
At this time, you may notice your engine
coolant temperature gauge needle move
toward the H and the POWER REDUCED
TO LOWER TEMP message may appear
in the information display.
You may notice a reduction in vehicle
speed caused by reduced engine power.
In order to manage the engine fluid
temperatures, your vehicle may enter this
mode if certain high-temperature and
high-load conditions take place. The
amount of speed reduction depends on
many factors such as vehicle loading,
towing, grade and ambient temperature.
If this occurs, there is no need to pull off
the road. You can continue to drive your
vehicle 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 normal operating temperature, the air
conditioning will turn on once again.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge
moves fully into the red (hot) area, or if the
coolant temperature warning or service
engine soon messages appear in your
information display:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and shift the transmission into
P
.
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
moves away from the red (hot) area.
After several minutes, if the
temperature does not drop, follow the
remaining steps.
3. Switch the engine off and wait for it to
cool before checking the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is normal, restart your engine and continue. 5. If the coolant is low, add coolant, and
restart the engine. See Adding Engine
Coolant
or How Fail-Safe Cooling
Works in this chapter for more
information.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK - 2.0L
ECOBOOST™
6F35 Transmission
The automatic transmission does not have
a transmission fluid dipstick.
The automatic transmission does not
consume fluid. If the transmission is not
working correctly, for example, the
transmission slips, shifts slowly or there
are signs of fluid leakage, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
Change the automatic transmission fluid
and filter at the correct service interval.
Do not use supplemental automatic
transmission fluid additives because they
are unnecessary and could lead to
transmission damage that may not be
covered by the vehicle Warranty.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK - 3.5L DURATEC/
3.5L ECOBOOST™
6F50/6F55 Transmission (If Equipped) WARNINGS
The dipstick cap and surrounding
components may be hot, use gloves.
Use gloves when moving the air filter
assembly. Components will be hot.
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Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Maintenance

Note:
Automatic transmission fluid
expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive your vehicle until
you warm it up, approximately 20 mi
(30 km). If you operate your vehicle for an
extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, switch
your vehicle off until it reaches normal
operating temperatures to allow the fluid
to cool before checking. Depending on
vehicle use, cooling times could take up to
30 minutes or longer.
Refer to your scheduled maintenance
information for scheduled intervals for fluid
checks and changes. Your transmission
does not consume fluid. However, you
should check the fluid level if the
transmission is not working properly. For
example, if the transmission slips or shifts
slowly or if you notice some sign of a fluid
leak.
1. Drive your vehicle 20 mi (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park your vehicle on a level surface and
engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal, start the
engine and move the gearshift lever
through all of the gear ranges. Allow a
minimum of 10 seconds for each gear
to engage.
4. Put the gearshift lever in park (P) and leave the engine running.
Note: For vehicles with the EcoBoost
engine, move the air filter assembly aside
to access the transmission dipstick. See
Moving the Air Filter Assembly for more
information.
5. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a dry, lint free clean rag. If
necessary, refer to the Under hood
overview in this chapter for the location
of the dipstick. 6. Install the dipstick making sure you
fully seat it in the filler tube by turning
it to the locked position.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in the
designated areas for normal operating
temperature.
Moving the Air Filter Assembly
(Accessing the Dipstick) WARNING
Do not run engine with the air filter
disconnected.
1. Switch the engine off.
2. Clean the area around the clamp that
connects the air filter assembly to the
rubber hose and then loosen it.
3. Remove the bolt cover.
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Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing MaintenanceE173335
2
3

Check the transmission fluid at the normal
operating temperatures between 180°F
(82°C) and 200°F (93°C) on a level
surface. Drive your vehicle until you warm
it up to the normal operating temperature
after approximately 20 mi (30 km).
Target the transmission fluid level within
the cross-hatch area if at the normal
operating temperature between 180°F
(82°C) and 200°F (93°C).
High fluid level If 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 or engagement concerns or
possible damage. An overheating condition
can cause high fluid levels. If you operate
your vehicle for an extended period at high
speeds, in city traffic during hot weather or
pulling a trailer, you should switch your
vehicle off until your vehicle reaches normal
operating temperatures. 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
in the Technical Specifications section in
this chapter.
Note:
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift or engagement
concerns 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. Reinstall the air filter
assembly. After you check the fluid level
and adjust as necessary, do the following:
1. Switch the engine off.
2. Loosen the clamp holding the air filter assembly to the rubber hose.
3. Seat the air filter assembly back into the grommets by pushing down on the
air filter assembly.
4. Tighten the clamp.
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Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing MaintenanceE158844 E158845 E158846

