2011 FORD TAURUS Owners Manual

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.
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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.
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•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation. If excessive, check for low
power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
If the steering wanders or pulls equipped with either EPS or Hydraulic
steering system, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper vehicle alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the on position unless the brake pedal is pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with the ignition
in the on position and the brake pedal pressed, it is possible that a fuse
has blown or the vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating properly. Refer
toFuses and relaysin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
If the fuse is not blown and the brake lamps are working properly, the
following procedure will allow you to move the gearshift lever from P
(Park).Note:For some markets this feature will be disabled.
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1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Remove the cup holder insert.
3. Using a screwdriver (or similar
tool), remove the protective cover
to the interlock release access hole
on the console.
4. Insert the screwdriver (or similar
tool) into the access hole and press
while pulling the gearshift lever out
of the P (Park) position and into
the N (Neutral) position.
5. Remove the tool and reinstall the
protective cover.
6. Start the vehicle and release the parking brake.
See your authorized dealer as soon as possible if this procedure
is used.
WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brake lamps are working.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Automatic transmission adaptive learning
Your transmission is equipped with an adaptive learning strategy found in
the vehicle computer. This feature is designed to increase durability and
provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. A new vehicle or
transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation. Additionally, whenever the battery is
disconnected or a new battery installed, the strategy must be relearned.
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Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed automatic
transmission with transmission control switch (if equipped)
Your vehicle has been designed to improve fuel economy by reducing
fuel usage while coasting or decelerating. When you take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to slow down, the torque
converter clutch locks up and aggressively shuts off fuel flow to the
engine while decelerating. This fuel economy benefit may be perceived
as a light to medium braking sensation when removing your foot from
the accelerator pedal.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Press the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and
securely latch it in P (Park)
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.
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D (Drive) with Grade Assist
Pressing the transmission control
switch on the side of the gearshift
lever activates Grade Assist.
Grade Assist
•Improves driving experience in
hilly terrain or mountainous areas
by providing additional grade
(engine) braking and extends
lower gear operation on uphill
climbs.
•Provides additional engine
braking through the automatic
transmission shift strategy which
reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle
acceleration, accelerator pedal,
brake pedal and vehicle speed).
•Allows the transmission to select
gears that will provide the desired
engine braking based on the
vehicle inputs mentioned above.
This will increase engine RPM during engine braking.
•The grade assist lamp in the
instrument cluster is illuminated.
Grade Assist is designed to provide
optimal gear selection in hilly terrain
or mountainous areas. It is recommended that you return to D (Drive)
on flat terrain to provide the best fuel economy and transmission
function.
To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transmission control switch
again.
•The Grade Assist lamp in the instrument cluster will not be
illuminated.
•The transmission will operate in gears one through six.
L (Low)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Will downshift to the lowest available gear for the current vehicle
speed; allows for first gear when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
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Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed with
SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST) (if equipped)
Your vehicle has been designed to improve fuel economy by reducing
fuel usage while coasting or decelerating. When you take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to slow down, the torque
converter clutch locks up and aggressively shuts off fuel flow to the
engine while decelerating. This fuel economy benefit may be perceived
as a light to medium braking sensation when removing your foot from
the accelerator pedal.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Press the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and
securely latch it in P (Park)
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Switch the ignition off and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
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N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive)
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.
M (Manual)
With the gearshift lever in M
(Manual), the driver can change
gears up or down (without a clutch)
as desired. This is called SelectShift
Automatic™ transmission (SST)
mode. By moving the gearshift lever
from drive position D (Drive) to M
(Manual) you now have control of
selecting the gear you desire using
the paddle shifters on the steering
wheel.
To return to normal D (Drive)
position, move the shift lever back
from M (Manual) to D (Drive). The transmission will operate in gears
one through six.
Paddle shifters
The paddle shifters allow you to shift gears quickly, without taking your
hands off the steering wheel.
1. To manually downshift the
transmission with the gearshift lever
in M (Manual), press the paddle
shifters forward.
2. To manually upshift the
transmission with the gearshift lever
in M (Manual), pull the paddle
shifters rearward.
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