2009 FORD TAURUS warning lights

allows your Personal Safety Systemto tailor the airbag deployment and
safety belt pretensioner activation depending upon safety belt usage.
Front safety belt pretensioners
The safety belt pretensioners at the front outboard seating positions are
designed to tighten the safety belts firmly against the occupant’s body
during frontal collisions, and in side collisions and rollovers. This helps
increase the effectiveness of the safety belts. In frontal collisions, the
safety belt pretensioners can be activated alone or, if the collision is of
sufficient severity, together with the front airbags.
Front safety belt energy management retractors
The front outboard 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 toEnergy management
feature- front outboardsection in this chapter.
Determining if the Personal Safety Systemis operational
The Personal Safety Systemuses a warning light in the instrument
cluster or a back-up tone to indicate the condition of the system. Refer
to theWarning lights and chimessection in theInstrument Cluster
chapter. Routine maintenance of the Personal Safety Systemis not
required.
The Restraints Control Module (RCM) monitors its own internal circuits
and the circuits for the airbag supplemental restraints, crash sensor(s),
safety belt pretensioners, front safety belt buckle sensors, driver seat
position sensor, and front passenger sensing system. 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.
•The warning light will either flash or stay lit.
•The warning light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is
turned on.
•A 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 Systemserviced at an authorized dealer immediately. Unless
serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a
collision.
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Seating and Safety Restraints
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In case there is a problem with the
front passenger sensing system, the
airbag readiness lamp in the
instrument cluster will stay lit.
If the airbag readiness lamp is lit, do the following:
The driver and/or adult passengers should check for any objects that
may be lodged underneath the front passenger seat or cargo interfering
with the seat.
If objects are lodged and/or cargo is interfering with the seat; please take
the following steps to remove the obstruction:
•Pull the vehicle over.
•Turn the vehicle off.
•Driver and/or adult passengers should check for any objects lodged
underneath the front passenger seat or cargo interfering with the seat.
•Remove the obstruction(s) (if found).
•Restart the vehicle.
•Wait at least two minutes and verify that the airbag readiness lamp is
no longer illuminated
•If the airbag readiness lamp remains illuminated, this may or may/not
be a problem due to the front passenger sensing system.
DO NOT attempt to repair or service the system; take your vehicle
immediately to an authorized dealer.
If it is necessary to modify an advanced front airbag system to
accommodate a person with disabilities, contact the Ford Customer
Relationship Center at the phone number shown in theCustomer
Assistancechapter of thisOwner’s Guide.
WARNING:Any alteration/modification to the front passenger
seat may affect the performance of the front passenger sensing
system.
Determining if the system is operational
The supplemental restraint system uses a warning indicator light in the
instrument cluster or a back-up tone to indicate the condition of the
system. Refer to theWarning lights and chimessection in the
Instrument Clusterchapter. Routine maintenance of the airbag is not
required.
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Seating and Safety Restraints
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Low Tire Pressure
Warning LightPossible cause Customer Action Required
Flashing Warning
LightSpare tire in use Your temporary spare tire is in
use. Repair the damaged road
wheel and re-mount it on the
vehicle to restore system
functionality. For a description
of how the system functions
under these conditions, refer to
When your temporary spare
tire is installedin this section.
TPMS
malfunctionIf your tires are properly
inflated and your spare tire is
not in use and the TPMS
warning light still flashes, have
the system inspected by your
authorized dealer.
When inflating your tires
When putting air into your tires (such as at a gas station or in your
garage), the Tire Pressure Monitoring System may not respond
immediately to the air added to your tires.
It may take up to two minutes of driving over 20 mph (32 km/h) for the
light to turn OFF after you have filled your tires to the recommended
inflation pressure.
How temperature affects your tire pressure
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) monitors tire pressure in
each pneumatic tire. While driving in a normal manner, a typical
passenger tire inflation pressure may increase approximately 2 to 4 psi
(14 to 28 kPa) from a cold start situation. If the vehicle is stationary
over night with the outside temperature significantly lower than the
daytime temperature, the tire pressure may decrease approximately 3 psi
(20.7 kPa) for a drop of 30° F (16.6°C) in ambient temperature. This
lower pressure value may be detected by the TPMS as being significantly
lower than the recommended inflation pressure and activate the TPMS
warning for low tire pressure. If the low tire pressure warning light is
ON, visually check each tire to verify that no tire is flat. (If one or more
tires are flat, repair as necessary.) Check air pressure in the road tires. If
any tire is under-inflated, carefully drive the vehicle to the nearest
location where air can be added to the tires. Inflate all the tires to the
recommended inflation pressure.
