warning lights FORD TAURUS 2017 User Guide

Note:The Blind Spot Information Systemdoes not prevent contact with other vehiclesor objects; nor detect parked vehicles,people, animals or infrastructure (fences,guardrails, trees). It’s only designed to alertyou to vehicles in the blind spot zones.
Note:When a vehicle passes quicklythrough the blind spot zone, typically fewerthan two seconds, the system does nottrigger.
Using the System
The Blind Spot Information System turnson when you start the engine and you driveyour vehicle forward above 3 mph(5 km/h).
For automatic transmissions, the BlindSpot Information System remains on whilethe transmission is in drive (D). If shiftedinto reverse (R) or park (P) the Blind SpotInformation System turns off. Once shiftedback into drive (D), the Blind SpotInformation System turns back on whenyou drive your vehicle above 3 mph(5 km/h).
For manual transmissions, the Blind SpotInformation System is on for all gearsexcept the reverse (R).
Note:The Blind Spot Information Systemdoes not function in reverse (R) or park (P).
System Lights and Messages
The Blind Spot Information Systemilluminates an amber alert indicator in theoutside mirror on the side of your vehiclethe approaching vehicle is coming from.
The alert indicator dims when the systemdetects nighttime darkness.
System Sensor Blockage
The system uses radar sensors that arelocated behind the bumper fascia on eachside of your vehicle. Any dirt, mud andsnow in front of the sensors and/or drivingin heavy rain can cause systemdegradation. Also, other types ofobstructions in front of the sensor cancause system degradation. This is referredto as a ‘blocked’ condition.
Note:Do not apply bumper stickers and/orrepair compound to these areas, this cancause degraded system performance.
If the system detects a degradedperformance condition, a message warningof a blocked sensor will appear in theinformation display. Also the system alertindicators will remain ON and the systemwill no longer provide any vehicle warnings.You can clear the information displaywarning but the alert indicators will remainilluminated.
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Driving AidsE142442 E205199

Zone coverage also decreases whenparking at shallow angles. Here, the leftsensor is mostly obstructed; zone coverageon that side is severely limited.
System Lights, Messages andAudible Alerts
The Cross Traffic Alert illuminates anamber alert indicator in the outside mirroron the side of your vehicle the approachingvehicle is coming from. Cross Traffic Alertalso sounds an audible alert and amessage appears in the informationdisplay indicating a vehicle is coming fromthe right or left. Cross Traffic Alert workswith the reverse sensing system thatsounds its own series of tones. See RearParking Aid (page 170).
The system uses radar sensors that arelocated behind the bumper fascia on eachside of your vehicle. Do not allow mud,snow or bumper stickers to obstruct theseareas, this can cause degraded systemperformance. See Blind Spot
Information System (page 191). If theBlind Spot Information System is blocked,Cross Traffic Alert is also blocked. Acorresponding message appears in theinformation display as soon as you shiftthe transmission into reverse (R).
System Limitations
Cross Traffic Alert has its limitations;situations such as severe weatherconditions or debris build-up on the sensorarea may limit vehicle detection.
The system detects approaching vehiclesfrom up to 45 ft (14 m) away, thoughcoverage decreases when the sensors areblocked. Reversing slowly helps increasethe coverage area and effectiveness.
The following are other situations that maylimit the Cross Traffic Alert performance:
•Stationary or slow moving vehicles.
•Pedestrians or objects in the roadway.
•Oncoming vehicles in the same lame.
•Severe weather conditions.
•Debris build-up near or around thesensor(s).
•Small distance to the vehicle ahead.
•Adjacently parking vehicles or objectsobstructing the sensors.
•Approaching vehicles passing atspeeds greater than 15 mph (24 km/h).
•Driving in reverse faster than 3 mph(5 km/h).
•Backing out of an angled parking spot.
If the rear end of the vehicle is hit ordamaged, the radar sensing zone may bealtered causing missed or false collisionwarnings. See your authorized dealer tohave your collision warning radar checkedfor proper coverage and operation.
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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

