2012 FORD TAURUS tow

Seating and Safety Restraints 138
Seating 138
Personal Safety System™ 157
Safety belt system 160
Airbags 171
Child restraints 186
Tires, Wheels and Loading 203
Tire information 203
Tire inflation 205
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 218
Vehicle loading 223
Trailer towing 230
Recreational towing 233
Driving 235
Starting 235
Brakes 242
AdvanceTrac245
Transmission operation 253
Reverse sensing system 258
Rear-view camera system 260
All wheel drive 273
Roadside Emergencies 280
Getting roadside assistance 280
Hazard flasher control 281
Fuel pump shut-off 282
Fuses and relays 282
Changing tires 290
Temporary mobility kit 297
Wheel lug nut torque 306
Jump starting 307
Wrecker towing 310
Table of Contents
2
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury to yourself or others? In
this guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments
highlighted by the warning triangle symbol. These comments should be
read and observed.
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING:Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
PERCHLORATE MATERIAL
Certain components of this vehicle such as airbag modules, seat belt
pretensioners, and button cell batteries may contain Perchlorate Material
– Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life disposal.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Introduction
5
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed frequently in order to give the
moving parts a chance to break in.
Drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 miles (1,600 km) before towing a
trailer. For more detailed information about towing a trailer, refer to
Trailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since
these additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter for more information on oil
usage.
SPECIAL NOTICES
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered by
your vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, refer to theWarranty
Guidethat is provided to you along with your Owner’s Guide.
Special instructions
For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic
controls.
WARNING:Please read the sectionAirbag Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)in theSeating and Safety Restraints
chapter. Failure to follow the specific warnings and instructions could
result in personal injury.
WARNING:Front seat mounted rear-facing child or infant seats
shouldNEVERbe placed in front of an active passenger airbag.
Introduction
6
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

USB port (if equipped)
WARNING:Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle
control, accident and injury. Ford strongly recommends that
drivers use extreme caution when using any device or feature that may
take their focus off the road. Your primary responsibility is the safe
operation of the vehicle. We recommend against the use of any
handheld device while driving, encourage the use of voice-operated
systems when possible and that you become aware of applicable state
and local laws that may affect use of electronic devices while driving.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
USB port inside your center console.
This feature allows you to plug in
media playing devices, memory
sticks, and also to charge devices if
they support this feature. For
further information on this feature,
refer toAccessing and using your
USB portin theSYNCsupplement
orNavigation Systemsupplement.
GENERAL AUDIO INFORMATION
Radio frequencies:
AM and FM frequencies are established by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC). Those frequencies are:
AM: 530, 540–1700, 1710 kHz
FM: 87.7, 87.9–107.7, 107.9 MHz
Radio reception factors:
There are three factors that can affect radio reception:
•Distance/strength: The further you travel from an FM station, the
weaker the signal and the weaker the reception.
•Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, power lines, electric fences,
traffic lights and thunderstorms can interfere with your reception.
•Station overload: When you pass a broadcast tower, a stronger signal
may overtake a weaker one and play while the weak station frequency
is displayed.
Entertainment Systems
44
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, bridges, tunnels, freeway
overpasses, parking garages, dense tree foliage and thunderstorms can
interfere with your reception.
•Station overload: When you pass a ground based broadcast repeating
tower, a stronger signal may overtake a weaker one and result in an
audio mute.
Unlike AM/FM audible static, you will hear an audio mute when there is
a satellite radio signal interference. Your radio display may display NO
SIGNAL to indicate the interference.
SIRIUSsatellite radio service:SIRIUSSatellite Radio is a
subscription based satellite radio service that broadcasts music, sports,
news and entertainment programming. A service fee is required in order
to receive SIRIUSservice. Vehicles that are equipped with a factory
installed SIRIUSSatellite Radio system include:
•Hardware and limited subscription term, which begins on the date of
sale or lease of the vehicle.
For information on extended subscription terms, the online media player
and other SIRIUSfeatures, please contact SIRIUSat 1–888–539–7474.
Note:SIRIUSreserves the unrestricted right to change, rearrange, add
or delete programming including canceling, moving or adding particular
channels, and its prices, at any time, with or without notice to you. Ford
Motor Company shall not be responsible for any such programming
changes.
Satellite Radio Electronic Serial Number (ESN):This 12-digit
Satellite Serial Number is needed to activate, modify or track your
satellite radio account. You will need this number when communicating
with SIRIUS. While in Satellite Radio mode, you can view this number on
the radio display by pressing the SIRIUS and Preset 1 buttons at the
same time.
Entertainment Systems
48
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Radio Display Condition Action Required
NO TEXT Category information
not available.Category information
not available at this
time on this channel.
The system is working
properly.
NO SIGNAL Loss of signal from
the SIRIUSsatellite
or SIRIUStower to
the vehicle antenna.You are in a location
that is blocking the
SIRIUSsignal (i.e.,
tunnel, under an
overpass, dense foliage,
etc.). The system is
working properly. When
you move into an open
area, the signal should
return.
UPDATING Update of channel
programming in
progress.No action required. The
process may take up to
three minutes.
CALL SIRIUS
1–888–539–7474Satellite service has
been deactivated by
SIRIUSSatellite
Radio.Call SIRIUSat
1–888–539–7474 to
re-activate or resolve
subscription issues.
NAVIGATION SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a navigation system. Refer to the
Navigation Systemsupplement for further information.
SYNC(IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with SYNC, a hands-free communications
and entertainment system with special phone and media features. For
more information, please refer to theSYNCsupplement or to the
SYNCsection in theNavigation Systemsupplement (if equipped).
Entertainment Systems
50
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

During extreme high ambient temperatures when idling stationary for
extended periods of time in gear, it is recommended to run the A/C in
the MAX A/C mode, adjust the blower fan speed to the lowest setting
and put the vehicle’s transmission into the P (Park) position to continue
to receive cool air from your A/C system.
For maximum cooling performance in MAX A/C mode:
•Move temperature control to the coolest setting.
•Set the fan to the highest speed initially, then adjust to maintain
comfort.
For maximum cooling performance in panel or panel/floor modes:
•Move temperature control to the coolest setting.
•Select A/C and
(recirculated air) to provide colder airflow.
•Set the fan to the highest speed initially, then adjust to maintain
comfort.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
•Select
.
•Select A/C.
•Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
•Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
•Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
•To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the
vents located in the middle of the instrument panel.
Climate Controls
53
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

VOICE COMMANDS IN CLIMATE MODE
Please refer to theVoice commands in climate modesection of the
Navigation supplementfor more information on using voice commands
with the climate control system.
Operating tips
•To reduce fog build-up on the windshield during humid weather,
select
(defrost).
•To reduce humidity build-up inside the vehicle: do not drive with the
system off or with recirculated air engaged.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2–3 minutes after starting the vehicle or until the vehicle has
“aired out.”
•A small amount of air may be felt from the floor vent regardless of the
air distribution setting that is selected.
During extreme high ambient temperatures when idling stationary for
extended periods of time in gear, it is recommended to run the A/C in
MAX A/C, reduce blower fan speed from the highest setting and put the
vehicle’s transmission in P (Park) to continue to receive cool air from
your A/C system.
For maximum cooling performance (MAX A/C):
1. Press MAX A/C. The system will default to single-zone operation and
set the temperature to 60°F (16°C).
2. A/C,
andwill be selected.
3. Fan speed will be determined by the vehicle’s internal temperature,
but can be adjusted as desired.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan to the highest speed.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents toward the side windows.
Climate Controls
60
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)