FORD TAURUS 2017 Owners Manual
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Cruise control lets you maintain a setspeed without keeping your foot on theaccelerator pedal. You can use cruisecontrol when your vehicle speed is greaterthan 20 mph (30 km/h).
USING CRUISE CONTROL
WARNINGS
Do not use cruise control on windingroads, in heavy traffic or when theroad surface is slippery. This couldresult in loss of vehicle control, seriousinjury or death.
When you are going downhill, yourvehicle speed may increase abovethe set speed. The system will notapply the brakes. Change down a gear toassist the system in maintaining the setspeed. Failure to do so could result in lossof vehicle control, serious injury or death.
Note:Cruise control will disengage if thevehicle speed decreases more than 10 mph(16 km/h) below the set speed while drivinguphill.
The cruise controls are on the steeringwheel.
Switching Cruise Control On
Press and release ON.
The indicator appears in theinstrument cluster.
Setting the Cruise Speed
1. Drive to desired speed.
2. Press and release SET+ or SET-.
3. Take your foot off the acceleratorpedal.
The indicator changes color in theinstrument cluster.
Changing the Set Speed
•Press and release Set+ or Set-. Whenyou select km/h as the displaymeasurement in the informationdisplay the set speed changes inapproximately 2 km/h increments.When you select mph as the displaymeasurement in the informationdisplay the set speed changes inapproximately 1 mph increments.
•Press and hold Set+ or Set- toincrease or decrease the set speed.Release the control when you reachthe desired speed.
•Press the accelerator or brake pedaluntil you reach the desired speed. Pressand release Set+ or Set-.
Note: If you accelerate by pressing theaccelerator pedal, the set speed will notchange. When you release the acceleratorpedal, your vehicle returns to the speed thatyou previously set.
Canceling the Set Speed
Press and release CNCL or tap the brakepedal. The set speed does not erase.
Resuming the Set Speed
Press and release RES.
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Switching Cruise Control Off
Press and release OFF when the system isin stand by mode or switch the ignition off.
Note:You erase the set speed when youswitch the system off.
USING ADAPTIVE CRUISE
CONTROL (If Equipped)
WARNINGS
Always pay close attention tochanging road conditions when usingadaptive cruise control. The systemdoes not replace attentive driving. Failingto pay attention to the road may result ina crash, serious injury or death.
Adaptive cruise control may notdetect stationary or slow movingvehicles below 6 mph (10 km/h).
Do not use adaptive cruise controlon winding roads, in heavy traffic orwhen the road surface is slippery.This could result in loss of vehicle control,serious injury or death.
Do not use adaptive cruise controlwhen towing a trailer that has trailerbrakes. The auto-brake componentof the adaptive cruise control system doesnot operate the trailer brakes. Usingadaptive cruise control when towing atrailer that has trailer brakes may result inthe loss of vehicle control, which couldresult in serious injury.
Adaptive cruise control is not a crashwarning or avoidance system.
Adaptive cruise control does notdetect pedestrians or objects in theroad.
Adaptive cruise control does notdetect oncoming vehicles in thesame lane.
WARNINGS
Do not use the system in poorvisibility, for example fog, heavy rain,spray or snow.
Do not use the adaptive cruisecontrol when entering or leaving ahighway, on roads with intersectionsor roundabouts or non-vehicular traffic orroads that are winding, slippery, unpaved,or steep slopes.
Do not use tire sizes other than thoserecommended because this canaffect the normal operation of thesystem. Failure to do so may result in a lossof vehicle control, which could result inserious injury.
Note:It is your responsibility to stay alert,drive safely and be in control of the vehicleat all times.
The system adjusts your speed to maintaina proper distance between you and thevehicle in front of you in the same lane. Youcan select from one of four gap settings.
The adaptive cruise controls are on thesteering wheel.
Setting Adaptive Cruise Control
Press and release ON.
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The indicator appears in theinformation display.
