2015 FORD TAURUS overheating

Engine fluid temperature management (EcoBoost engine only)
WARNING:To reduce the risk of collision and injury, be
prepared that the vehicle speed may reduce and the vehicle may
not be able to accelerate with full power until the fluid temperatures
reduce.
Your vehicle has been designed to pull a trailer, but because of the added
load, the vehicle’s engine may temporarily reach higher temperatures
during severe operating conditions such as ascending a long or steep
grade while pulling a trailer in hot ambient temperatures.
At this time, you may notice your engine coolant temperature gauge
needle move toward the H (hot) and the POWER REDUCED TO LOWER
TEMP message may appear on the message center.
You may notice a reduction in the vehicle’s speed caused by reduced
engine power. Your vehicle has been designed to enter this mode if
certain high temperature/high load conditions take place in order to
manage the engine’s fluid temperatures. The amount of speed reduction
will depend on the vehicle loading, towing, grade, ambient temperature,
and other factors. If this occurs, there is no need to pull off the road.
The vehicle can continue to be driven while this message is active.
The air conditioning may also cycle on and off during severe operating
conditions to protect overheating of the engine. When the engine coolant
temperature decreases to a more normal operating temperature, the air
conditioning will turn on once again.
If you notice any of the following:
• the engine coolant temperature gauge moves fully into the red (hot)
area
• the coolant temperature warning light illuminates
• the service engine soon indicator illuminates
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and place the vehicle in P
(Park).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
moves away from the H range. After several minutes, if this does not
happen, follow the remaining steps.
3. Turn the engine off and wait for it to cool before checking the coolant
level.
290 Maintenance
2015 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2014
USA(fus)

High fluid levelIf the fluid level is above the MAX
range of the dipstick, remove fluid to
reach the hashmark level.Note:
Fluid level above the MAX level may
cause shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition. If your
vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city
traffic during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off until normal operating temperatures are reached. Depending
on vehicle use, cooling times could take up to 30 minutes or longer.
Adjusting Automatic Transmission Fluid Levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the Technical
specifications section in this chapter.
Note: Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint
(250 ml) increments through the
filler tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
Note: An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
For vehicles equipped with the EcoBoost engine, reinstall the air filter
assembly.
After the fluid level has been checked and adjusted as necessary, do the
following:
1. Shut the engine off.
2. Loosen the clamp holding the air filter assembly to the rubber hose.
3. Rotate the air filter assembly 90 degrees clockwise without
disconnecting the sensor.
MAX
MIN
MAX
MIN
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Maintenance
2015 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2014
USA(fus)

Loss of air pressure may adversely affect tire performance. For this reason:
•Note: Do not drive the vehicle above 50 mph (80 km/h).
• Note: Do not drive further than 120 miles (200 kilometers). Drive
only to your closest authorized dealer or tire repair shop to have your
tire inspected.
• Drive carefully and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers.
• Periodically monitor tire inflation pressure in the affected tire; if the
tire is losing pressure, have the vehicle towed.
• Read the information in the Tips for Use of the Temporary Mobility
Kit section to make sure of safe operation of the temporary mobility
kit and your vehicle.
Tips for Use of the Temporary Mobility Kit
Read the following list of tips to ensure safe operation of the temporary
mobility kit:
• Before operating the temporary mobility kit, make sure your vehicle is
safely off the road and away from moving traffic. Turn on the hazard
lights.
• Always set the parking brake to make sure the vehicle doesn’t move
unexpectedly.
• Do not remove any foreign objects, such as nails or screws, from the
tire.
• When using the temporary mobility kit, leave the engine running (only
if the vehicle is outdoors or in a well-ventilated area) so the
compressor does not drain the vehicle’s battery.
• Do not allow the compressor to operate continuously for more than
15 minutes. This will help prevent the compressor from overheating.
•
Never leave the temporary mobility kit unattended when it is operating.
• Sealant compound contains latex. Make sure that you use the
non-latex gloves provided to avoid an allergic reaction.
• Keep the temporary mobility kit away from children.
• Only use the temporary mobility kit when the ambient temperature is
between -40°F (-40°C) and 158°F (70°C).
• Only use the sealing compound before the use by date. The use by
date is on the lower right hand corner of the label located on the
sealant canister (bottle). Check the use by date regularly and replace
the canister after four years.
346 Wheels and Tires
2015 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2014
USA(fus)

Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic
and, by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid
needs to be changed. However, discolored fluids that also show signs of
overheating and foreign material contamination should be inspected
immediately by a qualified expert, such as the factory-trained technicians
at your dealership. Your vehicle’s oils and fluids should be changed at the
specified intervals or in conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viable
way to change fluid for many vehicle sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are flushed only with new fluid
that is the same as that required to fill and operate the system, or using
a Ford-approved flushing chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
every month or at six month intervals.
Check every month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure.
Windshield washer fluid level.
Check every six months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary.
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if
necessary.
Parking brake for proper operation.
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as
necessary.
Scheduled Maintenance 535
2015 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2014
USA(fus)