•Transmissions give their best fueleconomy when operated in the topcruise gear and with steady pressureon the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (ifequipped) is less fuel efficient thantwo-wheel-drive operation.
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deepwater as you may lose control of yourvehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,check the depth. Never drive through waterthat is higher than the bottom of the frontrocker area of your vehicle.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle.Your brake performance and traction maybe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Check that the horn works.
•Check that the exterior lights work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check thatthe steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS
WARNINGS
Always use floor mats that aredesigned to fit the foot well of yourvehicle. Only use floor mats thatleave the pedal area unobstructed. Onlyuse floor mats that are firmly secured toretention posts so that they cannot slip outof position and interfere with the pedalsor impair safe operation of your vehicle inother ways.
Pedals that cannot move freely cancause loss of vehicle control andincrease the risk of serious personalinjury.
Always make sure that the floormats are properly attached to theretention posts in the carpet that aresupplied with your vehicle. Floor mats mustbe properly secured to both retention poststo make sure mats do not shift out ofposition.
Never place floor mats or any othercovering in the vehicle foot well thatcannot be properly secured toprevent them from moving and interferingwith the pedals or the ability to control thevehicle.
Never place floor mats or any othercovering on top of already installedfloor mats. Floor mats should alwaysrest on top of vehicle carpeting surface andnot another floor mat or other covering.Additional floor mats or any other coveringwill reduce the pedal clearance andpotentially interfere with pedal operation.
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Driving HintsE176360

General Information
WARNING
Failure to follow these guidelinescould result in an increased risk ofloss of vehicle control, injury or death.
Note:Do not use the kit if a tire has becomeseverely damaged by driving the vehicle witha tire that has insufficient air pressure. Onlypunctured areas located within the tire treadcan be sealed with the kit.
Do not attempt to repair punctures largerthan ¼ inch (6 millimeters) or damage tothe tire's sidewall. The tire may notcompletely seal.
Loss of air pressure may adversely affecttire performance. For this reason:
Note:Do not drive the vehicle above50 mph (80 km/h).
Note:Do not drive further than 120 mi(200 km). Drive only to the closestauthorized Ford dealer or tire repair shop tohave your tire inspected.
•Drive carefully and avoid abruptsteering maneuvers.
•Periodically monitor tire inflationpressure in the affected tire. If the tireis losing pressure, have the vehicletowed.
•Read the information in the Tips forUse of the Kit section to make sure safeoperation of the kit and your vehicle.
Tips for Use of the Kit
Read the following list of tips to ensuresafe operation of the kit:
•Before operating the kit, make sureyour vehicle is safely off the road andaway from moving traffic. Turn on thehazard lights.
•Always set the parking brake to ensurethe vehicle does not moveunexpectedly.
•Do not remove any foreign objects,such as nails or screws, from the tire.
•When using the kit, leave the enginerunning (only if the vehicle is outdoorsor in a well-ventilated area) so thecompressor does not drain the vehiclebattery.
•Do not allow the compressor tooperate continuously for more than 15minutes. This will help prevent thecompressor from overheating.
•Never leave the kit unattended whenit is operating.
•Sealant compound contains latex.Make sure that you use the non-latexgloves provided to avoid an allergicreaction.
•Keep the kit away from children.
•Only use the kit when the ambienttemperature is between -22°F (-30°C)and 158°F (70°C).
•Only use the sealing compound beforethe use by date. The use by date is onthe lower right hand corner of the labellocated on the sealant canister(bottle). Check the use by dateregularly and replace the canister afterfour years.
•Do not store the kit unsecured insidethe passenger compartment of thevehicle as it may cause injury during asudden stop or crash. Always store thekit in its original location.
•After sealant use, the tire pressuremonitoring system sensor and valvestem on the wheel must be replacedby an authorized Ford dealer.
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Wheels and Tires

