service indicator FORD TAURUS 2017 User Guide

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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Traction ControlE138639 E130458

False Alerts
Note:When towing a trailer, the sensorsmay detect the trailer thus causing a falsealert. It may be desirable to turn the BlindSpot Information System off if the falsealerts become annoying.
There may be certain instances when thereis a false alert by the Cross Traffic Alertsystem that illuminates the alert indicatorwith no vehicle in the coverage zone. Someamount of false alerts are normal; they aretemporary and self-correct.
System Errors
If Cross Traffic Alert senses a problem withthe left or right sensor a message willappear in the information display. SeeInformation Messages (page 98).
Switching the System Off and On
You can temporarily switch Cross TrafficAlert off in the information display. SeeInformation Messages (page 98). Whenyou switch Cross Traffic Alert off, you willnot receive alerts and the informationdisplay will display a system off message.
Note:The Cross Traffic Alert switches onwhenever the ignition is switched on andready to provide appropriate alerts whenthe transmission is in reverse (R). CrossTraffic Alert will not remember the lastselected on or off setting.
You can also have Cross Traffic Alertswitched off permanently at an authorizeddealer. Once switched off permanently,the system can only be switched back onat an authorized dealer.
STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNINGS
The electric power steering systemhas diagnostic checks thatcontinuously monitor the system. Ifa fault is detected, a message displays inthe information display. Stop your vehicleas soon as it is safe to do so. Switch theignition off. After at least 10 seconds,switch the ignition on and watch theinformation display for a steering systemwarning message. If a steering systemwarning message returns, have the systemchecked by an authorized dealer.
If the system detects an error, youmay not feel a difference in thesteering, however a serious conditionmay exist. Obtain immediate service froman authorized dealer, failure to do so mayresult in loss of steering control.
Your vehicle has an electric power steeringsystem. There is no fluid reservoir. Nomaintenance is required.
If your vehicle loses electrical power whileyou are driving, electric power steeringassistance is lost. The steering system stilloperates and you can steer your vehiclemanually. Manually steering your vehiclerequires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increasethe effort required for you to steer yourvehicle. This increased effort preventsoverheating and permanent damage tothe steering system. You do not lose theability to steer your vehicle manually.Typical steering and driving maneuversallow the system to cool and return tonormal operation.
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Driving Aids

This program is separate from the NewVehicle Limited Warranty, but the coverageis concurrent with the powertrain coverageperiod of your vehicle.
Canadian customers who require roadsideassistance, call 1-800-665-2006.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: UsingRoadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistanceidentification card and place it in yourwallet for quick reference.
In Canada, this card is found in theWarranty Guide in the glove compartmentof your vehicle.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: RoadsideAssistance Program Coverage
The service is available 24 hours a day,seven days a week.
Canadian roadside coverage and benefitsmay differ from the U.S. coverage.
For complete program coverage detailsyou may contact your dealer, you can callus in Canada at 1-800-665-2006, or visitour website at www.ford.ca.
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
Note:If used when the vehicle is notrunning, the battery will lose charge. Theremay be insufficient power to restart yourvehicle.
The hazard warning button islocated on the instrument panel.Use it when your vehicle iscreating a safety hazard for othermotorists.
•Press the button to turn on the hazardwarning function, and the front andrear direction indicators will flash.
•Press the button again to turn themoff.
FUEL SHUTOFF
WARNING
Failure to inspect and, if necessary,repair fuel leaks after a collision mayincrease the risk of fire and seriousinjury. Ford Motor Company recommendsthat the fuel system be inspected by anauthorized dealer after any collision.
In the event of a moderate to severecollision, this vehicle includes a fuel pumpshutoff feature that stops the flow of fuelto the engine. Not every impact will causea shutoff.
Should your vehicle shut off after acollision, you may restart your vehicle. Forvehicles equipped with a key system:
1. Switch off the ignition.
2. Switch on the ignition.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 to re-enable thefuel pump.
For vehicles equipped with a push buttonstart system:
1. Press the START/STOP button toswitch off the ignition.
2. Press the brake pedal and press theSTART/STOP button to switch on theignition.
3.Remove your foot from the brake pedaland press the START/STOP buttonto switch off the ignition.
4. You can either attempt to start theengine by pressing the brake pedal andthe START/STOP button, or switchon the ignition only by pressing theSTART/STOP button withoutpressing the brake pedal. Both waysre-enable the fuel system.
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Roadside Emergencies