The current gap setting and SET alsoappears in the instrument cluster.
Setting the Adaptive Cruise Speed
1. Drive to desired speed.
2. Press and release SET+ or SET-.
3. Take your foot off the acceleratorpedal.
4. The information display will show agreen indicator light, current gapsetting and desired set speed.
5. A vehicle graphic illuminates if there isa vehicle detected in front of you.
Note:When adaptive cruise control isactive, the speedometer may vary slightlyfrom the set speed displayed in theinformation display.
Following a Vehicle
WARNINGS
When following a vehicle, yourvehicle does not decelerateautomatically to a stop, nor doesyour vehicle always decelerate quicklyenough to avoid a crash without driverintervention. Always apply the brakes whennecessary. Failing to do so may result in acrash, serious injury or death.
Adaptive cruise control only warnsof vehicles detected by the radarsensor. In some cases there may beno warning or a delayed warning. Alwaysapply the brakes when necessary. Failureto do so may result in a crash, serious injuryor death.
Note:The brakes may emit a sound whenmodulated by the adaptive cruise controlsystem.
When a vehicle ahead of you enters thesame lane or a slower vehicle is ahead inthe same lane, the vehicle speed adjuststo maintain a preset gap distance. Thedistance setting is adjustable.
The lead vehicle graphic will illuminate.
To help you pass a vehicle in front of you,the adaptive cruise control system mayprovide a small temporary accelerationwhen you switch on your left turn signalwhile following a lead car.
Your vehicle maintains a consistent gapfrom the vehicle ahead until:
•The vehicle in front of you acceleratesto a speed above the set speed.
•The vehicle in front of you moves outof your lane or out of view.
•The vehicle speed falls below 12 mph(20 km/h).
•A new gap distance is set.
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The vehicle will apply the brakes to slowthe vehicle to maintain a safe distancefrom the vehicle in front. The maximumbraking which the system can apply islimited. You can override the system byapplying the brakes.
If the system predicts that its maximumbraking level will not be sufficient, anaudible warning will sound while thesystem continues to brake. This isaccompanied by a heads-up display; a redwarning bar illuminating on the windshield.You should take immediate action.
Setting the Gap Distance
Note:It is your responsibility to select a gapappropriate to the driving conditions.
You can decrease or increase the distancebetween your vehicle and the vehicle infront by pressing the gap control.
The selected gap appears in theinformation display as shown by the barsin the graphic. Four gap distance settingsare available.
Adaptive cruise control, distance between vehicle settings
Dynamic beha-viorDistance gapTime gap,secondsGraphic display,bars indicatedbetweenvehicles
Set speed
yd (m)mph ( km/h)
Sport31 (28)1162 (100)
Normal43 (39)1.4262 (100)
Normal55 (50)1.8362 (100)
Comfort67 (61)2.2462 (100)
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Each time you start the vehicle, the systemwill select the last chosen gap for thecurrent driver.
Disengaging the System
Press the brake pedal or press CNCL. Thelast set speed will appear in grey.
Overriding the System
WARNING
If you override the system by pressingthe accelerator pedal, it does notautomatically apply the brakes tomaintain a gap from any vehicle ahead.
You can override the set speed and gapdistance by pressing the accelerator pedal.
When you override the system,the green indicator lightilluminates and the lead vehiclegraphic does not show in the informationdisplay.
The system will resume operation whenyou release the accelerator pedal. Thevehicle speed will decrease to the setspeed, or a lower speed if following aslower vehicle.
Changing the Set Speed
•Press and release SET+ or SET-. Whenyou select km/h as the displaymeasurement in the informationdisplay, the set speed changes inapproximately 1 km/h increments.When you select mph as the displaymeasurement in the informationdisplay, the set speed changes inapproximately 1 mph increments.
•Press and hold SET+ or SET-. The setspeed changes in approximately 5 mph(10 km/h) increments.
