2002 FORD TAURUS ESP

This Owner's Guide describes every option and model variant
available and therefore some of the items covered may not apply
to your particular vehicle. Furthermore, due to printing cycles it may
describe options before they are generally available.
Remember to pass on the Owner's Guide when reselling the
vehicle. It is an integral part of the vehicle.
Fuel pump shut-off switchIn the event of an accident the
safety switch will automatically cut off the fuel supply to the
engine. The switch can also be activated through sudden vibration (e.g.
collision when parking). To reset the switch, refer to theFuel pump
shut-off switchin theRoadside emergencieschapter.
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible
damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment? In this guide, answers
to such questions are contained in comments highlighted by the warning
triangle symbol. These comments should be read and observed.
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
Introduction
5

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle's functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works.If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have
the respective system inspected immediately.
Service engine soon
The
illuminates briefly to
ensure the system is functional. If it
comes on after the engine is started,
one of the engine's emission control
systems may be malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a
driveability concern being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and
will not require towing.
Light turns on solid:
Temporary malfunctions may cause your
light to illuminate.
Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel.
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely
tightened.
P!
BRAKE
+ –
CRUISE
RPMx1000
ABS0 123
4
5
6
7
204060
80
100
1202060
140
180
P R N D D 1MPH km/h
000000
0000
EFC H
FUEL DOOR >
THEFT LOW
COOLANT
Instrument Cluster
10

REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and with RS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
The remote entry system allows you to lock or unlock all vehicle doors,
trunk and liftgate without a key.
The remote entry features only operate with the vehicle in P (Park) or N
(Neutral) and the ignition in the, ACC, OFF or ON positions.
If there is any potential remote keyless entry problem with your vehicle,
ensureALL key fobs(remote entry transmitters) are brought to the
dealership, to aid in troubleshooting.
Unlocking the doors/liftgate
Press this control to unlock the
driver's door. The lamps will
illuminate with the ignition OFF.
Press the control a second time
within three seconds to unlock all
doors and liftgate (wagons).
Locks and Security
87

If you wish to erase your personal code, use the following instructions:
Erasing personal code
1. Enter the factory-set code.
2. Press 1/2 within five seconds of
step 1 and release.
3. Press the 1/2 control and hold for
2 seconds to erase the customer
programmed keycode, within five
seconds of step 2.
The system will now only respond
to the factory-set code.
Unlocking the doors and releasing the trunk with the keyless entry
system
The driver's door must be unlocked before any other. If more than five
seconds pass between pressing numbers, enter the code again. The
system has shut down if the keypad light is out. If the keyless entry
system does not work, use the key or remote entry transmitter(s).
1. To unlock the driver's door, enter one of the two codes. After pressing
the fifth number, the driver's door unlocks.
2. To unlock the passenger's door(s)
and liftgate (wagon), press the 3/4
control within five seconds of
unlocking the driver's door.
3. To unlock the trunk or liftgate
(wagon), enter the five-digit
factory-set code, then press the 5/6
control within five seconds.
Locking the doors and liftgate
(wagon), press the 7/8 and 9/0
controls at the same time. This can
be done at any time.
123
45678
90
123
45678
90
123
45678
90
Locks and Security
93

