System Sensors
WARNING:Just prior to the system recognizing a blocked
condition and alerting the driver, the number of missed objects
will increase. To help avoid injuries, NEVER use the BLIS® as a
replacement for using the side and rear view mirrors and looking over
your shoulder before changing lanes. BLIS® is not a replacement for
careful driving.
Note: It is possible to get a blockage warning with no blockage present;
this is rare and known as a false blockage warning. A false blocked
condition either self-corrects or clears after a key cycle.
The system uses radar sensors
which are located behind the
bumper fascia on each side of the
vehicle. Do not allow these areas to
become obstructed by mud, snow or
bumper stickers, as this can cause
degraded system performance.
If the system detects a degraded performance condition, a blocked
sensor warning or low visibility warning will appear in the information
display and the alert indicator illuminates in the appropriate mirror(s).
The information display warning can be cleared but the alert indicator
remains illuminated.
When the blockage is removed, the system can be reset in two ways: 1)
when at least two objects are detected while driving, or 2) turn the
ignition key from on to off, then back on. If the blockage is still present
after the key cycle, the system senses again that it is blocked after
driving in traffic.
Reasons for messages being displayed
The radar surface is
dirty or obstructed Clean the fascia area in front of the radar or
remove the obstruction.
The radar surface is
not dirty or obstructed Drive normally in traffic for a few minutes to
allow the radar to detect passing vehicles so it
can clear the blocked state.
Driving Aids
231
2015 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2014
USA(fus)
Reasons for messages being displayed
Heavy rainfall/snowfall
interferes with the
radar signals No action required. The system automatically
resets to an unblocked state once the
rainfall/snowfall rate decreases or stops. Do
not use BLIS® and/or CTA in these conditions.
System Limitations
The BLIS® and CTA systems do have their limitations; situations such as
severe weather conditions or debris build-up on the sensor area may
limit vehicle detection.
The following are other situations that may limit the BLIS®:
• Certain maneuvering of vehicles entering and exiting the blind zone.
• Vehicles passing through the blind zone at very fast rates.
• When several vehicles forming a convoy pass through the blind zone.
The following are other situations that may limit the CTA system:
• Adjacently parked vehicles or objects obstructing the sensors.
• Approaching vehicles passing at speeds greater than 15 mph
(24 km/h).
• Driving in reverse faster than 3 mph (5 km/h).
• Backing out of an angled parking spot.
False Alerts
Note: If you connected a trailer to your vehicle the BLIS® system may
detect the trailer causing a false alert. To avoid false alerts you may want
to turn the BLIS off manually.
There may be certain instances when either the BLIS® or CTA systems
illuminate the alert indicator with no vehicle in the coverage zone; this is
known as a false alert. Some amount of false alerts are normal; they are
temporary and self-correct.
System Errors
If either system senses a problem with the left or right sensor, the
BLIS® indicator in the information display will illuminate and remain on.
Also, BLIND SPOT SYSTEM FAULT orCROSS TRAFFIC SYSTEM
FAULT message will appear. When problems that may cause the left or
right indicator not to illuminate, only the information display message
faults appear.
232 Driving Aids
2015 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2014
USA(fus)
Switching the Systems Off and On
One or both systems can be switched off temporarily by using the
information display control; refer to theInformation Displaychapter.
When the BLIS® is switched off, the driver does not receive alerts and
the information display shows BLIND SPOT SYS OFF and/or CTA
SYSTEM OFF. The system switches back on whenever the ignition is
switched on.
One or both systems can also be switched off permanently at your
authorized dealer. Once switched off, switching it back on must also be
done at the dealership.
COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING: This system is designed to be a supplementary
driving aid. It is not intended to replace the driver’s attention,
and judgment, or the need to apply the brakes. This system does NOT
activate the brakes automatically. Failure to press the brake pedal to
activate the brakes may result in a collision.
WARNING: The collision warning system with brake support
cannot help prevent all collisions. Do not rely on this system to
replace driver judgment and the need to maintain distance and speed.
Note: The system does not detect, warn or respond to potential
collisions with vehicles to the rear or sides of the vehicle.
Note: The collision warning system is active at speeds above
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h).
This system is designed to alert the
driver of certain collision risks. A
radar detects if your vehicle is
rapidly approaching another vehicle
traveling in the same direction as yours.
Driving Aids 233
2015 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2014
USA(fus)
If it is, a red warning light
illuminates and an audible warning
chime sounds.
The brake support system assists the driver in reducing the collision
speed by charging the brakes. If the risk of collision further increases
after the warning light illuminates, the brake support prepares the brake
system for rapid braking. This may be apparent to the driver. The system
does not automatically activate the brakes but, if the brake pedal is
pressed, full force braking is applied even if the brake pedal is lightly
pressed.
Using the Collision Warning System
WARNING: The collision warning system’s brake support can
only help reduce the speed at which a collision occurs if the
driver applies the vehicle’s brakes. The brake pedal must be pressed
just like any typical braking situation.
