warning light FORD TAURUS 2017 Owner's Guide

Ignition Modes
The keyless starting system has threemodes:
Off: Turns the ignition off.
•Without applying the brake pedal,press and release the button oncewhen the ignition is in the on mode, orwhen the engine is running but thevehicle is not moving.
On: All electrical circuits are operationaland the warning lamps and indicatorsilluminate.
•Without applying the brake pedal,press and release the button once.
Note:You may have to press the pushbutton ignition switch twice to switch theignition on.
Start: Starts the engine.
•Press the brake pedal, and then pressthe button for any length of time. Anindicator light on the button illuminateswhen then ignition is on and when theengine starts.
STARTING A GASOLINE
ENGINE
When you start the engine, the idle speedincreases. This helps to warm up theengine. If the engine idle speed does notslow down automatically, have yourvehicle checked by an authorized dealer.
Note: You can crank the engine for a totalof 60 seconds without the engine startingbefore the starting system temporarilydisables. The 60 seconds does not have tobe all at once. For example, if you crank theengine three times for 20 seconds eachtime, without the engine starting, youreached the 60-second time limit. Amessage appears in the information displayalerting you that you exceeded the crankingtime. You cannot attempt to start theengine for at least 15 minutes. After 15minutes, you are limited to a 15-secondengine cranking time. You need to wait 60minutes before you can crank the engine for60 seconds again.
Before starting your vehicle, check thefollowing:
•Make sure all occupants have fastenedtheir safety belts.
•Make sure the headlamps andelectrical accessories are off.
•Make sure the parking brake is on.
•Make sure the transmission is in park(P).
•Switch the ignition on. For vehicles witha keyless ignition, see the followinginstructions.
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
Note:Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully depress the brake pedal.
2. Turn the key to the start position tostart the engine.
138
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Starting and Stopping the EngineE191075

Note:When you insert the correct size fuelpump nozzle a spring loaded inhibitor willopen.
2. Insert the fuel pump nozzle up to thefirst notch on the nozzle A. Keep itresting on the cover of the fuel tankfiller pipe opening.
3. Hold the fuel pump nozzle in positionB when refueling. Holding the fuelnozzle in position A can affect the flowof fuel and shut off the fuel nozzlebefore the fuel tank is full.
4. Operate the fuel pump nozzle withinthe area shown.
5.Slightly raise the fuel pump nozzle andthen slowly remove it.
6. Fully close the fuel tank filler door.
Note: Do not attempt to start the engineif you have filled the fuel tank with incorrectfuel. Incorrect fuel use can cause damagenot covered by the vehicle Warranty. Haveyour vehicle checked immediately.
System Warnings (If Equipped)
If the fuel filler inlet does not fully close awarning message appears in theinformation display.
1. Stop your vehicle as soon as safelypossible and shift the transmission intopark (P) or neutral (N).
2.Apply the parking brake and switch theignition off.
3.Fully open the fuel tank filler door untilit engages.
4. Check the fuel filler inlet and the areaaround it for any items or debris thatmay be obstructing its movement.
148
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Fuel and RefuelingE139202
A E139203
A
B E206912
AB E119081