•
With your foot on the brake, shift
through all the gears while the engine
is running.
• We recommend that you change the
engine oil before you use your vehicle
again.
Fuel system
• Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the
fuel pump nozzle.
Cooling system
• Protect against freezing temperatures.
• When removing your vehicle from
storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm that there are no cooling
system leaks and that fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
• Check and recharge as necessary. Keep
connections clean.
• If storing your vehicle for more than 30
days without recharging the battery,
we recommend that you disconnect
the battery cables to maintain battery
charge for quick starting.
Note: It is necessary to reset memory
features if battery cables are disconnected.
Brakes
• Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure. Miscellaneous
•
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers
and pins under your vehicle are covered
with grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)
every 15 days to lubricate working parts
and prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of
storage, do the following:
• Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt
or grease film build-up on window
surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any
deterioration.
• Check under the hood for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage such as mice or squirrel
nests.
• Check the exhaust for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage.
• Check tire pressures and set tire
inflation per the Tire Label.
• Check brake pedal operation. Drive
your vehicle
15 ft (4.5 m) back and
forth to remove rust build-up.
• Check fluid levels (including coolant,
oil and gas) to make sure there are no
leaks, and fluids are at recommended
levels.
• If you remove the battery, clean the
battery cable ends and check for
damage.
Contact an authorized dealer if you have
any concerns or issues.
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Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Vehicle Care

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 and safety belt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as necessary.
Multi-Point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right,
it is important to have the systems on your
vehicle checked regularly. This can help
identify potential issues and prevent major
problems. We recommend having the
following multi-point inspection performed
at every scheduled maintenance interval
to help make sure your vehicle keeps
running great.
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Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Scheduled Maintenance

When to expect the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message
Vehicle use and example
Interval
Normal
7500-10000 miles
(12000-16000 km) Normal commuting with highway driving
No, or moderate, load or towing
Flat to moderately hilly roads
No extended idling
Severe
5000-7499 miles
(8000-11999 km) Moderate to heavy load or towing
Mountainous or off-road conditions
Extended idling
Extended hot or cold operation
Extreme
3000-4999 miles
(4800-7999 km) Maximum load or towing
Extreme hot or cold operation
Normal Maintenance Intervals At every oil change interval as indicated by the information display
*
Change engine oil and filter. **
Rotate the tires.
Perform a multi-point inspection (recommended).
Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level. Consult your dealer for requirements.
Inspect the brake pads, rotors, hoses and parking brake.
Inspect the engine cooling system strength and hoses.
Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect the rear axle and U-joints (AWD only).
Inspect the half-shaft boots.
Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tire-rod ends, driveshaft and U-
joints.
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Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Scheduled Maintenance