•When inflating a tire or other objects,use the black air hose only. Do not usethe transparent hose which is designedfor sealant application only.
•Operating the kit could cause anelectrical disturbance in radio, CD, andDVD player operation.
What to do when a Tire IsPunctured
A tire puncture within the tire tread areacan be repaired in two stages with the kit.
•In the first stage, the tire will bereinflated with a sealing compoundand air. After the tire has beenreinflated, you will need to drive thevehicle a short distance 4 mi (6 km) todistribute the sealant in the tire.
•In the second stage, you will need tocheck the tire pressure and adjust, ifnecessary, to the vehicle tire inflationpressure.
First Stage: Reinflating the Tirewith Sealing Compound and Air
WARNINGS
Do not stand directly over the kitwhile inflating the tire. If you noticeany unusual bulges or deformationsin the tire sidewall during inflation, stopand call roadside assistance.
If the tire does not inflate to therecommended tire pressure within15 minutes, stop and call roadsideassistance.
Preparation: Park the vehicle in a safe, leveland secure area, away from moving traffic.Turn the hazard lights on. Apply the parkingbrake and turn the engine off. Inspect theflat tire for visible damage.
Sealant compound contains latex. Toavoid any allergic reactions, use thenon-latex gloves located in the accessorybox on the underside of the kit housing.
Do not remove any foreign object that haspierced the tire. If a puncture is located inthe tire sidewall, stop and call roadsideassistance.
1. Remove the valve cap from the tirevalve.
2. Unwrap the clear tube from thecompressor housing.
3. Remove the tube cap and fasten themetal connector of the tube to the tirevalve, turning clockwise. Make sure theconnection is tightly fastened.
4. Plug the power cable into the 12-voltpower point in the vehicle.
5. Remove the warning sticker found onthe canister and place it on the top ofthe instrument panel or the center ofthe dash.
6. Start the vehicle only if the vehicle isoutdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
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Wheels and TiresE144619

Check every month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure.
Windshield washer fluid level.
Check every six months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary.
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if necessary.
Parking brake for proper operation.
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag and safety belt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as necessary.
Multi-Point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right,it is important to have the systems on yourvehicle checked regularly. This can helpidentify potential issues and prevent majorproblems. We recommend having thefollowing multi-point inspection performedat every scheduled maintenance intervalto help make sure your vehicle keepsrunning great.
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Scheduled Maintenance

Climate............................................................399Climate Control............................................109Climate Controlled Seats..........................128Cooled Seats........................................................128Heated Seats........................................................128Collision Warning System..........................197PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION............................197Coolant CheckSee: Engine Coolant Check............................243Crash Sensors and Airbag Indicator.......44Creating a MyKey............................................52Programming/Changing ConfigurableSettings...............................................................52Cross Traffic Alert.........................................193False Alerts...........................................................196Switching the System Off and On...............196System Errors.......................................................196System Lights, Messages and AudibleAlerts..................................................................195System Limitations............................................195Using the System...............................................193Cruise Control.................................................68Principle of Operation.......................................178Type 1........................................................................68Type 2.......................................................................68Cruise controlSee: Using Cruise Control................................178Customer Assistance..................................219
D
Data Recording..................................................9Event Data Recording..........................................10Service Data Recording........................................9Daytime Running Lamps.............................74Direction Indicators........................................76Doors and Locks..............................................57Driver Alert......................................................186PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION...........................186USING DRIVER ALERT.....................................186Driver and Passenger Airbags...................39Children and Airbags..........................................39Proper Driver and Front Passenger SeatingAdjustment........................................................39Driving Aids.....................................................186Driving Hints.....................................................211Driving Through Water................................212
DRLSee: Daytime Running Lamps.........................74
E
Economical Driving.......................................211Emission Control System..........................150On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II).....................151Readiness for Inspection and Maintenance(I/M) Testing.....................................................151End User License Agreement.................465VEHICLE SOFTWARE END USER LICENSEAGREEMENT (EULA) ................................465Engine Block Heater.....................................141Using the Engine Block Heater......................142Engine Coolant Check................................243Adding Coolant..................................................244Coolant Change.................................................245Engine Coolant TemperatureManagement..................................................246Fail-Safe Cooling...............................................245Recycled Coolant...............................................245Severe Climates.................................................245Engine ImmobilizerSee: Passive Anti-Theft System.....................64Engine Oil Check...........................................241Adding Engine Oil...............................................242Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.0LEcoBoost™..................................................241Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.5L Duratec/3.5LEcoboost™..................................................241Engine Specifications - 2.0LEcoBoost™.................................................297Drivebelt Routing...............................................297Engine Specifications - 3.5LDuratec..........................................................297Drivebelt Routing...............................................298Engine Specifications - 3.5LEcoboost™.................................................298Drivebelt Routing...............................................298Entertainment..............................................389AM/FM Radio......................................................390Apps.......................................................................398Bluetooth Stereo or USB.................................397CD (If equipped)................................................396HD Radio™ Information (IfAvailable)........................................................393
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Index

