power steering FORD TAURUS 2013 6.G Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: FORD, Model Year: 2013, Model line: TAURUS, Model: FORD TAURUS 2013 6.GPages: 541, PDF Size: 6.11 MB
Page 7 of 541

Maintenance 280
General information...................................280
Opening and closing the hood............................281
Under hood overview..................................282
Engine oil dipstick....................................286
Engine oil check......................................286
Engine coolant check..................................287
Automatic transmission fluid check........................292
Brake fluid check.....................................297
Power steering fluid check..............................297
Fuel filter...........................................297
Washer fluid check....................................298
Battery.............................................298
Checking the wiper blades...............................300
Air filter(s)..........................................300
Adjusting the headlamps................................302
Changing a bulb......................................304
Bulb specification chart.................................308
Vehicle Care 309
Cleaning products.....................................309
Cleaning the exterior...................................309
Waxing.............................................311
Repairing minor paint damage............................311
Cleaning the engine...................................311
Cleaning the windows and wiper blades.....................312
Cleaning the interior...................................312
Cleaning the instrument panel and instrument cluster lens.......313
Cleaning leather seats..................................314
Cleaning the alloy wheels...............................314
Vehicle storage.......................................315
Table of Contents7
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 12 of 541

Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Engine OilEngine
CoolantEngine
Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open
When HotBatteryAvoid
Smoking,
Flames, or
Sparks
Battery AcidExplosive GasFan Warning
Power
Steering FluidMaintain
Correct Fluid
LevelService
Engine Soon
Engine Air
FilterCabin Air
FilterJack
Check Fuel
CapLow Tire
Pressure
Warning
12Introduction
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 81 of 541

ADJUSTING THE STEERING WHEEL
WARNING:Do not adjust the steering wheel when your vehicle
is moving.
Note:Make sure that you are sitting in the correct position. Refer to
Sitting In the Correct Positionin theSeatschapter.
1. Unlock the steering column.
2. Adjust the steering wheel to the
desired position.
3. Lock the steering column.
Power Tilt and Telescope Steering Column (If Equipped)
WARNING:Do not adjust the steering wheel when your vehicle
is moving.
Note:Make sure that you are sitting in the correct position. Refer to
Sitting In the Correct Positionin theSeatschapter.
Steering Wheel81
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 125 of 541

Keys and Intelligent
Access MessagesAction / Description
Press Brake to Start Displayed when the start/stop button is
pressed without the brake pedal being applied.
This is a reminder that the brake pedal must
be applied when the start/stop button is
pressed in order to start the engine.
Restart Now or Key is
NeededDisplayed when the start/stop button is
pressed to shut off the engine and a Intelligent
Access Key is not detected inside the vehicle.
Accessory Power
ActiveDisplayed when the vehicle is in the accessory
ignition state.
Starting System Fault This message is displayed when there is a
problem with your vehicle’s starting system.
See your authorized dealer for service.
Maintenance
MessagesAction / Description
LOW Engine Oil
PressureStop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
turn off the engine. Check the oil level. If the
warning stays on or continues to come on with
your engine running, contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Change Engine Oil
SoonDisplayed when the engine oil life remaining is
10% or less.
Oil Change Required Displayed when the oil life left reaches 0%.
Engine Coolant Over
TempDisplayed when the engine coolant
temperature is excessively high.
Washer Fluid Level
LowIndicates the washer fluid reservoir is less than
one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level.
Steering Malfunction
Service NowDisplays when the steering system needs
service. See your authorized dealer.
Service Power Steering The power steering system has detected a
condition that requires service. See your
authorized dealer.
Information Displays125
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 126 of 541

Maintenance
MessagesAction / Description
Service Power Steering
NowThe power steering system has detected a
condition within the power steering system
that requires service immediately. See your
authorized dealer.
Power Steering Assist
FaultThe power steering system has disabled power
steering assist due to a system error. See your
authorized dealer.
MyKeyMessages Action / Description
MyKey active Drive
SafelyDisplayed when MyKeyis active.
MyKey not Created Displayed during key programming when
MyKeycannot be programmed.
Speed Limited to xx
MPH/km/hDisplayed when starting the vehicle and MyKey
is in use and the MyKey speed limit is on.
Vehicle Near MyKey
Top SpeedDisplayed when a MyKeyis in use and the
MyKey speed limit is on and the vehicle speed is
near the selected top speed.
Check Speed Drive
SafelyDisplayed when a MyKeyis in use and the
optional setting is on and the vehicle exceeds a
preselected speed.
Buckle Up to Unmute
AudioDisplayed when a MyKeyis in use and
Belt-Minderis activated.
Could Not Program Key Displayed when an attempt is made to program
a spare key using two existing MyKeys.
Park Aid Messages Action / Description
Check Park Aid Displayed when the transmission is in R
(Reverse) and the park aid is disabled.
Check Rear Park Aid Displayed when the transmission is in R
(Reverse) and the park aid is disabled.
Rear Park Aid On Off Displays the rear park aid status.
126Information Displays
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 161 of 541

