brakes 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.
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PARKING BRAKE
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fullyand make sure the transmission islocked in park (P). Failure to set theparking brake and engage park could resultin vehicle roll-away, property damage orbodily injury.
To set the parking brake, press the parkingbrake pedal down to its fullest extent. Thebrake warning lamp in the instrumentcluster will illuminate and remainsilluminated until the parking brake isreleased.
To release the parking brake, press theparking brake pedal down again.
If you are parking your vehicle on a gradeor with a trailer, press and hold the brakepedal down, then set the parking brake.There may be a little vehicle movement asthe parking brake sets to hold the vehicle'sweight. This is normal and should be noreason for concern. If needed, press andhold the service brake pedal down, thentry reapplying the parking brake. Chock thewheels if required. If the parking brakecannot hold the weight of the vehicle, theparking brake may need to be serviced orthe vehicle may be overloaded.
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Brakes

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.
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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).
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Stability Control

Stability Control Features
Traction ControlSystemElectronicStability ControlIcon StatusModeButton Func-tions
EnabledEnabledOn during bulbcheckStability andtraction controlfully enabled
Default at start-up
DisabledEnabledOnTraction controloffButton pressedmomentarily
EnabledEnabledOnSport mode(SHO withperformancepack only)
Button pressedtwice; brakesapplied
DisabledDisabledOnStability controldisabled (SHOwith perform-ance pack only)
Button pressedand held morethan 5 seconds;brakes applied;no throttle
EnabledEnabledOffStability controlfully enabledButton pressedagain afterdeactivation
The SHO with performance package isequipped with sport mode. This will allowyou to reduce normal stability controlsystem intervention and provide a morespirited driving experience.
To enter sport mode, press the stabilitycontrol button twice rapidly with thebrakes applied.
You will see a message appear in theinformation display that the system is nowin sport mode.
Note:Sport mode is not intended to beused on public roadways.
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Stability Control

