traction control FORD TAURUS 2018 User Guide

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid
drive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system
applies the brakes to individual wheels
and, when needed, reduces engine power
at the same time. If the wheels spin when
accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,
the system reduces engine power in order
to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING
The stability and traction control
light illuminates steadily if the
system detects a failure. Make sure
you did not manually disable the traction
control system using the information
display controls or the switch. If the
stability control and traction control light
is still illuminating steadily, have the
system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with
the traction control disabled could lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,
switching traction control off may be
beneficial 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, a
message appears in the information
display showing system status.
You can switch the system off by either
using the information display controls or
the switch. Using the Information Display
Controls
You can switch this feature off or on in the
information display. See General
Information (page 89).
Using a Switch
(If Equipped)
Use the traction control switch on the
instrument panel to switch the system off
or on.
The switch illuminates when traction
control is off.
System Indicator Lights and
Messages The stability and traction control
light:
• Temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up.
• Flashes when a driving condition
activates either of the systems.
• Illuminates if a problem occurs in either
of the systems. The stability and traction control
off light temporarily illuminates
on engine start-up and stays on
when you switch the traction control
system off.
166
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Traction ControlE138639 E130458

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involving
braking system, aftermarket roof
racks, suspension, steering system,
tire construction and wheel and tire size
may change the handling characteristics
of your vehicle and may adversely affect
the performance of the electronic stability
control system. In addition, installing any
stereo loudspeakers may interfere with
and adversely affect the electronic stability
control system. Install any aftermarket
stereo loudspeaker as far as possible from
the front center console, the tunnel, and
the front seats in order to minimize the risk
of interfering with the electronic stability
control sensors. Reducing the
effectiveness of the electronic stability
control system could lead to an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death. Remember that even advanced
technology cannot defy the laws of
physics. It’
s always possible to lose
control of a vehicle due to inappropriate
driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause
you to lose control of your vehicle
increasing the risk of personal injury or
property damage. Activation of the
electronic stability control system is an
indication that at least some of the tires
have exceeded their ability to grip the road;
this could reduce the operator ’s ability to
control the vehicle potentially resulting in
a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your electronic
stability control system activates, SLOW
DOWN. The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on. If a fault occurs in either the stability
control or the traction control system, you
may experience the following conditions:
•
The stability and traction control light
illuminates steadily.
• The stability control and traction
control systems do not enhance your
vehicle's ability to maintain traction of
the wheels.
If a driving condition activates either the
stability control or the traction control
system you may experience the following
conditions:
• The stability and traction control light
flashes.
• 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 and
your foot is not on the brake, the brake
pedal may move as the system applies
higher brake force.
The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to prevent skids or lateral slides by
applying brakes to one or more of the
wheels individually and, if necessary,
reducing engine power.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to maintain traction of the wheels by
detecting and controlling wheel spin. See
Using Traction Control (page 166).
167
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Stability Control

Vehicle without stability control
skidding off its intended route.
A B Vehicle with stability control
maintaining control on a slippery
surface.
USING STABILITY CONTROL
The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on.
You cannot switch the stability control
system off, but when you shift into reverse
(R), the system deactivates.
On SHO models only, you can disable the
stability control system when you press
and hold the stability control button for
more than five seconds with your vehicle
at a stop and your foot on the brake.
You can switch the traction control system
off or on. See Using Traction Control
(page 166).
168
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Stability ControlE72903A
AA
B
BB
B

Stability Control Features
Traction ControlSystem
Electronic
Stability Control
Icon Status
Mode
Button Func-
tions
Enabled
Enabled
On during bulb
check
Stability and
traction control fully enabled
Default at start-
up
Disabled
Enabled
On
Traction control
off
Button pressed
momentarily
Enabled
Enabled
On
Sport mode
(SHO with
performance pack only)
Button pressed
twice; brakes applied
Disabled
Disabled
On
Stability control
disabled (SHOwith perform-
ance pack only)
Button pressed
and held more
than 5 seconds; brakes applied; no throttle
Enabled
Enabled
Off
Stability control
fully enabled
Button pressed
again after
deactivation
The SHO with performance package is
equipped with sport mode. This will allow
you to reduce normal stability control
system intervention and provide a more
spirited driving experience.
To enter sport mode, press the stability
control button twice rapidly with the
brakes applied.
You will see a message appear in the
information display that the system is now
in sport mode.
Note: Sport mode is not intended to be
used on public roadways.
169
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Stability Control

