FORD TAURUS 2017 Owners Manual

Note:Large contrasts in lighting can limitsensor performance.
Note:The system works above 40 mph(64 km/h).
Note:The system works as long as thecamera can detect one lane marking.
Note:When Aid mode is on and the systemdetects no steering activity for a shortperiod, the system will alert you to put yourhands on the steering wheel. The systemmay detect a light grip or touch on thesteering wheel as hands off driving.
The system notifies you to stay in your lanethrough the steering system and theinstrument cluster display when the frontcamera detects an unintentional drift outof your lane is likely to occur. The systemautomatically detects and tracks the roadlane markings using a camera mountedbehind the interior rear view mirror.
Switching the System On and Off
Note:The system on or off setting is storeduntil it is manually changed, unless a MyKeyis detected. If the system detects a MyKeyit defaults to on and the mode is set to Alert.
Note:If a MyKey is detected, pressing thebutton will not affect the on or off status ofthe system.
Press the button located on thecenter console to switch thesystem on or off.
System Settings
The system has optional setting menusavailable. To view or adjust the settings,See General Information (page 89). Thesystem stores the last-known selection foreach of these settings. You do not need toreadjust your settings each time you turnon the system.
Mode (if equipped): This setting allowsyou to select which of the system featuresyou can enable.
Alert only – Provides a steering wheelvibration when the system detects anunintended lane departure.
Note:Some vehicles are equipped with thealert function only.
Aid only (if equipped) – Provides anassistance steering torque input towardthe lane center when the system detectsan unintended lane departure.
188
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving AidsE173233 E165515 E165516

AlertA
AidB
Alert + Aid (if equipped) – Provides anassistance steering torque input towardthe lane center. If your vehicle continuesdrifting out of the lane, the system providesa steering wheel vibration.
Note:The alert and aid diagrams illustrategeneral zone coverage. They do not provideexact zone parameters.
Intensity (if equipped): This settingaffects the intensity of the steering wheelvibration used for the alert and alert + aidmodes. This setting does not affect the aidmode.
•Low
•Normal
•High
System Display
When you switch on the system, anoverhead graphic of a vehicle with lanemarkings will display in the informationdisplay. If you select aid mode when youswitch on the system, a separate whiteicon will also appear or in some vehiclesarrows will display with the lane markings.
When you switch off the system, the lanemarking graphics will not display.
While the system is on, the color of thelane markings will change to indicate thesystem status.
Gray: Indicates that the system istemporarily unable to provide a warningor intervention on the indicated side(s).This may be because:
•Your vehicle is under the activationspeed.
•The turn indicator is active.
•Your vehicle is in a dynamic maneuver.
189
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving AidsE165517 E151660

•The road has no or poor lane markingsin the camera field-of-view.
•The camera is obscured or unable todetect the lane markings due toenvironmental conditions (significantsun angles, shadows, snow, heavy rainor fog), traffic conditions (following alarge vehicle that is blocking orshadowing the lane), or vehicleconditions (poor headlampillumination).
See Troubleshooting for additionalinformation.
Green: Indicates that the system isavailable or ready to provide a warning orintervention, on the indicated side(s).
Yellow: Indicates that the system isproviding or has just provided a lanekeeping aid intervention.
Red: Indicates that the system is providingor has just provided a lane keeping alertwarning.
The system can be temporarily suppressedat any time by the following:
•Quick braking.
•Fast acceleration.
•Using the turn signal indicator.
•Evasive steering maneuver.
Troubleshooting
Why is the feature not available (line markings are gray) when I can see the lane markingson the road?
Vehicle speed is outside the operational range of the feature
Sun is shining directly into the camera lens
Quick intentional lane change
Staying too close to the lane marking
Driving at high speeds in curves
The last Alert warning or Aid intervention occurred a short time ago
Ambiguous lane markings (mainly in construction zones)
Rapid transition from light to dark or vice versa
Sudden offset in lane markings
ABS or AdvanceTrac activation
Camera blockage due to dirt, grime, fog, frost or water on the windshield
Driving too close to the vehicle in front of you
Transitioning between no lane markings to lane markings or vice versa
Standing water on the road
Faint lane markings (partial yellow lane markings on concrete roads)
190
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving Aids