The warning system sensitivity can be adjusted to one of three possible
settings by using the information display control. Refer to the
Information Displays chapter.
Note: If collision warnings are perceived as being too frequent or
disturbing then the warning sensitivity can be reduced, though the
manufacturer recommends using the highest sensitivity setting where
possible. Setting lower sensitivity would lead to fewer and later system
warnings. Refer to the Information Displays chapter for instructions on
reducing the sensitivity.
234 Driving Aids
2015 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2014
USA(fus)
Blocked SensorsIf a message regarding a blocked
sensor appears in the information
display, the radar signals from the
sensor have been obstructed. The
sensors are located behind a fascia
cover near the driver side of the
lower grille. When the sensors are
obstructed, a vehicle ahead cannot
be detected and the collision warning system does not function. The
following table lists possible causes and actions for this message being
displayed.
Cause Action
The surface of the radar in the
grille is dirty or obstructed in
some way Clean the grille surface in front of
the radar or remove the object
causing the obstruction
The surface of the radar in the
grille is clean but the message
remains in the display Wait a short time. It may take
several minutes for the radar to
detect that it is no longer
obstructed
Heavy rain, spray, snow, or fog is
interfering with the radar signals The collision warning system is
temporarily disabled. Collision
warning should automatically
reactivate a short time after the
weather conditions improve.
Swirling water, or snow or ice on
the surface of the road may
interfere with the radar signals The collision warning system is
temporarily disabled. Collision
warning should automatically
reactivate a short time after the
weather conditions improve.
Driving Aids
235
2015 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2014
USA(fus)
STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING:The electric power steering system has diagnostic
checks that continuously monitor the system to ensure proper
operation. When a system error is detected a steering message will
appear in the information display.
WARNING: The electric power steering system has diagnostic
checks that continuously monitor the system to ensure proper
operation of the electronic system. When an electronic error is
detected, a message will be displayed in the information display. If this
happens, stop the vehicle in a safe place, and turn off the engine. After
at least 10 seconds, reset the system by restarting the engine, and
watch the information display for a steering message. If a steering
message returns, or returns while driving, take the vehicle to your
dealer to have it checked.
WARNING: Obtain immediate service if a system error is
detected. You may not notice any difference in the feel of your
steering, but a serious condition may exist. Failure to do so may result
in loss of steering control.
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power-assisted steering system.
There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort. Extreme continuous steering may increase the effort it takes
for you to steer. This occurs to prevent internal overheating and
permanent damage to your steering system. If this should occur, you will
neither lose the ability to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause
permanent damage. Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the
system to cool and steering assist will return to normal.
When a steering system error is detected, steering messages may appear
in the information display.
Driving Aids 237
2015 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2014
USA(fus)
Fuse or relaynumber Fuse amp
rating Protected components
8 10A Not used (spare)
9 10A SYNC module, Multi-function displays, Electronic finish panel,
Radio frequency transceiver module
10 10A Run accessory relay
11 10A Intelligent access module logic, Heads-up display
12 15A Puddle lamp, Backlighting LED, Interior lighting
13 15A Right front turn, Right rear turn
14 15A Left front turn, Left rear turn
15 15A Stop lamp, Backup lamp
16 10A Right front low beam
17 10A Left front low beam
18 10A Start button, Keypad illumination, Brake shift interlock, Powertrain
control module wakeup, Immobilizer
transceiver module
19 20A Audio amplifier
20 20A All lock motor relay, Driver lock motor relay
21 10A Not used (spare)
22 20A Horn relay
23 15A Steering wheel control module logic, Instrument cluster
24 15A Steering wheel control module, Datalink
25 15A Decklid release relay
26 5A Ignition switch or push button start switch
27 20A Intelligent access module power
28 15A Not used (spare)
29 20A Radio, Global positioning system module
278Fuses
2015 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2014
USA(fus)
Fuse or relaynumber Fuse amp
rating Protected components
30 15A Front park lamps
31 5A Not used (spare)
32 15A Smart window motors, Master window and mirror switch, Rear
window power sunshade module,
Lock switch illumination
33 10A Not used (spare)
34 10A Reverse park aid module, Automatic high beam and lane departure
module, Rear heated seat module,
Blind spot monitor module, Rear
video camera
35 5A Motorized humidity sensor, Heads-up display, Traction control switch
36 10A Heated steering wheel
37 10A Not used (spare)
38 10A Auto–dimming mirror (without automatic high beam and lane
departure module), Moonroof
module and switch
39 15A High beams
40 10A Rear park lamps
41 7.5A Occupant classification sensor, Restraint control module
42 5A Not used (spare)
43 10A Not used (spare)
44 10A Not used (spare)
45 5A Not used (spare)
46 10A Climate control module
47 15A Fog lamp relay
48 30A Circuit BreakerFront passenger power window, Rear
power windows
Fuses
279
2015 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2014
USA(fus)