Using Cruise Control....................................178Switching Cruise Control Off..........................179Switching Cruise Control On..........................178Using MyKey With Remote StartSystems..........................................................55Using Snow Chains.....................................286Using Stability Control...............................168Using Summer Tires...................................286Using SYNC™ With Your MediaPlayer............................................................349Accessing Your Play Menu.............................354Connecting Your Digital Media Player to theUSB Port..........................................................349Media Menu Features.......................................352Media Voice Commands..................................351System Settings.................................................356What's Playing?.................................................350Using SYNC™ With Your Phone............332Accessing Features Through the PhoneMenu..................................................................336Accessing Your Phone Settings.....................341Making a Call.......................................................335Pairing a Cell Phone for the FirstTime...................................................................332Pairing Subsequent Cell Phones.................333Phone Options during an Active Call.........335Phone Voice Commands................................333Receiving Calls....................................................335System Settings.................................................342Text Messaging...................................................339Using Traction Control...............................166Switching the System Off...............................166System Indicator Lights andMessages..........................................................166Using a Switch.....................................................166Using the Information DisplayControls.............................................................166Using Voice Recognition...........................329Audio Voice Commands.................................383Climate Voice Commands.............................384Initiating a Voice Session................................329Mobile App Voice Commands......................387Navigation Voice Commands.......................386Phone Voice Commands................................384SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link VoiceCommands......................................................387System Interaction and Feedback..............330Voice Settings Commands............................388
Utilizing the Mediation/ArbitrationProgram (Canada Only).........................222
V
Vehicle Care..................................................260General Information.........................................260Vehicle Certification Label.......................303Vehicle Identification Number................302Vehicle Storage............................................265Battery...................................................................266Body........................................................................265Brakes....................................................................266Cooling system...................................................266Engine....................................................................265Fuel system.........................................................266General..................................................................265Miscellaneous.....................................................266Removing Vehicle From Storage.................266Tires........................................................................266VentilationSee: Climate Control.........................................109VINSee: Vehicle Identification Number............302Voice Control...................................................68
W
Warning Lamps and Indicators................85Adaptive Cruise Control....................................85Anti-Lock Braking System................................85Automatic High Beam Control.......................85Battery......................................................................85Blind Spot Monitor..............................................85Brake System........................................................86Cruise Control.......................................................86Direction Indicator...............................................86Door Ajar.................................................................86Engine Coolant Temperature..........................86Engine Oil................................................................86Fasten Seatbelt....................................................86Front Airbag...........................................................86Front Fog Lamps..................................................86Heads Up Display.................................................87High Beam...............................................................87Lane Keeping Aid..................................................87Low Fuel Level.......................................................87Low Tire Pressure Warning...............................87
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Index