Switch the ignition on. The fuel gauge will
indicate approximately how much fuel is
left in the fuel tank. The arrow adjacent to
the fuel pump symbol indicates on which
side of your vehicle the fuel filler door is
located.
The needle should move toward F when
you refuel your vehicle. If the needle points
to E after adding fuel, this indicates your
vehicle needs service soon.
After refueling some variability in needle
position is normal:
•
It may take a short time for the needle
to reach full after leaving the gas
station. This is normal and depends
upon the slope of pavement at the gas
station.
• The fuel amount dispensed into the
tank is a little less or more than the
gauge indicated. This is normal and
depends upon the slope of pavement
at the gas station.
• If the gas station nozzle shuts off
before the tank is full, try a different
gas pump nozzle.
• There is a small reserve left in the tank
when the fuel gauge reaches empty.
Low Fuel Reminder
A low fuel reminder triggers when the
distance to empty reaches, 75 mi (120 km),
50 mi (80 km), 25 mi (40 km), 12 mi
(20 km), 0 mi (0 km).
Variations:
Note: The low fuel reminder can appear at
different fuel gauge positions depending on
fuel economy conditions. This variation is
normal. WARNING LAMPS AND
INDICATORS
The following warning lamps and
indicators alert you to a vehicle condition
that may become serious. Some lamps
illuminate when you start your vehicle to
make sure they work. If any lamps remain
on after starting your vehicle, refer to the
respective system warning lamp for further
information.
Note:
Some warning indicators appear in
the information display and function the
same as a warning lamp, but do not display
when you start your vehicle.
Airbag readiness If this light fails to illuminate
when the ignition is turned on,
continues to flash or remains on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible. A chime will sound when there is
a malfunction in the indicator light.
Anti-Lock Braking System If it illuminates when you are
driving, this indicates a
malfunction. You continue to
have the normal braking system (without
ABS) unless the brake system warning
lamp is also illuminated. Have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
Brake System It illuminates when you engage
the parking brake with the
ignition on.
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 an authorized
dealer.
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WARNING
Driving your vehicle with the warning
lamp on is dangerous. A significant
decrease in braking performance
may occur. It will take you longer to stop
your vehicle. Have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible. Driving extended
distances with the parking brake engaged
can cause brake failure and the risk of
personal injury. Charging System
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.
Cruise Control (If Equipped) It illuminates when you switch
this feature on.
Direction Indicator Illuminates when you switch on
the left or right direction
indicator or the hazard warning
flasher. If the indicators stay on or flash
faster, check for a burned out bulb. See
Changing a Bulb
(page 189).
Door Ajar Displays when the ignition is on
and any door is not completely
closed. Engine Coolant Temperature Illuminates when the engine
coolant temperature is high.
Stop the vehicle as soon as
possible, switch off the engine and let cool.
See
Engine Coolant Check (page 176).
Engine Oil If it illuminates with the engine
running or when you are driving,
this indicates a malfunction.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level. See
Engine Oil Check
(page 174).
Note: Do not resume your journey if it
illuminates despite the level being correct.
Have the system checked by an authorized
dealer immediately.
Fasten Seatbelt It illuminates and a chime
sounds to remind you to fasten
your seatbelt. See
Seatbelt
Reminder (page 32).
High Beam It illuminates when you switch
the high beam headlamps on. It
flashes when you use the
headlamp flasher.
Low Fuel Level It illuminates when the fuel level
is low or the fuel tank is nearly
empty. Refuel as soon as
possible.
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Silent Mode (If Equipped)
Illuminates when Silent Mode is
armed and active.
Stability Control It flashes when the system is
active. If it remains illuminated
or does not illuminate when you
switch the ignition on, this indicates a
malfunction. During a malfunction the
system switches off. Have the system
checked by an authorized dealer
immediately. See
Using Stability
Control (page 119).
Stability Control Off It illuminates when you switch
the system off. It goes out when
you switch the system back on
or when you switch the ignition off. See
Using Stability Control
(page 119).
AUDIBLE WARNINGS AND
INDICATORS
Key in Ignition Warning Chime
Sounds when the key is left in the ignition
and the driver ’s door is opened.
Headlamps On Warning Chime
Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is
not in the ignition) and the driver ’s door is
opened. Parking Brake On Warning Chime
Sounds when you have left the parking
brake on and drive your vehicle. If the
warning chime remains on after you have
released the parking brake, have the
system checked by your authorized dealer
immediately.
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Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert System
Action
Message
Displayed when a fault with the blind spot information systemhas occurred. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Blindspot System Fault
Displayed when the blind spot information system/cross
traffic alert system sensors are blocked. Driver can typically clean the sensor to resolve.
