steering FORD TAURUS 2012 6.G Owner's Guide

OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
bottom of the instrument panel near
the steering column.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and
release the auxiliary latch that is
located under the front center of
the hood.
3. Lift the hood.
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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.5L V6 engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Battery
5. Power distribution box
6. Air filter assembly
7. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
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•The service engine soonindicator will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
WARNING:Fail-safe mode is for use during emergencies only.
Operate the vehicle in fail-safe mode only as long as necessary to
bring the vehicle to rest in a safe location and seek immediate repairs.
When in fail-safe mode, the vehicle will have limited power, will not be
able to maintain high-speed operation, and may completely shut down
without warning, potentially losing engine power, power steering assist,
and power brake assist, which may increase the possibility of a crash
resulting in serious injury.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot. The hot coolant is under pressure and
may cause serious burns.
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The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system
during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:
15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by
20 minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle
periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
POWER STEERING FLUID (EXCEPT SHO ENGINE)
Refer toscheduled maintenance information.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir. Refer toMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter for the proper
fluid type.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Engine coolant
(3.5L V6 engine)
4
11.1 quarts
(10.5L)MotorcraftSpecialty
Green Engine Coolant
(dark green-colored)•VC-10-A2 (US)
•CVC-10-A (Canada) /
WSS-M97B55-A
MotorcraftSpecialty
Orange Engine Coolant•VC-3-B (US)
•CVC-3-B (Canada) /
WSS-M97B44-D
Engine coolant
(3.5L V6 SHO engine)
4
11.4 quarts
(10.8L)MotorcraftSpecialty
Green Engine Coolant
(dark green-colored)•VC-10-A2 (US)
•CVC-10-A (Canada) /
WSS-M97B55-A
MotorcraftSpecialty
Orange Engine Coolant•VC-3-B (US)
•CVC-3-B (Canada) /
WSS-M97B44-D
Power steering fluid
(except SHO engine)Between MAX and
MIN on reservoirMotorcraft
MERCONVATFXT-5-QM /
MERCONV
Windshield washer fluid Fill as requiredMotorcraftPremium
Windshield Washer
Concentrate (US)
Premium Quality
Windshield Washer Fluid
(Canada)ZC-32-A (US)
CXC-37-(A, B, D, and F)
(Canada) /
WSB-M8B16-A2/- -
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ENGINE DATA
Engine 3.5L V6 engine 3.5L V6 SHO engine
Cubic inches 214 214
FuelSeeOctane
recommendations
earlier in this chapter.SeeOctane
recommendationsearlier
in this chapter.
Firing order 1–4–2–5–3–6 1–4–2–5–3–6
Ignition system Coil on plug Coil on plug
Spark plug gap0.052–0.056 inch
(1.32–1.42 mm)0.033–0.037 inch
(.84–.94 mm)
Compression
ratio10.3:1 10.0:1
Engine drivebelt routing
3.5L V6 engine
1. Short drivebelt is on first pulley groove closest to engine (except
vehicles with electric power assisted steering).
2. Long drivebelt is on second pulley groove farthest from engine.
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Multi-point inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help ensure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Multi-point inspection – Recommended each visit
Accessory drive belt(s) Half-shaft dust boots (if equipped)
Battery performance Horn operation
Clutch operation (if equipped) Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Engine air filter Suspension component for leaks or
damage
Exhaust system Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps and hazard
warning system operationTires for wear and proper pressure,
including spare
Fluid levels*; fill if necessary Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission
(with an underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and
window washer
Be sure to ask your dealership service advisor or technician about the
multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a comprehensive way to perform a
thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s your checklist that gives you
immediate feedback on the overall condition of your vehicle. You’ll know
what’s been checked, what’s okay, as well as those things that may
require future or immediate attention. The multi-point vehicle inspection
is one more way to keep your vehicle running great!
Scheduled Maintenance
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Normal Scheduled Maintenance
At every oil change
interval as indicated
by the message
centerChange engine oil and filter
Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure tread
depth
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped with dipstick); consult dealer for
requirements
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake
linings, hoses and parking brake
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped)
Inspect engine cooling system strength and hoses
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
Inspect rear axle and U-joints; lubricate if
equipped with grease fittings (AWD vehicles)
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped)
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension,
tie-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints; lubricate if
equipped with grease fittings
Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter
change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter
Do not exceed one year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km) between
service intervals
Scheduled Maintenance
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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
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O
Octane rating ............................349
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................333
Overdrive ...................................253
P
Parental MyKey
programming .............................109
Parking brake ............................244
Parts
(see Motorcraftparts) ...........367
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................159
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................87
Power adjustable foot
pedals .....................................87–88
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................287
Power door locks ......................115
Power mirrors .............................86
Power point .................................82
Power steering ..........................250
fluid, checking and adding ....357
fluid, refill capacity ................368
fluid, specifications .................368
Power Windows ...........................83
Power windows
opening using remote entry
system .....................................123
Push button start system .........238
R
Radio ............................................326-CD in dash .............................32
Rear heated seats .....................156
Rear-view camera system .........260
Recommendations for
attaching safety restraints for
children ......................................188
Relays ........................................282
Remote entry system .......121–122
illuminated entry ............127–128
locking/unlocking
doors ................................122–123
opening the trunk ...................124
opening the windows .............123
panic alarm .............................124
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................127
replacing the batteries ...........125
Reverse sensing system ...........258
Roadside assistance ..................280
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..160, 162–163, 165–166
Safety Canopy ...........................182
Safety defects, reporting ..........319
Safety
restraints ...160, 162–163, 165–166
Belt-Minder...........................167
extension assembly ................165
for adults .................162–163, 165
for children .............................186
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................159
warning light and chime ........166
Safety restraints - LATCH
anchors ......................................194
Safety seats for children ..........190
Index
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