Page 90 of 541

AUTOLAMPS
WARNING:In severe weather conditions, it may be necessary to
switch your headlamps on manually.
Note:If the vehicle is equipped with autolamps, it will have the
windshield wiper rainlamp feature.When the windshield wipers are
turned to low- or high-speed wiping during daylight, and the headlamp
control is in the autolamp position, the exterior lamps will turn on after a
brief delay and will remain on until the wipers are turned off.
The autolamp system provides light
sensitive automatic on-off control of
the exterior lights normally
controlled by the headlamp control.
The headlamps will remain on for a
period of time after you switch the
ignition off. You can adjust the time
delay using the message center in
the instrument cluster. See
Information displays.
INSTRUMENT LIGHTING DIMMER
•Press repeatedly or press and
hold at the first position until the
desired level is reached.
•Fully press and hold the top of
the control to activate the “dome
on” feature. This will turn on the
interior courtesy lights. Fully
press and hold the bottom of the
control to turn off the interior
courtesy lights.
HEADLAMP EXIT DELAY
You can set the delay time to keep the headlamps on for up to three
minutes after the ignition is turned off.
Follow the steps below to change the delay time (Steps 1 through 6 must
be done within 10 seconds):
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Turn the lighting control to the autolamp position.
90Lighting
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 91 of 541

3. Turn the lighting control to the off position.
4. Turn the vehicle on and then turn the vehicle off.
5. Turn the lighting control to the autolamp position (the headlights
should turn on).
6. Turn the lighting control to the off position when the desired delay
time (up to three minutes) has been reached.
Note:You can also adjust the time delay using the display controls in the
instrument cluster. See theInformation Displayschapter.
DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Always remember to turn on your headlamps at dusk
or during inclement weather. The Daytime Running Lamp (DRL)
system does not activate the tail lamps and generally may not provide
adequate lighting during these conditions. Failure to activate your
headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision.
Turns the headlamps on with a reduced output.
To activate:
•the ignition must be in the on position and
•the lighting control is in the off, autolamp or parking lamp position.
•the transmission is not in P (Park).
AUTOMATIC HIGH BEAM CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
The system will automatically turn on your high beams if it is dark
enough and no other traffic is present. When it detects an approaching
vehicle’s headlights, a preceding vehicle’s tail lamps or street lighting, the
system will turn off the high beams (low beams remain on) before they
distract other drivers.
Note:If it appears that automatic control of the high beams is not
functioning properly, check the windshield in front of the camera for
blockage. A clear view of the road is required for proper system
operation. Any windshield damage in the area of the camera field-of-view
should be repaired.
Lighting91
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 99 of 541

INTERIOR MIRROR
WARNING:Do not adjust the mirror when your vehicle is
moving.
Note:Do not clean the housing or glass of any mirror with harsh
abrasives, fuel or other petroleum or ammonia based cleaning products.
You can adjust the interior mirror to your preference. Some mirrors also
have a second pivot point. This lets you move the mirror head up or
down and from side to side.
Pull the tab below the mirror toward you to reduce glare at night.
Auto-Dimming Mirror (If Equipped)
Note:Do not block the sensors on the front and back of the mirror.
Mirror performance may be affected. A rear center passenger or raised
rear center head restraint may also block light from reaching the sensor.
The mirror will dim automatically to reduce glare when bright lights are
detected from behind your vehicle. It will automatically return to normal
reflection when you select reverse gear to make sure you have a clear
view when backing up.
SUN VISORS
Slide-On-Rod
Rotate the visor toward the side
window and extend it rearward for
extra sunlight coverage.
Retract the visor before moving it
back toward the windshield and
storing it.
Windows and Mirrors99
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 103 of 541