Blindspot Not Available
Sensor Blocked See Manual
Displayed when the blind spot information system with crosstraffic alert (CTA) system is operating and senses a vehicle.
Vehicle Coming From X
Displayed when the blind spot information system/cross
traffic alert system sensors are blocked. Driver can typically clean the sensor to resolve.
Cross Traffic Not Avail-
able Sensor Blocked See Manual
Displayed when a fault with the cross traffic alert system has
occurred. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Cross Traffic System
Fault
Brake System Action
Message
Indicates the brake fluid level is low and the brake systemshould be inspected immediately.
Brake Fluid Level Low
Displayed when the brake system needs servicing. If thewarning stays on or continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Check Brake System
Displayed when the parking brake is set, the engine is runningand the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph (5 km/h). If the
warning stays on after the parking brake is released, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Park Brake Engaged
Doors and Locks Action
Message
The liftgate is not completely closed.
Trunk Ajar
Displayed when a door is not completely closed.
X Door Ajar
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Taurus (CPH) Police, Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Information Displays
Recommended Settings for
Cooling
•
Adjust the fan speed to the second
speed setting.
• Adjust the temperature control to the
midway point of the cold settings.
• Adjust the air distribution control to the
instrument panel air vents position.
Vehicle Stationary for Extended
Periods During Extreme High
Ambient Temperatures
• Apply the parking brake.
• Move the transmission selector lever
to position P or neutral.
• Adjust the temperature control to the
MAX A/C
position.
• Adjust the fan speed to the lowest
speed setting.
Side Window Defogging in Cold
Weather
• Adjust the air distribution control to the
instrument panel and windshield air
vents positions.
• Press the
A/C button.
• Adjust the temperature control to the
desired setting.
• Adjust the fan speed to the highest
setting.
• Direct the instrument panel side air
vents toward the side windows.
• Close the instrument panel vents. Maximum Cooling Performance in
Instrument Panel or Instrument
Panel and Footwell Positions
•
Adjust the temperature control to the
lowest setting.
• Press the
A/C and recirculated air
buttons.
• Adjust the fan speed to the highest
setting initially and then adjust it to suit
the desired comfort level.
HEATED WINDOWS AND
MIRRORS
Heated Rear Window
Note: Make sure the engine is running
before operating the heated windows. Press the button to clear the
heated rear window of thin ice
and fog. The heated rear window
will automatically turn off after a short
period of time. Start the engine before you
switch the heated rear window on.
Note: Do not use razor blades or other
sharp objects to clean or remove decals
from the inside of the heated rear window.
The vehicle warranty does not cover
damage caused to the heated rear window
grid lines.
Heated Exterior Mirror
(If Equipped)
When you switch the heated rear window
on, the heated exterior mirrors will
automatically turn on.
Note: Do not remove ice from the mirrors
with a scraper or adjust the mirror glass
when it is frozen in place.
Note: Do not clean the mirror housing or
glass with harsh abrasives, fuel or other
petroleum-based cleaning products.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNINGS
Extended idling at high engine
speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and
exhaust system, creating the risk of fire or
other damage. Do not park, idle or drive your vehicle
on dry grass or other dry ground
cover. The emission system heats up
the engine compartment and exhaust
system, creating the risk of fire. Do not start the engine in a closed
garage or in other enclosed areas.
Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always
open the garage door before you start the
engine. Exhaust leaks may result in entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes
into the passenger compartment. If
you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your vehicle inspected
immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes. If you disconnect the battery, your vehicle
may exhibit some unusual driving
characteristics for approximately 5 mi
(8 km) after you reconnect it. This is
because the engine management system
must realign itself with the engine. You
can disregard any unusual driving
characteristics during this period.
The powertrain control system meets all
Canadian interference-causing equipment
standard requirements regulating the
impulse electrical field or radio noise.
When you start the engine, avoid pressing
the accelerator pedal before and during
operation. Only use the accelerator pedal
when you have difficulty starting the
engine. IGNITION SWITCH
A
(off) - The ignition is off.
Note: When you switch the ignition off and
leave your vehicle, do not leave your key in
the ignition. This could cause your vehicle
battery to lose charge.
Note: To switch the engine off when your
vehicle is moving, move the transmission
selector lever to position
N. Use the brakes
to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. After your
vehicle has stopped, switch the engine off
and move the transmission selector lever to
position
P. Turn the key to position A or B.
B
(accessory) - Allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to operate
while the engine is not running.
