2012 FORD TAURUS display

3. Press and release the SET +
control. The vehicle speed will be
stored in the memory and the
message center will display SET
XXX MPH (your desired speed).
4. Take your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
5. The green
cruise indicator
light on the instrument cluster will
illuminate if there are no vehicles
detected in front of you, while the yellow
ACC indicator light on the
instrument cluster will illuminate if there is a vehicle detected in front of
you.
Following a vehicle
WARNING:When following a vehicle in front of you, the vehicle
will not decelerate automatically to a stop, nor will the vehicle
always decelerate quickly enough to avoid a collision without driver
intervention. Always apply the brakes when necessary. Failing to do so
may result in a collision, serious injury or death.
When a vehicle ahead of you enters the same lane or a slower vehicle is
ahead in the same lane, the vehicle speed will adjust automatically to
maintain a preset gap distance. The distance setting is adjustable, refer
toSetting the gap distancein this section.
The yellow
ACC indicator light
in the instrument cluster will be
illuminated and the message center
will temporarily display a preset
GAP <--->.
The vehicle will maintain a constant distance between the vehicle ahead
until:
•The vehicle in front of you accelerates to a speed above the set speed.
•The vehicle in front of you moves out of your lane or out of view.
•The vehicle speed falls below 18 mph (30 km/h).
•A new gap distance is set.
The vehicle brakes will be automatically applied to slow the vehicle to
maintain a safe distance between the vehicle in front. The maximum
braking which is applied by the ACC system is limited and can be
overridden by the driver applying the brakes.
Driver Controls
91
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

If the ACC system predicts that its
maximum braking level will not be
sufficient, an audible warning will
sound while the ACC continues to
brake. This is accompanied by the
heads-up display; a red warning bar
illuminating on the windshield. The driver should takeimmediateaction.
Note:The brakes may emit a sound when they are being modulated by
the adaptive cruise control system.
WARNING:Adaptive cruise control only warns of vehicles
detected by the radar sensor. In some cases there may be no
warning or the warning may be delayed. The driver should always
apply the brakes when necessary. Failing to do so may result in a
collision, serious injury or death.
Setting the gap distance
The distance between your vehicle
and the vehicle in front of you can
be decreased or increased by
pressing<--->control. GAP <--->
will be displayed in the message
center. Three gap distance settings
are available:
Message
center displayFollowing
distanceFollowing
distance at
60 mph
(100 km/h)Dynamic
behavior
GAP <-> 1 second 29 yards (28 m) Sporty
GAP <---> 1.5 seconds 44 yards (42 m) Normal
GAP <-----> 2.3 seconds 66 yards (64 m) Comfort
Each time the vehicle is restarted, the last chosen gap will be
automatically selected.
Note:It is the driver’s responsibility to select a gap appropriate to the
driving conditions.
Driver Controls
92
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Disengaging adaptive cruise control
Press the brake pedal to disengage the adaptive cruise control. CRUISE
CANCELLED will be displayed in the message center.
Disengaging the adaptive cruise control will not erase your previous set
speed.
Overriding adaptive cruise control
WARNING:Whenever the driver is overriding the ACC by
pressing the accelerator pedal, the ACC will not automatically
apply the brakes to maintain separation from any vehicle ahead.
The set speed and gap distance can be overridden by pressing the
accelerator pedal.
When the driver is overriding ACC, the green
cruise indicator light
is illuminated, and CRUISE OVERRIDE is displayed in the message
center. When the accelerator is released, the ACC function will operate
again and vehicle speed will decrease to the set speed, or a lower speed
if following a slower vehicle.
Changing the set speed
There are three ways to change the
set speed:
•Accelerate or brake to the
desired speed and press and
release the SET + or SET –
control
•Increase or decrease the speed by
holding either the SET + or SET
– control, until the desired set
speed is shown on the message
center. The vehicle speed will gradually change to the selected speed.
•Increase or decrease the speed in increments of 1 mph (2 km/h) by
briefly pressing the SET + or SET – control.
The ACC may apply the brakes to slow the vehicle down to the new set
speed. The set speed will display continuously in the message center
while ACC is active.
Driver Controls
93
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Resuming the set speed
Press and release the RESUME
control. This will automatically
return the vehicle to the previously
set speed. The set speed will display
continuously in the message center
while ACC is active.
Note:RESUME should only be used
if the driver is aware of the set
speed and intends to return to it.
Low speed automatic cancellation
ACC is not functional at vehicle speeds below 18 mph (30 km/h). Once
the vehicle speed drops below 18 mph (30 km/h), an audible alarm will
sound, the head’s up display will flash and the automatic braking will be
released.
Hilly condition usage
It is recommended that the driver select a lower gear position when ACC
is active in situations such as prolonged downhill driving on steep grades
(i.e., driving in mountainous areas). In these situations, additional engine
braking is needed to reduce the load on the vehicle’s regular brake
system to prevent them from overheating. For more information,
referenceAutomatic transmission operationin theDrivingchapter.
Note:If ACC is applying brakes for an extended period of time, an
audible alarm will sound, the head’s up display will flash and ACC will
shut down. This is to allow the brakes to cool down. When the brakes
have cooled down, the ACC will again function normally.
Driver Controls
94
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Blocked sensor
If a message regarding a blocked
sensor is displayed, the radar signals
from the sensor have been
obstructed. The sensor is located
behind a fascia cover near the driver
side of the lower grille. When the
radar signals are obstructed, a
vehicle ahead cannot be detected
and the ACC 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 or snow is interfering
with the radar signalsDo not use ACC 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 ACC in these
conditions because it may not
detect, warn, or respond to
potential collisions.
Desert / remote area with no other
vehicles and no roadside objectsWait a short time.
Due to the nature of radar technology, it is possible to get a blockage
warning and not be blocked. This can happen, for example, when driving
in sparse rural or desert environments. A false blocked condition will
either self clear or clear after a key cycle.
Driver Controls
97
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING:Do not use ACC when towing a trailer with brake
controls. Aftermarket trailer brakes will not function properly
when ACC is activated because the brakes are electronically controlled.
Failing to do so may result in loss of vehicle control, which could result
in serious injury.
WARNING:Do not use tires sizes other than those
recommended because this can affect the normal operation of
ACC. Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control, which
could result in serious injury.
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS (IF EQUIPPED)
Radio control features
VOL + (Volume):Press to increase
the volume.
VOL – (Volume):Press to decrease
the volume.
(Seek):Press to select
the previous/next radio station
preset, CD track or satellite radio
channel (if equipped) depending on
which media mode you are in.
MEDIA:Press repeatedly to scroll
through available audio modes.
Navigation system hands-free
control features (if equipped)
Press and hold
control briefly
until the voice
icon appears on
the navigation display to use the
voice command feature.
Press
to complete a voice
command.
For further information on the
navigation system, refer to theNavigation Systemsupplement.
Driver Controls
98
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

