FORD TAURUS 2017 Owners Manual

The brake support system assists the driverin reducing the collision speed by chargingthe brakes. If the risk of collision furtherincreases after the warning lightilluminates, the brake support preparesthe brake system for rapid braking. Thismay be apparent to the driver. The systemdoes not automatically activate the brakesbut, if the brake pedal is pressed, full forcebraking is applied even if the brake pedalis lightly pressed.
Using the Collision Warning System
WARNING
The collision warning system’s brakesupport can only help reduce thespeed at which a collision occurs ifthe driver applies the vehicle’s brakes. Thebrake pedal must be pressed just like anytypical braking situation.
The warning system sensitivity can beadjusted to one of three possible settingsby using the information display control.See General Information (page 89).
Note:If collision warnings are perceived asbeing too frequent or disturbing then thewarning sensitivity can be reduced, thoughthe manufacturer recommends using thehighest sensitivity setting where possible.Setting lower sensitivity would lead to fewerand later system warnings. See GeneralInformation (page 89).
Blocked Sensors
If a message regarding a blocked sensorappears in the information display, theradar signals from the sensor have beenobstructed. The sensors are located behinda fascia cover near the driver side of thelower grille. When the sensors areobstructed, a vehicle ahead cannot bedetected and the collision warning systemdoes not function. The following table listspossible causes and actions for thismessage being displayed.
198
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving AidsE145632

ActionCause
Clean the grille surface in front of the radaror remove the object causing the obstruc-tion
The surface of the radar in the grille is dirtyor obstructed in some way
Wait a short time. It may take severalminutes for the radar to detect that it is nolonger obstructed
The surface of the radar in the grille is cleanbut the message remains in the display
The collision warning system is temporarilydisabled. Collision warning should automat-ically reactivate a short time after theweather conditions improve
Heavy rain, spray, snow, or fog is interferingwith the radar signals
The collision warning system is temporarilydisabled. Collision warning should automat-ically reactivate a short time after theweather conditions improve
Swirling water, or snow or ice on the surfaceof the road may interfere with the radarsignals
System Limitations
WARNING
The collision warning system’s brakesupport can only help reduce thespeed at which a collision occurs ifthe driver applies the vehicle’s brakes. Thebrake pedal must be pressed just like anytypical braking situation.
Due to the nature of radar technology,there may be certain instances wherevehicles do not provide a collision warning.These include:
•Stationary vehicles or vehicles movingbelow 6 mph (10 km/h).
•Pedestrians or objects in the roadway.
•Oncoming vehicles in the same lane.
•Severe weather conditions (seeblocked sensor section).
•Debris build-up on the grille near theheadlamps (see blocked sensorsection).
•Small distance to vehicle ahead.
•Steering wheel and pedal movementsare large (very active driving style).
If the front 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.
199
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving Aids

CARGO NETS (If Equipped)
WARNING
This net is not designed to restrainobjects during a collision or heavybraking.
The cargo net secures lightweight objectsin the cargo area. Attach the net to theprovided anchors. Do not put more than50 lb (22 kg) in the net.
LOAD LIMIT
Vehicle Loading - with andwithout a Trailer
This section guides you in theproper loading of your vehicle,trailer, or both. Keep your loadedvehicle weight within its designrating capability, with or without
a trailer. Properly loading yourvehicle provides maximum return
of vehicle design performance.Before you load your vehicle,become familiar with thefollowing terms for determiningyour vehicle’s weight rating, withor without a trailer, from thevehicle’s Tire and LoadingInformation label or SafetyCompliance Certification label.
Tire and Loading Label InformationExample:
200
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Load CarryingE211029 E198719

