climate control FORD TAURUS 2012 6.G User Guide

VOICE COMMANDS IN CLIMATE MODE
Please refer to theVoice commands in climate modesection of the
Navigation supplementfor more information on using voice commands
with the climate control system.
Operating tips
•To reduce fog build-up on the windshield during humid weather,
select
(defrost).
•To reduce humidity build-up inside the vehicle: do not drive with the
system off or with recirculated air engaged.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2–3 minutes after starting the vehicle or until the vehicle has
“aired out.”
•A small amount of air may be felt from the floor vent regardless of the
air distribution setting that is selected.
During extreme high ambient temperatures when idling stationary for
extended periods of time in gear, it is recommended to run the A/C in
MAX A/C, reduce blower fan speed from the highest setting and put the
vehicle’s transmission in P (Park) to continue to receive cool air from
your A/C system.
For maximum cooling performance (MAX A/C):
1. Press MAX A/C. The system will default to single-zone operation and
set the temperature to 60°F (16°C).
2. A/C,
andwill be selected.
3. Fan speed will be determined by the vehicle’s internal temperature,
but can be adjusted as desired.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan to the highest speed.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents toward the side windows.
Climate Controls
60
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
R
The rear defroster control is located on the climate control panel and
works to clear the rear window of fog and thin ice.
The ignition must be on to operate the rear window defroster.
The rear defroster turns off automatically after 10 minutes or when the
ignition is turned off. To manually turn off the defroster before
10 minutes have passed, press the control again.
Do not use razor blades or other sharp objects to clean the inside
of the rear window or to remove decals from the inside of the
rear window. This may cause damage to the heated grid lines and
will not be covered by your warranty.
CABIN AIR FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a cabin air filter, located behind the glove
box. The particulate air filtration system is designed to reduce the
concentration of airborne particles such as dust, spores and pollen in the
air being supplied to the interior of the vehicle. This system provides the
following benefits:
•Improves driving comfort by reducing particle concentration.
•Improves the interior compartment cleanliness.
•Protects the climate control components from particle deposits.
Note:A cabin air filter must be installed at all times to prevent foreign
objects from entering the system. Running the system without a filter in
place could result in degradation or damage to the system.
For replacement intervals, refer to theScheduled Maintenancechapter.
For more information regarding your filter, see your authorized dealer.
Climate Controls
61
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Cooled seats
The cooled seats will only function when the engine is running.
To operate the cooled seats:
Press the cooled seat symbol/button
to cycle through the various cooling
settings and off. Cooler settings are
indicated by more indicator lights.
If the engine falls below 350 rpm while the cooled seats are on, the
feature will turn itself off and will need to be reactivated.
Note:When the heated/cooled front seat is active, you will be able to
hear the fan operating inside the seat. This is normal.
Climate controlled seats air filter replacement (if equipped)
The heated and cooled seat system includes air filters that must be
replaced periodically. Refer toScheduled maintenance information.
•There is a filter located under
each front seat.
•The filter can be accessed from the 2nd row foot-well area. Move the
front seats all the way to the full front and full up positions to ease
access.