Coolant Check
See: Engine Coolant Check........................... 240
Crash Sensors and Airbag Indicator.........41
Creating a MyKey...........................................49
Programming/Changing Configurable
Settings............................................................... 49
Cross Traffic Alert.........................................188 False Alerts............................................................ 191
Switching the System Off and On................191
System Errors........................................................ 191
System Lights, Messages and Audible Alerts.................................................................. 190
System Limitations........................................... 190
Using the System............................................... 188
Cruise Control..................................................65 Principle of Operation....................................... 173
Type 1........................................................................\
65
Type 2....................................................................... 65
Cruise control See: Using Cruise Control................................. 173
Customer Assistance
...................................217
D
Data Recording
..................................................9
Event Data Recording........................................... 9
Service Data Recording........................................ 9
Daytime Running Lamps..............................71
Direction Indicators
........................................73
Driver Alert.......................................................181 PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION............................ 181
USING DRIVER ALERT...................................... 181
Driver and Passenger Airbags...................36 Children and Airbags.......................................... 36
Proper Driver and Front Passenger Seating Adjustment........................................................ 36
Driving Aids......................................................181
Driving Hints
..................................................209
Driving Through Water................................210
DRL See: Daytime Running Lamps.......................... 71
E
Economical Driving
.....................................209 Emission Control System..........................146
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II).................... 147
Readiness for Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Testing.................................................... 147
End User License Agreement.................394 VEHICLE SOFTWARE END USER LICENSE
AGREEMENT (EULA) ................................. 394
Engine Block Heater....................................138 Using the Engine Block Heater...................... 139
Engine Coolant Check...............................240 Adding Engine Coolant..................................... 241
Checking the Engine Coolant......................... 241
Recycled Engine Coolant................................ 242
Severe Climates................................................. 242
What You Should Know About Fail-Safe Cooling.............................................................. 242
Engine Immobilizer See: Passive Anti-Theft System...................... 61
Engine Oil Check
..........................................239
Adding Engine Oil.............................................. 239
Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.0L EcoBoost™.................................................239
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.5L Duratec/3.5L Ecoboost™.................................................239
Engine Specifications - 2.0L EcoBoost™.................................................294
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 294
Engine Specifications - 3.5L Duratec.........................................................294
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 295
Engine Specifications - 3.5L Ecoboost™.................................................295
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 295
Environment......................................................14
Essential Towing Checks
..........................205
Before Towing a Trailer................................... 206
Hitches.................................................................. 205
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Watercraft (PWC)........................................ 206
Safety Chains...................................................... 205
Trailer Brakes....................................................... 205
Trailer Lamps...................................................... 205
When Towing a Trailer..................................... 206
Event Data Recording See: Data Recording.............................................. 9
Export Unique Options..................................13
413
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Index

Hints on Controlling the Interior
Climate...........................................................112
Cooling the Interior Quickly.............................. 113
General Hints......................................................... 112
Heating the Interior Quickly............................. 112
Recommended Settings for Cooling............113
Recommended Settings for Heating............113
Side Window Defogging in Cold Weather.............................................................. 114
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes............................................................159
Hood Lock See: Opening and Closing the Hood..........234
I
Ignition Switch...............................................134
In California (U.S. Only).............................218
Information Display Control.......................65
Information Displays
....................................86
General Information........................................... 86Information Messages
.................................95
Adaptive Cruise Control.................................... 95
AdvanceTrac ™..................................................... 96
Alarm........................................................................\
96
All Wheel Drive...................................................... 97
Automatic Engine Shutdown.......................... 96
Automatic High Beam Control....................... 96
Battery and Charging System.......................... 97
Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert System..................................................... 98
Brake System........................................................ 98
Collision Warning System................................. 99
Doors and Locks................................................... 99
Driver Alert.............................................................. 99
Fuel........................................................................\
.... 99
Keys and Intelligent Access........................... 100
Lane Keeping System....................................... 100
Maintenance......................................................... 101
MyKey...................................................................... 101
Park Aid.................................................................. 102
Passenger Sensing System Message.........102
Power Steering.................................................... 102
Reminder Messages.......................................... 102
Remote Start....................................................... 103
Seats....................................................................... 103
Starting System.................................................. 103
Tire Pressure Monitoring System.................103
Traction Control.................................................. 104
Transmission........................................................ 104
Installing Child Restraints
............................16
Child Seats............................................................... 16
Using Lap and Shoulder Belts.......................... 17
Using Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)............................................ 19
Using Tether Straps............................................. 20
Instrument Cluster
........................................80
Instrument Lighting Dimmer.......................71
Interior Lamps
..................................................73
Front Row Map Lamps....................................... 73
Second Row Map Lamps.................................. 74
Interior Luggage Compartment Release............................................................59
Interior Mirror
....................................................78
Auto-Dimming Mirror.......................................... 78
Introduction.........................................................7
415
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Index