towing FORD TAURUS 2017 User Guide

The total load on each axle mustnever exceed its Gross AxleWeight Rating.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle WeightRating)
GVWR is the maximum allowableweight of the fully loaded vehicle.This includes all options,equipment, passengers and cargo.It appears on the SafetyCompliance Certification label.The label is located on the doorhinge pillar, door-latch post, or thedoor edge that meets thedoor-latch post, next to the driverseating position.
The gross vehicle weight mustnever exceed the Gross VehicleWeight Rating.
Safety Compliance Certification LabelExample:
WARNING
Exceeding the SafetyCompliance Certificationlabel vehicle weight limits canadversely affect the performanceand handling of your vehicle,cause vehicle damage and canresult in the loss of control of yourvehicle, serious personal injury ordeath.
Maximum Loaded TrailerWeight
Maximum loaded trailer weight isthe highest possible weight of afully loaded trailer the vehicle cantow. Consult an authorized dealer(or the RV and Trailer TowingGuide available at an authorizeddealer) for more detailedinformation.
GCWR (Gross CombinedWeight Rating)
GCWR is the maximum allowableweight of the vehicle and theloaded trailer, including all cargoand passengers, that the vehiclecan handle without riskingdamage. (Important: The towingvehicle’s braking system is ratedfor operation at Gross VehicleWeight Rating, not at GrossCombined Weight Rating.)Separate functional brakes should
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Load CarryingE198828

be used for safe control of towedvehicles and for trailers where theGross Combined Weight of thetowing vehicle plus the trailerexceed the Gross Vehicle WeightRating of the towing vehicle.
The gross combined weight mustnever exceed the Gross CombinedWeight Rating.
Note: For trailer towinginformation refer to the RV andTrailer Towing Guide available atan authorized dealer.
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR orthe GAWR specified on thecertification label.
Do not use replacement tireswith lower load carryingcapacities than the original tiresbecause they may lower yourvehicle's GVWR and GAWRlimitations. Replacement tireswith a higher limit than the originaltires do not increase the GVWRand GAWR limitations.
Steps for determining thecorrect load limit:
1. Locate the statement "Thecombined weight of occupantsand cargo should never exceedXXX kg or XXX lb." on yourvehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combinedweight of the driver andpassengers that will be ridingin your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weightof the driver and passengersfrom XXX kg or XXX lb.
4.The resulting figure equals theavailable amount of cargo andluggage load capacity. Forexample, if the “XXX” amountequals 1,400 lb. and there willbe five 150 lb. passengers inyour vehicle, the amount ofavailable cargo and luggageload capacity is 650 lb.(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lb.)
5.Determine the combinedweight of luggage and cargobeing loaded on the vehicle.That weight may not safelyexceed the available cargo andluggage load capacitycalculated in Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing atrailer, load from your trailerwill be transferred to yourvehicle. Consult this manual todetermine how this reduces theavailable cargo and luggageload capacity of your vehicle.
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Load Carrying

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.
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Towing

RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/Website
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note:Do not exceed the trailerweight for your vehicleconfiguration listed in the chartbelow.
Note:Take into considerationtrailer frontal area. Do not exceed12 feet² (1.11 meters²).
Note:For high altitude operation,reduce the gross combined weightby 2% per 1000 feet (300 meters)starting at the 1000 foot (300meter) elevation point.
Note:Certain states requireelectric trailer brakes for trailersover a specified weight. Checkstate regulations for this specifiedweight. The maximum trailerweights listed may be limited tothis specified weight, as thevehicle’s electrical system may notinclude the wiring connectorneeded to use electric trailerbrakes.
Your vehicle may tow a trailerprovided the maximum trailerweight is less than or equal to themaximum trailer weight listed foryour vehicle configuration on thefollowing chart.
Maximum trailer weightEngine
1000 lb (454 kg)3.5L TiVCT front-wheel drive
1000 lb (454 kg)3.5L TiVCT all-wheel drive
1000 lb (454 kg)2.0L GTDI front-wheel drive
No trailer towing permitted3.5L GTDI all-wheel drive
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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.
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Towing

Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in position P to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off automaticallywhen you are towing on long, steepgrades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic transmission inposition P.
4. Place wheel chocks in front and backof the trailer wheels. (Chocks notincluded with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 in (15 cm) above the bottomedge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions, andreliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytimethe rear axle has been submerged in water.Water may have contaminated the rearaxle lubricant, which is not normallychecked or changed unless a leak issuspected or other axle repair is required.
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Towing

TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
You can flat-tow (all wheels on theground, regardless of thepowertrain/transmission configuration)your disabled vehicle (without access towheel dollies, car-hauling trailer, or flatbedtransport vehicle) under the followingconditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward so youtow it in a forward direction.
•You place the transmission in neutral(N). If you cannot place thetransmission in neutral (N), you mayneed to override it. See Transmission(page 153).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
Recreational Towing
Note:Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering your vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 109).
Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L Engine
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational towing, such as towingyour vehicle behind a motorhome. Wedesigned these guidelines to preventdamage to your transmission.
Front-wheel drive vehicles CANNOT beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground) asvehicle or transmission damage may occur.You must place the front wheels on atwo-wheel tow dolly. If you are using a towdolly, follow the instructions specified bythe equipment provider.
Vehicles Equipped with a 3.5L Engine
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational towing, such as towingyour vehicle behind a motorhome or truck.We designed these guidelines to preventdamage to your vehicle after it ishooked-up to the recreational vehicle ortow dolly.
You can tow your front-wheel drive vehiclewith all four wheels on the ground or withthe front wheels off the ground by using atow dolly. If you are using a tow dolly,follow the instructions specified by theequipment provider. If you are towing withall four wheels on the ground, see thefollowing instructions.
You can tow your all-wheel drive vehiclewith all four wheels on the ground or withall four wheels off the ground using avehicle transport trailer. Do not tow yourall-wheel drive vehicle with the frontwheels off the ground (by using a towdolly) and the rear wheels on the ground.This causes damage to your all-wheel drivesystem. If you are using a vehicle transporttrailer, follow the instructions specified bythe equipment provider. If you are towingwith all four wheels on the ground, see thefollowing instructions.
If you tow your vehicle with all four wheelson the ground:
•Tow only in the forward direction.
•Release the parking brake.
•Shift into neutral (N).
•Do not exceed 65 mph (105 km/h).
•Start the engine and allow it to run forfive minutes at the beginning of eachday and every six hours thereafter. Withthe engine running and your foot on thebrake, shift into drive (D) and then intoreverse (R) before shifting back intoneutral (N).
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Towing

BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires forapproximately 300 mi (480 km). Duringthis time, your vehicle may exhibit someunusual driving characteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first1,000 mi (1,600 km). Vary your speedfrequently and change up through thegears early. Do not labor the engine.
Do not tow during the first 1,000 mi(1,600 km).
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Your fuel economy is affected by severalthings, such as how you drive, theconditions you drive under, and how youmaintain your vehicle.
You may improve your fuel economy bykeeping these things in mind:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds withoutstopping.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down mayeliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimizestop-and-go driving.
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds (travelingat 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15% lessfuel than traveling at 65 mph [105km/h]).
•Keep the tires properly inflated and useonly the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance.
Avoid these actions; they reduce your fueleconomy:
•Sudden accelerations or hardaccelerations.
•Revving the engine before turning it off.
•Idle for periods longer than one minute.
•Warm up your vehicle on coldmornings.
•Use the air conditioner or frontdefroster.
•Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
•Rest your foot on the brake pedal whiledriving.
•Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow atrailer.
•Carry unnecessary weight(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] islost for every 400 lb [180 kilogram] ofweight carried).
•Driving with the wheels out ofalignment.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing atrailer may reduce fuel economy at anyspeed.
•Adding certain accessories to yourvehicle (for example bug deflectors,rollbars, light bars, running boards, skiracks or luggage racks) may reducefuel economy.
•To maximize the fuel economy, drivewith the tonneau cover installed (ifequipped).
•Using fuel blended with alcohol maylower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lowertemperatures during the first 8–10miles (12–16 kilometers) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improvedfuel economy as compared to drivingon hilly terrain.
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Driving Hints