Type 2
Cluster shown in standard measure – metric clusters similar.
A. Information display. SeeInformation displaysfor more information.
B. Speedometer
C. Infotainment display. SeeMyFord Touch™for more information.
WARNING LAMPS AND INDICATORS
These indicators can alert you to a vehicle condition that may become
serious enough to cause expensive repairs. Many lights will illuminate
when you start your vehicle to make sure they work. If any light remains
on after starting the vehicle, refer to the respective system warning light
for additional information.
Note:Some warning indicators are reconfigurable telltales (RTT). These
indicators appear in the information display and function the same as a
warning light, but do not display on startup.
Adaptive cruise control (if equipped) (RTT)
The speed control system indicator light changes color to indicate what
mode the system is in:
•On (white light): Illuminates when the adaptive cruise control system
is turned on. Turns off when the speed control system is turned off.
ABC
Instrument Cluster103
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 104 of 541

•Engaged (green light): Illuminates when the adaptive cruise control
system is engaged. Turns off when the speed control system is
disengaged.
Stability Control System
Displays when the AdvanceTrac/Traction control is active. If
the light remains on, have the system serviced immediately.
Stability Control System Off
Illuminates when AdvanceTrac/Traction control has been
disabled by the driver.
Airbag readiness
If this light fails to illuminate when the ignition is turned on,
continues to flash or remains on, contact your authorized dealer
as soon as possible. A chime will sound when there is a
malfunction in the indicator light.
Anti-lock brake system
If the ABS light stays illuminated or continues to flash, a
malfunction has been detected. Contact your authorized dealer
as soon as possible. Normal braking is still functional unless the
brake warning light also is illuminated.
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 it illuminates when you are driving, check that the parking brake is not
engaged. If the parking brake is not engaged, this indicates low brake
fluid level or a brake system malfunction. Have the system checked
immediately by your authorized dealer.
104Instrument Cluster
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 105 of 541

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 as soon as possible. Driving
extended distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake
failure and the risk of personal injury.
Charging system (RTT)
Illuminates when the battery is not charging properly. If it stays
on while the engine is running, there may be a malfunction with
the charging system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical system or a related
component.
Door ajar (RTT)
Displays when the ignition is on and any door is not completely
closed.
Engine oil pressure (RTT)
Illuminates when the oil pressure falls below the normal range.
Engine coolant temperature (RTT)
Illuminates when the engine coolant temperature is high. Stop
the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let
cool.
Grade assist (if equipped) (RTT)
Illuminates when grade assist is turned on.
Instrument Cluster105
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 106 of 541

Heads up display (if equipped)
A red beam of lights will illuminate on the windshield in certain
instances when using adaptive cruise control and/or the collision
warning system. It will also illuminate momentarily when you
start your vehicle to make sure the display works.
High beams
Illuminates when the high-beam headlamps are on.
Low fuel (RTT)
Illuminates when the fuel level in the fuel tank is at or near
empty.
Low tire pressure warning
Illuminates when your tire pressure is low. If the light remains
on at start up or while driving, the tire pressure should be
checked. When the ignition is first turned to on, the light will
illuminate for 3 seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light does
not turn on or begins to flash, contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Low washer fluid (RTT)
Illuminates when the windshield washer fluid is low.
Park lamps
Illuminates when the park lamps are on.
Powertrain malfunction/reduced power (RTT)
Illuminates when a powertrain or an AWD fault has been
detected. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
106Instrument Cluster
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 107 of 541

Safety belt
Reminds you to fasten your safety belt. A Belt-Minderchime
will also sound to remind you to fasten your safety belt.
Service engine soon
Theservice engine soonindicator light illuminates when the
ignition is first turned to the on position to check the bulb and
to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the “service engine soon”
light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the “service
engine soon” light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing. See theReadiness for inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testingin theFuel and Refuelingchapter.
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 theFuel and Refuelingchapter. 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.
Speed control (if equipped) (RTT)
The speed control system indicator light changes color to
indicate what mode the system is in:
•On (gray light-type 1, white light-type 2): Illuminates when the speed
control system is turned on. Turns off when the speed control system
is turned off.
•Engaged (white light-type 1, green light-type 2): Illuminates when the
speed control system is engaged. Turns off when the speed control
system is disengaged.
Instrument Cluster107
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)