The system may apply the brakes to slowthe vehicle to the new set speed. The setspeed displays continuously in theinformation display when the system isactive.
Note: If you accelerate by pressing theaccelerator pedal, the set speed will notchange. When you release the acceleratorpedal, your vehicle returns to the speed thatyou previously set.
Resuming the Set Speed
Note:Only use resume if you are aware ofthe set speed and intend to return to it.
Press and release RES. The vehicle willreturn to the previously set speed. The setspeed will display continuously in theinformation display while the system isactive.
Automatic Cancellation
The system is not functional at vehiclespeeds below 12 mph (20 km/h). Anaudible alarm will sound and theautomatic braking releases if the vehicledrops below this speed.
Hilly Condition Usage
Note:An audible alarm will sound and thesystem will shut down if it is applying brakesfor an extended period of time. This allowsthe brakes to cool down. The system willfunction normally again when the brakeshave cooled down.
You should select a lower gear positionwhen the system is active in situationssuch as prolonged downhill driving onsteep grades, for example in mountainousareas. The system needs additional enginebraking in these situations to reduce theload on the vehicle’s regular brake systemto prevent them from overheating.
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Switching the System Off
Note:The set speed memory erases whenyou switch off the system.
Press and release OFF or turn off theignition.
Detection Issues
WARNING
On rare occasions, detection issuescan occur due to the roadinfrastructures, for example bridges,tunnels and safety barriers. In these cases,the system may brake late orunexpectedly. At all times, you areresponsible for controlling your vehicle,supervising the system and intervening, ifrequired.
The radar sensor has a limited field ofvision. It may not detect vehicles at all ordetect a vehicle later than expected insome situations. The lead vehicle graphicwill not illuminate if the system does notdetect a vehicle in front of you.Detection issues can occur:
When driving on a different linethan the vehicle in front.A
With vehicles that edge into yourlane. The system can only detectthese vehicles once they movefully into your lane.
B
There may be issues with thedetection of vehicles in frontwhen driving into and coming outof a bend or curve in the road.
C
In these cases the system may brake lateor unexpectedly. The driver should stayalert and intervene when necessary.
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If something hits the front end of yourvehicle or damage occurs, theradar-sensing zone may change. This couldcause missed or false vehicle detections.See an authorized dealer to have the radarchecked for proper coverage andoperation.
Blocked Sensor
A message displays if something obstructsthe radar signals from the sensor. Thesensor is located behind a fascia covernear the driver side of the lower grille. Thesystem cannot detect a vehicle ahead andwill not function when something obstructsthe radar signals. The following table listspossible causes and actions for thismessage displaying.
ActionCause
Clean the grille surface in front of the radaror remove the object causing the obstruc-tion.
The surface of the radar in the grille is dirtyor obstructed in some way.
Wait a short time. It may take severalminutes for the radar to detect that it is freefrom obstruction.
The surface of the radar in the grille is cleanbut the message remains in the display.
Do not use the system in these conditionsbecause it may not detect any vehiclesahead.
Heavy rain or snow is interfering with theradar signals.
Do not use the system in these conditionsbecause it may not detect any vehiclesahead.
Swirling water, or snow or ice on the surfaceof the road may interfere with the radarsignals.
Wait a short time or switch to normal cruisecontrol.You are in a desert or remote area with noother vehicles and no roadside objects.
Due to the nature of radar technology, it ispossible to get a blockage warning and notbe blocked. This can happen, for example,when driving in sparse rural or desertenvironments. A false blocked conditionwill either self clear or clear after a keycycle.
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Switching to Normal CruiseControl
WARNING
Normal cruise control will not brakewhen your vehicle is approachingslower vehicles. Always be aware ofwhich mode you have selected and applythe brakes when necessary.
You can manually change from adaptivecruise control to normal cruise controlthrough the information display.