Why is the feature not available (line markings are gray) when I can see the lane markingson the road?
Lane width too narrow or too wide
Camera not calibrated after a windshield replacement
Driving on tight roads or on uneven roads
Why does the vehicle not come back toward the middle of the lane, as expected, in theAid or Aid + Alert mode?
High cross winds
Large road crown
Rough roads, grooves, shoulder drop-offs
Heavy uneven loading of the vehicle or improper tire inflation pressure
If the tires have been exchanged (including snow tires), or the suspension has beenmodified
BLIND SPOT INFORMATION
SYSTEM (If Equipped)
WARNING
Never use the Blind SpotInformation System as areplacement for using the interiorand exterior mirrors or looking over yourshoulder before changing lanes. The BlindSpot Information System is not areplacement for careful driving.
The Blind Spot Information System isdesigned to aid you in detecting vehiclesthat may have entered the blind spot zone(A). The detection area is on both sides ofyour vehicle, extending rearward from theexterior mirrors to approximately 10 ft(3 m) beyond the bumper. The system isdesigned to alert you if certain vehiclesenter the blind spot zone while driving.
191
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving AidsA
A
E124788

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.
192
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving AidsE142442 E205199

A "blocked" condition can be cleared intwo ways:
•After the blockage in front of thesensors is removed or therainfall/snowfall rate decreases orstops, drive for a few minutes in trafficto allow the sensors to detect passingvehicles.
•By cycling the ignition from ON to OFFand then back ON.
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.
System Errors
If the system senses a problem with theleft or right sensor, the telltale willilluminate and a message will appear inthe information display. See InformationMessages (page 98).
System Limitations
The system does have its limitations;situations such as severe weatherconditions or debris build-up on the sensormay limit vehicle detection.
The following are other situations that maylimit the system:
•Certain maneuvering of vehiclesentering and exiting the blind zone.
•Vehicles passing through the blind zoneat very fast rates.
•When several vehicles forming aconvoy pass through the blind zone.
Switching the System Off and On
You can temporarily switch the Blind SpotInformation System off in the informationdisplay. See General Information (page89). When the Blind Spot InformationSystem switches off, you will not receivealerts and the information display showsa system off message. The telltale in thecluster also illuminates. When you switchthe Blind Spot Information System on oroff, the alert indicators flash twice.
Note:The system switches back on everytime you start your vehicle.
You can also have the Blind SpotInformation System switched offpermanently at an authorized dealer. Onceswitched off permanently, the system canonly be switched back on at an authorizeddealer.
CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT (If
Equipped)
WARNING
Never use the Cross Traffic Alertsystem as a replacement for usingthe interior and exterior mirrors andlooking over your shoulder before backingout of a parking space. Cross Traffic Alertis not a replacement for careful driving.
Cross Traffic Alert is designed to warn youof vehicles approaching from the sideswhen the transmission is in reverse (R).
Using the System
Cross Traffic Alert turns on when you startthe engine and you shift into reverse (R).Once shifted out of reverse (R), CrossTraffic Alert turns off.
Note:Cross Traffic Alert only functionswhile your transmission is in reverse (R).
193
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving Aids

Cross Traffic Alert is designed to alert thedriver of certain collision risks. Coveragedecreases when the sensors are partially,
mostly or fully obstructed. Reversing slowlyhelps increase the coverage area andeffectiveness.
In this first example, the left sensor is onlypartially obstructed; zone coverage to theright is nearly maximized.
194
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving AidsE142440 E142441

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.
195
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving AidsE142442 E205199

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.
196
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving Aids

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