2011 FORD TAURUS check engine

Vehicles equipped with an intelligent access key (push button
start)
•It is not possible to program the remote start system as a MyKey™ on
vehicles equipped with intelligent access key (push button start).
Therefore, you should treat the remote start fob as you would any
other admin key. When the vehicle is started using remote start, the
system will stall the engine when you either enter the vehicle or shift
the vehicle into gear. Prior to the engine stall, the vehicle will have
administrative privileges. When you restart the engine, the vehicle will
identify the user as an admin or MyKey™ driver depending on the
settings of the actual key used to start the vehicle.
Note:For all vehicles, the number of MYKEY(S) PROGRAMMED or
ADMIN KEYS PROGRAMMED that is displayed in the MyKey™ system
status menus will include the remote start system as an additional key in
the total count. See theCheck MyKey™ system statussection.
Note:For all vehicles with remote start installed, it is possible to
program all ’real’ keys as MyKeys™, in which case, you will need to use
your remote start system to reset all MyKeys™ as admin keys by doing
the following:
1. Enter the vehicle, close all doors.
2. Remote start the vehicle using your remote start fob.
3. Follow Steps 1-4 in theClear MyKey™section.
Locks and Security
112
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate
stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer toSpecial operating conditionsin the
Scheduled Maintenance Guidechapter.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing-up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle-trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle for personal travel (such as behind a motor home or a
truck).
Note:Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to theClimate
Controlschapter for more information.
In case of roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to
Wrecker towingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles:
Tow your FWD vehicle with all four wheels on the ground or with the
front wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly. If you are using a tow
dolly follow the instructions specified by the equipment provider.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
233
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING:Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in
other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against
exhaust fumesin this chapter for more instructions.
WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs higher than normal in order
to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, have the vehicle checked.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For
more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and Safety Restraintschapter.
2. Make sure vehicle accessories are off.
•Make sure the parking brake is
set.
Driving
236
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•Be sure that areas where the vehicle is parked are clean and clear of
all combustibles such as petroleum products, dust, rags, paper and
similar items.
•Be sure that the engine block heater, heater cord and extension cord
are solidly connected. A poor connection can cause the cord to
become very hot and may result in an electrical shock or fire. Be sure
to check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system
has been operating for approximately a half hour.
•Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall
tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order.
How to use the engine block heater
Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.
Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater will use .4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. Your
factory installed block heater system does not have a thermostat;
however, maximum temperature is attained after approximately three
hours of operation. Block heater operation longer than three hours will
not improve system performance and will unnecessarily use additional
electricity.
Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Refer toWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
P!
BRAKE
Driving
242
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

The AdvanceTrac
system automatically enables each time the engine is
started. All features of the AdvanceTrac
system (TCS and ESC) are
active and monitor the vehicle from start-up. However, the system will
only intervene if the driving situation requires it.
Standard
Optional
The AdvanceTrac
system includes a stability control off button located
on the instrument panel, a stability control light and a stability control
off light in the instrument cluster. Both the stability control light and the
stability control off light in the instrument cluster will illuminate
temporarily during start-up as part of a normal system self-check. The
stability control light may illuminate (flash) during certain driving
situation which cause the AdvanceTrac
system to operate. If the
stability control light illuminates steadily, have the system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately. If equipped with a message center, the
vehicle will also indicate a failure with the brake system.
Note:If the system cannot be turned off, refer toMyKey™in theLocks
and Securitychapter for more information.
When AdvanceTrac
performs a normal system self-check, some drivers
may notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a rumble, grunting, or
grinding noise after startup and when driving off.
When an event occurs that activates AdvanceTrac
, you may experience
the following:
•A slight deceleration of the vehicle
•The stability control light will flash.
•If your foot is on the brake pedal, a vibration in the pedal
•If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal may move as the systems applies higher brake forces. You
may also hear a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during
this severe condition.
•The brake pedal may feel stiffer than usual.
Driving
246
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
•Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer toTrailer
towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter).
Switching off AdvanceTrac

