2012 FORD TAURUS rear view mirror

MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
Windshield wiper:Rotate the end
of the control away from you to
increase the speed of the wipers;
rotate toward you to decrease the
speed of the wipers.
Rain-sensing wipers (if
equipped):The rain-sensing wipers
will automatically activate when
moisture is present on the
windshield and the multi-function
switch is set to one of five
auto/interval moisture sensitivity settings. Rotate the end of the control
toward the windshield to increase the sensitivity. The speed of the
rain-sensitive wipers will vary based on the amount of moisture detected
on the windshield and the auto/interval setting. There are no interval
(intermittent wipe) settings on vehicles with rain-sensing wipers. The
wipers will continue to wipe as long as the presence of moisture is
detected on the windshield. More or less wiping may occur depending on
humidity, mist or light rain, or road spray.
Keep the outside of the windshield clean, especially the area around the
rear view mirror where the sensor is located or rain sensor performance
may be affected.
Note:During winter driving conditions with ice, snow or a salty road
mist, inconsistent or unexpected wiping or smearing may occur. In these
conditions, you can lower the sensitivity to reduce the amount of
smearing or override the feature by selecting low- or high-speed wiping
or turning the wiper system off.
Note:The wipers must be turned off before entering a car wash.
Windshield washer:Press the end
of the stalk:
•briefly: causes a single swipe of
the wipers without washer fluid.
•a quick press and hold: the
wipers will swipe three times with
washer fluid.
•a long press and hold: the wipers
and washer fluid will be activated
for up to ten seconds.
Driver Controls
76
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

INTERIOR MIRROR
The interior rearview mirror has two pivot points on the support arm
which lets you adjust the mirror up or down and from side to side.
WARNING:Do not adjust the mirror while the vehicle is in
motion.
Automatic dimming interior rear view mirror (if equipped)
The interior rear view mirror has an auto-dimming function (optional on
the driver’s side exterior mirror). The electronic day/night mirror will
change from the normal (high reflective) state to the non-glare
(darkened) state when bright lights (glare) reach the interior mirror.
When the interior mirror detects bright light from behind the vehicle, the
interior rear view mirror and the driver’s side exterior mirror (if
equipped) will automatically adjust (darken) to minimize glare.
The mirrors will automatically return to the normal state whenever the
vehicle is placed in R (Reverse) to ensure a bright clear view when
backing up.
Do not block the sensors on the front and back of the interior
rear view mirror since this may impair proper mirror
performance.
Note:A rear center passenger and/or raised rear center headrest (if
equipped) may also block the light from reaching the sensor.
Do not clean the housing or glass of any mirror with harsh
abrasives, fuel or other petroleum-based cleaning products.
Note:If equipped with a rearview camera system, a video image will
display in the mirror or the navigation system display (if equipped) when
the vehicle is put in R (Reverse). As you shift into any other gear from R
(Reverse), the image will remain for a few seconds and then turn off.
Refer toRearview camera systemin theDrivingchapter.
Driver Controls
85
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

EXTERIOR MIRRORS
Power side view mirrors
WARNING:Do not adjust the mirror while the vehicle is in
motion.
To adjust your mirrors:
1. Rotate the control clockwise to
adjust the right mirror and rotate
the control counterclockwise to
adjust the left mirror.
2. Move the control in the direction
you wish to tilt the mirror.
3. Return to the center position to lock mirrors in place.
Automatic dimming feature (if equipped)
The driver’s side view mirror has an auto-dimming function. For more
information, refer toAutomatic dimming interior rear view mirrorin
this chapter.
Heated outside mirrors
(if equipped)
Both mirrors are heated
automatically to remove ice, mist
and fog when the rear window
defrost is activated.
Do not remove ice from the
mirrors with a scraper or
attempt to readjust the mirror
glass if it is frozen in place.
These actions could cause damage to the glass and mirrors.
Do not clean the housing or glass of any mirror with harsh
abrasives, fuel or other petroleum-based cleaning products.
Driver Controls
86
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Sounding a panic alarm
Press
to activate the alarm. The horn will sound and the turn lamps
will flash for a maximum of three minutes. Press again or turn the
ignition to the on position to deactivate, or wait for the alarm to time out
in three minutes.
Note:The panic alarm will only operate when the ignition is in the off
position.
Opening the trunk
Press
twice within three seconds to open the trunk.
•Ensure that the trunk is closed and latched before driving your
vehicle. Failure to properly latch the trunk may cause objects to fall
out or block the driver’s rear view.
The remote entry system allows you to open the trunk while the ignition
is in any position. However, if the ignition is on and the gearshift is in D
(Drive), the trunk will only open if the vehicle is moving 3 mph (5 km/h)
or slower.
Memory feature (seat, mirrors and adjustable pedals) (if equipped)
The integrated keyhead transmitter (IKT) or intelligent access key (IAK)
allows you to recall the memory seat/power mirrors/adjustable pedals
feature.
Press
to automatically move the driver seat, power mirrors and
adjustable pedals (if equipped) to the desired memory position. The
mirrors will move to the programmed position and the seat will move to
the easy entry position. The seat will move to the final position when the
ignition is switched out of off (if the easy entry feature is enabled).
Programming the memory feature to the transmitter
To activate this feature:
1. Move the driver seat, power mirrors, and adjustable pedals to the
desired positions using the associated controls.
Locks and Security
124
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