Payload
Payload is the combined weightof cargo and passengers that yourvehicle is carrying. The maximumpayload for your vehicle appearson the Tire and Loading label. Thelabel is either on the B-pillar or theedge of the driver door. Vehiclesexported outside the US andCanada may not have a tire andloading label. Look for “Thecombined weight of occupantsand cargo should never exceedXXX kg OR XXX lb” for maximumpayload. The payload listed on theTire and Loading Information labelis the maximum payload for yourvehicle as built by the assemblyplant. If you install any additionalequipment on your vehicle, youmust determine the new payload.Subtract the weight of theequipment from the payload listedon the Tire and Loading label.When towing, trailer tongueweight or king pin weight is alsopart of payload.
WARNING
The appropriate loadingcapacity of your vehicle canbe limited either by volumecapacity (how much space isavailable) or by payload capacity(how much weight the vehicleshould carry). Once you havereached the maximum payload ofyour vehicle, do not add morecargo, even if there is spaceavailable. Overloading orimproperly loading your vehiclecan contribute to loss of vehiclecontrol and vehicle rollover.
GAWR (Gross Axle WeightRating)
GAWR is the maximum allowableweight that a single axle (front orrear) can carry. These numbersare on the Safety ComplianceCertification label. The label islocated on the door hinge pillar,door-latch post, or the door edgethat meets the door-latch post,next to the driver seating position.
201
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Load CarryingE143816PAYLOAD

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
202
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
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.
203
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Load Carrying

Helpful examples for calculatingthe available amount of cargoand luggage load capacity
Suppose your vehicle has a1400-pound (635-kilogram) cargoand luggage capacity. You decideto go golfing. Is there enough loadcapacity to carry you, four of yourfriends and all the golf bags? Youand four friends average 220pounds (99 kilograms) each andthe golf bags weigh approximately30 pounds (13.5 kilograms) each.The calculation would be: 1400 -(5 x 220) - (5 x 30) = 1400 - 1100- 150 = 150 pounds. Yes, you haveenough load capacity in yourvehicle to transport four friendsand your golf bags. In metric units,the calculation would be: 635kilograms - (5 x 99 kilograms) -(5 x 13.5 kilograms) = 635 - 495 -67.5 = 72.5 kilograms.
Suppose your vehicle has a1400-pound (635-kilogram) cargoand luggage capacity. You andone of your friends decide to pickup cement from the local homeimprovement store to finish thatpatio you have been planning forthe past two years. Measuring theinside of the vehicle with the rearseat folded down, you have roomfor twelve 100-pound(45-kilogram) bags of cement. Doyou have enough load capacity totransport the cement to yourhome? If you and your friend eachweigh 220 pounds (99 kilograms),
the calculation would be: 1400 -(2 x 220) - (12 x 100) = 1400 - 440
- 1200 = - 240 pounds. No, you donot have enough cargo capacityto carry that much weight. Inmetric units, the calculation wouldbe: 635 kilograms - (2 x 99kilograms) - (12 x 45 kilograms) =635 - 198 - 540 = -103 kilograms.You will need to reduce the loadweight by at least 240 pounds(104 kilograms). If you removethree 100-pound (45-kilogram)cement bags, then the loadcalculation would be:1400 - (2 x220) - (9 x 100) = 1400 - 440 -900 = 60 pounds. Now you havethe load capacity to transport thecement and your friend home. Inmetric units, the calculation wouldbe: 635 kilograms - (2 x 99kilograms) - (9 x 45 kilograms) =635 - 198 - 405 = 32 kilograms.
The above calculations alsoassume that the loads arepositioned in your vehicle in amanner that does not overloadthe front or the rear gross axleweight rating specified for yourvehicle on the Safety ComplianceCertification label.
204
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Load Carrying

Special Loading Instructionsfor Owners of Pick-up Trucksand Utility-type Vehicles
WARNING
When loading the roof racks,we recommend you evenlydistribute the load, as well asmaintain a low center of gravity.Loaded vehicles, with highercenters of gravity, may handledifferently than unloaded vehicles.Take extra precautions, such asslower speeds and increasedstopping distance, when driving aheavily loaded vehicle.
205
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
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.
206
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
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
207
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Towing