parking brake FORD TAURUS 2017 Owner's Manual

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

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
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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.
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Note:Automatic transmission fluidexpands when warmed. To obtain anaccurate fluid check, drive your vehicle untilyou warm it up, approximately 20 mi(30 km). If you operate your vehicle for anextended period at high speeds, in city trafficduring hot weather or pulling a trailer, switchyour vehicle off until it reaches normaloperating temperatures to allow the fluidto cool before checking. Depending onvehicle use, cooling times could take up to30 minutes or longer.
Refer to your scheduled maintenanceinformation for scheduled intervals for fluidchecks and changes. Your transmissiondoes not consume fluid. However, youshould check the fluid level if thetransmission is not working properly. Forexample, if the transmission slips or shiftsslowly or if you notice some sign of a fluidleak.
1. Drive your vehicle 20 mi (30 km) oruntil it reaches normal operatingtemperature.
2.Park your vehicle on a level surface andengage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged andyour foot on the brake pedal, start theengine and move the gearshift leverthrough all of the gear ranges. Allow aminimum of 10 seconds for each gearto engage.
4. Put the gearshift lever in park (P) andleave the engine running.
Note:For vehicles with the EcoBoostengine, move the air filter assembly asideto access the transmission dipstick. SeeMoving the Air Filter Assembly for moreinformation.
5. Remove the dipstick and wipe it cleanwith a dry, lint free clean rag. Ifnecessary, refer to the Under hoodoverview in this chapter for the locationof the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure youfully seat it in the filler tube by turningit to the locked position.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect thefluid level. The fluid should be in thedesignated areas for normal operatingtemperature.
Moving the Air Filter Assembly(Accessing the Dipstick)
WARNING
Do not run engine with the air filterdisconnected.
1. Switch the engine off.
2. Clean the area around the clamp thatconnects the air filter assembly to therubber hose and then loosen it.
3. Remove the bolt cover.
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3

If you see any corrosion on the battery orterminals, remove the cables from theterminals and clean with a wire brush. Youcan neutralize the acid with a solution ofbaking soda and water.
Because your vehicle’s engine iselectronically controlled by a computer,some control conditions are maintainedby power from the battery. When thebattery is disconnected or a new batteryis installed, the engine must relearn its idleand fuel trim strategy for optimumdriveability and performance. Flexible fuelvehicles (FFV) must also relearn theethanol content of the fuel for optimumdriveability and performance.
To restore the settings, do the following:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
3. Switch off all accessories.
4. Press the brake pedal and start yourvehicle.
5. Run the engine until it reaches normaloperating temperature. While theengine is warming up, complete thefollowing: Reset the clock. See AudioSystem (page 315). Reset the powerwindows bounce-back feature. SeeWindows and Mirrors (page 78).Reset the radio station presets. SeeAudio System (page 315).
6.Allow the engine to idle for at least oneminute.
7.Drive the vehicle at least 10 mi (16 km)to completely relearn the idle trim andfuel trim strategy.
Note:If you do not allow the engine torelearn the idle and fuel trim strategy, theidle quality of your vehicle may be adverselyaffected until the engine computereventually relearns the idle trim and fueltrim strategy.
Note:For flexible fuel vehicles, if you areoperating on E85, you may experience poorstarts or an inability to start the engine anddriveability problems until the fuel trim andethanol content have been relearned.
Make sure that you dispose of old batteriesin an environmentally friendly way. Seekadvice from your local authority aboutrecycling old batteries.
If storing your vehicle for more than 30days without recharging the battery, werecommend that you disconnect thebattery cables to maintain battery chargefor quick starting.
Battery Management System (If
Equipped)
The battery management system monitorsbattery conditions and takes actions toextend battery life. If excessive batterydrain is detected, the system temporarilydisables some electrical systems toprotect the battery.
Systems included are:
•Heated rear window.
•Heated seats.
•Climate control.
•Heated steering wheel.
•Audio unit.
•Navigation system.
A message may appear in the informationdisplays to alert you that batteryprotection actions are active. Thesemessages are only for notification that anaction is taking place, and not intended toindicate an electrical problem or that thebattery requires replacement.
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Maintenance

