Roadside Emergencies257
Getting roadside assistance ..............................257
Hazard warning flashers ................................258
Fuel cut-off switch ....................................259
Jump-starting the vehicle ...............................260
Customer Assistance 263
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) .......................270
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) .....................270
Fuses 271
Changing a fuse ......................................271
Fuse specification chart ................................271
Maintenance 280
General information ...................................280
Opening and closing the hood ............................281
Under hood overview ..................................282
Engine oil dipstick ....................................286
Engine oil check ......................................286
Engine coolant check ..................................287
Automatic transmission fluid check ........................292
Brake fluid check .....................................297
Fuel filter ...........................................297
Washer fluid check ....................................298
Battery ............................................298
Checking the wiper blades ..............................300
Air filter(s) .........................................301
Adjusting the headlamps ................................303
Changing a bulb ......................................304
Bulb specification chart .................................308
6Table of Contents
2015 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2014
USA(fus)
SYMBOL GLOSSARY
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Safety alertSee Owner’s
ManualAnti-lock
braking
system
Avoid
smoking,
flames, or
sparksBatteryBattery acid
Brake fluid –
non
petroleum
baseBrake systemCabin air
filter
Check fuel
capChild Safety
Door Lock
and UnlockChild seat
lower anchor
Child seat
tether anchorCruise
controlDo not open
when hot
Engine air
filterEngine
coolantEngine
coolant
temperature
Engine oilExplosive gasFan warning
Fasten safety
beltFront airbagFront fog
lamps
Fuel pump
resetFuse
compartmentHazard
warning
flasher
10Introduction
2015 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2014
USA(fus)
Brake system warning lightTo 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.
WARNING: Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking
performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.
Have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Driving extended distances with the parking brake engaged can cause
brake failure and the risk of personal injury.
Charging system (RTT) Illuminates when the battery is not charging properly. If it stays
on while the engine is running, there may be a malfunction with
the charging system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical system or a related
component.
Door ajar (RTT)
Displays when the ignition is on and any door is not completely
closed.
Engine oil pressure (RTT) Illuminates when the oil pressure falls below the normal range.
Engine coolant temperature (RTT) Illuminates when the engine coolant temperature is high. Stop
the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let
cool.
106 Instrument Cluster
2015 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2014
USA(fus)
Menu
You can access the menus using the information display control.
Note:Some options may appear slightly different or not at all if the
items are optional.
†Trip 1 & 2
Trip Odometer Hold OK to Reset
Trip Timer
Average Fuel
Compass (located in lower line of display). Note:this will also display
in other menus.
Total Odometer (located in lower line of display). Note:this will also
display in other menus.
†See Trip and fuel economy computer later in this section for more
information.
Fuel Economy
Distance to E
Inst Fuel Econ
Average Fuel
Compass (located in lower line of display). Note:this will also display
in other menus.
Total Odometer (located in lower line of display). Note:this will also
display in other menus.
†See Trip and fuel economy computer later in this section for more
information.
Information
MyKey® Dist. (if key is programmed) — Distance traveled when a
programmed key is in use.
MyKey® Info — Number of MyKeys and admin keys programmed
Coolant Temp. — The engine coolant indicator will change colors
indicating: blue for cool, gray for normal and red for hot. If the engine
coolant temperature exceeds the normal range, stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible, switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
Information Displays 111
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USA(fus)
Information Display Controls (Type 2)•Press the up and down arrow
buttons to scroll through and
highlight the options within a
menu.
• Press the right arrow button to
enter a sub-menu.
• Press the left arrow button to
exit a menu.
• Press the OK button to choose and confirm a setting/messages.
Main menu
From the main menu bar on the left side of the information display, you
can choose from the following categories:
• Display Mode
• Trip1&2
• Fuel Economy
• Driver Assist
• Settings
Scroll up/down to highlight one of the categories, then press the right
arrow key or OK to enter into that category. Press the left arrow key as
needed to exit back to the main menu.
Display Mode
Use the up/down arrow buttons to choose between the following display
options.