SYNCsystem hands-free
control feature (if equipped)
Press
briefly to use the voice
command feature. You will hear a
tone and LISTENING will appear in
the radio display. Press and
hold
to exit voice command.
Press
to activate phone mode or
answer a phone call. Press and
hold
to end a call or exit phone
mode.
Press
to scroll through various menus and selections. Press
OK to confirm your selection.
For further information on the SYNCsystem, refer to theSYNC
supplement.
Navigation system/SYNC
hands-free control features (if
equipped)
Press
control briefly until the
voice
icon appears on the
Navigation display to use the voice
command feature.
Press
to activate phone mode or
answer a phone call. Press and
hold
to exit phone mode or end
a call.
For further information on the Navigation system/SYNCsystem, refer to
theNavigation SystemandSYNCsupplements.
MOON ROOF (IF EQUIPPED)
The moon roof control is located on the overhead console.
WARNING:Do not let children play with the moon roof or leave
children unattended in the vehicle. They may seriously hurt
themselves.
The moon roof is equipped with an automatic, one-touch, express
opening and closing feature. To stop motion at any time during the
one-touch operation, press the control a second time.
Driver Controls
99
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

MYKEY
The MyKeyfeature allows you to program a restricted driving mode to
promote good driving habits. All but one of the keys programmed to the
vehicle can be activated as a MyKey. The key will remain restricted
until MyKeyis cleared. Any remaining keys are referred to as an
“administrator key” or admin key. The admin key can be used to create a
MyKey, program optional MyKeysettings, and clear the MyKey
feature. When the MyKeyfeature is enabled the user can use system
check in the message center to see how many MyKeysand admin keys
are programmed to the vehicle, and see the total distance the vehicle has
been driven with the MyKeyactive.
MyKeyrestricted features
Standard settings – these settings cannot be changed
•Belt-Minder cannot be disabled. The audio system will be muted
whenever Belt-Minderis activated until the safety belts are buckled.
Refer to theSeating and Safety Restraintschapter for a detailed
description of Belt-Minderoperation.
•Low fuel warnings are displayed in the message center followed by a
chime when the distance to empty value reaches 75 miles (120 km).
•The following systems, if equipped, cannot be turned off: reverse
sensing system, blind spot information system (BLIS) with cross
traffic alert and collision warning system.
Optional settings – these settings can be changed
•Vehicle speed is limited to 80 mph (130 km/h). Visual warnings are
displayed followed by a chime when the vehicle speed has reached
80 mph (130 km/h).
•Visual warnings are displayed followed by a chime when a preselected
vehicle speed of 45, 55 or 65 mph (75, 90, or 105 km/h) is exceeded.
•The maximum volume of the audio system is limited to 45%. MYKEY
VOLUME LIMITED will be displayed in the audio system display when
attempting to exceed the limited volume.
•The AdvanceTracsystem cannot be turned off. When this optional
setting is on, the MyKeyuser will not be able to deactivate the
system.Note:It may be beneficial to deactivate the AdvanceTrac
system if the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand.
Locks and Security
109
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)