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles Sold in the United States:Getting Roadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have avehicle concern, Ford Motor Companyoffers a complimentary roadsideassistance program. This program isseparate from the New Vehicle LimitedWarranty. The service is available:
•24 hours a day, seven days a week.
•For the coverage period listed on theRoadside Assistance Card included inyour Owner's Manual portfolio.
Roadside Assistance covers:
•A flat tire change with a good spare, ifprovided with the vehicle (exceptvehicles supplied with a tire inflationkit).
•Battery jump start.
•Lock-out assistance (key replacementcost is the customer's responsibility).
•Fuel delivery — independent servicecontractors, if not prohibited by state,local or municipal law, shall deliver upto 2 gal (7.6 L) of gasoline or 5 gal(18.9 L) of diesel fuel to a disabledvehicle. Roadside Assistance limits fueldelivery service to two no-chargeoccurrences within a 12-month period.
•Winch out — available within 100 ft(30.5 m) of a paved or countymaintained road, no recoveries.
•Towing — independent servicecontractors, if not prohibited by state,local or municipal law, shall tow Fordeligible vehicles to an authorized dealerwithin 35 mi (56 km) of thedisablement location or to the nearest
authorized dealer. If a memberrequests a tow to an authorized dealerthat is more than 35 mi (56 km) fromthe disablement location, the membershall be responsible for any mileagecosts in excess of 35 mi (56 km).
Roadside Assistance includes up to $200for a towed trailer if the disabled eligiblevehicle requires service at the nearestauthorized dealer. If the towing vehicle isoperational but the trailer is not, then thetrailer does not qualify for any roadsideservices.
Vehicles Sold in the United States:Using Roadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistanceidentification card and place it in yourwallet for quick reference. This card is inthe owner's information portfolio in theglove compartment.
United States Ford vehicle customers whorequire Roadside Assistance, call1-800-241-3673.
If you need to arrange roadside assistancefor yourself, Ford Motor Companyreimburses a reasonable amount fortowing to the nearest dealership within35 mi (56 km). To obtain reimbursementinformation, United States Ford vehiclecustomers call 1-800-241-3673.Customers need to submit their originalreceipts.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: GettingRoadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have avehicle concern, Ford Motor Company ofCanada, Limited offers a complimentaryroadside assistance program. This programis eligible within Canada or the continentalUnited States.
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Roadside Emergencies

2.Full-size dissimilar spare with labelon wheel: This spare tire has a label onthe wheel that states: THIS WHEEL ANDTIRE ASSEMBLY FOR TEMPORARY USEONLY.
When driving with one of the dissimilarspare tires listed above, do not:
•Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
•Load the vehicle beyond maximumvehicle load rating listed on the SafetyCompliance Label.
•Tow a trailer.
•Use snow chains on the end of thevehicle with the dissimilar spare tire.
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tireat a time.
•Use commercial car washingequipment.
•Try to repair the dissimilar spare tire.
Use of one of the dissimilar spare tireslisted above at any one wheel location canlead to impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and brakingperformance.
•Comfort and noise.
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs.
•Winter weather driving capability.
•Wet weather driving capability.
•All-wheel driving capability.
3.Full-size dissimilar spare withoutlabel on wheel
When driving with the full-size dissimilarspare wheel and tire assembly, do not:
•Exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).
•Use more than one dissimilar sparewheel and tire assembly at a time.
•Use commercial car washingequipment.
•Use snow chains on the end of thevehicle with the dissimilar spare wheeland tire assembly.
The usage of a full-size dissimilar sparewheel and tire assembly can lead toimpairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and brakingperformance.
•Comfort and noise.
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs.
•Winter weather driving capability.
•Wet weather driving capability.
•All-wheel driving capability.
When driving with the full-size dissimilarspare wheel and tire assembly additionalcaution should be given to:
•Towing a trailer.
•Driving vehicles equipped with acamper body.
•Driving vehicles with a load on thecargo rack.
Drive cautiously when using a full-sizedissimilar spare wheel and tire assemblyand seek service as soon as possible.
Tire Change Procedure
WARNINGS
When one of the front wheels is offthe ground, the transmission alonewill not prevent the vehicle frommoving or slipping off the jack, even if thetransmission is in park (P).
To help prevent your vehicle frommoving when changing a wheel, shiftthe transmission into park (P), setthe parking brake and use an appropriateblock or wheel chock to secure the wheeldiagonally opposite to the wheel beingchanged. For example, when changing thefront left wheel, place an appropriate blockor wheel chock on the right rear wheel.
Do not work on your vehicle whenthe jack is the only support. If thevehicle slips off the jack, you orsomeone else could be seriously injured.
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Wheels and Tires