Page 288 of 550

How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The service engine soon indicator will illuminate.
•The coolant temperature warning light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode is Activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Maintenance287
2014 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)
Page 313 of 550

•Protect from sunlight, if possible.
•If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular maintenance to
protect against rust and damage.
Body
•Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing and underside of front fenders.
•Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
•Touch up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
•
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax to
prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is washed.
•Lubricate hood latch, all door latches and trunk lid hinges with a light
grade oil.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contains contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add a quality gas stabilizer
product to the vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage
periods exceed 30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label.
The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to circulate the
additive throughout the fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
312Vehicle Care
2014 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)
Page 542 of 550

Edge/MKX AWD only:Vehicles operating off-road in sand during high
ambient temperatures must replace the AWD PTU (All-wheel drive
Power Transfer Unit) lube every 20000 miles (32000 kilometers).
Engine air filter & cabin air filter replacement:Engine air filter and
cabin air filter life is dependent on exposure to dusty and dirty
conditions. Vehicles operated in these conditions will require frequent
inspection and replacement of the engine air filter and cabin air filter.
ENGINE COOLANT CHANGE RECORD
Initial change Six years or 100000 miles (160000 km)
(whichever comes first)
After initial change Every three years or 50000 miles (80000 km)
Engine Coolant Change Log
DEALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:
D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:
D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:
Scheduled Maintenance541
2014 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)
Page 545 of 550

Display settings .........................481
Driver alert ................................219
Driving under special
conditions ..................185, 188, 190
sand .........................................189
snow and ice ...........................191
through water .................189, 251
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) .........131, 133, 135
E
Electronic message center .......110
Electronic stability control ......197
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................256
running out of fuel .................172
Emergency brake
(see Parking brake) ..................194
Emission control system ..........177
End user license agreement ....506
Engine ........................................350
cleaning ...................................307
coolant .....................................283
fail-safe cooling .......................286
idle speed control ...................294
lubrication specifications .......352
refill capacities ........................352
service points ..................279, 281
Engine block heater .................168
Engine oil
checking and adding ..............282
dipstick ....................................282
filter, specifications ................356
refill capacities ........................352
specifications ..........................352
Event data recording ..................12
Exhaust fumes ..........................168F
Fail safe cooling ........................286
Fleet MyKey programming ........64
Floor mats .................................252
Fluid capacities .........................352
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................187
Fuel
cap ...........................................174
capacity ...................................352
choosing the right fuel ...........171
filler funnel .............................172
filling your vehicle with fuel ..174
filter, specifications ........293, 356
fuel pump shut-off ..................255
octane rating ...................172, 350
quality ......................................171
running out of fuel .................172
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................170
Fuel and distance computer ....114
outside temperature
indicator ..................................114
to empty indicator ..................114
trip distance ............................114
trip/reset button .....................114
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .........................................171
Fuses ..................................267–268
G
Garage door opener ..................155
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............174
Gauges ...............................103–104
odometer .................................114
trip odometer ..........................114
544Index
2014 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)