brake light FORD TAURUS 2017 User Guide

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out. Have thesystem checked by an authorized dealer. Ifyour vehicle has continuous vibration orshudder in the steering wheel while braking,have it checked by an authorized dealer.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear and does not contribute tobrake noise. See Cleaning the Wheels(page 264).
Note:Depending on applicable laws andregulations in the country for which yourvehicle was originally built, your brake lampsmay flash during heavy braking. Followingthis, your hazard lights may also flash whenyour vehicle comes to a stop.
See Warning Lamps andIndicators (page 85).
Wet brakes result in reduced brakingefficiency. Gently press the brake pedal afew times when driving from a car wash orstanding water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedalbecomes stuck or entrapped, apply steadyand firm pressure to the brake pedal toslow the vehicle and reduce engine power.If you experience this condition, apply thebrakes and bring your vehicle to a safestop. Move the transmission to park (P),switch the engine off and apply the parkingbrake. Inspect the accelerator pedal forany interference. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brakerapidly by measuring the rate at which youpress the brake pedal. It providesmaximum braking efficiency as long as youpress the pedal, and can reduce stoppingdistances in critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
This lamp momentarilyilluminates when you turn theignition on. If the light does notilluminate during start up, remains on orflashes, the system may be disabled. Havethe system checked by an authorizeddealer. If the anti-lock brake system isdisabled, normal braking is still effective.
If the brake warning lampilluminates when you release theparking brake, have the systemchecked by an authorized dealer.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
Note:When the system is operating, thebrake pedal may pulse and may travelfurther. Maintain pressure on the brakepedal. You may also hear a noise from thesystem. This is normal.
The anti-lock braking system will noteliminate the risks when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle infront of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•You take corners too fast.
•The road surface is poor.
164
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
BrakesE144522 E144522

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoiddrive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the systemapplies the brakes to individual wheelsand, when needed, reduces engine powerat the same time. If the wheels spin whenaccelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,the system reduces engine power in orderto increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING
The stability and traction controllight illuminates steadily if thesystem detects a failure. Make sureyou did not manually disable the tractioncontrol system using the informationdisplay controls or the switch. If thestability control and traction control lightis still illuminating steadily, have thesystem serviced by an authorized dealerimmediately. Operating your vehicle withthe traction control disabled could lead toan increased risk of loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,switching traction control off may bebeneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
Note:When you switch traction control off,stability control remains fully active.
Switching the System Off
When you switch the system off or on, amessage appears in the informationdisplay showing system status.
You can switch the system off by eitherusing the information display controls orthe switch.
Using the Information DisplayControls
You can switch this feature off or on in theinformation display. See GeneralInformation (page 89).
Using a Switch (If Equipped)
Use the traction control switch on theinstrument panel to switch the system offor on.
The switch illuminates when tractioncontrol is off.
System Indicator Lights andMessages
The stability and traction controllight:
•Temporarily illuminates on enginestart-up.
•Flashes when a driving conditionactivates either of the systems.
•Illuminates if a problem occurs in eitherof the systems.
The stability and traction controloff light temporarily illuminateson engine start-up and stays onwhen you switch the traction controlsystem off.
166
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Traction ControlE138639 E130458

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involvingbraking system, aftermarket roofracks, suspension, steering system,tire construction and wheel and tire sizemay change the handling characteristicsof your vehicle and may adversely affectthe performance of the electronic stabilitycontrol system. In addition, installing anystereo loudspeakers may interfere withand adversely affect the electronic stabilitycontrol system. Install any aftermarketstereo loudspeaker as far as possible fromthe front center console, the tunnel, andthe front seats in order to minimize the riskof interfering with the electronic stabilitycontrol sensors. Reducing theeffectiveness of the electronic stabilitycontrol system could lead to an increasedrisk of loss of vehicle control, vehiclerollover, personal injury and death.
Remember that even advancedtechnology cannot defy the laws ofphysics. It’s always possible to losecontrol of a vehicle due to inappropriatedriver input for the conditions. Aggressivedriving on any road condition can causeyou to lose control of your vehicleincreasing the risk of personal injury orproperty damage. Activation of theelectronic stability control system is anindication that at least some of the tireshave exceeded their ability to grip the road;this could reduce the operator’s ability tocontrol the vehicle potentially resulting ina loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death. If your electronicstability control system activates, SLOWDOWN.
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
If a fault occurs in either the stabilitycontrol or the traction control system, youmay experience the following conditions:
•The stability and traction control lightilluminates steadily.
•The stability control and tractioncontrol systems do not enhance yourvehicle's ability to maintain traction ofthe wheels.
If a driving condition activates either thestability control or the traction controlsystem you may experience the followingconditions:
•The stability and traction control lightflashes.
•Your vehicle slows down.
•Reduced engine power.
•A vibration in the brake pedal.
•The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
•If the driving condition is severe andyour foot is not on the brake, the brakepedal may move as the system applieshigher brake force.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent skids or lateral slides byapplying brakes to one or more of thewheels individually and, if necessary,reducing engine power.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto maintain traction of the wheels bydetecting and controlling wheel spin. SeeUsing Traction Control (page 166).
167
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Stability Control

