Using your All Wheel Drive (AWD) system
AWD uses all four wheels to power the vehicle. This increases traction,
enabling you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a
conventional two-wheel drive vehicles cannot. The AWD system is active
all the time and requires no input from the operator.
Note:Your AWD vehicle is not intended for off-road use. The AWD
feature gives your vehicle some limited off-road capabilities in which
driving surfaces are relatively level, obstruction-free and otherwise
similar to normal on-road driving conditions. Operating your vehicle
under other than those conditions could subject the vehicle to excessive
stress which might result in damage which is not covered under your
warranty.
Note:When an AWD system fault is present, the warning Check AWD
will display in the message center. The AWD system is not functioning
correctly and defaulted to front-wheel drive. When this warning is
displayed, have your vehicle serviced at an authorized dealer.
Note:The AWD Off message may also be displayed in the message
center if the AWD system has overheated and defaulted to front-wheel
drive. This condition may occur if the vehicle was operated in extreme
conditions with excessive wheel slip, such as deep sand. To resume
normal AWD function as soon as possible, stop the vehicle in a safe
location and stop the engine for at least 10 minutes. After the engine has
been restarted and the AWD system has adequately cooled, the AWD Off
message will turn off and normal AWD function will return. The AWD Off
message will turn off when the system cools and normal AWD function
returns.
The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) in Taurus SHO™ vehicles does not
require any normal scheduled maintenance. The system is electronically
monitored and notifies the driver of required service by displaying the
message Change AWD/4WD Power Transfer Unit Lube in the information
display. The PTU lube will be more likely to require a fluid change if the
vehicle has experienced extended periods of extreme/severe duty cycle
driving. Do not check or change the PTU lubricant unless the unit has
been submerged in water, shows signs of leakage or a message indicating
required service is displayed. Contact your authorized dealer for service
and to reset the PTU lube life monitor.”
If your vehicle is equipped with AWD, a spare tire of a different size
other than the tire provided should never be used. If the mini-spare tire
is installed, the AWD system may disable automatically and enter
front-wheel drive only mode to protect driveline components. This
All-Wheel Drive197
2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
