2013 FORD TAURUS ABS

•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.
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HEAD RESTRAINTS
WARNING:To minimize the risk of neck injury in the event of a
crash, the driver and passenger occupants should not sit in
and/or operate the vehicle, until the head restraint is placed in its
proper position. The driver should never adjust the head restraint while
the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING:The adjustable head restraint is a safety device.
Whenever possible it should be installed and properly adjusted
when the seat is occupied.
WARNING:Install the head restraint properly to minimize the
risk of neck injury in the event of a crash.
Front seat head restraints
Rear seat center head restraint
The head restraints consist of:
A. An energy absorbing head restraint
B. Two steel stems
C. Guide sleeve adjust/release button
D. Guide sleeve unlock/remove button
A
B
C
D
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Note:Before adjusting any head restraint, adjust the seatback to an
upright driving/riding position. Properly adjust the head restraint so that
the top of the head restraint is even with the top of your head and
positioned as close as possible to the back of your head. For occupants
of extremely tall stature, adjust the head restraint to its full up position.
To adjust the head restraint, do the following:
•Raise:pull up on the head restraint (A).
•Lower:press and hold the guide sleeve adjust/release button (C) and
push down on the head restraint (A).
•Remove:Pull up the head restraint until it reaches the highest
adjustment position and then press and hold both the adjust/release
button (C) and the unlock/remove button (D), then pull up on the
head restraint.
•Reinstall:Align the steel stems into the guide sleeves and push the
head restraint down until it locks.
Rear seat non-adjustable
outboard head restraints
The head restraints consist of:
A. An energy absorbing head restraint
B. Two steel stems
C. Guide sleeve unlock/remove button
•Remove:Simultaneously press and hold both unlock/remove buttons
(C), then pull up on the head restraint.
•Reinstall:Align the steel stems into the guide sleeves and push the
head restraint down until it locks.
A
B
C
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Cooled seats
The cooled seats will only function when the engine is running.
To operate the cooled seats:
Press the cooled seat symbol/button to cycle through the
various cooling settings and off. Cooler settings are
indicated by more indicator lights.
If the engine falls below 350 rpm while the cooled seats are on, the
feature will turn itself off and will need to be reactivated.
Note:When the heated/cooled front seat is active, you will be able to
hear the fan operating inside the seat. This is normal.
Heated and cooled seat air filter replacement (if equipped)
The climate controlled seat system includes air filters that must be
replaced periodically. Refer toScheduled maintenance information.
The filters are located under each front seat and can be accessed from
the 2nd row foot-well area. Move the front seats all the way forward and
to the full up positions to ease access.
To remove an air filter:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Push up on the outside rigid edge
of the filter and rotate toward the
front of the vehicle once tabs are
released, then remove the filter.
A/C
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•Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If fuel is splashed in the eyes,
remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15 minutes and
seek medical attention. Failure to seek proper medical attention could
lead to permanent injury.
•Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If fuel is
splashed on the skin and/or clothing, promptly remove contaminated
clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Repeated or
prolonged skin contact with fuel liquid or vapor causes skin irritation.
•Be particularly careful if you are taking “Antabuse” or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline vapors,
or skin contact could cause an adverse reaction. In sensitive
individuals, serious personal injury or sickness may result. If fuel is
splashed on the skin, promptly wash skin thoroughly with soap and
water. Consult a physician immediately if you experience an adverse
reaction.
FUEL QUALITY
Choosing the Right Fuel
Note:Use of any fuel other than those recommended may cause
powertrain damage, a loss of vehicle performance, and repairs may not
be covered under warranty.
Use only UNLEADED fuel or UNLEADED fuel blended with a maximum
of 15% ethanol. Do not use fuel ethanol (E85), diesel, methanol, leaded
fuel or any other fuel because it could damage or impair the emission
control system. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based additives.
Choosing the Right Fuel With a Flex Fuel Vehicle (If Equipped)
Note:If your vehicle is flex fuel capable, it will have a yellow bezel
placed over the fuel fill inlet.
Note:Use of any fuel other than those recommended may cause
powertrain damage, a loss of vehicle performance, and repairs may not
be covered under warranty.
Flex fuel vehicles are designed to use only FUEL ETHANOL
(Ed75–Ed85) and UNLEADED FUEL “Regular” unleaded gasoline or any
mixture of the two fuels.
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Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING:If you are driving in slippery conditions that require
tire chains or cables, then it is critical that you drive cautiously.
Keep speeds down, allow for longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death. If the rear end of the vehicle
slides while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you regain
control of the vehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause transmission damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Since
your vehicle is equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS),
do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter for
additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
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Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops
by keeping the brakes from locking.
The ABS lamp momentarily illuminates when the ignition is
turned on. If the light does not illuminate during start up,
remains on or flashes, the ABS may be disabled and may need
to be serviced.
If the ABS is disabled, normal braking is still effective. If the
brake warning lamp illuminates with the parking brake released,
have your brake system serviced immediately.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
When the system is operating, the brake pedal will pulse and may travel
further. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You may also hear a noise
from the system. This is normal.
The ABS will not eliminate the dangers inherent when:
•you drive too closely to the vehicle in front of you.
•your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•you take corners too fast.
•the road surface is poor.
PARKING BRAKE
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working
properly. See your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
To set the parking brake, press the parking brake pedal down to its
fullest extent.
To release the parking brake, press the parking brake pedal down again.
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ACTIVE PARK ASSIST (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:This system is designed to be a supplementary park
aid. It may not work in all conditions and is not intended to
replace the driver’s attention and judgment. The driver is responsible
for avoiding hazards and maintaining a safe distance and speed, even
when the system is in use.
Note:The driver is always responsible for controlling the vehicle,
supervising the system and intervening if required.
The system detects an available parallel parking space and automatically
steers the vehicle into the space (hands-free) while you control the
accelerator, gearshift and brakes. The system visually and/or audibly
instructs the driver to park the vehicle.
The system may not function correctly if something passes between the
front bumper and the parking space (i.e. a pedestrian or cyclist) or if the
edge of the neighboring parked vehicle is high from the ground (i.e. a
bus, tow truck or flatbed truck).
Note:The sensors may not detect objects in heavy rain or other
conditions that cause disruptive reflections.
Note:The sensors may not detect objects with surfaces that absorb
ultrasonic waves.
The system should not be used if:
•a foreign object (i.e. bike rack or trailer) is attached to the front or
rear of the vehicle or at another location close to the sensors.
•an overhanging object (i.e. surfboard) is attached to the roof.
•the front bumper or side sensors are damaged (i.e. in a collision) or
obstructed by a foreign object (i.e. front bumper cover).
•a mini-spare tire is in use.
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2013 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
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