four wheel drive FORD TAURUS 2014 6.G Owners Manual

Using your All Wheel Drive (AWD) system
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 vehicles cannot. The AWD system is active
all the time and requires no input from the operator.
Note:Your AWD vehicle is not intended for off-road use. The AWD
feature gives your vehicle some limited off-road capabilities in which
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.
Note:When an AWD system fault is present, the warning Check AWD
will display in the information display. The AWD system is not
functioning correctly and defaulted to front-wheel drive. When this
warning is displayed, have your vehicle serviced at an authorized dealer.
Note:The AWD Off message may also be displayed in the information
display if the AWD system has overheated and defaulted to front-wheel
drive. This condition may occur if the vehicle was operated in extreme
conditions with excessive wheel slip, such as deep sand. To resume
normal AWD function as soon as possible, stop the vehicle in a safe
location and stop the engine for at least 10 minutes. After the engine has
been restarted and the AWD system has adequately cooled, the AWD Off
message will turn off and normal AWD function will return. In the event
the engine is not stopped, the AWD Off message will turn off when the
system cools and normal AWD function returns.
The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) does not require any normal scheduled
maintenance. Do not check or change the PTU lubricant unless the unit
has been submerged in water or shows signs of leakage
The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) in Taurus SHO™ performance package
vehicles is electronically monitored and notifies the driver of required
service by displaying the message Change AWD Power Transfer Unit
Lube in the information display. The PTU lube will be more likely to
require a fluid change if the vehicle has experienced extended periods of
extreme/severe duty cycle driving. Do not check or change the PTU
lubricant unless the unit has been submerged in water, shows signs of
leakage or a message indicating required service is displayed. Contact
your authorized dealer for service and to reset the PTU lube life monitor.
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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 excessive wheel slip.
Do not drive your vehicle in deep sand for an extended period of time.
This could cause the AWD system to overheat and default to front-wheel
drive. If this occurs AWD Off will be displayed in the Information Display.
To resume normal AWD function as soon as possible, stop the vehicle in
a safe location and stop the engine for at least 10 minutes. After the
engine has been restarted and the AWD system has adequately cooled,
the AWD Off message will turn off and normal AWD function will return.
In the event the engine is not stopped, the AWD Off message will turn
off when the system cools and normal AWD function returns.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand under high outside
temperatures, use L (Low) gear when possible. L (Low) 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 driving at excessive speeds, this causes vehicle momentum to
work against you and your vehicle could 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 (for cars) or the bottom of the hubs
(for trucks) (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.
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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
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.
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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 theBrakeschapter for additional
information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
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
off-highway usage.
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WARNING:Do not use in poor visibility, specifically fog, rain,
spray or snow.
Note:It is your responsibility to stay alert, drive safely and be in control
of your vehicle at all times.
The system adjusts your speed to maintain a proper distance between
you and the vehicle in front of you in the same lane. You can select from
one of four GAP settings. The controls are located on the steering wheel.
At startup, the system sets the gap to the last selected setting. Once
activated, you can deactivate the system at any time by pressing the
brake pedal, pressing the steering wheelOFFcontrol or pressing the
CNCLcontrol. In addition, you can temporarily increase the vehicle
speed above the current speed by manually pressing on the accelerator
pedal.
The controls for using your cruise
control are located on the steering
wheel.
Setting Adaptive Cruise Control
1. Press and releaseON.
The information display will show
the gray indicator light, current gap
setting andSET. The system is set
to standby mode.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed.
3. PressSETupward and release. The vehicle speed is stored in the
memory.
SETRES
CNCL
ON
OFFGAP
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Front-wheel drive vehicles must have the front wheels placed on a tow
dolly when towing your vehicle from the rear using wheel lift equipment.
This prevents damage to the transmission.
Towing an all-wheel drive vehicle requires that all wheels be off the
ground, such as using a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equipment. This
prevents damage to the transmission, all-wheel drive system and vehicle.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable (without access to wheel dollies,
car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle), it can be flat-towed (all
wheels on the ground, regardless of the powertrain and transmission
configuration) under the following conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward for towing in a forward direction.
•Place the transmission in positionN.SeeAutomatic transmission
in theTransmissionchapter if you cannot move the transmission
intoN.
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 kilometers).
Recreational Towing
Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L Engine
Note:Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering your vehicle. See theClimate
Controlchapter.
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational towing, such
as towing your vehicle behind a motorhome. We designed these
guidelines to prevent damage to your transmission.
You can tow your vehicle 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. Otherwise, you cannot tow your vehicle.
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Vehicles Equipped with a 3.5L Engine
Note:Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering your vehicle. See theClimate
Controlchapter.
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational towing, such
as towing your vehicle behind a motorhome or truck. We designed these
guidelines to prevent damage to your vehicle after it is hooked-up to the
recreational vehicle or tow dolly.
You can tow your front-wheel drive vehicle 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,
see the following instructions.
