2011 FORD TAURUS engine

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.
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Traction control system (TCS)
The traction control system is a driver aid feature that helps your vehicle
maintain traction of the wheels, typically when driving on slippery and/or
hilly road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel spin.
Excessive wheel spin is controlled in two ways, which may work
separately or in tandem, engine traction control and brake traction
control. Engine traction control works to limit drive-wheel spin by
momentarily reducing engine power. Brake traction control works to limit
wheel spin by momentarily applying the brakes to the wheel that is
slipping. Traction control is most active at low speeds.
During TCS events, the stability control light in the instrument cluster
will flash.
If the TCS is activated excessively in a short period of time, the braking
portion of the system may become temporarily disabled to allow the
brakes to cool down. In this situation, the TCS will use only engine
power reduction or transfer to help control the wheels from
over-spinning. When the brakes have cooled down, the system will regain
all features. Anti-lock braking and ESC will continue to function during
the cool-down period.
The engine traction control and brake traction control system may be
deactivated in certain situations. See theSwitching off AdvanceTrac

section below.
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Electronic stability control (ESC) may enhance your vehicle’s directional
stability during adverse maneuvers, for example when cornering severely
or avoiding objects in the roadway. Electronic stability control operates
by applying brakes to one or more of the wheels individually and, if
necessary, reducing engine power if the system detects that the vehicle
is about to skid or slide laterally.
During ESC events the stability control light in the instrument cluster
will flash.
Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the ESC system, which
include but are not limited to:
•Taking a turn too fast
•Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
•Driving over a patch of ice or other slippery surfaces
•Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
•Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice
versa
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•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
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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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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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