Page 253 of 406

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.
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.
Driving
253
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 255 of 406

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 lower speeds
•Is not intended for use under extended or normal driving conditions
and results in lower fuel economy.
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.
Driving
255
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 257 of 406
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.
Driving
257
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 288 of 406
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Circuits
4 30A** Front wiper
5 30A** Passenger seat
6 20A** Cigar lighter
7 60A** Engine cooling fan (non-SHO
engine)
8 30A** Moon roof
9 40A** Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
pump
10 30A** Starter relay
11 30A** Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
relay
12 20A** ABS valve
13 15A* Adaptive cruise control
14 — Not used
15 — Not used
16 20A* Left headlamp
17 10A* Alternator
18 — Not used
19 20A** Instrument panel power point
20 40A** Rear window defroster
21 20A** Console power point
22 30A** Front heated or heated/cooled
seats
23 7.5A* Powertrain control module (PCM)
(keep alive power), Canister vent
24 10A* A/C clutch
25 20A* Right headlamp
26 10A* Backup relay
27 25A* Fuel pump
28 80A** Engine cooling fan (SHO engine)
29 — Not used
30 — Not used
Roadside Emergencies
288
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 289 of 406
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Circuits
31 — Not used
32 30A** Driver seat
33 30A** Intelligent access (IA)
34 — Not used
35 40A** Front heater blower
36 20A* Passenger compartment fuse
panel run/start
37 10A* PCM relay
38 5A* Delayed accessory
39 Diode Fuel diode (iVCT only)
40 Diode One-touch integrated start (OTIS)
diode
41 G8VA relay A/C clutch
42 G8VA relay Fuel pump
43 G8VA relay Backup lamps
44 — Not used
45 — Not used
46 15A* Vehicle power 2 (PCM), Vehicle
power 3 (PCM)
47 20A* Vehicle power 1 (PCM)
48 20A* Vehicle power 4 (ignition coils)
49 15A* Heated mirrors
50 Half ISO relay Blower motor relay
51 Half ISO relay High-mount brake lamp w/ ACCM
relay
52 Half ISO relay Starter relay
53 Half ISO relay PCM power relay
54 — Not used
55 Half ISO relay Front wiper relay
56 Half ISO relay Rear window defroster relay
57 — Not used
58 — Not used
Roadside Emergencies
289
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 379 of 406

Ford ESP Can Quickly Pay for Itself
One service bill – the cost of parts and labor – can easily exceed the
price of your Ford ESP Service Contract. With Ford ESP, you minimize
your risk for unexpected repair bills and rising repair costs.
Avoid the rising cost of properly maintaining your vehicle!
Ford ESP also offers a Premium Maintenance Plan that covers items that
routinely wear out.
The coverage is prepaid, so you never have to worry about affording
your vehicle maintenance. It covers regular checkups, routine
inspections, preventive care and replacement of items that require
periodic attention fornormal “wear”:
•Wiper blades•Brake pads and linings
•Spark plugs (except
California)•Shock absorbers
•Clutch disc•Belts and hoses
Contact your selling Ford or Lincoln dealership today so they can
customize a Ford Extended Service Plan that fits your driving lifestyle
and budget.
Interest free finance options available
Take advantage of our installment payment plan, just a 10% down
payment will provide you with an affordable no interest, no-fee payment
opportunity.
Ford Extended Service Plan
379
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 386 of 406

Multi-point inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help ensure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Multi-point inspection – Recommended each visit
Accessory drive belt(s) Half-shaft dust boots (if equipped)
Battery performance Horn operation
Clutch operation (if equipped) Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Engine air filter Suspension component for leaks or
damage
Exhaust system Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps and hazard
warning system operationTires for wear and proper pressure,
including spare
Fluid levels*; fill if necessary Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission
(with an underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and
window washer
Be sure to ask your dealership service advisor or technician about the
multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a comprehensive way to perform a
thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s your checklist that gives you
immediate feedback on the overall condition of your vehicle. You’ll know
what’s been checked, what’s okay, as well as those things that may
require future or immediate attention. The multi-point vehicle inspection
is one more way to keep your vehicle running great!
Scheduled Maintenance
386
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)