5. Locate the vertical adjuster on eachheadlamp. Use a Phillips #2screwdriver to turn the adjuster eitherclockwise or counterclockwise toadjust the vertical aim of theheadlamp. The horizontal edge of thebrighter light should touch thehorizontal reference line.
6.Repeat Steps 3 through 7 to adjust theother headlamp.
7.Close the hood and turn off the lamps.
Horizontal Aim Adjustment
Horizontal aim is not required for thisvehicle and is not adjustable.
CHANGING A BULB
WARNINGS
Bulbs can become hot. Let the bulbcool down before removing it. Failureto do so could result in personalinjury.
Switch the lamps and the ignition off.Failure to follow this warning couldresult in serious personal injury.
Use the correct specification bulb. SeeBulb Specification Chart (page 257).
Install in the reverse order unless otherwisestated.
High-Intensity DischargeHeadlamps
These lamps operate at a high voltage. Seean authorized dealer if they fail.
Front Fog Lamp (If Equipped)
1.Switch all of the lamps and the ignitionoff.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector.
3.Turn the bulb holder counterclockwiseand remove it.
Note:Do not touch the bulb glass.
Note:You cannot separate the bulb fromthe bulb holder.
LED Lamps
LED lamps are not serviceable items. Seean authorized dealer if they fail.
The following lamps are LED:
•Front parking lamps.
•Front side marker lamps.
•Front direction indicators.
•Front side marker lamps.
•Side direction indicators.
•Brake and rear lamps.
•Central high mounted brake lamp.
•Rear direction indicators.
•Reversing lamps.
License Plate Lamp
1.Switch all of the lamps and the ignitionoff.
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MaintenanceE163826

WARNINGS
3. Stand at a minimum of 12 ft(3.66 m) away from the wheeland tire assembly.
4. Use both eye and earprotection.
For a mounting pressure morethan 20 psi (1.38 bar) greater thanthe maximum pressure, a Forddealer or other tire serviceprofessional should do themounting.
Always inflate steel carcass tireswith a remote air fill with theperson inflating standing at aminimum of 12 ft (3.66 m) awayfrom the wheel and tire assembly.
Important: Remember to replacethe wheel valve stems when theroad tires are replaced on yourvehicle.
It is recommended that the twofront tires or two rear tiresgenerally be replaced as a pair.
The tire pressure sensors mountedin the wheels (originally installedon your vehicle) are not designedto be used in aftermarket wheels.
The use of wheels or tires notrecommended by Ford MotorCompany may affect theoperation of your tire pressuremonitoring system.
If the tire pressure monitoringsystem indicator is flashing, yoursystem is malfunctioning. Yourreplacement tire might beincompatible with your tirepressure monitoring system, orsome component of the systemmay be damaged.
Safety Practices
WARNINGS
If your vehicle is stuck insnow, mud or sand, do notrapidly spin the tires; spinning thetires can tear the tire and causean explosion. A tire can explode inas little as three to five seconds.
Do not spin the wheels atover 34 mph (55 km/h). Thetires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
Driving habits have a great dealto do with your tire mileage andsafety.
*Observe posted speed limits
*Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
*Avoid potholes and objects onthe road
*Do not run over curbs or hit thetire against a curb when parking
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Wheels and Tires