Display mode
Display mode Option 1 Option 2 Option 3
XXX mi (km) to empty X
Bar tachometer X
Round tachometer X X
Engine coolant temp gauge X
Information Displays 11 5
2015 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2014
USA(fus)
Display mode
Display mode Option 1 Option 2 Option 3
Fuel gauge Always PresentAlways
Present Always
Present
Total odometer (lower left
corner) Always
Present Always
Present Always
Present
Regardless of display mode chosen, when SelectShift Automatic™
transmission (SST) is activated, the cluster will change to the round
tachometer if not already selected. After the round tachometer
displays, other display modes with the bar tachometer can also be
chosen.
• XXX mi (km) to empty: Shows approximate fuel level before the fuel
tank reaches empty. The value is dynamic and can change (raise or
lower) depending on driving style.
• Fuel gauge: Indicates approximately how much fuel is left in the fuel
tank. The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion
or on a grade. When the fuel level becomes low, the level indicator will
change to amber. When the fuel level becomes critically low, the level
indicator will change to red.
Note: When a MyKey® is in use, low fuel warnings will display earlier.
The fuel icon and arrow indicates which side of the vehicle the fuel
filler door is located.
• Bar/Round tachometer: Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per
minute. Driving with your tachometer pointer continuously at the top
of the scale may damage the engine. During SelectShift Automatic™
transmission (SST) use, the currently selected gear will appear in the
display.
• Engine coolant temperature gauge: Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating temperature, the level indicator will
be in the normal range. If the engine coolant temperature exceeds the
normal range, stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off
the engine and let the engine cool.
11 6 Information Displays
2015 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2014
USA(fus)
Lane Keeping
System Messages Action / Description
Lane keeping Sys.
Malfunction Service
required The system has malfunctioned. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Front Camera
Temporarily Not
Available The system has detected a condition that has
caused the system to be temporarily
unavailable.
Front Camera Low
Visibility Clean Screen The system has detected a condition the
requires the windshield to be cleaned to
operate properly.
Front Camera
Malfunction Service
Required The system has malfunctioned. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Keep Hands on
Steering Wheel Displayed when the system requests the driver
to keep their hands on the steering wheel.
Maintenance
Messages Action / Description
LOW Engine Oil
Pressure Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
turn off the engine. Check the oil level. If the
warning stays on or continues to come on with
your engine running, contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Change Engine Oil
Soon Displayed when the engine oil life remaining is
10% or less.
Oil Change Required Displayed when the oil life left reaches 0%.
Engine Coolant
Overtemperature Displayed when the engine coolant
temperature is excessively high.
Washer Fluid Level
LOW Indicates the washer fluid reservoir is less than
one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level.
Steering Malfunction
Service Now Displays when the steering system needs
service. See your authorized dealer.
Information Displays
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Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
this checked immediately. Do not drive your vehicle if you smell
exhaust fumes. Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
Important Ventilating Information
If you stop your vehicle and leave the engine idling for long periods, we
recommend that you do one of the following:
• Open the windows at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters).
• Set your climate control to outside air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING: Failure to follow engine block heater instructions
could result in property damage or personal injury.
WARNING: Do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters. There is a risk of
electrical shock.
Note: The heater is most effective when outdoor temperatures are below
0°F (-18°C).
The heater acts as a starting aid by warming the engine coolant. This
allows the climate control system to respond quickly. The equipment
includes a heater element (installed in the engine block) and a wire
harness. You can connect the system to a grounded 120–volt A/C
electrical source.
We recommend that you do the following for safe and correct operation:
• Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord that is product certified by
Underwriter’s Laboratory or Canadian Standards Association. This
extension cord must be suitable for use outdoors, in cold
temperatures, and be clearly marked Suitable for Use with Outdoor
Appliances. Never use an indoor extension cord outdoors; it could
result in an electric shock or become a fire hazard.
• Use as short an extension cord as possible.
• Do not use multiple extension cords.
170 Starting and Stopping the Engine
2015 Taurus
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2014
USA(fus)