5. Locate the vertical adjuster on eachheadlamp. Use a Phillips #2screwdriver to turn the adjuster eitherclockwise or counterclockwise toadjust the vertical aim of theheadlamp. The horizontal edge of thebrighter light should touch thehorizontal reference line.
6.Repeat Steps 3 through 7 to adjust theother headlamp.
7.Close the hood and turn off the lamps.
Horizontal Aim Adjustment
Horizontal aim is not required for thisvehicle and is not adjustable.
CHANGING A BULB
WARNINGS
Bulbs can become hot. Let the bulbcool down before removing it. Failureto do so could result in personalinjury.
Switch the lamps and the ignition off.Failure to follow this warning couldresult in serious personal injury.
Use the correct specification bulb. SeeBulb Specification Chart (page 257).
Install in the reverse order unless otherwisestated.
High-Intensity DischargeHeadlamps
These lamps operate at a high voltage. Seean authorized dealer if they fail.
Front Fog Lamp (If Equipped)
1.Switch all of the lamps and the ignitionoff.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector.
3.Turn the bulb holder counterclockwiseand remove it.
Note:Do not touch the bulb glass.
Note:You cannot separate the bulb fromthe bulb holder.
LED Lamps
LED lamps are not serviceable items. Seean authorized dealer if they fail.
The following lamps are LED:
•Front parking lamps.
•Front side marker lamps.
•Front direction indicators.
•Front side marker lamps.
•Side direction indicators.
•Brake and rear lamps.
•Central high mounted brake lamp.
•Rear direction indicators.
•Reversing lamps.
License Plate Lamp
1.Switch all of the lamps and the ignitionoff.
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Note:Industrial-strength or heavy-dutycleaners in combination with brush agitationto remove brake dust and dirt, could wearaway the clear coat finish over a period time.
Note:Do not use hydrofluoric acid-basedor high caustic-based wheel cleaners, steelwool, fuels or strong household detergents.
Note:If you intend parking your vehicle foran extended period after cleaning thewheels with a wheel cleaner, drive yourvehicle for a few minutes before doing so.This will reduce the risk of increasedcorrosion of the brake discs.
Alloy wheels and wheel covers are coatedwith a clear coat paint finish. To maintaintheir condition we recommend that you:
•Clean the wheels weekly usingMotorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner.Apply using manufacturer'sinstructions.
•Use a sponge to remove heavydeposits of dirt and brake dustaccumulation.
•Rinse thoroughly with a strong streamof water when you have completed thecleaning process.
•To remove tar and grease, useMotorcraft Bug and Tar Remover.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for 30days or more, read the followingmaintenance recommendations to makesure your vehicle stays in good operatingcondition.
We engineer and test all motor vehiclesand their components for reliable, regulardriving. Under various conditions,long-term storage may lead to degradedengine performance or failure unless youuse specific precautions to preserve enginecomponents.
General
•Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilatedplace.
•Protect from sunlight, if possible.
•If vehicles are stored outside, theyrequire regular maintenance to protectagainst rust and damage.
Body
•Wash your vehicle thoroughly toremove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud fromexterior surfaces, rear-wheel housingand the underside of front fenders.
•Periodically wash your vehicle if it isstored in exposed locations.
•Touch-up exposed or primed metal toprevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel partswith a thick coat of auto wax to preventdiscoloration. Re-wax as necessarywhen you wash your vehicle.
•Lubricate all hood, door and luggagecompartment hinges and latches witha light grade oil.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil andsolvents.
Engine
•Change the engine oil and filter prior tostorage because used engine oilcontains contaminates which maycause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days for aminimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast idlewith the climate controls set to defrostuntil the engine reaches normaloperating temperature.
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Vehicle Care

•With your foot on the brake, shiftthrough all the gears while the engineis running.
•We recommend that you change theengine oil before you use your vehicleagain.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fueluntil the first automatic shutoff of thefuel pump nozzle.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing your vehicle fromstorage, check coolant fluid level.Confirm that there are no coolingsystem leaks and that fluid is at therecommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keepconnections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30days without recharging the battery,we recommend that you disconnectthe battery cables to maintain batterycharge for quick starting.
Note:It is necessary to reset memoryfeatures if battery cables are disconnected.
Brakes
•Make sure the brakes and parking brakerelease fully.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, leversand pins under your vehicle are coveredwith grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)every 15 days to lubricate working partsand prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out ofstorage, do the following:
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirtor grease film build-up on windowsurfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for anydeterioration.
•Check under the hood for any foreignmaterial that may have collectedduring storage such as mice or squirrelnests.
•Check the exhaust for any foreignmaterial that may have collectedduring storage.
•Check tire pressures and set tireinflation per the Tire Label.
•Check brake pedal operation. Driveyour vehicle 15 ft (4.5 m) back andforth to remove rust build-up.
•Check fluid levels (including coolant,oil and gas) to make sure there are noleaks, and fluids are at recommendedlevels.
•If you remove the battery, clean thebattery cable ends and check fordamage.
Contact an authorized dealer if you haveany concerns or issues.
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Vehicle Care

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