Page 10 of 406
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAirbag - Front
Airbag - SideChild Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
AnchorBrake System
Anti-Lock Brake SystemParking Brake System
Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum BasedParking Aid System
Stability Control SystemSpeed Control
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
Introduction
10
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 13 of 406

Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the on-board
diagnostics system (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
WARNING:Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel
system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the on position
when the engine is not running, or in a position between on and start, or
by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the on
position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, seek service immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination
after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level or a
brake system malfunction and the brake system should be inspected
immediately by your authorized dealer.
WARNING:Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking
performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.
Have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer. Driving extended
distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and
the risk of personal injury.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake
warning light also is illuminated.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
Instrument Cluster
13
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 71 of 406

Using the right bulbs
Replacement bulbs are specified in the chart below. Headlamp bulbs must
be marked with an authorized “D.O.T.” for North America and an “E” for
Europe to ensure lamp performance, light brightness and pattern and safe
visibility. The correct bulbs will not damage the lamp assembly or void the
lamp assembly warranty and will provide quality bulb burn time.
Function Number of bulbs Trade number
Low series headlamps
(high/low beam)2 HB3
*High series headlamps
(high/low beam) (HID)2 D3S
Front park/turn lamp 23457AK
(amber)
Sidemarker lamp (front) 2 168
Tail/sidemarker lamp (rear) 2 916
Tail/brake lamp 2 3057K
Backup lamp 2 HPC 16W
License plate lamp 2 C5W
High-mount brake lamp 1 LED
Supplemental park lamp 2 LED
Map lamp 2 W5WL
Dome/reading lamps 2 W5WL
Rear turn lamp 2WY21W
(amber)
All replacement bulbs are clear in color except where noted.
To replace all instrument panel lights - see your authorized dealer.
* To replace these lights - see your authorized dealer.
Replacing interior bulbs
Check the operation of all bulbs frequently.
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of all bulbs frequently.
Replacing headlamp (low/high beam) bulbs
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is in the off position, then open the
hood.
Lights
71
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 73 of 406
Replacing rear brake/tail/turn and sidemarker lamp bulbs
The brake/tail/turn and side marker lamp bulbs are located in the tail
lamp assembly. Follow the same steps to replace either bulb.
•(1)Tail/side marker lamp
•(2)Brake/tail lamp
•(3)Turn signal lamp
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is in the off position and open the
trunk.
2. Remove the press pin and cargo
net fastener (if equipped) and
carefully pull the carpet away to
expose the backside of the tail lamp
assembly.
3. Remove the nut and washer
assemblies, then pull the lamp
assembly away from the vehicle.
4. Remove the bulb socket by
rotating it counterclockwise, then
pulling it out of the lamp assembly.
5. Pull the bulb straight from the
socket.
Install new bulb(s) in reverse order.
Lights
73
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 74 of 406
Replacing backup lamp bulbs
The backup lamp bulbs are located in the deck lid assembly.
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is in the off position.
2. Remove the deck lid trim panel
press pins and carefully pull the
panel away to expose the backside
of the backup lamp assembly.
3. Remove bulb socket by rotating it
counterclockwise, then pull it out of
the lamp assembly.
4. Disconnect the wire harness connector from the bulb/socket.
5. Install the new bulb in reverse order.
Replacing high-mount brake lamp bulbs
Your vehicle is equipped with an LED high-mount brake lamp. It is
designed to last the life of the vehicle. If replacement is required, it is
recommended that you see your authorized dealer.
Lights
74
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 88 of 406

SPEED CONTROL
With speed control set, you can maintain a set speed without keeping
your foot on the accelerator pedal.
WARNING:Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on
roads that are winding, slippery or unpaved.
Using speed control
The speed controls are located on the steering wheel. The following
buttons work with speed control:
RESUME:Press to resume a set
speed.
SET +:Press to increase the set
speed.
SET –:Press to decrease the set
speed.
OFF/ON:Press to turn speed
control off or on.
Setting speed control
To set speed control:
1. Press and release ON.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed.
3. Press and release SET + or SET -.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
5. The indicator
light on the instrument cluster will turn on.
Note:
•Vehicle speed may vary momentarily when driving up and down a
steep hill.
•If the vehicle speed increases above the set speed on a downhill, you
may want to apply the brakes to reduce the speed.
•If the vehicle speed decreases more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below
your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage.
Disengaging speed control
Press the brake pedal to disengage the speed control. Disengaging the
speed control will not erase the previous set speed.
Driver Controls
88
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 91 of 406

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)
Page 93 of 406

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)