When you think your vehicle has enough
space in front and behind it, or you hear a
solid tone from the parking aid
(accompanied by a touchscreen display
message and a chime), bring your vehicle
to a complete stop.
When automatic steering is complete, the
system displays a message and a chime
sounds, indicating that the active park
assist process is finished. You are
responsible for checking the parking job
and making any necessary corrections
before leaving your vehicle.
Deactivating the Park Assist
Feature
Manually deactivate the system by:
•
Pressing the active park assist button
during an active maneuver.
• Grabbing the steering wheel during an
active maneuver. •
Driving above approximately 22 mph
(35 km/h) for 30 seconds during an
active park search.
• Driving above
6 mph (9 km/h) during
automatic steering.
• Switching off the traction control
system.
Certain vehicle conditions can also
deactivate the system, such as:
• Traction control has activated.
• There is an anti-lock brake system
activation or failure.
If a problem occurs with the system, a
warning message displays accompanied
by a tone. Occasional system messages
may occur in normal operation. For
recurring or frequent system faults, contact
an authorized dealer to have your vehicle
serviced.
Troubleshooting the System The system does not look for a space
The traction control system may be off.
The transmission is in reverse (R). Your vehicle must be moving forward to detect a
parking space. The system does not offer a particular space
The sensors may be covered. For example, with snow, ice or dirt. Covered sensors can
affect the system's functionality
There is not enough room in the parking space for your vehicle to safely park.
There is not enough space for the parking maneuver on the opposite side of the parking
space.
174
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Parking Aids

Changing the Set Speed
•
Press SET+ or SET- to change the set
speed in small increments.
• Press the accelerator or brake pedal
until you reach the desired speed. Press
SET+
or SET-.
• Press and hold
SET+ or SET- to
change the set speed in large
increments. Release the control when
you reach the desired speed.
The system may apply the brakes to slow
the vehicle to the new set speed. The set
speed displays continuously in the
information display when the system is
active.
Canceling the Set Speed
Press
CNCL or tap the brake pedal. The
set speed does not erase.
Resuming the Set Speed
Note: Only use resume if you are aware of
the set speed and intend to return to it.
Press
RES. Your vehicle speed returns to
the previously set speed and gap setting.
The set speed displays continuously in the
information display when the system is
active.
Automatic Cancellation
Note: If the engine speed drops too low, an
audible warning sounds and a message
appears in the information display.
Automatic braking releases.
The system does not operate below
12 mph (20 km/h)
.
Automatic cancellation can also occur if:
• The tires lose traction.
• The engine speed is too low.
• You apply the parking brake. Hilly Condition Usage
Note:
An audible alarm sounds and the
system shuts down if it applies brakes for
an extended period of time. This allows the
brakes to cool. The system functions
normally again after the brakes cool.
Select a lower gear when the system is
active in situations such as prolonged
downhill driving on steep grades, for
example in mountainous areas. The
system needs additional engine braking in
these situations to reduce the load on the
vehicle ’s regular brake system to prevent
it from overheating.
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control
Off
Note: You erase the set speed and gap
setting when you switch the system off.
Press
OFF when the system is in standby
mode, or switch the ignition off.
Detection Issues WARNINGS
On rare occasions, detection issues
can occur due to the road
infrastructures, for example bridges,
tunnels and safety barriers. In these cases,
the system may brake late or
unexpectedly. At all times, you are
responsible for controlling your vehicle,
supervising the system and intervening, if
required. If the system malfunctions, have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
The radar sensor has a limited field of view.
It may not detect vehicles at all or detect
a vehicle later than expected in some
situations. The lead vehicle graphic does
not illuminate if the system does not
detect a vehicle in front of you.
183
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Cruise Control