If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine
power, switching off certain features of the AdvanceTrac
system may be
beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This will restore full
engine power and will enhance momentum through the obstacle.
To switch off the AdvanceTrac
system, press the stability control
switch. Full features of the AdvanceTrac
system can be restored by
pressing the stability control switch again, or by turning off and
restarting the engine.
When the AdvanceTrac
system is
off, the stability control off light will
illuminate steadily. Pressing the
AdvanceTrac
control switch again
will turn off the stability control
light.
In R (Reverse), ABS and the engine traction control and brake traction
control features will continue to function; however, ESC is disabled.
AdvanceTrac
Features
Control
functionsModeStabil-
ity con-
trol off
lightMessage
center dis-
playESC TCS
Default at
start-upSystem Ini-
tializationTurns
on dur-
ing bulb
checkNothing dis-
playedEn-
abledEnabled
Control
pressed
onceTraction con-
trol OFFOnTRACTION
CONTROL
OFFEn-
abledDis-
abled
OFF
Driving
248
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

AdvanceTrac
Features
Control
functionsModeStabil-
ity con-
trol off
lightMessage
center dis-
playESC TCS
Control
pressed
twice rap-
idly, brakes
appliedSport mode
(SHO with
performance
pack only)OnADVANCE-
TRAC SPORT
MODEEn-
abledEnabled
Control
pressed and
held for
more than
five seconds,
vehicle
speed =
0 mph,
brakes ap-
pliedAdvance-
Tr a c
dis-
abled (SHO
with perfor-
mance pack
only)OnADVANCE-
TRAC OFFDis-
abledDis-
abled
Control
pressed
again after
deactivationAdvance-
Trac
fully
enabledOffADVANCE-
TRAC ONEn-
abledEnabled
AdvanceTrac
sport mode
The AdvanceTrac
system provides an available sport mode on some
models. This can be selected utilizing the stability control off switch as
shown in the table above.
Sport mode is not intended for use on public roadways as this mode
provides less AdvanceTrac
system intervention than when the default
ESC and traction control systems are on. Sport mode will allow more
spirited driving while the AdvanceTrac
system is still enabled.
STEERING
3.5L V6 engine (SHO):Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power
steering (EPS) system. There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
Driving
249
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort. Extreme continuous steering may increase the effort it takes
for you to steer. This occurs to prevent internal overheating and
permanent damage to your steering system. If this should occur, you will
neither lose the ability to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause
permanent damage. Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the
system to cool and steering assist will return to normal.
The EPS system has diagnostic checks that continuously monitor the
EPS system to ensure proper operation. When a system error is
detected, the following message SERVICE POWER STEERING, SERVICE
POWER STEERING NOW or POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT may
display in the message center, refer to theMessage centerin the
Instrument Clusterchapter for more information.
WARNING:The EPS system has diagnostics checks that
continuously monitor the EPS system to ensure proper operation
of the electronic system. When an electronic error is detected, the
message POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT will be displayed in the
message center. If this happens, stop the vehicle in a safe place, and
turn off the engine. After at least 10 seconds, reset the system by
restarting the engine, and watch the message center for POWER
STEERING ASSIST FAULT. If the message returns, or returns while
driving, take the vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. With the
message displayed, the steering assist is turned off, making the vehicle
harder to steer.
WARNING:If the message SERVICE POWER STEERING is
displayed in the message center, the EPS system has detected a
problem with the system function. On the next key cycle the message
SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW will be displayed and steering
assist will be removed until the steering system is serviced. Have your
vehicle taken to the nearest dealer as soon as possible.
3.5L V6 engine:Your vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic steering
system.
To help prevent damage to the power steering system, never hold the
steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it stops) for more than
a few seconds when the engine is running. If the power steering system
breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle
manually, but it takes more effort.
Driving
250
2011 Taurus(500)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)