A/C
Seating and Safety Restraints
148
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Tire Quality Grades apply to new
pneumatic passenger car tires. The
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
•Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic passenger car tires. They do
not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires, space-saver or
temporary use spare tires, light truck or “LT” type tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as
defined in Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford Motor Company to give you
the following information about tire grades exactly as the government
has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1
12) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The
grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
203
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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 245/45R20 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.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
222
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing-up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle-trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•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 theClimate
Controlschapter for more information.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to
Wrecker towingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
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) vehiclescan 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) vehiclescan 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.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
233
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
8 10A Low beam headlamps (right)
9 15A Interior lights, Cargo lamps
10 15A Switch illumination, Puddle lamps
11 10A All- wheel drive (AWD) module
12 7.5A Intelligent access (IA) module
13 5A Memory seats, Mirrors, Keypad,
IA receiver, Driver’s door module
14 10A Navigation display, Memory seat,
SYNC, Center information
display, GPS, Driver seat
15 10A Climate control
16 15A Electronic finish panel, Ambient
lighting
17 20A Trunk release, Moon roof, Smart
windows, Lock/unlock
18 20A Rear heated seats
19 25A Audio amplifier
20 15A Diagnostic connector (OBDII),
Adjustable pedal motor
21 15A Daytime running lamps (DRL)
control
22 15A Park lamps, License plate lamps,
Auxiliary lamps
23 15A High beam headlamps
24 20A Horn
25 10A Demand lighting (battery saver)
26 10A Instrument panel cluster,
Heads-up display
27 20A Ignition switch, IA, Front wipers,
One-touch integrated start (OTIS)
28 5A Start relay/Audio mute
Roadside Emergencies
285
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Additional maintenance items
1
Miles (x 1,000) 20 30 40 60 80 90 100 120 140 150
Kilometers (x 1,000) 32 48 64 96 128 144 160 192 225 240
Replace cabin air filter (if equipped)• ••• •••
Replace climate-controlled seat filter (if equipped)•••••
Replace engine air filter•••••
Change engine coolant
2
•
Replace spark plugs•
Inspect accessory drive belt(s)••
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter•
Change manual transmission fluid•
Replace accessory drive belt(s) if not replaced within the last
100,000 miles (160,000 km)•
1Additional maintenance items can be performed within 3,000 miles (4,800 km) of the last oil change. Do not exceed
the designated distance for the interval.2Initial replacement at 6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Scheduled Maintenance
390
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Changing a tire .........................290
Child safety seats ......................190
attaching with tether straps ..196
in front seat ............................190
in rear seat ..............................190
LATCH .....................................194
recommendations ...................188
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................199
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............322
instrument panel ....................325
interior .....................................326
plastic parts ............................324
washing ....................................320
waxing .....................................321
wheels ......................................321
wiper blades ............................324
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) ...........................51, 54, 57
Clock ............................................33
Collision Warning System .........262
Compass, electronic ....................79
calibration .................................80
set zone adjustment .................79
Console
overhead ....................................78
Controls
power seat ...............................143
steering column ........................98
Coolant
checking and adding ..............339
refill capacities ................342, 368
specifications ..........................368
Cross Traffic Alert ....................267
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................88Cupholder(s) .............................156
Customer Assistance ................280
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..................................378, 381
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................316
Getting roadside assistance ...280
Getting the service you
need .........................................312
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................318
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................316
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................66
Defrost
rear window and rearview
mirrors .......................................54
windshield ...........................54, 57
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................358
engine oil .................................333
Doors
central unlocking ....................116
Driving under special
conditions ..........................274, 277
sand .........................................276
snow and ice ...........................278
through water .................276, 279
E
Electronic message center .........19
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................307
Index
401
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................373
Satellite Radio Information ........47
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
Normal Scheduled
Maintenance and Log .............388
Seats ..........................................138
child safety seats ....................190
climate control ..................54, 148
easy access/easyout feature ..151
front seats .......................141, 147
heated ..............................146, 156
memory seat ...................124, 150
SecuriCode keyless entry
system ........................................129
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................131
Servicing your vehicle ..............328
Setting the clock .........................33
SOS Post Crash Alert ...............185
Spare tire (see Changing the
Tire) ...........................................293
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................367, 372
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................368
Speed control ..............................88
Starting your vehicle ........235–237
jump starting ..........................307
push button start system .......238
Steering wheel
controls ......................................98
tilting .........................................77
Stereo
CD-MP3 .....................................32
SYNC..........................................50
T
Temporary mobility kit .............297Tilt steering wheel ......................77
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....218
Tires ...........................203–204, 290
alignment ................................211
care ..........................................207
changing ..................290, 293–294
checking the pressure ............207
inflating ...................................205
label .........................................217
replacing ..................................209
rotating ....................................211
safety practices .......................210
sidewall information ...............212
snow tires and chains ............222
spare tire .................................291
Temporary mobility kit ..........297
terminology .............................204
tire grades ...............................204
treadwear ........................203, 208
Towing .......................................230
recreational towing .................233
trailer towing ..........................230
wrecker ....................................310
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............368
lubricant specifications ..........368
Transmission .............................253
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....251
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................358
Trunk .................................106, 119
remote release ........................124
Turn signal ..................................68
U
Universal garage door opener ..101
USB port ......................................44
Index
405
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)