Note: Do not leave the ignition key in this
position for too long. This could cause your
vehicle battery to lose charge.
C
(on) - All electrical circuits operational.
Warning lamps and indicators illuminate.
D
(start) - cranks the engine. Release the
key as soon as the engine starts.
STARTING A GASOLINE
ENGINE
When you start the engine, the idle speed
increases. This helps to warm up the
engine. If the engine idle speed does not
slow down automatically, have your
vehicle checked by an authorized dealer.
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Note:
You can crank the engine for a total
of 60 seconds without the engine starting
before the starting system temporarily
disables. The 60 seconds does not have to
be all at once. For example, if you crank the
engine three times for 20 seconds each
time, without the engine starting, you
reached the 60-second time limit. A
message appears in the information display
alerting you that you exceeded the cranking
time. You cannot attempt to start the
engine for at least 15 minutes. After 15
minutes, you are limited to a 15-second
engine cranking time. You need to wait 60
minutes before you can crank the engine for
60 seconds again.
Before starting your vehicle, check the
following:
• Make sure all occupants have fastened
their safety belts.
• Make sure the headlamps and
electrical accessories are off.
• Make sure the parking brake is on.
• Make sure the transmission is in park
(P).
To start the engine, do the following:
Note: Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully depress the brake pedal.
2. Turn the key to the start position to start the engine.
Note: The engine may continue cranking
for up to 15 seconds or until it starts.
Note: If you cannot start the engine on the
first try, wait for a short period and try again.
Failure to Start
If you cannot start the engine after three
attempts, wait 10 seconds and follow this
procedure:
1. Fully depress the brake pedal.
2. Shift into park (P). 3. Fully press the accelerator pedal and
hold it there.
4. Start the engine.
Cold Weather Starting - Flex Fuel
Vehicles WARNING
Do not use starting fluid, for example
ether, in the air intake system. Such
fluid could cause immediate
explosive damage to the engine and
possible personal injury. The starting characteristics of all grades
of E85 ethanol make it unsuitable for use
when ambient temperatures fall below
-0°F (-18°C). Consult your fuel distributor
for the availability of winter grade ethanol.
As the outside temperature approaches
freezing, ethanol fuel distributors should
supply winter grade ethanol, the same as
with unleaded gasoline. If summer grade
ethanol is used in cold weather conditions,
0°F to 32°F (-18°C to 0°C), you may
experience increased cranking times, rough
idle or hesitation until the engine has
warmed up.
You may experience a decrease in peak
performance when the engine is cold when
operating on E85 ethanol.
Do not crank the engine for more than 10
seconds at a time. This may cause
damage to the starter motor. If the engine
does not start, turn the key to the off
position and wait 30 seconds before trying
again.
If your vehicle does not start on E85
ethanol, and neither an alternative brand
of E85 ethanol nor an engine block heater
is available, the addition of unleaded
gasoline to the fuel tank improves cold
starting performance.
If the engine fails to start, do the following:
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Taurus (CPH) Police, Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Starting and Stopping the Engine
1. Press the accelerator pedal down
one-third to one-half of its travel, and
then crank the engine.
2. When the engine starts, release the key, then gradually release the
accelerator pedal as the engine speed
increases. If the engine still does not
start, repeat Step 1.
Stopping the Engine When Your
Vehicle is Stationary
1. Shift into park (P).
2. Turn the key to the off position.
3. Apply the parking brake.
Stopping the Engine When Your
Vehicle is Moving WARNING
Switching off the engine when the
vehicle is still moving will result in a
loss of brake and steering assistance.
The steering will not lock, but higher effort
will be required. When the ignition is
switched off, some electrical circuits,
including air bags, warning lamps and
indicators may also be off. If the ignition
was turned off accidentally, you can shift
into neutral (N) and re-start the engine. 1.
Shift into neutral and use the brakes to
bring your vehicle to a safe stop.
2. When your vehicle has stopped, shift into park (P) and switch the ignition
off.
3. Apply the parking brake. Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes WARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside
your vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by your authorized dealer
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 then leave the
engine idling for long periods, we
recommend that you do one of the
following:
•
Open the windows at least 1 in (3 cm).
• Set your climate control to outside air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (If
Equipped) WARNINGS
Failure to follow engine block heater
instructions could result in property
damage or serious personal injury.
Do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or
two-pronged adapters. There is a risk
of electrical shock. Do not fully close the hood, or allow
it to drop under its own weight when
using the engine block heater. This
could damage the power cable and may
cause an electrical short resulting in fire,
injury and property damage. Note:
The heater is most effective when
outdoor temperatures are below 0°F
(-18°C).
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