You can tow your all-wheel drive 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 all-wheel drive vehicle with the front wheels off
the ground (by using a tow dolly) and the rear wheels on the ground.
This causes damage to your all-wheel drive system. If you are using a
vehicle transport trailer, follow the instructions specified by the
equipment provider. If you are towing with all four wheels on the
ground, see the following instructions.
If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground:
•Tow only in the forward direction.
•Release the parking brake.
•Place the transmission in positionN.
•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 every six hours thereafter. With the engine running
and your foot on the brake, shift into positionDand then into
positionRbefore shifting back into positionN.
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G.H:Indicates the tire’s speed rating. The speed rating denotes the
speed at which a tire is designed to be driven for extended periods of
time under a standard condition of load and inflation pressure. The tires
on your vehicle may operate at different conditions for load and inflation
pressure. These speed ratings may need to be adjusted for the difference
in conditions. The ratings range from 81 mph (130 km/h) to 186 mph
(299 km/h). These ratings are listed in the following chart.
Note:You may not find this information on all tires because it is not
required by federal law.
Letter rating Speed rating - mph (km/h)
M 81 (130)
N 87 (140)
Q 99 (159)
R 106 (171)
S 112 (180)
T 118 (190)
U 124 (200)
H 130 (210)
V 149 (240)
W 168 (270)
Y 186 (299 )
Note:For tires with a maximum speed capability over 149 mph
(240 km/h), tire manufacturers sometimes use the letters ZR. For
those with a maximum speed capability over 186 mph (299 km/h), tire
manufacturers always use the letters ZR.
H.U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN):This begins with the
letters DOT and indicates that the tire meets all federal standards. The
next two numbers or letters are the plant code designating where it was
manufactured, the next two are the tire size code and the last four
numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For example,
the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After 2000 the numbers
go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th week of 2001. The
numbers in between are identification codes used for traceability. This
information is used to contact customers if a tire defect requires a recall.
I.M+S or M/S:Mud and Snow, or
AT:All Terrain, or
AS:All Season.
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If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving, or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tires for damage. If a tire is under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove the wheel and replace it with your spare tire and
wheel. If you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest repair facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
Tire and Wheel Alignment
A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can cause the front end of your
vehicle to become misaligned or cause damage to your tires. If your
vehicle seems to pull to one side when you are driving, the wheels may
be out of alignment. Have an authorized dealer check the wheel
alignment periodically.
Wheel misalignment in the front or the rear can cause uneven and rapid
treadwear of your tires and should be corrected by an authorized dealer.
Front-wheel drive vehicles and those with an independent rear
suspension may require alignment of all four wheels.
The tires should also be balanced periodically. An unbalanced tire and
wheel assembly may result in irregular tire wear.
Tire Rotation
Note:If your tires show uneven wear ask an authorized dealer to check
for and correct any wheel misalignment, tire imbalance or mechanical
problem involved before tire rotation.
Note:Your vehicle may be equipped with a dissimilar spare tire and
wheel assembly. A dissimilar spare tire and wheel assembly is defined as
a spare tire or wheel that is different in brand, size or appearance from
the road tires and wheels. If you have a dissimilar spare tire and wheel
assembly, it is intended for temporary use only and should not be used
in a tire rotation.
Note:After having your tires rotated, inflation pressure must be checked
and adjusted to the vehicle requirements.
Rotating your tires at the recommended interval (as indicated in the
scheduled maintenance information) will help your tires wear more
evenly, providing better tire performance and longer tire life.
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•Only use the sealing compound before the use by date. The use by
date is on the lower right hand corner of the label located on the
sealant canister (bottle). Check the use by date regularly and replace
the canister after four years.
•Do not store the temporary mobility kit unsecured inside the
passenger compartment of the vehicle as it may cause injury during a
sudden stop or crash. Always store the kit in its original location.
•After sealant use, an authorized Ford dealer must replace the tire
pressure monitoring system sensor and valve stem on the wheel.
•When inflating a tire or other objects, use the black air hose only.
Do not use the transparent hose which is designed for sealant
application only.
•Operating the temporary mobility kit could cause an electrical
disturbance in radio, CD, and DVD player operation.
What to Do When a Tire Is Punctured
A tire puncture within the tire’s tread area can be repaired in two stages
with the temporary mobility kit:
•In the first stage, the tire will be reinflated with a sealing compound
and air. After the tire has been reinflated, you will need to drive the
vehicle a short distance (about 4 miles [6 kilometers]) to distribute the
sealant in the tire.
•In the second stage, check the tire pressure and adjust, if necessary,
to the vehicle’s tire inflation pressure.
First Stage: Reinflating the Tire with Sealing Compound and Air
WARNING:Do not stand directly over the temporary mobility
kit while inflating the tire. If you notice any unusual bulges or
deformations in the tire’s sidewall during inflation, stop and call
roadside assistance.
WARNING:If the tire does not inflate to the recommended tire
pressure within 15 minutes, stop and call roadside assistance.
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