allows your Personal Safety System to tailor the air bag deployment and
safety belt pretensioner activation depending upon safety belt usage.
Refer toSafety Beltsection in this chapter.
Front safety belt pretensioners
The safety belt pretensioners are designed to tighten the safety belts
firmly against the occupant's body during a collision. This maximizes the
effectiveness of the safety belts and helps properly position the occupant
relative to the air bag to improve protection. The safety belt
pretensioners can be either activated alone or, if the collision is of
sufficient severity, together with the air bags.
Front safety belt energy management retractors
The front safety belt energy management retractors allow webbing to be
pulled out of the retractor in a gradual and controlled manner in
response to the occupant's forward momentum. This helps reduce the
risk of force-related injuries to the occupant's chest by limiting the load
on the occupant. Refer toSafety Beltsection in this chapter.
Determining if the Personal Safety System is operational
The Personal Safety System uses a warning light in the instrument
cluster or a back-up tone to indicate the condition of the system. Refer
to theWarning Lightsection in theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Routine maintenance of the Personal Safety System is not required.
The Restraints Control Module (RCM) monitors its own internal circuits
and the circuits for the air bag supplemental restraints, crash sensor(s),
safety belt pretensioners, front safety belt buckle sensors, and the driver
seat position sensor. In addition, the RCM also monitors the restraints
warning light in the instrument cluster. A difficulty with the system is
indicated by one or more of the following.
²The warning light will either flash or stay lit.
²The warning light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is
turned on.
²A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat
periodically until the problem and warning light are repaired.
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the Personal
Safety System serviced at your dealership or by a qualified technician
immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in
the event of a collision.
Seating and Safety Restraints
107

Vehicle sensitive mode
The vehicle sensitive mode is the normal retractor mode, allowing free
shoulder belt length adjustment to your movements and locking in
response to vehicle movement. For example, if the driver brakes
suddenly or turns a corner sharply, or the vehicle receives an impact of
approximately 8 km/h (5 mph) or more, the combination safety belts will
lock to help reduce forward movement of the driver and passengers.
Automatic locking mode
In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre-locked. The belt will
still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt.
The automatic locking mode is not available on the driver safety belt.
When to use the automatic locking mode
²Any timea child safety seat is installed in the vehicle. Children 12
years old and under should be properly restrained in the rear seat
whenever possible. Refer toSafety restraints for childrenorSafety
seats for childrenlater in this chapter.
How to use the automatic locking mode
²Buckle the combination lap and
shoulder belt.
Seating and Safety Restraints
110

How does the side air bag system work?
The side air bag system consists of
the following:
²An inflatable nylon bag (air bag)
with a gas generator concealed
behind the outboard bolster of
the driver and front passenger
seatbacks.
²A special seat cover designed to
allow airbag deployment.
²The same warning light,
electronic control and diagnostic
unit as used for the front air
bags.
²Two crash sensors located under
the outboard side of the front
seats, attached to the floor.
Side air bags, in combination with seat belts, can help reduce the risk of
severe injuries in the event of a significant side impact collision.
The side air bags are fitted on the outboard side of the seatbacks of the
front seats. In certain lateral collisions, the air bag on the side affected
by the collision will be inflated, even if the respective seat is not
occupied. The air bag was designed to inflate between the door panel
and occupant to further enhance the protection provided occupants in
side impact collisions.
The air bag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains lateral
deceleration sufficient to cause the sensors to close an electrical circuit
that initiates air bag inflation.
The fact that the air bags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that
something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were
not of the type sufficient to cause activation. Side air bags are designed
to inflate in side-impact collisions, not roll-over, rear-impact, frontal or
near-frontal collisions, unless the collision causes sufficient lateral
deceleration.
Seating and Safety Restraints
127

Several air bag system
components get hot after
inflation. Do not touch them after
inflation.
If the side air bag has
deployed,the air bag will
not function again. The side
air bag system (including the
seat) must be inspected and
serviced by a qualified
technician in accordance with
the vehicle service manual.If
the air bag is not replaced, the
unrepaired area will increase the
risk of injury in a collision.
Disposal of air bags and air bag equipped vehicles
For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your local
dealership or qualified technician. Air bags MUST BE disposed of by
qualified personnel.
SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN
See the following sections for directions on how to properly use safety
restraints for children. Also seeAir bag supplemental restraint system
(SRS)in this chapter for special instructions about using air bags.
Important child restraint precautions
You are required by law to use safety restraints for children in the U.S.
and Canada. If small children ride in your vehicle (generally children who
are four years old or younger and who weigh 18 kg [40 lbs] or less), you
must put them in safety seats made especially for children. Check your
local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements regarding the
safety of children in your vehicle.
Seating and Safety Restraints
128