2011 FORD TAURUS sensor

WARNING:The collision warning system’s brake support can
only help reduce the speed at which a collision occurs if the
driver applies the vehicle’s brakes. The brake pedal must be pressed
just like for any typical braking situation.
Blocked sensor
If a message regarding a blocked
sensor is displayed, the radar signals
from the sensor, located behind a
fascia cover near the driver side of
the lower grille, have been
obstructed. When the radar signals
are obstructed, a vehicle ahead
cannot be detected and the collision
warning system will not function.
The following table lists possible
causes and actions for this message being displayed.
Cause Action
The surface of the radar in the
grille is dirty or obstructed in
some wayClean the grille surface in front of
the radar or remove the object
causing the obstruction
The surface of the radar in the
grille is clean but the message
remains in the displayWait a short time. It may take
several minutes for the radar to
detect that it is no longer
obstructed
Heavy rain, spray, snow, or fog is
interfering with the radar signalsDo not use the collision warning
system in these conditions because
it may not detect, warn, or
respond to potential collisions
Swirling water, or snow or ice on
the surface of the road may
interfere with the radar signalsDo not use the collision warning
system in these conditions because
it may not detect, warn, or
respond to potential collisions
Activating/deactivating collision warning system
To turn the warning system and/or chime on or off and set the warning
sensitivity <– –>, refer toMessage centerin theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
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The BLIS
and CTA has a yellow
indicator (also referred to as the
alert) located in the left and right
exterior mirrors. When the vehicle is
started, the BLIS
automatically
illuminates both indicators for
several seconds indicating the
system is operating. The first time
you place the transmission in D (Drive) after starting the engine and
drive forward at a speed greater than 3 mph (5 km/h) the BLIS
system
becomes active. Afterwards, the BLIS
remains active for all speeds
including zero mph. BLIS
is also active if the transmission is placed in N
(Neutral). If the transmission is shifted out of D (Drive) or N (Neutral)
the system will enter the CTA mode (see CTA operation below). Once
shifted back in to D (Drive) the BLIS
mode will activate once driven
above 3 mph (5 km/h).
The BLIS
will trigger the alert for vehicles that enter your blind zone
from the rear or merge in to the blind zone from the side. Vehicles that
you pass, or a vehicle that enters the blind zone from the front, will
trigger the alert only after the vehicle is present in the blind zone for
three seconds.Note:For vehicles that pass through the blind zone
quickly, typically less than two seconds, the BLIS
will not illuminate the
alert.
The BLIS
consists of two radar
sensors each located rearward of
the rear wheels hidden behind the
bumper fascia. Do not place any
type of bumper sticker in this area.
Note:The BLIS
typically will not
detect parked vehicles, humans,
animals, or infrastructure (fences,
guard rails, trees, etc.). The BLIS

does not function when the transmission is in R (Reverse) or P (Park).
The BLIS
does not provide any additional warning when your turn
signal is activated.
BLIS
detection limitations:Due to the nature of radar technology,
there may be certain instances where vehicles entering and exiting the
blind spot zones may not be detected. Below is a list of circumstances
that may cause non-detection:
•Debris build-up on the rear quarter panel fascias
•Certain maneuvering of vehicles entering and exiting the blind zone
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The CTA system detects vehicles approaching up to 45 feet (14 meters)
away. Coverage decreases when vehicles and objects in close proximity
block the CTA sensors (refer to figure for approximate zone coverage
areas[sensor obstructed for vehicle on left]). Backing slowly from
the parking spot in these situations helps to increase the sensor coverage
and effectiveness.
CTA coverage also decreases when parking at shallow angles (refer to
figure for approximate zone coverage areas[sensor obstructed for
vehicle on left]).
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CTA detection limitations:Due to the nature of radar technology,
there may be certain instances where vehicles entering and exiting the
blind spot zones may not be detected. Below is a list of circumstances
that may cause non-detection:
•Debris build-up on the rear quarter panel fascias
•The rear quarter panel radar beams are obstructed or partially
obstructed by an adjacently parked vehicle or object.
•Approaching vehicles passing at speeds greater than 15 mph
(24 km/h)
•Severe weather conditions
•Driving in reverse faster than 3 mph (5 km/h)
•Backing out of an angled parking spot
CTA false alerts
Due to the nature of radar technology, there may be certain instances
when the BLIS
will alert with no object present when backing up. This
is known as a false alert. Some level of false alerts are normal.
Circumstances that may cause a false alert when backing up are backing
out of a garage, backing in to a parking space, and objects very close to
the sensor. False alerts are temporary and self correct.
CTA and reverse sensing system (RSS) interaction
CTA works along with the reverse sensing system (RSS) (if equipped).
Become familiar with the warning tones of both systems.
BLIS
and/or CTA on/off and disable operation
The BLIS
and/or the CTA can be turned off via the message center. If
either the BLIS
and/or the CTA is turned off, the systems will
automatically turn back on at the next ignition key cycle. When either
the BLIS
and/or the CTA is turned off, the message center displays
BLIND SPOT SYS OFF and/or CTA SYSTEM OFF. When the BLIS

