fuel FORD TAURUS 2011 6.G User Guide
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If you calculate your average fuel economy by dividing distance traveled
by gallons of fuel used (liters of fuel used by 100 kilometers traveled),
your figure may be different than displayed for the following reasons:
•Your vehicle was not perfectly level during fill-up
•Differences in the automatic shut-off points on the fuel pumps at
service stations
•Variations in top-off procedure from one fill-up to another
•Rounding of the displayed values to the nearest 0.1 gallon (liter)
1. Drive the vehicle at least 5 miles (8 km) with the speed control
system engaged to display a stabilized average.
2. Record the highway fuel economy for future reference.
It is important to press the RESET button (press and hold RESET for
two seconds in order to reset the function) after setting the speed
control to get accurate highway fuel economy readings.
For more information refer toEssentials of good fuel economyin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter.
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.
Instrument Cluster
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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. BRAKE SYSTEM
6. TIRE PRESSURE
7. BLIND SPOT SYSTEM (if equipped)
8. CROSS TRAFFIC SYSTEM (if equipped)
9. FUEL LEVEL
10. MYKEY DISTANCE (if MyKey™ is programmed)
11. MYKEY(S) PROGRAMMED
12. ADMIN KEYS PROGRAMMED
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%.
Note:To change oil life 100% value to another value, proceed to Step 3.
Instrument Cluster
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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.
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
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Instrument Cluster
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Do not clean the housing or glass of any mirror with harsh
abrasives, fuel or other petroleum-based cleaning products.
Note:If equipped with a rearview camera system, a video image will
display in the mirror or the navigation system display (if equipped) when
the vehicle is put in R (Reverse). As you shift into any other gear from R
(Reverse), the image will remain for a few seconds and then turn off.
Refer toRearview camera systemin theDrivingchapter.
EXTERIOR MIRRORS
Power side view mirrors
WARNING:Do not adjust the mirror while the vehicle is in
motion.
To adjust your mirrors:
1. Rotate the control clockwise to
adjust the right mirror and rotate
the control counterclockwise to
adjust the left mirror.
2. Move the control in the direction
you wish to tilt the mirror.
3. Return to the center position to lock mirrors in place.
Automatic dimming feature (if equipped)
The driver’s side view mirror has an auto-dimming function. For more
information, refer toAutomatic dimming interior rear view mirrorin
this chapter.
Blind spot mirrors (if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with blind spot information mirrors. See
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert
(CTA)in theDrivingchapter.
Driver Controls
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Heated outside mirrors(if equipped)
Both mirrors are heated
automatically to remove ice, mist
and fog when the rear window
defrost is activated.
Do not remove ice from the
mirrors with a scraper or
attempt to readjust the mirror
glass if it is frozen in place.
These actions could cause damage to the glass and mirrors.
Do not clean the housing or glass of any mirror with harsh
abrasives, fuel or other petroleum-based cleaning products.
Fold-away mirrors
Pull the side mirrors in carefully
when driving through a narrow
space, like an automatic car wash.
POWER ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDALS (IF EQUIPPED)
The accelerator and brake pedal
should only be adjusted when the
vehicle is stopped and the gearshift
lever is in the P (Park) position.
Press and hold the rocker control
(located on the instrument panel) to
adjust accelerator and brake pedal.
•Press the top of the control to
adjust the pedals away from you.
•Press the bottom of the control to adjust the pedals towards you.
WARNING:Never adjust the accelerator and brake pedal with
feet on the pedals while the vehicle is moving.
Driver Controls
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“administrator key” or admin key. The admin key can be used to create a
MyKey™, program optional MyKey™ settings, and clear the MyKey™
feature. When the MyKey™ feature is enabled the user can use system
check in the message center to see how many MyKeys™ and admin keys
are programmed to the vehicle, and see the total distance the vehicle has
been driven with the MyKey™ active.
MyKey™ restricted features
Standard settings – these settings cannot be changed
•Belt-Minder cannot be disabled. The audio system will be muted
whenever Belt-Minderis activated until the safety belts are buckled.