Please note that the TPMS is not asubstitute for proper tire maintenance, andit is the driver’s responsibility to maintaincorrect tire pressure, even if under-inflationhas not reached the level to triggerillumination of the TPMS low tire pressuretelltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped witha TPMS malfunction indicator to indicatewhen the system is not operating properly.The TPMS malfunction indicator iscombined with the low tire pressuretelltale. When the system detects amalfunction, the telltale will flash forapproximately one minute and then remaincontinuously illuminated. This sequencewill continue upon subsequent vehiclestart-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator isilluminated, the system may not be ableto detect or signal low tire pressure asintended. TPMS malfunctions may occurfor a variety of reasons, including theinstallation of replacement or alternatetires or wheels on the vehicle that preventthe TPMS from functioning properly.Always check the TPMS malfunctiontelltale after replacing one or more tires orwheels on your vehicle to ensure that thereplacement or alternate tires and wheelsallow the TPMS to continue to functionproperly.
This device complies with Part 15 of theFCC Rules and with Industry Canadalicense-exempt RSS standard(s).Operation is subject to the following twoconditions:
•This device may not cause harmfulinterference.
•This device must accept anyinterference received, includinginterference that may cause undesiredoperation.
Changing Tires With a TirePressure Monitoring System
Note:Each road tire is equipped with a tirepressure sensor located inside the wheeland tire assembly cavity. The pressuresensor is attached to the valve stem. Thepressure sensor is covered by the tire and isnot visible unless the tire is removed. Takecare when changing the tire to avoiddamaging the sensor
You should always have your tires servicedby an authorized dealer.
Check the tire pressure periodically (atleast monthly) using an accurate tiregauge. See Inflating Your Tires in thischapter.
Understanding Your Tire PressureMonitoring System
The tire pressure monitoring systemmeasures pressure in your four road tiresand sends the tire pressure readings toyour vehicle. The low tire pressure warninglight will turn on if the tire pressure issignificantly low. Once the light isilluminated, your tires are under-inflatedand need to be inflated to themanufacturer’s recommended tirepressure. Even if the light turns on and ashort time later turns off, your tire pressurestill needs to be checked.
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Wheels and TiresE142549

How Temperature Affects Your TirePressure
The tire pressure monitoring systemmonitors tire pressure in each pneumatictire. While driving in a normal manner, atypical passenger tire inflation pressuremay increase about 2–4 psi (14–28 kPa)from a cold start situation. If the vehicle isstationary overnight with the outsidetemperature significantly lower than thedaytime temperature, the tire pressure maydecrease about 3 psi (21 kPa) for a drop of30°F (17°C) in ambient temperature. Thislower pressure value may be detected bythe tire pressure monitoring system asbeing significantly lower than therecommended inflation pressure andactivate the system warning light for lowtire pressure. If the low tire pressurewarning light is on, visually check each tireto verify that no tire is flat. If one or moretires are flat, repair as necessary. Checkthe air pressure in the road tires. If any tireis under-inflated, carefully drive the vehicleto the nearest location where air can beadded to the tires. Inflate all the tires tothe recommended inflation pressure.
CHANGING A ROAD WHEEL
WARNINGS
Do not use tire sealants as they maydamage the tire pressure monitoringsystem.
If the tire pressure monitor sensorbecomes damaged it may notfunction.
Note:The tire pressure monitoring systemindicator light will illuminate when the sparetire is in use. To restore the full function ofthe monitoring system, all road wheelsequipped with tire pressure monitoringsensors must be mounted on the vehicle.
If you get a flat tire while driving, do notapply the brake heavily. Instead, graduallydecrease your speed. Hold the steeringwheel firmly and slowly move to a safeplace on the side of the road.
Have a flat serviced by an authorizeddealer in order to prevent damage to thetire pressure monitoring system sensors.See Tire Pressure Monitoring System(page 287). Replace the spare tire with aroad tire as soon as possible. Duringrepairing or replacing of the flat tire, havethe authorized dealer inspect the tirepressure monitoring system sensor fordamage.
Dissimilar Spare Wheel and TireAssembly Information
WARNING
Failure to follow these guidelinescould result in an increased risk ofloss of vehicle control, injury or death.
If you have a dissimilar spare wheel andtire, then it is intended for temporary useonly. This means that if you need to use it,you should replace it as soon as possiblewith a road wheel and tire assembly thatis the same size and type as the road tiresand wheels that were originally providedby Ford. If the dissimilar spare tire or wheelis damaged, it should be replaced ratherthan repaired.
A dissimilar spare wheel and tire assemblyis defined as a spare wheel and tireassembly that is different in brand, size orappearance from the road tires and wheelsand can be one of three types:
1.T-type mini-spare: This spare tirebegins with the letter T for tire size andmay have Temporary Use Only molded inthe sidewall.
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Wheels and Tires