and/or the CTA system is off, the driver will not receive alerts. Refer to
Message centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Note:If the system cannot be turned off, refer toMyKey™in theLocks
and Securitychapter for more information.
The BLIS
and/or the CTA can be disabled permanently even after an
ignition key cycle. This must be done by your authorized dealer.Note:
Once either of the systems are disabled, enabling must also be performed
at the dealership. When disabled, the message center will display BLIND
SPOT DISABLED and/or CTA DISABLED.
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BLIS
and/or CTA fault operation
If the BLIS
and/or CTA senses a fault on either the left or right sensor,
the BLIS
alert indicator will go on and remain on and the message
center will display BLIND SPOT SYSTEM FAULT or CROSS TRAFFIC
SYSTEM FAULT. For faults that may cause the associated left or right
alert indicator not to illuminate, only the message center faults will
occur.
Blocked sensor
An extreme build-up of materials on
the quarter panel fascias such as
mud or snow can cause degraded
performance of the BLIS
. Also,
heavy rain can cause the same
effect. The BLIS
can detect this
degraded performance and issue a
blocked warning to the driver via
the message center. If a condition is determined by the system, the
message center displays BLIND SPOT NOT AVAILABLE or CROSS
TRAFFIC NOT AVAILABLE warning and the appropriate left and/or right
exterior mirror alert indicator will illuminate. The message center
warning may be cleared by the driver but the exterior mirror alert
indicator will remain illuminated.
WARNING:Just prior to the system recognizing a blocked
condition and alerting the driver, the number of missed objects
will increase. To help avoid injuries, NEVER use the BLIS
as a
replacement for using the side and rear view mirrors and looking over
your shoulder before changing lanes. BLIS
is not a replacement for
careful driving and only an assist.
Once the blockage is removed, the system will require some driving time
and detection of at least two vehicle objects prior to resetting or the
driver can cycle the ignition key. If, however, blockage is still present
after the key cycle, the system will sense again that it is blocked after
driving in traffic.
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The following table lists possible causes and actions for this message
being displayed:
The surface of the radar is
dirty or obstructed in some
wayClean the fascia area in front of the radar,
either side, or remove obstruction.
The surface of the radar is
not dirty or obstructedDrive normally in traffic for a few minutes
to allow the radar to detect that it is no
longer blocked.Note:The vehicle must
be in D (Drive) and a few vehicles must
pass so that the BLIS
can clear a
blocked state.
Heavy rainfall or heavy
snowfall is interfering with
the radar signalsNo action required by the driver. The
system will automatically reset to an
unblocked state once the rainfall/snowfall
rate decreases or stops. Do not use BLIS

and/or CTA in heavy rainfall or heavy
snowfall.
Due to the nature of radar technology, it is possible to get a blockage
warning and not be blocked. This is rare and known as a false blockage
warning. A false blocked condition will either self clear or clear after a
key cycle.
Trailer tow false alerts
When towing a trailer, the sensors may detect the trailer thus causing a
false alert. It may be desirable to turn the BLIS
off if the false alerts
become annoying.
Day and night brightness
The BLIS
and/or CTA alert will automatically dim when the headlamp
switch is in PARK, ON, or AUTO ON and night time darkness has been
detected by the sun sensor.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a full-time All Wheel Drive (AWD)
system. The AWD system is an active system, meaning it not only
responds to wheel slip between the front and rear axles but also has the
ability to anticipate wheel slip and transfer torque to the rear wheels
before slip occurs. The AWD system is active all the time and requires no
input from the operator.
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
22 15A Park lamps, License plate lamps,
Auxiliary lamps
23 15A High beam headlamps
24 20A Horn
25 10A Demand lighting (battery saver)
26 10A Instrument panel cluster, Heads-up
display
27 20A Ignition switch, IA, Front wipers,
One-touch integrated start (OTIS)
28 5A Start relay/Audio mute
29 5A Instrument panel cluster, Heads-up
display
30 5A Not used (spare)
31 10A Not used (spare)
32 10A Airbag module
33 10A Not used (spare)
34 5A Anti-lock brake system (ABS),
Electronic power steering
35 10A Rear heated seats, AWD, Rear park
assist, Steering angle sensor, Blind
spot information system,
Multi-contour seats
36 5A Passive anti-theft system (PATS)
37 10A Not used (spare)
38 20A Subwoofer, Speaker amplifier
39 20A Radio/navigation
40 20A Not used (spare)
41 15A Delayed accessory feeds
42 10A Not used (spare)
43 10A Rear window defroster, Front wipers,
Automatic high beam controller,
Rainsensor
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
44 10A Not used (spare)
45 5A Front wiper relay, Blower motor relay
46 7.5A Occupant classification sensor (OCS),
Passenger airbag deactivation
indicator (PADI)
47 30A Circuit
BreakerFront passenger power window, Rear
power windows
48 — Delayed accessory relay
Power distribution box
The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. The
power distribution box contains high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle’s main electrical systems from overloads.
WARNING:Always disconnect the battery before servicing high
current fuses.
WARNING:To reduce risk of electrical shock, always replace
the cover to the power distribution box before reconnecting the
battery or refilling fluid reservoirs.
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, refer to the
Batterysection of theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
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