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
To help avoid personal injury, pleaseread and understand the limitationsof the system as contained in thissection. Sensing is only an aid for some(generally large and fixed) objects whenmoving on a flat surface at parking speeds.Certain objects with surfaces that absorbultrasonic waves, surrounding vehicle'sparking aid systems, traffic controlsystems, fluorescent lamps, inclementweather, air brakes, and external motorsand fans may also affect the function ofthe sensing system; this may includereduced performance or a false activation.
To help avoid personal injury, alwaysuse caution when in reverse (R) andwhen using the sensing system.
This system is not designed toprevent contact with small or movingobjects. The system is designed toprovide a warning to assist the driver indetecting large stationary objects to avoiddamaging your vehicle. The system maynot detect smaller objects, particularlythose close to the ground.
Certain add-on devices such as largetrailer hitches, bike or surfboard racksand any device that may block thenormal detection zone of the system, maycreate false beeps.
Note:Keep the sensors, located on thebumper or fascia, free from snow, ice andlarge accumulations of dirt. If the sensorsare covered, the system’s accuracy can beaffected. Do not clean the sensors withsharp objects.
Note:If your vehicle sustains damage tothe bumper or fascia, leaving it misalignedor bent, the sensing zone may be alteredcausing inaccurate measurement ofobstacles or false alarms.
Note:The sensing system cannot be turnedoff when a MyKey is present. See Principleof Operation (page 51).
Note:If you attach certain add-on devicessuch as a trailer or bike rack, the rear sensingsystem may detect that add-on device andtherefore provide warnings. It is suggestedthat you disable the rear sensing systemwhen you attach an add-on device to yourvehicle to prevent these warnings.
The sensing system warns the driver ofobstacles within a certain range of yourvehicle. The system turns on automaticallywhenever you switch the ignition on.
You can turn the system on oroff by pressing the parking aidbutton. If your vehicle does nothave a parking aid button, the system canbe switched off through the informationdisplay menu or from the pop-up messagethat appears once you shift thetransmission into reverse (R). See GeneralInformation (page 89).
If a fault is present in the system, a warningmessage appears in the informationdisplay. See Information Messages(page 98).
REAR PARKING AID
The rear sensors are only active when thetransmission is in reverse (R). As yourvehicle moves closer to the obstacle, therate of the audible warning increases.When the obstacle is less than 12 in(30 cm) away, the warning soundscontinuously. If the system detects astationary or receding object farther than12 in (30 cm) from the corners of thebumper, the tone sounds for only threeseconds. Once the system detects anobject approaching, the warning soundsagain.
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Coverage area of up to 6 ft (1.8 m) fromthe rear bumper. There may be decreasedcoverage area at the outer corners of thebumper.
The system detects certain objects whilethe transmission is in reverse (R) :
•Your vehicle is moving toward astationary object at a speed of 3 mph(5 km/h) or less.
•Your vehicle is not moving, but amoving object is approaching the rearof your vehicle at a speed of 3 mph(5 km/h) or less.
•Your vehicle is moving at a speed ofless than 3 mph (5 km/h) and a movingobject is approaching the rear of yourvehicle at a speed of less than 3 mph(5 km/h).
The system provides audio warnings onlywhen your vehicle is moving or when yourvehicle is stationary and the detectedobstacle is less than 12 in (30 cm) awayfrom the bumper.
ACTIVE PARK ASSIST
WARNINGS
The system is designed to aid thedriver. It is not intended to replaceyour attention and judgment. You arestill responsible to drive with due care andattention.
At all times, you are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle, supervisingthe system and intervening, ifrequired. Failure to take care may result inthe loss of control of your vehicle, seriouspersonal injury or death.
The sensors may not detect objectsin heavy rain or other conditions thatcause interference.
Active park assist does not apply thebrakes under any circumstances.
Note:Keep the sensors, located on thebumper or fascia, free from snow, ice andlarge accumulations of dirt. Covered sensorscan affect the systems accuracy. Do notclean the sensors with sharp objects.
Note:The sensors may not detect objectswith surfaces that absorb ultrasonic waves.
Active Park Assist is an electric parking aidthat uses ultrasonic sensors. The systemdetects an available parallel parking spaceand automatically steers your vehicle intothe space (hands-free) while you controlthe accelerator, gearshift and brakes. Thesystem visually and audibly instructs youto park your vehicle.
The system may not function correctly ifsomething passes between the frontbumper and the parking space (apedestrian or cyclist) or if the edge of theneighboring parked vehicle is high off theground (for example, a bus, tow truck orflatbed truck). If you are uncomfortablewith the proximity to any vehicle or object,you may choose to override the system.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Cruise control lets you maintain a setspeed without keeping your foot on theaccelerator pedal. You can use cruisecontrol when your vehicle speed is greaterthan 20 mph (30 km/h).
USING CRUISE CONTROL
WARNINGS
Do not use cruise control on windingroads, in heavy traffic or when theroad surface is slippery. This couldresult in loss of vehicle control, seriousinjury or death.
When you are going downhill, yourvehicle speed may increase abovethe set speed. The system will notapply the brakes. Change down a gear toassist the system in maintaining the setspeed. Failure to do so could result in lossof vehicle control, serious injury or death.
Note:Cruise control will disengage if thevehicle speed decreases more than 10 mph(16 km/h) below the set speed while drivinguphill.
The cruise controls are on the steeringwheel.
Switching Cruise Control On
Press and release ON.
The indicator appears in theinstrument cluster.
Setting the Cruise Speed
1. Drive to desired speed.
2. Press and release SET+ or SET-.
3. Take your foot off the acceleratorpedal.
The indicator changes color in theinstrument cluster.
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 2 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- toincrease or decrease the set speed.Release the control when you reachthe desired speed.
•Press the accelerator or brake pedaluntil you reach the desired speed. Pressand release Set+ or Set-.
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.
Canceling the Set Speed
Press and release CNCL or tap the brakepedal. The set speed does not erase.
Resuming the Set Speed
Press and release RES.
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Switching Cruise Control Off
Press and release OFF when the system isin stand by mode or switch the ignition off.
Note:You erase the set speed when youswitch the system off.
USING ADAPTIVE CRUISE
CONTROL (If Equipped)
WARNINGS
Always pay close attention tochanging road conditions when usingadaptive cruise control. The systemdoes not replace attentive driving. Failingto pay attention to the road may result ina crash, serious injury or death.
Adaptive cruise control may notdetect stationary or slow movingvehicles below 6 mph (10 km/h).
Do not use adaptive cruise controlon winding roads, in heavy traffic orwhen the road surface is slippery.This could result in loss of vehicle control,serious injury or death.
Do not use adaptive cruise controlwhen towing a trailer that has trailerbrakes. The auto-brake componentof the adaptive cruise control system doesnot operate the trailer brakes. Usingadaptive cruise control when towing atrailer that has trailer brakes may result inthe loss of vehicle control, which couldresult in serious injury.
Adaptive cruise control is not a crashwarning or avoidance system.
Adaptive cruise control does notdetect pedestrians or objects in theroad.
Adaptive cruise control does notdetect oncoming vehicles in thesame lane.
WARNINGS
Do not use the system in poorvisibility, for example fog, heavy rain,spray or snow.
Do not use the adaptive cruisecontrol when entering or leaving ahighway, on roads with intersectionsor roundabouts or non-vehicular traffic orroads that are winding, slippery, unpaved,or steep slopes.
Do not use tire sizes other than thoserecommended because this canaffect the normal operation of thesystem. Failure to do so may result in a lossof vehicle control, which could result inserious injury.
Note:It is your responsibility to stay alert,drive safely and be in control of the vehicleat all times.
The system adjusts your speed to maintaina proper distance between you and thevehicle in front of you in the same lane. Youcan select from one of four gap settings.
The adaptive cruise controls are on thesteering wheel.
Setting Adaptive Cruise Control
Press and release ON.
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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.
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