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
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STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. Off— locks the gearshift lever
and allows key removal. This
position also shuts the engine and
all electrical accessories off.
2. Accessory— allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
3. On— all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
4. Start— cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Starting your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system.
This system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment
standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of
radio noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
To avoid potential transmission damage at extremely cold temperatures
(below -20°F [-30°C]), it is recommended that the vehicle be warmed up
to normal operating temperature before driving at highway speeds above
50 mph (80 km/h). Normal operating temperature is normally reached
after 10 minutes of moderate driving or idling.
WARNING:Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
WARNING:Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
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Driving
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•Make sure the gearshift lever is in
P (Park).
3. Turn the key to 3 (on) without
turning the key to 4 (start).
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. SeeWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.
Starting the engine
1. Turn the key to 3 (on) without
turning the key to 4 (start). If there
is difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel until the
key turns freely. This condition may
occur when:
•the front wheels are turned
•a front wheel is against the curb
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Driving
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Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems, try a different brand of unleaded gasoline. “Premium”
unleaded gasoline is not recommended for vehicles designed to use
“Regular” unleaded gasoline because it may cause these problems to
become more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your authorized
dealer.
Do not add aftermarket fuel additive products to your fuel tank. It
should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. These products have not been approved for your engine and
could cause damage to the fuel system. Repairs to correct the effects of
using an aftermarket product in your fuel may not be covered by your
warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-Wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-Wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-Wide Fuel Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality, per the recommendations in theChoosing the right
fuelsection.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from off to on several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than
1 gallon (3.8L) may be required.
•TheService engine soon
indicator may come on. For more
information on theService engine soon
indicator, refer to
Warning lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
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Maintenance and Specifications
312

storage .....................................262
Jump-starting your vehicle ......270
K
Keyless entry system ...............138
autolock ...................................125
keypad .....................................138
locking and unlocking doors ..139
programming entry code .......138
Keys ...................................123, 141
positions of the ignition .........229
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................82
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................87
daytime running light ...............84
fog lamps ...................................83
headlamps .................................82
headlamps, flash to pass ..........84
instrument panel, dimming .....84
interior lamps .....................86, 88
replacing bulbs .............88–89, 92
LATCH anchors .........................190
Liftgate ......................................133
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........235
Load limits .................................220
Locks
autolock ...................................125
childproof ................................129
doors ........................................125
Lubricant specifications ...........324
Lug nuts ....................................269
Lumbar support, seats .............146
M
Message center .........................111english/metric button .............117
system check button ..............116
warning messages ...................118
Mirrors .................................99–100
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................99
fold away .................................101
heated ......................................101
programmable memory ..........133
side view mirrors (power) .....100
Moon roof ..................................107
Motorcraft parts ........291, 307, 323
N
Navigation system .......................73
O
Octane rating ............................311
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................296
Overdrive ...................................242
P
Parking brake ............................235
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....323
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................155
Power adjustable foot pedals ...101
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................259
Power door locks ......................125
Power mirrors ...........................100
Power point .................................96
Power steering ..........................240
fluid, checking and adding ....319
fluid, refill capacity ................324
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Index
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Tires ...........................199–200, 262
alignment ................................207
care ..........................................203
changing ..........................262, 265
checking the pressure ............203
inflating ...................................201
label .........................................213
replacing ..................................205
rotating ....................................207
safety practices .......................206
sidewall information ...............209
snow tires and chains ............219
spare tire .................................263
terminology .............................200
tire grades ...............................200
treadwear ........................199, 204
Towing .......................................225
recreational towing .................228
trailer towing ..........................225
wrecker ....................................275
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............324
lubricant specifications ..........324
Transmission .............................241
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....241
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................320
Trunk .................................130, 133remote release ........................121
Turn signal ..................................86
U
USB port ......................................38
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................327
Vehicle loading ..........................220
Ventilating your vehicle ...........232
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................295
Water, Driving through .............252
Windows
power .........................................97
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................93
checking and adding fluid .....295
replacing wiper blades ...........296
Wrecker towing .........................275
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Index
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