Keep a record for at least one month andrecord the type of driving (city or highway).This provides an accurate estimate of yourvehicle's fuel economy under currentdriving conditions. Keeping records duringsummer and winter will show howtemperature impacts fuel economy.
Conditions
•Heavily loading your vehicle reducesfuel economy.
•Carrying unnecessary weight in yourvehicle may reduce fuel economy.
•Adding certain accessories to yourvehicle such as bug deflectors, rollbarsor light bars, running boards and skiracks may reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol maylower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lowertemperatures.
•Fuel economy may decrease whendriving short distances.
•You will get better fuel economy whendriving on flat terrain than when drivingon hilly terrain.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARNINGS
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehiclein dry grass or other dry ground cover.The emission system heats up theengine compartment and exhaust system,which can start a fire.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry ofharmful and potentially lethal fumesinto the passenger compartment. Ifyou smell exhaust fumes inside yourvehicle, have your dealer inspect yourvehicle immediately. Do not drive if yousmell exhaust fumes.
Your vehicle is equipped with variousemission control components and acatalytic converter that will enable yourvehicle to comply with applicable exhaustemission standards.
To make sure that the catalytic converterand other emission control componentscontinue to work properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while yourvehicle is moving, especially at highspeeds.
•Have the items listed in scheduledmaintenance information performedaccording to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listedin scheduled maintenance information areessential to the life and performance ofyour vehicle and to its emissions system.
If you use anything other than Ford,Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts formaintenance replacements or for serviceof components affecting emission control,such non-Ford parts should be equivalentto genuine Ford Motor Company parts inperformance and durability.
Illumination of the service engine soonindicator, charging system warning light orthe temperature warning light, fluid leaks,strange odors, smoke or loss of enginepower could indicate that the emissioncontrol system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damagedexhaust system may allow exhaust toenter the vehicle. Have a damaged orimproperly operating exhaust systeminspected and repaired immediately.
Do not make any unauthorized changes toyour vehicle or engine. By law, vehicleowners and anyone who manufactures,repairs, services, sells, leases, tradesvehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehiclesare not permitted to intentionally remove
150
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Fuel and Refueling

All-Wheel Drive Messages
Action / DescriptionAWD Messages
Displays if the AWD system disables toprotect itself. This may occur if you operatethe vehicle after installing the compactspare tire, if the system is overheating or ifthere is an issue with another vehiclesystem that prevents the AWD system from
AWD OFF
operating. The AWD system resumesnormal operation and clears this messageafter you install the road tire and you switchthe ignition on and off, or after you allowthe system to cool. If this message remainson, have a qualified technician service yourvehicle to repair other vehicle systems.
Displayed in conjunction with the power-train malfunction/reduced power lightwhen the system is not operating properly.If the warning stays on or continues tocome on, contact your authorized dealeras soon as possible.
Check AWD
Displayed when the system needs its powertransfer unit lubrication changed. Thismessage may be set if the vehicle hasexperienced extended periods of extreme/severe duty cycle driving.
Change AWD Power Transfer Unit Lube1
1 Taurus SHO Performance Package only.
Operating AWD Vehicles WithSpare Tires
A spare tire of a different size other thanthe tire provided should never be used. TheAWD system may disable automaticallyand enter front-wheel drive only mode toprotect driveline components if a non-fullsized tire is installed. This condition maydisplay an AWD OFF message in theinformation display. If there is an AWD OFFmessage in the information display fromusing a non-full sized spare tire, thisindicator should turn off after reinstallingthe repaired or replaced normal road tire
and cycling the ignition off and on. It isrecommended to reinstall the repaired orreplaced road tire as soon as possible.Major dissimilar tire sizes between the frontand rear axles (for example, 17 inch lowprofile tires on the front axle and 22 inchhigh profile tires on the rear axle) couldcause the AWD system to stop functioningand default to front-wheel drive or damagethe AWD system.
158
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

If Your Vehicle Goes Off the Edge of thePavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of thepavement, slow down, but avoid severebrake application, ease the vehicleback onto the pavement only afterreducing your speed. Do not turn thesteering wheel too sharply whilereturning to the road surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron orshoulder of the road and slow downgradually before returning to thepavement. You may lose control if youdo not slow down or if you turn thesteering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike smallobjects, such as highway reflectors,with minor damage to your vehiclerather than attempt a sudden return tothe pavement which could cause thevehicle to slide sideways out of controlor rollover. Remember, your safety andthe safety of others should be yourprimary concern.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
WARNINGS
Always fully apply the parking brakeand make sure you shift into park (P).Switch the ignition off and removethe key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released,but the brake warning lamp remainsilluminated, the brakes may not beworking properly. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible.
Do not spin the wheels at over34 mph (55 km/h). The tires may failand injure a passenger or bystander.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature ordamage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more thana few minutes or damage to thetransmission and tires may occur or theengine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow itmay be rocked out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts, in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
If your vehicle is equipped withAdvanceTrac® with Roll StabilityControl™, it may be beneficial todisengage the AdvanceTrac® with RollStability Control™ system whileattempting to rock the vehicle.
Emergency Maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situationwhere a sudden sharp turn must bemade, remember to avoid"over-driving" your vehicle (that is, turnthe steering wheel only as rapidly andas far as required to avoid theemergency). Excessive steering willresult in less vehicle control, not more.Additionally, smooth variations of theaccelerator and/or brake pedalpressure should be utilized if changesin vehicle speed are called for. Avoidabrupt steering, acceleration or brakingwhich could result in an increased riskof loss of vehicle control, vehiclerollover and/or personal injury. Use allavailable road surface to return thevehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop,avoid skidding the tires and do notattempt any sharp steering wheelmovements.
•If the vehicle goes from one type ofsurface to another (that is, fromconcrete to gravel) there will be achange in the way the vehicle respondsto a maneuver (steering, accelerationor braking). Again, avoid these abruptinputs.
160
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