The RSS automatically turns on when the gearshift lever is placed in R
(Reverse) and the ignition is on. An RSS control on the instrument panel
allows the driver to turn the RSS on and off. To turn the RSS off, refer
toMessage centerin theInstrument clusterchapter for more
information.
Keep the RSS sensors (located on the rear bumper/fascia) free
from snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt (do not clean the
sensors with sharp objects). If the sensors are covered, it will
affect the accuracy of the RSS.
If your vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving
it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms.
REARVIEW CAMERA SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The rearview camera is located on the trunk, under the spoiler for the
SHO, or under the Ford badge for all other models.
The camera system provides a video image which appears in the rear
view mirror or on the navigation screen (if equipped), of the area behind
the vehicle. It adds assistance to the driver while reversing or reverse
parking the vehicle.
To use the camera system, place the transmission in R (Reverse); an
image will display in the rear view mirror or on the navigation screen (if
equipped). The area displayed on the screen may vary according to the
vehicle orientation and/or road condition.
Driving
260
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•(1) Rear bumper
•(2) Red zone
•(3) Yellow zone
•(4) Green zone
Always use caution while backing.
Objects in the red zone are closest to your vehicle and objects in the
green zone are further away. Objects are getting closer to your vehicle as
they move from the green zone to the yellow or red zones.
Use the side mirrors and rear view mirror to get better coverage on both
sides and rear of the vehicle.
Image delay if displayed through the rear view mirror:
When shifting out of R (Reverse) and into any other gear, the image in
the rear view mirror will remain on for a few seconds before it shuts off
to assist in parking or trailer hookup.
Image delay if displayed through the navigation screen:
After shifting out of R (Reverse) and into any gear other than P (Park),
the image in the navigation screen will remain until the vehicle speed
reaches 5 mph (8 km/h), only if the rear camera delay feature is on, or
until any navigation radio button is pressed.
Note:The default setting for the rear camera delay is off. Press the
“Settings” button found on the navigation screen to set the rear camera
delay feature to on or off. Refer to theNavigation Systemsupplement
for more information.
The camera lens for the camera is located on the trunk. Keep the lens
clean so that the video image remains clear and undistorted. Clean the
lens with a soft, lint-free cloth and non-abrasive cleaner.
Note:If the camera system image is not clear or seems distorted, it may
be covered with water droplets, snow, mud or any other substance. If
this occurs, clean the camera lens before using the rear view camera
system.
Driving
261
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING:The camera system is a reverse aid supplement
device that still requires the driver to use it in conjunction with
the rear view mirror and the side mirrors for maximum coverage.
WARNING:Objects that are close to either corner of the
bumper or under the bumper, might not be seen on the screen
due to the limited coverage of the camera system.
WARNING:Back up as slow as possible since higher speeds
might limit your reaction time to stop the vehicle.
WARNING:Do not use the camera system with the trunk open.
If the back end of the vehicle is hit or damaged, then check with your
authorized dealer to have your rear view camera checked for proper
coverage and operation.
Night time and dark area use
At night time or in dark areas, the camera system relies on the reverse
lamp lighting to produce an image. Therefore it is necessary that both
reverse lamps are operating in order to get a clear image in the dark. If
either of the lamps are not operating, stop using the camera system, at
least in the dark, until the lamp(s) are replaced and functioning.
Servicing
•If the image comes on while the vehicle is not in R (Reverse), have
the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
•If the image is not clear, then check if there is anything covering the
lens such as dirt, mud, ice, snow, etc. If the image is still not clear
after cleaning, have your system inspected by your authorized dealer.
COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The collision warning with brake support, is designed to alert the driver
of certain collision risks with a red warning light located above the
dashboard and an audible warning chime. The brake support assists the
driver in reducing the collision speed, by pre-charging the brakes.
Driving
262
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

BLIND SPOT INFORMATION SYSTEM (BLIS) WITH CROSS
TRAFFIC ALERT (CTA) (IF EQUIPPED)
The BLISis a convenience feature
that aids the driver in assessing
whether a vehicle is within an area
on either side of the vehicle
extending rearward from the outside
mirrors to approximately 10 feet
(3 meters) beyond the bumper. This
area is referred to as the blind zone.
The BLISwill alert the driver to
the presence of motorized vehicles
in these areas while driving on roads
and freeways.
The system is not designed to
prevent contact with other vehicles
or objects. The system is designed
to provide a warning to assist the
driver in detecting vehicles in the blind zones. The system will not detect
infrastructure, pedestrians, or cyclists.
WARNING:To help avoid injuries, NEVER use the BLISas a
replacement for using the side and rear view mirrors and looking
over your shoulder before changing lanes. BLISis not a replacement
for careful driving and only an assist.
The BLISand 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 BLISautomatically
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 BLISsystem
becomes active. Afterwards, the BLISremains active for all speeds
including zero mph. BLISis 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 into D (Drive) the BLISmode will activate once driven
above 3 mph (5 km/h).
Driving
267
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)