The indicator appears in theinformation display.
The current gap setting and SET alsoappears in the instrument cluster.
Setting the Adaptive Cruise Speed
1. Drive to desired speed.
2. Press and release SET+ or SET-.
3. Take your foot off the acceleratorpedal.
4. The information display will show agreen indicator light, current gapsetting and desired set speed.
5. A vehicle graphic illuminates if there isa vehicle detected in front of you.
Note:When adaptive cruise control isactive, the speedometer may vary slightlyfrom the set speed displayed in theinformation display.
Following a Vehicle
WARNINGS
When following a vehicle, yourvehicle does not decelerateautomatically to a stop, nor doesyour vehicle always decelerate quicklyenough to avoid a crash without driverintervention. Always apply the brakes whennecessary. Failing to do so may result in acrash, serious injury or death.
Adaptive cruise control only warnsof vehicles detected by the radarsensor. In some cases there may beno warning or a delayed warning. Alwaysapply the brakes when necessary. Failureto do so may result in a crash, serious injuryor death.
Note:The brakes may emit a sound whenmodulated by the adaptive cruise controlsystem.
When a vehicle ahead of you enters thesame lane or a slower vehicle is ahead inthe same lane, the vehicle speed adjuststo maintain a preset gap distance. Thedistance setting is adjustable.
The lead vehicle graphic will illuminate.
To help you pass a vehicle in front of you,the adaptive cruise control system mayprovide a small temporary accelerationwhen you switch on your left turn signalwhile following a lead car.
Your vehicle maintains a consistent gapfrom the vehicle ahead until:
•The vehicle in front of you acceleratesto a speed above the set speed.
•The vehicle in front of you moves outof your lane or out of view.
•The vehicle speed falls below 12 mph(20 km/h).
•A new gap distance is set.
180
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Cruise ControlE144529 E173594 E173595

Each time you start the vehicle, the systemwill select the last chosen gap for thecurrent driver.
Disengaging the System
Press the brake pedal or press CNCL. Thelast set speed will appear in grey.
Overriding the System
WARNING
If you override the system by pressingthe accelerator pedal, it does notautomatically apply the brakes tomaintain a gap from any vehicle ahead.
You can override the set speed and gapdistance by pressing the accelerator pedal.
When you override the system,the green indicator lightilluminates and the lead vehiclegraphic does not show in the informationdisplay.
The system will resume operation whenyou release the accelerator pedal. Thevehicle speed will decrease to the setspeed, or a lower speed if following aslower vehicle.
Changing the Set Speed
•Press and release SET+ or SET-. Whenyou select km/h as the displaymeasurement in the informationdisplay, the set speed changes inapproximately 1 km/h increments.When you select mph as the displaymeasurement in the informationdisplay, the set speed changes inapproximately 1 mph increments.
•Press and hold SET+ or SET-. The setspeed changes in approximately 5 mph(10 km/h) increments.
The system may apply the brakes to slowthe vehicle to the new set speed. The setspeed displays continuously in theinformation display when the system isactive.
Note: If you accelerate by pressing theaccelerator pedal, the set speed will notchange. When you release the acceleratorpedal, your vehicle returns to the speed thatyou previously set.
Resuming the Set Speed
Note:Only use resume if you are aware ofthe set speed and intend to return to it.
Press and release RES. The vehicle willreturn to the previously set speed. The setspeed will display continuously in theinformation display while the system isactive.
Automatic Cancellation
The system is not functional at vehiclespeeds below 12 mph (20 km/h). Anaudible alarm will sound and theautomatic braking releases if the vehicledrops below this speed.
Hilly Condition Usage
Note:An audible alarm will sound and thesystem will shut down if it is applying brakesfor an extended period of time. This allowsthe brakes to cool down. The system willfunction normally again when the brakeshave cooled down.
You should select a lower gear positionwhen the system is active in situationssuch as prolonged downhill driving onsteep grades, for example in mountainousareas. The system needs additional enginebraking in these situations to reduce theload on the vehicle’s regular brake systemto prevent them from overheating.
182
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Cruise ControlE144529

Switching to Normal CruiseControl
WARNING
Normal cruise control will not brakewhen your vehicle is approachingslower vehicles. Always be aware ofwhich mode you have selected and applythe brakes when necessary.
You can manually change from adaptivecruise control to normal cruise controlthrough the information display.
The cruise control indicator lightreplaces the adaptive cruisecontrol indicator light if youselect normal cruise control. The gapsetting does not display, the system doesnot automatically respond to lead vehicles.Automatic braking remains active tomaintain set speed.
185
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Cruise ControlE71340

Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•Correct tire pressures.
•Uneven tire wear.
•Loose or worn suspensioncomponents.
•Loose or worn steering components.
•Improper vehicle alignment.
Note:A high crown in the road or highcrosswinds may also make the steeringseem to wander or pull.
Adaptive Learning
The electronic power steering systemadaptive learning helps correct roadirregularities and improves overall handlingand steering feel. It communicates withthe brake system to help operateadvanced stability control and accidentavoidance systems. Additionally, wheneverthe battery is disconnected or a newbattery installed, you must drive yourvehicle a short distance before the systemrelearns the strategy and reactivates allsystems.
COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM
(If Equipped)
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
This system is designed to be asupplementary driving aid. It is notintended to replace the driver’sattention, and judgment, or the need toapply the brakes. This system does NOTactivate the brakes automatically. Failureto press the brake pedal to activate thebrakes may result in a collision.
WARNINGS
The collision warning system withbrake support cannot help preventall collisions. Do not rely on thissystem to replace driver judgment and theneed to maintain distance and speed.
Note:The system does not detect, warn orrespond to potential collisions with vehiclesto the rear or sides of the vehicle.
Note:The collision warning system is activeat speeds above approximately 5 mph(8 km/h).
This system is designed to alert the driverof certain collision risks. A radar detects ifyour vehicle is rapidly approaching anothervehicle traveling in the same direction asyours.
If it is, a red warning light illuminates andan audible warning chime sounds.
197
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving AidsE156130 E156131

The brake support system assists the driverin reducing the collision speed by chargingthe brakes. If the risk of collision furtherincreases after the warning lightilluminates, the brake support preparesthe brake system for rapid braking. Thismay be apparent to the driver. The systemdoes not automatically activate the brakesbut, if the brake pedal is pressed, full forcebraking is applied even if the brake pedalis lightly pressed.
Using the Collision Warning System
WARNING
The collision warning system’s brakesupport can only help reduce thespeed at which a collision occurs ifthe driver applies the vehicle’s brakes. Thebrake pedal must be pressed just like anytypical braking situation.
The warning system sensitivity can beadjusted to one of three possible settingsby using the information display control.See General Information (page 89).
Note:If collision warnings are perceived asbeing too frequent or disturbing then thewarning sensitivity can be reduced, thoughthe manufacturer recommends using thehighest sensitivity setting where possible.Setting lower sensitivity would lead to fewerand later system warnings. See GeneralInformation (page 89).
Blocked Sensors
If a message regarding a blocked sensorappears in the information display, theradar signals from the sensor have beenobstructed. The sensors are located behinda fascia cover near the driver side of thelower grille. When the sensors areobstructed, a vehicle ahead cannot bedetected and the collision warning systemdoes not function. The following table listspossible causes and actions for thismessage being displayed.
198
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving AidsE145632

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Towing trailers beyond themaximum recommendedgross trailer weight exceeds thelimit of your vehicle and couldresult in engine damage,transmission damage, structuraldamage, loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover and personalinjury.
Do not exceed the GVWR orthe GAWR specified on thecertification label.
Note: See RecommendedTowing Weights (page 207).
Your vehicle may have electricalitems, such as fuses or relays,related to towing. See Fuses(page 226).
Your vehicle's load capacitydesignation is by weight, not byvolume, so you cannot necessarilyuse all available space whenloading a vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places an extraload on your vehicle's engine,transmission, axle, brakes, tiresand suspension. Inspect thesecomponents periodically during,and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailermovement affects your vehiclewhen driving:
•Load the heaviest items closestto the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest itemscentered between the left andright side trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items abovethe trailer axles or just slightlyforward toward the trailertongue. Do not allow the finaltrailer tongue weight to goabove or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight.
•Select a ball mount with thecorrect rise or drop and loadcapacity. When both theloaded vehicle and trailer areconnected, the trailer frameshould be level, or slightlyangled down toward yourvehicle, when viewed from theside.
When driving with a trailer orpayload, a slight takeoff vibrationor shudder may be present due tothe increased payload weight.Additional information regardingproper trailer loading and settingyour vehicle up for towing islocated in another chapter of thismanual. See Load Limit (page200).
You can also find information inthe RV & Trailer Towing Guideavailable at your authorizeddealer, or online.
206
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Towing

ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle lawsfor towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included withtowing accessories for the properinstallation and adjustmentspecifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. See your scheduledmaintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency givesyou.
You can find information on loadspecification terms found on the tire labeland Safety Compliance label as well asinstructions on calculating your vehicle'sload in the Load Carrying chapter. SeeLoad Limit (page 200).
Remember to account for the trailertongue weight as part of your vehicle loadwhen calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of thetotal trailer weight is on the tongue.
Safety Chains
Note:Never attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to thehook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the trailer’s safety chains, crossthem under the trailer tongue and allowenough slack for turning tight corners. Donot allow the chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulicbrake system directly to yourvehicle's brake system. Your vehiclemay not have enough braking power andyour chances of having a collision greatlyincrease.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Separate functioning brake systemsare required for safe control of towedvehicles and trailers weighing morethan 1500 pounds (680 kilograms)when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiringto the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; thismay damage the electrical systemresulting in fire. Contact your authorizeddealer as soon as possible for assistancein proper trailer tow wiring installation.Additional electrical equipment may berequired.
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
208
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Towing