“Tread Lightly” is an educational programdesigned to increase public awareness ofland-use regulations and responsibilitiesin our nations wilderness areas. Ford MotorCompany joins the U.S. Forest Service andthe Bureau of Land Management inencouraging you to help preserve ournational forest and other public and privatelands by “treading lightly.”
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Note:Avoid driving crosswise or turning onsteep slopes or hills. A danger lies in losingtraction, slipping sideways and possiblyrolling over. Whenever driving on a hill,determine beforehand the route you willuse. Do not drive over the crest of a hillwithout seeing what conditions are on theother side. Do not drive in reverse over a hillwithout the aid of an observer.
Although natural obstacles may make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or downa hill or steep incline, you should alwaystry to drive straight up or straight down.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, startin a lower gear rather than downshifting toa lower gear from a higher gear once theascent has started. This reduces strain onthe engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turnaroundbecause you might roll over. It is better toback down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power will causethe tires to slip, spin or lose traction,resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you woulduse to climb up the hill to avoid excessivebrake application and brake overheating.Do not descend in neutral; instead,disengage overdrive or manually shift to alower gear. When descending a steep hill,avoid sudden hard braking as you couldlose control. The front wheels have to beturning in order to steer the vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, thereforeapply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump”the brakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING
If you are driving in slipperyconditions that require tire chains orcables, then it is critical that you drivecautiously. Keep speeds down, allow forlonger stopping distances and avoidaggressive steering to reduce the chancesof a loss of vehicle control which can leadto serious injury or death. If the rear end ofyour vehicle slides while cornering, steer inthe direction of the slide until you regaincontrol of your vehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causedriveline damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WDvehicles in snow and ice but can skid likeany other vehicle.
162
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E143949

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

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoiddrive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the systemapplies the brakes to individual wheelsand, when needed, reduces engine powerat the same time. If the wheels spin whenaccelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,the system reduces engine power in orderto increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING
The stability and traction controllight illuminates steadily if thesystem detects a failure. Make sureyou did not manually disable the tractioncontrol system using the informationdisplay controls or the switch. If thestability control and traction control lightis still illuminating steadily, have thesystem serviced by an authorized dealerimmediately. Operating your vehicle withthe traction control disabled could lead toan increased risk of loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,switching traction control off may bebeneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
Note:When you switch traction control off,stability control remains fully active.
Switching the System Off
When you switch the system off or on, amessage appears in the informationdisplay showing system status.
You can switch the system off by eitherusing the information display controls orthe switch.
Using the Information DisplayControls
You can switch this feature off or on in theinformation display. See GeneralInformation (page 89).
Using a Switch (If Equipped)
Use the traction control switch on theinstrument panel to switch the system offor on.
The switch illuminates when tractioncontrol is off.
System Indicator Lights andMessages
The stability and traction controllight:
•Temporarily illuminates on enginestart-up.
•Flashes when a driving conditionactivates either of the systems.
•Illuminates if a problem occurs in eitherof the systems.
The stability and traction controloff light temporarily illuminateson engine start-up and stays onwhen you switch the traction controlsystem off.
166
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Traction ControlE138639 E130458

