check engine FORD TAURUS 2017 Owner's Manual

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out. Have thesystem checked by an authorized dealer. Ifyour vehicle has continuous vibration orshudder in the steering wheel while braking,have it checked by an authorized dealer.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear and does not contribute tobrake noise. See Cleaning the Wheels(page 264).
Note:Depending on applicable laws andregulations in the country for which yourvehicle was originally built, your brake lampsmay flash during heavy braking. Followingthis, your hazard lights may also flash whenyour vehicle comes to a stop.
See Warning Lamps andIndicators (page 85).
Wet brakes result in reduced brakingefficiency. Gently press the brake pedal afew times when driving from a car wash orstanding water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedalbecomes stuck or entrapped, apply steadyand firm pressure to the brake pedal toslow the vehicle and reduce engine power.If you experience this condition, apply thebrakes and bring your vehicle to a safestop. Move the transmission to park (P),switch the engine off and apply the parkingbrake. Inspect the accelerator pedal forany interference. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brakerapidly by measuring the rate at which youpress the brake pedal. It providesmaximum braking efficiency as long as youpress the pedal, and can reduce stoppingdistances in critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
This lamp momentarilyilluminates when you turn theignition on. If the light does notilluminate during start up, remains on orflashes, the system may be disabled. Havethe system checked by an authorizeddealer. If the anti-lock brake system isdisabled, normal braking is still effective.
If the brake warning lampilluminates when you release theparking brake, have the systemchecked by an authorized dealer.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
Note:When the system is operating, thebrake pedal may pulse and may travelfurther. Maintain pressure on the brakepedal. You may also hear a noise from thesystem. This is normal.
The anti-lock braking system will noteliminate the risks when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle infront of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•You take corners too fast.
•The road surface is poor.
164
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
BrakesE144522 E144522

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

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.
209
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
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.
212
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving HintsE176360

GENERAL INFORMATION
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to helpmaintain its roadworthiness and resalevalue. There is a large network ofauthorized dealers that are there to helpyou with their professional servicingexpertise. We believe that their speciallytrained technicians are best qualified toservice your vehicle properly and expertly.They are supported by a wide range ofhighly specialized tools developedspecifically for servicing your vehicle.
If your vehicle requires professional service,an authorized dealer can provide thenecessary parts and service. Check yourwarranty information to find out whichparts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants,fluids and service parts conforming tospecifications. Motorcraft® parts aredesigned and built to provide the bestperformance in your vehicle.
Precautions
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught inmoving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with theengine running in an enclosed space,unless you are sure you have enoughventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burningmaterial (such as cigarettes) awayfrom the battery and all fuel relatedparts.
Working with the Engine Off
1.Set the parking brake and shift to park(P).
2. Switch off the engine.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the Engine On
WARNING
To reduce the risk of vehicle damageand/or personal burn injuries, do notstart your engine with the air cleanerremoved and do not remove it while theengine is running.
1.Set the parking brake and shift to park(P).
2. Block the wheels.
OPENING AND CLOSING THE
HOOD
Opening the Hood
236
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
MaintenanceE203008
1

UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 2.0L ECOBOOST™
Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 243).A
Brake fluid reservoir (right-hand drive). See Brake Fluid Check (page 251).B
Engine oil dipstick. See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 241).C
Engine oil filler cap. See Engine Oil Check (page 241).D
Brake fluid reservoir (left-hand drive). See Brake Fluid Check (page 251).E
Battery. See Changing the 12V Battery (page 252).F
Power distribution box. See Fuses (page 226).G
Air filter assembly. See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 259).H
Windshield washer fluid reservoir. See Washer Fluid Check (page 251).I
238
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
MaintenanceA
IH
EBCDFG
E188729

UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 3.5L DURATEC
Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 243).A.
Brake fluid reservoir. See Brake Fluid Check (page 251).B.
Battery. See Changing the 12V Battery (page 252).C.
Power distribution box. See Fuses (page 226).D.
Air filter assembly. See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 259).E.
Automatic transmission dipstick. See Automatic Transmission Fluid Check(page 247).F.
Engine oil dipstick. See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 241).G.
Engine oil filler cap. See Engine Oil Check (page 241).H.
Windshield washer fluid reservoir. See Washer Fluid Check (page 251).I.
239
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
MaintenanceA
IEFGH
BCD
E224921

Engine ShieldSome vehicles may be equipped with anaero-shield under the engine. This shieldneeds to be removed for service, includingoil and filter changes. The shield has fourquick-release fasteners to secure it inplace.
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 3.5L ECOBOOST™
Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 243).A.
Engine oil filler cap. See Engine Oil Check (page 241).B.
240
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
MaintenanceE173374 E173375

Engine oil dipstick. See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 241).C.
Brake fluid reservoir. See Brake Fluid Check (page 251).D.
Battery. See Changing the 12V Battery (page 252).E.
Engine compartment fuse box. See Fuses (page 226).F.
Air filter assembly. See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 259).G.
Automatic transmission dipstick. See Automatic Transmission Fluid Check(page 247).H.
Washer fluid reservoir. See Washer Fluid Check (page 251).I.
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 2.0L
ECOBOOST™
Minimum.A
Maximum.B
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 3.5L
DURATEC/3.5L ECOBOOST™
MINA
MAXB
ENGINE OIL CHECK
To check the engine oil level consistentlyand accurately, do the following:
1.Make sure the parking brake is on. Makesure the transmission is in park (P) orneutral (N).
2. Run the engine until it reaches normaloperating temperature.
3. Make sure that your vehicle is on levelground.
241
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
MaintenanceE161560
AB E146429

4. Switch the engine off and wait 15minutes for the oil to drain into the oilpan. Checking the engine oil level toosoon after you switch the engine offmay result in an inaccurate reading.
5. Open the hood. See Opening andClosing the Hood (page 236).
6. Remove the dipstick and wipe it witha clean, lint-free cloth. See UnderHood Overview (page 240).
7. Replace the dipstick and remove itagain to check the oil level. SeeEngine Oil Dipstick (page 241).
8.Make sure that the oil level is betweenthe maximum and minimum marks. Ifthe oil level is at the minimum mark,add oil immediately. See Capacitiesand Specifications (page 304).
9. If the oil level is correct, replace thedipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
Note:Do not remove the dipstick when theengine is running.
Note: If the oil level is between themaximum and minimum marks, the oil levelis acceptable. Do not add oil.
Note:The oil consumption of new enginesreaches its normal level after approximately3,100 mi (5,000 km).
Adding Engine Oil
WARNING
Do not remove the filler cap whenthe engine is running.
Do not use supplemental engine oiladditives because they are unnecessaryand could lead to engine damage that maynot be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Only use oils certified for gasoline enginesby the American Petroleum Institute (API).An oil with this trademark symbolconforms to the current engine andemission system protection standards andfuel economy requirements of theInternational Lubricants SpecificationAdvisory Committee (ILSAC).
To top up the engine oil level do thefollowing:
1. Clean the area surrounding the engineoil filler cap before you remove it.
2. Remove the engine oil filler cap. SeeUnder Hood Overview (page 240).Turn it counterclockwise and removeit.
3. Add engine oil that meets Fordspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 304). You mayhave to use a funnel to pour the engineoil into the opening.
4. Recheck the oil level.
5. If the oil level is correct, replace thedipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
6. Replace the engine oil filler cap. Turnit clockwise until you feel a strongresistance.
Note: Do not add oil further than themaximum mark. Oil levels above themaximum mark may cause engine damage.
242
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
MaintenanceE142732