
Instrument Cluster
23
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 24 of 406
TIRE MOBILITY KIT EXP 1, 2, 3, 4 YR (if equipped)
Use this feature to set the expiration date that is listed on the tire
mobility kit sealant canister. SeeTemporary mobility kitin the
Roadside Emergencieschapter for more information on the expiration
date.
Press the RESET control to choose the proper expiration date in years.
CREATE MYKEY / MYKEY SETUP/ CLEAR MYKEY
For more information refer toMyKeyin theLocks and Security
chapter.
LANGUAGE = ENGLISH / SPANISH / FRENCH
Allows you to choose which language the message center will display in.
Selectable languages are English, Spanish, or French.
Waiting four seconds or pressing the RESET button cycles the message
center through each of the language choices.
Press and hold RESET for two seconds to set the language choice.
System warnings
System warnings alert you to possible problems or malfunctions in your
vehicle’s operating systems.
In the event of a multiple warning situation, the message center will
cycle the display to show all warnings by displaying each one for four
seconds.
The message center will display the last selected feature if there are no
more warning messages.
Types of messages and warnings:
•Some messages will appear briefly to inform you of something you
may need to take action on or be informed of.
•Some messages will appear once and then again when the vehicle is
restarted.
•Some messages will reappear after clearing or being reset if a problem
or condition is still present and needs your attention.
•Some messages can be acknowledged and reset by pressing RESET.
This allows you to use the full message center functionality by clearing
the message.
DRIVER DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the driver’s door is not
completely closed.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the passenger side door
is not completely closed.
Instrument Cluster
24
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 25 of 406
REAR LEFT DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the rear left door is not
completely closed.
REAR RIGHT DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the rear right door is
not completely closed.
PARK BRAKE ENGAGED— Displayed when the parking brake is set,
the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph
(5 km/h). If the warning stays on after the parking brake is released,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
XXX MILES TO E FUEL LEVEL LOW— Displayed as an early
reminder of a low fuel condition.
CHECK FUEL FILL INLET— Displayed when the fuel fill inlet may
not be properly closed. Refer toEasy Fuel“no cap” fuel systemin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM— Displayed when the brake system needs
servicing. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK PARK AID (if equipped)— Displayed when the transmission
is in R (Reverse) and the reverse sensing system (park aid) is disabled.
Refer toRear park aidin this section to enable.
PARK BRAKE ENGAGED— Displayed when the manual park brake is
set, the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph
(5 km/h). If the warning stays on after the park brake is released,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the brake fluid level is low
and the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake
fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
WASHER FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the washer fluid reservoir
is less than one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level. Refer to
Windshield washer fluidin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE— Displayed when one or more tires on your
vehicle has low tire pressure. Refer toInflating your tiresin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT— Displayed when the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System is malfunctioning. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, have the system inspected by your authorized
dealer.
Instrument Cluster
25
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 26 of 406
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT— Displayed when a tire pressure
sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. For more
information on how the system operates under these conditions, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT— The power steering system
has disabled power steering assist due to a system error; service is
required.
SERVICE POWER STEERING— The power steering system has
detected a condition that requires service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW— The power steering system
has detected a condition that requires service immediately.
TRUNK AJAR— Displayed when the trunk is not completely closed.
REMOVE OBJECTS NEAR PASS SEAT— Displayed when objects
are by the passenger seat. After the objects are moved away from the
seat, if the warning stays on or continues to come on contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
AWD OFF (if equipped)— Displayed when the AWD system has been
automatically disabled to protect itself. This is caused by operating the
vehicle with the compact spare tire installed or if the system is
overheating. The AWD system will resume normal function and clear this
message after driving a short distance with the road tire re-installed or
after the system is allowed to cool.
CHECK AWD (if equipped)— Displayed in conjunction with the
Throttle Control/Transmission/AWD
light when the AWD system is
not operating properly. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
ADVANCETRAC OFF— Displayed briefly when the system has been
disabled.
ADVANCETRAC ON— Displayed briefly when the system has been
enabled.
TRACTION CONTROL ON— Displayed briefly when the system has
been enabled.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF— Displayed briefly when the system has
been disabled.
ENGINE OIL CHANGE SOON— Displayed when the engine oil life
remaining is 5% to 1%.
