brake FORD TAURUS 2012 6.G Workshop Manual

driving surfaces are relatively level, obstruction-free and otherwise
similar to normal on-road driving conditions. Operating your vehicle
under other than those conditions could subject the vehicle to excessive
stress which might result in damage which is not covered under your
warranty.
Driving on slippery surfaces with AWD vehicles
AWD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough roads and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the highway.
When driving at slow speeds off-highway under high outside
temperatures, use a low gear when possible. Lower gear operation will
maximize the engine and transmission cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
Basic operating principles
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or rollover. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Driving
274
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control™, it may be beneficial to
disengage the Traction Control™ system while attempting to rock the
vehicle.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle (i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency). Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
Driving
275
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

AWD Systems (if equipped)
AWD uses all four wheels to power the vehicle. This increases traction,
enabling you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a
conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand under high outside
temperatures, use a low gear when possible. Lower gear operation will
maximize the engine and transmission cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the wheel rims (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even AWD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the engine, transmission, AWD system components or axles are
submerged in water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if
necessary.
Driving
276
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. The front wheels have
to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore apply the brakes steadily. Do
not “pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause transmission damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Since
your vehicle is equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS),
do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter
for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
WARNING:If you are driving in slippery conditions that require
tire chains or cables, then it is critical that you drive cautiously.
Keep speeds down, allow for longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death. If the rear end of the vehicle
slides while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you
regain control of the vehicle.
Driving
278
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Maintenance and modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will rollover as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder or luggage racks).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-highway usage.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of
the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
Driving
279
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Passenger compartment fuse panel
The fuse panel is located under the instrument panel to the left of the
steering wheel.
The fuses are coded as follows.
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
1 30A Left front power window, Smart
window motor
2 15A Brake on/off switch
3 15A Driver power seat
4 30A Right front power window, Smart
window motor
5 10A Transmission shifter solenoid,
Keyless keypad
6 20A Turn signals, Hazard flashers
7 10A Low beam headlamps (left)
Roadside Emergencies
284
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
29 5A Instrument panel cluster,
Heads-up display
30 5A Not used (spare)
31 10A Not used (spare)
32 10A Airbag module
33 10A Not used (spare)
34 5A Anti-lock brake system (ABS),
Electronic power steering
35 10A Rear heated seats, AWD, Rear
park assist, Steering angle sensor,
Blind spot information system,
Multi-contour seats
36 5A Passive anti-theft system (PATS)
37 10A Not used (spare)
38 20A Subwoofer, Speaker amplifier
39 20A Radio/navigation
40 20A Not used (spare)
41 15A Delayed accessory feeds
42 10A Not used (spare)
43 10A Rear window defroster, Front
wipers, Automatic high beam
controller, Rain sensor
44 10A Not used (spare)
45 5A Front wiper relay, Blower motor
relay
46 7.5A Occupant classification sensor
(OCS), Passenger airbag
deactivation indicator (PADI)
47 30A Circuit
BreakerFront passenger power window,
Rear power windows
48 — Delayed accessory relay
Roadside Emergencies
286
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Circuits
4 30A** Front wiper
5 30A** Passenger seat
6 20A** Cigar lighter
7 60A** Engine cooling fan (non-SHO
engine)
8 30A** Moon roof
9 40A** Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
pump
10 30A** Starter relay
11 30A** Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
relay
12 20A** ABS valve
13 15A* Adaptive cruise control
14 — Not used
15 — Not used
16 20A* Left headlamp
17 10A* Alternator
18 — Not used
19 20A** Instrument panel power point
20 40A** Rear window defroster
21 20A** Console power point
22 30A** Front heated or heated/cooled
seats
23 7.5A* Powertrain control module (PCM)
(keep alive power), Canister vent
24 10A* A/C clutch
25 20A* Right headlamp
26 10A* Backup relay
27 25A* Fuel pump
28 80A** Engine cooling fan (SHO engine)
29 — Not used
30 — Not used
Roadside Emergencies
288
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Circuits
31 — Not used
32 30A** Driver seat
33 30A** Intelligent access (IA)
34 — Not used
35 40A** Front heater blower
36 20A* Passenger compartment fuse
panel run/start
37 10A* PCM relay
38 5A* Delayed accessory
39 Diode Fuel diode (iVCT only)
40 Diode One-touch integrated start (OTIS)
diode
41 G8VA relay A/C clutch
42 G8VA relay Fuel pump
43 G8VA relay Backup lamps
44 — Not used
45 — Not used
46 15A* Vehicle power 2 (PCM), Vehicle
power 3 (PCM)
47 20A* Vehicle power 1 (PCM)
48 20A* Vehicle power 4 (ignition coils)
49 15A* Heated mirrors
50 Half ISO relay Blower motor relay
51 Half ISO relay High-mount brake lamp w/ ACCM
relay
52 Half ISO relay Starter relay
53 Half ISO relay PCM power relay
54 — Not used
55 Half ISO relay Front wiper relay
56 Half ISO relay Rear window defroster relay
57 — Not used
58 — Not used
Roadside Emergencies
289
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Circuits
59 Half ISO relay Left halogen headlamp relay
60 Half ISO relay Right halogen headlamp relay
61 — Not used
62 — Not used
63 Half ISO relay Daytime running lamps (DRL) 1
relay
64 Half ISO relay DRL 2 high beam control relay
65 G8VA relay Run/start relay (IA)
66 — Not used
*Mini fuse **Cartridge fuse
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Note:The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) indicator light will
illuminate when the spare tire is in use. To restore the full functionality
of the monitoring system, all road wheels equipped with tire pressure
monitoring sensors must be mounted on the vehicle.
Have a flat serviced by an authorized dealer in order to prevent damage
to the TPMS sensors, refer toTire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS)in theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter. Replace the spare
tire with a road tire as soon as possible. During repairing or replacing of
the flat tire, have the authorized dealer inspect the TPMS sensor for
damage.
WARNING:The use of tire sealants may damage your tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and should not be used.
However, if you must use a sealant, the TPMS sensor and valve stem
on the wheel must be replaced by an authorized Ford dealer.
WARNING:Refer toTire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
in theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for important
information. If the tire pressure monitor sensor becomes damaged, it
will no longer function.
Roadside Emergencies
290
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)