MEMORY FUNCTION (if equipped)
The memory control, located on the side seat panel, allows positioning
recall of the:
•Driver seat
•Power mirrors
•Adjustable pedals (if equipped)
•Power tilt/telescopic steering column (if equipped)
A. Type 1
B. Type 2
Programming a memory position
Note:A memory position may be programmed at any time.
•To program a position, move the memory features to the desired
positions using the associated controls. Press and hold the desired
memory button for at least two seconds. A chime will sound
confirming that a memory position has been set.
•To program another position, repeat the previous procedure using the
other buttons.
Recalling a memory position
A programmed memory position can be recalled:
•in any gearshift position if the ignition isnoton.
•only in P (Park) or N (Neutral) if the ignition is on.
Press the desired memory control to recall a memory position.
Recalling a memory position with the remote control
The memory positions are also recalled when you press unlock on your
remote control (if the transmitter is programmed to a memory position)
or, when you enter a valid personal entry code that is programmed to a
AB
Seats161
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 202 of 541

Driving on Snow and Ice
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.
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.
202All-Wheel Drive
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 204 of 541

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous
grinding or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be
worn-out and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on the wheels, even under normal
driving conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the brakes wear and does
not contribute to brake noise. Refer to theVehicle Carechapter for
wheel cleaning instructions.
Refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter for information on the
brake system warning light.
Wet brakes result in reduced braking efficiency. Gently press the brake
pedal a few times when driving from a car wash or standing water to dry
the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal becomes stuck or entrapped, apply
steady and firm pressure to the brake pedal to slow the vehicle and
reduce engine power. If you experience this condition, apply the brakes
and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Turn the engine off, shift to P
(Park) and apply the parking brake, and then inspect the accelerator
pedal for any interferences. If none are found and the condition persists,
have your vehicle towed to the nearest authorized dealer.
Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency brake assist detects when you brake heavily by measuring the
rate at which you press the brake pedal. It provides maximum braking
efficiency as long as you press the pedal. Emergency brake assist can
reduce stopping distances in critical situations.
204Brakes
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 238 of 541

STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING:The electric power steering system has diagnostic
checks that continuously monitor the system to ensure proper
operation. When a system error is detected the following message
Service Power Steering, Service Power Steering Now or Power Steering
Assist Fault may appear in the information display.
WARNING:The electric power steering system has diagnostics
checks that continuously monitor the system to ensure proper
operation of the electronic system. When an electronic error is
detected, Power Steering Assist Fault will be displayed in the
information display. If this happens, stop the vehicle in a safe place, and
turn off the engine. After at least 10 seconds, reset the system by
restarting the engine, and watch the information display for Power
Steering Assist Fault. If the message returns, or returns while driving,
take the vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. With the message
displayed, the steering assist is turned off, making the vehicle harder to
steer.
WARNING:If Service Power Steering is displayed in the
information display, a problem with the system function has been
detected. On the next key cycle Service Power Steering Now will be
displayed and steering assist will be removed until the steering system
is serviced. Have your vehicle taken to the nearest dealer as soon as
possible.
WARNING:Obtain immediate service if a system error is
detected. You may not notice any difference in the feel of your
steering, but a serious condition may exist. Failure to do so may result
in loss of steering control.
238Driving Aids
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 239 of 541

Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power-assisted steering system.
There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort. Extreme continuous steering may increase the effort it takes
for you to steer. This occurs to prevent internal overheating and
permanent damage to your steering system. If this should occur, you will
neither lose the ability to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause
permanent damage. Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the
system to cool and steering assist will return to normal.
When a steering system error is detected, the following messages may
appear in the information display:
•Service Power Steering
•Service Power Steering Now
•Power Steering Assist Fault
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper vehicle alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
Driving Aids239
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)