Refer to theSeating and Safety Restraintschapter for a detailed
description of Belt-Minderoperation.
•Low fuel warnings are displayed in the message center followed by a
chime when the distance to empty value reaches 75 miles (120 km).
•The following systems, if equipped, cannot be turned off: reverse
sensing system, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross
traffic alert and collision warning system.
Optional settings – these settings can be changed
•Vehicle speed is limited to 80 mph (130 km/h). Visual warnings are
displayed followed by a chime when the vehicle speed has reached
80 mph (130 km/h).
•Visual warnings are displayed followed by a chime when a preselected
vehicle speed of 45, 55 or 65 mph (75, 90, or 105 km/h) is exceeded.
•The maximum volume of the audio system is limited to 45%. MYKEY
VOLUME LIMITED will be displayed in the audio system display when
attempting to exceed the limited volume.
•The AdvanceTracsystem cannot be turned off. When this optional
setting is on, the MyKey™ user will not be able to deactivate the
system.Note:It may be beneficial to deactivate the AdvanceTrac
system if the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand.
Create a MyKey™
To program MyKey™ on one of the keys programmed to the vehicle,
insert the key that you want to make a MyKey™ into the ignition. For
vehicles equipped with push button start, put the intelligent access key
in the backup slot; see theDrivingchapter for the location of the
backup slot. Turn the ignition on. Use the message center buttons to do
the following:
1. Press SETUP until PRESS RESET TO CREATE MYKEY is displayed.
Locks and Security
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TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)
Each tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to
the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires
of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire
inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator
to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as
the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
The tire pressure monitoring system complies with part 15 of the FCC
rules and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
Tires, Wheels and Loading
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SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
WARNING:Snow tires must be the same size, load index, speed
rating as those originally provided by Ford. Use of any tire or
wheel not recommended by Ford can affect the safety and
performance of your vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
Additionally, the use of non-recommended tires and wheels could
cause steering, suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer unit
failure.
The tires on your vehicle may have all-weather treads to provide traction
in rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used, as chains may chip
aluminum wheels.
Note:The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when using
snow tires and chains.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Use only SAE Class S cables or equivalent on P235/60R17 or
P235/55R18 tires on the front tires only. SAE Class S chains or other
conventional link chains may cause damage to the vehicle’s wheel
house and/or body. Use of optional spike spider type traction devices
or equivalent is also acceptable.
•Do not install tire chains, cables or optional traction devices on the
rear tires. This could cause damage to the vehicle’s wheel house or
body.
•Do not use tire chains, cables or optional traction devices with
optional P255/45R19 or P245/45R20 tires.
•Install tire cables securely, verifying that the tire cables do not touch
any wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) with tire cables on your vehicle.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and retighten the cables. If this does not work, remove
the cables to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•Remove the tire cables when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire cables on dry roads.
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SUMMER TIRES
Your Taurus SHO may be equipped with summer tires to provide
superior performance on wet and dry roads. Summer tires do not have
the Mud and Snow (M+S or M/S) tire traction rating on the tire side
wall. Since summer tires do not have the same traction performance as
All-season or Snow tires, Ford does not recommend using summer tires
when temperatures drop to approximately 40°F (5°C) or below
(depending on tire wear and environmental conditions) or in snow/ice
conditions. Like any tire, summer tire performance is affected by tire
wear and environmental conditions. If you must drive in those
conditions, Ford recommends using Mud and Snow (M+S, M/S),
All-season or Snow tires.
VEHICLE LOADING – WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER
This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or
trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating
capability, with or without a trailer. Properly loading your vehicle will
provide maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading
your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining
your vehicle’s weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle’s
Tire Label or Safety Compliance Certification Label:
Base Curb Weight– is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of
fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or
optional equipment.
Vehicle Curb Weight– is the weight of your new vehicle when you
picked it up from your authorized dealer plus any aftermarket
equipment.
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All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles:
Tow your AWD vehicle 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.
Note: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 toStartingin the
Drivingchapter).
•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.
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