Instrument Cluster
26
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 27 of 406
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED— Displayed when the oil life left reaches
0%.
BLIND SPOT SYSTEM FAULT (if equipped)— Displayed when a
fault with the blind spot information system has occurred. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CROSS TRAFFIC SYSTEM FAULT (if equipped)— Displayed when
a fault with the cross traffic alert system has occurred. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
BLIND SPOT NOT AVAILABLE (if equipped)— Displayed when
blind spot information system is not available. SeeBlind Spot
Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alertin theDriving
chapter.
CROSS TRAFFIC NOT AVAILABLE (if equipped)— Displayed
when cross traffic alert is not available. SeeBlind Spot Information
System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alertin theDrivingchapter.
SENSOR BLOCKED SEE MANUAL (if equipped)— Displayed when
the blind spot information system/cross traffic alert system sensors are
blocked. SeeBlind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross
Traffic Alertin theDrivingchapter.
VEHICLE COMING FROM LEFT (if equipped)— Displayed when
the blind spot information system with cross traffic alert (CTA) system is
operating and senses a vehicle. SeeBlind Spot Information System
(BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alertin theDrivingchapter.
VEHICLE COMING FROM RIGHT (if equipped)— Displayed when
the blind spot information system with cross traffic alert (CTA) system is
operating and senses a vehicle. SeeBlind Spot Information System
(BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alertin theDrivingchapter.
INTKEY COULD NOT PROGRAM— Displayed when an attempt is
made to program a fifth integrated key to the remote key entry system.
For more information on integrated key, refer to theLocks and Security
chapter in this manual.
CRUISE ON RADAR READY (if equipped)— Displayed when the
driver pressed the cruise On/Off control and ACC was off.
CRUISE OFF (if equipped)— Displayed when the driver pressed the
Cruise On/Off control and ACC was on.
SET XXX MPH GAP ACC GAP (if equipped)— Displayed when
ACC is active and driver has selected a GAP setting using the steering
wheel control <---> button.
Instrument Cluster
27
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 28 of 406
CRUISE OVERRIDE (if equipped)— Displayed when the accelerator
pedal is being pressed while ACC is active.
CRUISE NOT AVAILABLE (if equipped)— Displayed when a system
malfunction is preventing ACC from engaging.
CRUISE MALFUNCTION (if equipped)— Displayed when a radar
malfunction is preventing the ACC from engaging.
CRUISE NOT AVAILABLE SENSOR BLOCKED SEE MANUAL (if
equipped)— Displayed when the radar is blocked because of poor
radar visibility due to bad weather or ice/mud/water in front of radar.
Driver can typically clean the sensor to resolve.
COLLISION WARN MALFUNCTION (if equipped)— Displayed
when there is a system malfunction with the collision warning system.
The system will be disabled.
COLLISION WARN NOT AVAILABLE (if equipped)— Displayed
when there is a system malfunction with the collision warning system.
The system will be disabled.
COLLISION WARN NOT AVAILABLE SENSOR BLOCKED SEE
MANUAL (if equipped)— Displayed when the collision warning
system radar is blocked because of poor radar visibility due to bad
weather or ice/mud/water in front of the radar. Driver can typically clean
the sensor to resolve.
PRESS BRAKE TO START (if equipped)— Displayed when the
start/stop button is pressed without the brake pedal being applied. This
is a reminder that the brake pedal must be applied when the start/stop
button is pressed in order to start the engine.
SHIFT TO PARK (if equipped)— Displayed when the start/stop
button is pressed to shut off the engine with the shift select lever in any
position other than P (Park). Refer toFast restart featureinPush
button start systemin theDrivingchapter for more information.
NO KEY DETECTED (if equipped)— Displayed if the Intelligent
Access Key is not detected by the system in the following three
scenarios:
•When the start/stop button is pressed in an attempt to either start the
engine or cycle through the ignition states.
•When the engine is running and a door is opened then closed.
•When the vehicle’s speed exceeds 10 mph (16 km/h) for the first time
after starting. Refer toPush button start systemin theDrivingchapter
for more information.
Instrument Cluster
28
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 29 of 406
RESTART NOW OR KEY IS NEEDED (if equipped)— Displayed
when the start/stop button is pressed to shut off the engine and a
Intelligent Access Key is not detected inside the vehicle. Refer toPush
button start systemin theDrivingchapter for more information.
ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE (if equipped)— Displayed when the
vehicle is in the accessory ignition state.
STARTING SYSTEM FAULT (if equipped)— This message is
displayed when there is a problem with your vehicle’s starting security
system; your vehicle will not be able to start. See your authorized dealer
for service.
KEY PROGRAMMED 3 KEYS TOTAL (if equipped)— Displayed
during spare key programming, when a third Intelligent Access Key is
programmed to the system.
KEY PROGRAMMED 4 KEYS TOTAL (if equipped)— Displayed
during spare key programming, when a fourth Intelligent Access Key is
programmed to the system.
MAX # OF KEYS LEARNED (if equipped)— Displayed during spare
key programming, after a fourth Intelligent Access Key is programmed or
upon entering spare key programming mode with four Intelligent Access
Keys already programmed to the vehicle.
MYKEY ACTIVE DRIVE SAFELY— Displayed at startup when
MyKeyis in use. Refer toMyKeyin theLocks and Securitychapter
for more information.
KEY COULD NOT PROGRAM— Displayed when an attempt is made
to program a spare key using two existing MyKeys. Refer toMyKeyin
theLocks and Securitychapter for more information.
VEHICLE SPEED 80 MPH MAX— Displayed when a MyKeyis in
use and the Admin has enabled the MyKey speed limit and the vehicle
speed is 80 mph (130 km/h). Refer toMyKeyin theLocks and
Securitychapter for more information.
SPEED LIMITED TO 80 MPH— Displayed when starting the vehicle
and MyKeyis in use and the MyKey speed limit is on. Refer toMyKey
in theLocks and Securitychapter for more information.
CHECK SPEED DRIVE SAFELY— Displayed when a MyKeyis in
use and the optional setting is on and the vehicle exceeds a preselected
speed. Refer toMyKeyin theLocks and Securitychapter for more
information.
Instrument Cluster
29
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 30 of 406
VEHICLE NEAR TOP SPEED— Displayed when a MyKeyis in use
and the MyKey speed limit is on and the vehicle speed is approaching
80 mph (130 km/h). Refer toMyKeyin theLocks and Security
chapter for more information.
TOP SPEED MYKEY SETTING— Displayed when a MyKeyis in use
and the MyKey speed limit is on and the vehicle speed is 80 mph
(130 km/h). Refer toMyKeyin theLocks and Securitychapter for
more information.
BUCKLE UP TO UNMUTE AUDIO— Displayed when a MyKeyis in
use and Belt-Minderis activated. Refer toMyKeyin theLocks and
Securitychapter for more information.
ADVTRAC ON MYKEY SETTING— Displayed when a MyKeyis in
use when trying to disable the AdvanceTracsystem and the optional
setting is on. Refer toMyKeyin theLocks and Securitychapter for
more information.
SERVICE ADVANCETRAC— Displayed when the AdvanceTrac
system has detected a condition that requires service.
ACTIVE PARK FAULT (if equipped)— Displayed when a fault has
occurred with the active park assist system. Refer toActive park assist
in theDrivingchapter for more information.
ACTIVE PARK CANCELLED (if equipped)— Displayed when the
active park assist feature has been canceled when it is in use. Refer to
Active park assistin theDrivingchapter for more information.
CANCELLED BY OVER SPEED (if equipped)— Displayed when the
active park assist feature self cancels due to vehicle speed over the
preset limit allowed by the active park assist system. Refer toActive
park assistin theDrivingchapter for more information.
CANCELLED BY DRIVER INPUT (if equipped)— Displayed when
the autopark feature has been canceled due to driver inputs. Refer to
Active park assistin theDrivingchapter for more information.
CANCELLED BY ADV TRAC EVENT (if equipped)— Displayed
when the active park feature has been canceled due to the
AdvanceTracsystem activating. Refer toActive park assistin the
Drivingchapter for more information.
CANCELLED BY ABS EVENT (if equipped)— Displayed when the
active park feature has been canceled due to the ABS activating. Refer to
Active park assistin theDrivingchapter for more information.
ACTIVE PARK REDUCE SPEED (if equipped)— May display when
using the active park assist system. SeeActive park assistin the
Driving
chapter for more information.
Instrument Cluster
30
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)