The cruise control indicator lightreplaces the adaptive cruisecontrol indicator light if youselect normal cruise control. The gapsetting does not display, the system doesnot automatically respond to lead vehicles.Automatic braking remains active tomaintain set speed.
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DRIVER ALERT (If Equipped)
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
The system is designed to aid thedriver. It is not intended to replaceyour attention and judgment. You arestill responsible to drive with due care andattention.
At all times, you are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle, supervisingthe system and intervening, ifrequired. Failure to take care may result inthe loss of control of your vehicle, seriouspersonal injury or death.
The system may not function if thesensor is blocked.
Take regular rest breaks if you feeltired. Do not wait for the system towarn you.
Certain driving styles may result inthe system warning you even if youare not feeling tired.
In cold and severe weatherconditions the system may notfunction. Rain, snow and spray canall limit sensor performance.
The system will not operate if thesensor cannot track the road lanemarkings.
If damage occurs in the immediatearea surrounding the sensor, haveyour vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
The system may not correctlyoperate if your vehicle is fitted witha suspension kit not approved by us.
Note:Keep the windshield free fromobstructions for example bird droppings,insects and snow or ice.
Note:If the camera is blocked or if thewindshield is damaged, the system may notfunction.
Note:The system will store the on or offsetting in the information display menuthrough ignition cycles.
Note:If enabled in the menu, the systemwill be active at speeds above 40 mph(64 km/h). When below the activationspeed, the information display will informthe driver that the system is unavailable.
The system automatically monitors yourdriving behavior using various inputsincluding the front camera sensor.
If the system detects that your drivingalertness is reduced below a certainthreshold, the system will alert you usinga chime and a message in the clusterdisplay.
USING DRIVER ALERT
Switching the System On and Off
Switch the system on or off using theinformation display. See GeneralInformation (page 89).
When activated, the system will monitoryour alertness level based upon yourdriving behavior in relation to the lanemarkings, and other factors.
System Warnings
Note:The system will not issue warningsbelow approximately 40 mph (64 km/h).
The warning system has two stages. Atfirst, the system issues a temporarywarning that you need to take a rest. Thismessage will only appear for a short time.If the system detects further reduction indriving alertness, it may issue anotherwarning that will remain in the informationdisplay for a longer time. You can press OKon the steering wheel control to clear thewarning.
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System Display
When active the system will runautomatically in the background and onlyissue a warning if required. You can viewthe status at any time using theinformation display. See GeneralInformation (page 89).
The alertness level is shown by six stepsin a colored bar.
The current assessment of your alertnessis within a typical range.
The current assessment of your alertnessindicates that you should rest as soon assafely possible.
The status bar will travel from left to rightas the calculated alertness leveldecreases. As the rest icon is approachedthe color turns from green to yellow to red.
The yellow position indicates the firstwarning is active and the red positionindicates the second warning is active.
Note:If you have recently received awarning; you should consider resting, evenif the current assessment is within thetypical range.
Note:If the camera sensor cannot track theroad lane markings or if your vehicle speeddrops below approximately 40 mph(64 km/h), the alertness level will changeto grey for a short time and the informationdisplay will inform you that the system isunavailable.
Resetting the System
You can reset the system by either:
•Switching the ignition off and on.
•Stopping the vehicle and then openingand closing the driver’s door.
LANE KEEPING SYSTEM (If
Equipped)
WARNINGS
The system is designed to aid thedriver. It is not intended to replaceyour attention and judgment. You arestill responsible to drive with due care andattention.
At all times, you are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle, supervisingthe system and intervening, ifrequired. Failure to take care may result inthe loss of control of your vehicle, seriouspersonal injury or death.
The system is designed to aid thedriver. It is not intended to replaceyour attention and judgment. You arestill responsible to drive with due care andattention.
In cold and severe weatherconditions the system may notfunction. Rain, snow and spray canall limit sensor performance.
If damage occurs in the immediatearea surrounding the sensor, haveyour vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
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