When the oil change message appears inthe information display, it is time for an oilchange. Make sure you perform the oilchange within two weeks or 500 miles(800 kilometers) of the messageappearing. Make sure you reset theIntelligent Oil-Life Monitor after each oilchange. See Oil Change Indicator Reset(page 243).
If your information display resetsprematurely or becomes inoperative, youshould perform the oil change interval atsix months or 5000 miles (8000kilometers) from your last oil change.Never exceed one year or 10000 miles(16000 kilometers) between oil changeintervals.
Your vehicle is very sophisticated and builtwith multiple, complex, performancesystems. Every manufacturer developsthese systems using differentspecifications and performance features.That is why it is important to rely upon yourdealership to properly diagnose and repairyour vehicle.
Ford Motor Company has recommendedmaintenance intervals for various partsand component systems based uponengineering testing. Ford Motor Companyrelies upon this testing to determine themost appropriate mileage for replacementof oils and fluids to protect your vehicle atthe lowest overall cost to you andrecommends against maintenanceschedules that deviate from the scheduledmaintenance information.
We strongly recommend the use of onlygenuine Ford, Motorcraft orFord-authorized re-manufacturedreplacement parts engineered for yourvehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and the FordWorkshop Manual list the recommendedadditives and chemicals for your vehicle.We do not recommend using chemicals oradditives not approved by us as part ofyour vehicle’s normal maintenance. Pleaseconsult your warranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is anormal operating characteristic and, byitself, does not necessarily indicate aconcern or that the fluid needs to bechanged. However, a qualified expert, suchas the factory-trained technicians at yourdealership, should inspect discolored fluidsthat also show signs of overheating orforeign material contaminationimmediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle’s oils andfluids at the specified intervals or inconjunction with a repair. Flushing is aviable way to change fluid for many vehiclesub-systems during scheduledmaintenance. It is critical that systems areflushed only with new fluid that is the sameas that required to fill and operate thesystem or using a Ford-approved flushingchemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basicmaintenance checks and inspections everymonth or at six-month intervals.
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Scheduled Maintenance

At every oil change interval as indicated by the information display*
Inspect the tires, tire wear and measure the tread depth.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness ordrag.
* Do not exceed one year or 10000 miles (16000 kilometers) between service intervals.** Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Oil ChangeIndicator Reset (page 243).
Other maintenance items 1
Replace cabin air filter.Every 20000 miles (32000km)
Replace engine air filter.Every 30000 miles (48000km)
Change engine coolant.2At 100000 miles (160000km)
Replace spark plugs.Every 100000 miles(160000 km)Inspect accessory drive belt(s).3
Change automatic transmission fluid.Every 150000 miles(240000 km)Replace accessory drive belt(s).4
1 Perform these maintenance items within 3000 miles (4800 kilometers) of the lastengine oil and filter change. Do not exceed the designated distance for the interval.2 Initial replacement at six years or 100000 miles (160000 kilometers), then every threeyears or 50000 miles (80000 kilometers).3 After initial inspection, inspect every other oil change until replaced.4 If not replaced within the last 100000 miles (160000 kilometers).
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Scheduled Maintenance

Operating in off-road (unpaved, sandy, dusty) and Mountainous conditions
Replace cabin air filter.Inspect frequently, serviceas requiredReplace engine air filter.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormalnoise, wear, looseness or drag.Every 5000 miles (8000km)
Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure treaddepth.
Change engine oil and filter.*Every 5000 miles (8000km) or six monthsPerform multi-point inspection.
Change automatic transmission fluid.Every 30000 miles (48000km)
*Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Oil ChangeIndicator Reset (page 243).
Exclusive use of E85 (flex fuel vehicles only)
If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full with regularunleaded fuel.Every oil change
Exceptions
There are several exceptions to the NormalSchedule:
Axle and PTU maintenance: The PowerTransfer Unit (PTU) and rear axle (AWDonly) in your vehicle does not require anynormal scheduled maintenance. TaurusSHO vehicles are electronically monitoredand notify the driver required by service bydisplaying a message in the informationdisplay. The PTU lubricant will be morelikely to require a fluid change if the vehiclehas extended periods of extreme or severeduty cycle driving. Changing or checking
the PTU lubricant is not necessary unlessthe unit has been submerged in water,shows sign of leakage or (Taurus SHOonly) a message indicating required serviceis displayed. Contact your authorizeddealer for service.
California fuel filter replacement: If youregister your vehicle in California, theCalifornia Air Resources Board hasdetermined that the failure to perform thismaintenance item does not nullify theemission warranty or limit recall liabilitybefore the completion of your vehicle'suseful life. Ford Motor Company, however,urges you to have all recommendedmaintenance services performed at thespecified intervals and to record all vehicleservice.
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Scheduled Maintenance