•
Transmissions give their best fuel
economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure
on the gas pedal.
• Four-wheel-drive operation (if
equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deep
water as you may lose control of your
vehicle.
Note:
Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the front
rocker area of your vehicle. When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction may
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so: •
Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.
• Check that the horn works.
• Check that the exterior lights work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that
the steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS WARNINGS
Use a floor mat designed to fit the
footwell of your vehicle that does not
obstruct the pedal area. Failure to
follow this instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle, personal
injury or death. Pedals that cannot move freely can
cause loss of vehicle control and
increase the risk of serious personal
injury. Secure the floor mat to both
retention devices so that it cannot
slip out of position and interfere with
the pedals. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death. Do not place additional floor mats
or any other covering on top of the
original floor mats. This could result
in the floor mat interfering with the
operation of the pedals. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. Always make sure that objects
cannot fall into the driver foot well
while your vehicle is moving. Objects
that are loose can become trapped under
the pedals causing a loss of vehicle control. 211
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Driving HintsE266447

Protected Components
Fuse Amp Rating
Fuse or Relay
Number
Push button ignition switch.
Intelligent access module power.
20A
27
Not used (spare).
15A
28
Radio.
20A
29
Global positioning system module.
Front park lamps.
15A
30
Not used (spare).
5A
31
Smart window motors.
15A
32
Master window and mirror switch.
Rear window power sunshade module.
Lock switch illumination.
Not used (spare).
10A
33
Reverse park aid module.
10A
34
Automatic high beam and lane departure
module.
Rear heated seat module.
Blind spot monitor module.
Rear video camera.
Motorized humidity sensor.
5A
35
Heads-up display.
Traction control switch.
Heated steering wheel.
10A
36
Not used (spare).
10A
37
Auto–dimming mirror (without automatic
high beam and lane departure module).
10A
38
Moonroof module and switch.
High beams.
15A
39
Rear park lamps.
10A
40
Extended power module.
7.5A
41
Not used (spare).
5A
42
Not used (spare).
10A
43
Not used (spare).
10A
44
234
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Fuses

TIRE CARE
Information About Uniform
Tire Quality Grading
Tire Quality Grades apply to new
pneumatic passenger car tires.
The Quality grades can be found
where applicable on the tire
sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width. For
example: Treadwear 200
Traction AA Temperature A.
These Tire Quality Grades are
determined by standards that the
United States Department of
Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new
pneumatic passenger car tires.
They do not apply to deep tread,
winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use
spare tires, light truck or LT type
tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or
limited production tires as defined
in Title 49 Code of Federal
Regulations Part 575.104 (c)(2). U.S. Department of
Transportation Tire quality
grades:
The U.S. Department of
Transportation requires Ford
Motor Company to give you the
following information about tire
grades exactly as the government
has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150
would wear 1½ times as well on
the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service
practices, and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C WARNING
The traction grade assigned
to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning or peak traction
characteristics. 273
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Wheels and TiresE142542

The traction grades, from highest
to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The
grades represent the tire
’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled
conditions on specified
government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Temperature A B C WARNING
The temperature grade for
this tire is established for a
tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure. The temperature grades are A
(the highest), B and C,
representing the tire
’s resistance
to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 139. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
Glossary of Tire Terminology
*Tire label: A label showing the
original equipment tire sizes,
recommended inflation pressure
and the maximum weight the
vehicle can carry.
*
Tire Identification Number
(TIN): A number on the sidewall
of each tire providing information
about the tire brand and
manufacturing plant, tire size and
date of manufacture. Also referred
to as DOT code.
*
Inflation pressure: A measure
of the amount of air in a tire.
*
Standard load: A class of
P-metric or Metric tires designed
to carry a maximum load at set
pressure. For example: For
P-metric tires
35 psi (2.4 bar) and
for Metric tires 36 psi (2.5 bar).
Increasing the inflation pressure
beyond this pressure will not
increase the tire ’s load carrying
capability.
*
Extra load: A class of P-metric
or Metric tires designed to carry a
heavier maximum load at
42 psi
(2.9 bar). Increasing the inflation
pressure beyond this pressure will
not increase the tire ’s load
carrying capability.
274
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Wheels and Tires