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involvingbraking system, aftermarket roofracks, suspension, steering system,tire construction and wheel and tire sizemay change the handling characteristicsof your vehicle and may adversely affectthe performance of the electronic stabilitycontrol system. In addition, installing anystereo loudspeakers may interfere withand adversely affect the electronic stabilitycontrol system. Install any aftermarketstereo loudspeaker as far as possible fromthe front center console, the tunnel, andthe front seats in order to minimize the riskof interfering with the electronic stabilitycontrol sensors. Reducing theeffectiveness of the electronic stabilitycontrol system could lead to an increasedrisk of loss of vehicle control, vehiclerollover, personal injury and death.
Remember that even advancedtechnology cannot defy the laws ofphysics. It’s always possible to losecontrol of a vehicle due to inappropriatedriver input for the conditions. Aggressivedriving on any road condition can causeyou to lose control of your vehicleincreasing the risk of personal injury orproperty damage. Activation of theelectronic stability control system is anindication that at least some of the tireshave exceeded their ability to grip the road;this could reduce the operator’s ability tocontrol the vehicle potentially resulting ina loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death. If your electronicstability control system activates, SLOWDOWN.
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
If a fault occurs in either the stabilitycontrol or the traction control system, youmay experience the following conditions:
•The stability and traction control lightilluminates steadily.
•The stability control and tractioncontrol systems do not enhance yourvehicle's ability to maintain traction ofthe wheels.
If a driving condition activates either thestability control or the traction controlsystem you may experience the followingconditions:
•The stability and traction control lightflashes.
•Your vehicle slows down.
•Reduced engine power.
•A vibration in the brake pedal.
•The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
•If the driving condition is severe andyour foot is not on the brake, the brakepedal may move as the system applieshigher brake force.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent skids or lateral slides byapplying brakes to one or more of thewheels individually and, if necessary,reducing engine power.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto maintain traction of the wheels bydetecting and controlling wheel spin. SeeUsing Traction Control (page 166).
167
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Stability Control

Fixed Guidelines
Note:Fixed guidelines are only availablewhen the transmission is in reverse (R).
Note:The centerline is only available iffixed guidelines are on.
Rear bumperA
Fixed guideline: Red ZoneB
Fixed guideline: Yellow zoneC
Fixed guideline: Green zoneD
CenterlineE
Always use caution while reversing.Objects in the red zone are closest to yourvehicle and objects in the green zone arefarther away. Objects are getting closer toyour vehicle as they move from the greenzone to the yellow or red zones. Use theside view mirrors and rear view mirror toget better coverage on both sides and rearof the vehicle.
Manual Zoom
WARNING
When manual zoom is on, the fullarea behind your vehicle may notshow. Be aware of your surroundingswhen using the manual zoom feature.
Note:Manual zoom is only available whenthe transmission is in reverse (R).
Note:When you enable manual zoom, onlythe centerline is shown.
Manual zoom allows you to get a closerview of an object behind your vehicle. Thezoomed image keeps the bumper in theimage to provide a reference. The zoom isonly active while the transmission is inreverse (R).
Selectable settings for this feature areZoom in (+) and Zoom out (-). Press thesymbol in the camera screen to change theview. The default setting is Zoom OFF.
Camera System Settings
The rear view camera system settings canbe accessed through the display screen.See Settings (page 418).
Enhanced Park Aids or Park Pilot (IfEquipped)
The system provides an image of yourvehicle and the sensor zones in the displayscreen. The zones highlight green, yellowand red when the parking aid sensorsdetect an object in the coverage area.
Selectable settings for this feature are ONand OFF.
Rear Camera Delay
When shifting the transmission out ofreverse (R) and into any gear other thanpark (P), the camera image remains in thedisplay until:
•Your vehicle speed reachesapproximately 5 mph (8 km/h).
•You shift your vehicle into park (P).
Selectable settings for this feature are ONand OFF. The default setting for the rearcamera delay is OFF.
177
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Parking AidsE163914
A
E
D
C
B