2017 FORD TAURUS warning lights

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out. Have thesystem checked by an authorized dealer. Ifyour vehicle has continuous vibration orshudder in the steering wheel while braking,have it checked by an authorized dealer.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear and does not contribute tobrake noise. See Cleaning the Wheels(page 264).
Note:Depending on applicable laws andregulations in the country for which yourvehicle was originally built, your brake lampsmay flash during heavy braking. Followingthis, your hazard lights may also flash whenyour vehicle comes to a stop.
See Warning Lamps andIndicators (page 85).
Wet brakes result in reduced brakingefficiency. Gently press the brake pedal afew times when driving from a car wash orstanding water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedalbecomes stuck or entrapped, apply steadyand firm pressure to the brake pedal toslow the vehicle and reduce engine power.If you experience this condition, apply thebrakes and bring your vehicle to a safestop. Move the transmission to park (P),switch the engine off and apply the parkingbrake. Inspect the accelerator pedal forany interference. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brakerapidly by measuring the rate at which youpress the brake pedal. It providesmaximum braking efficiency as long as youpress the pedal, and can reduce stoppingdistances in critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
This lamp momentarilyilluminates when you turn theignition on. If the light does notilluminate during start up, remains on orflashes, the system may be disabled. Havethe system checked by an authorizeddealer. If the anti-lock brake system isdisabled, normal braking is still effective.
If the brake warning lampilluminates when you release theparking brake, have the systemchecked by an authorized dealer.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
Note:When the system is operating, thebrake pedal may pulse and may travelfurther. Maintain pressure on the brakepedal. You may also hear a noise from thesystem. This is normal.
The anti-lock braking system will noteliminate the risks when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle infront of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•You take corners too fast.
•The road surface is poor.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoiddrive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the systemapplies the brakes to individual wheelsand, when needed, reduces engine powerat the same time. If the wheels spin whenaccelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,the system reduces engine power in orderto increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING
The stability and traction controllight illuminates steadily if thesystem detects a failure. Make sureyou did not manually disable the tractioncontrol system using the informationdisplay controls or the switch. If thestability control and traction control lightis still illuminating steadily, have thesystem serviced by an authorized dealerimmediately. Operating your vehicle withthe traction control disabled could lead toan increased risk of loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,switching traction control off may bebeneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
Note:When you switch traction control off,stability control remains fully active.
Switching the System Off
When you switch the system off or on, amessage appears in the informationdisplay showing system status.
You can switch the system off by eitherusing the information display controls orthe switch.
Using the Information DisplayControls
You can switch this feature off or on in theinformation display. See GeneralInformation (page 89).
Using a Switch (If Equipped)
Use the traction control switch on theinstrument panel to switch the system offor on.
The switch illuminates when tractioncontrol is off.
System Indicator Lights andMessages
The stability and traction controllight:
•Temporarily illuminates on enginestart-up.
•Flashes when a driving conditionactivates either of the systems.
•Illuminates if a problem occurs in eitherof the systems.
The stability and traction controloff light temporarily illuminateson engine start-up and stays onwhen you switch the traction controlsystem off.
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Note:The Blind Spot Information Systemdoes not prevent contact with other vehiclesor objects; nor detect parked vehicles,people, animals or infrastructure (fences,guardrails, trees). It’s only designed to alertyou to vehicles in the blind spot zones.
Note:When a vehicle passes quicklythrough the blind spot zone, typically fewerthan two seconds, the system does nottrigger.
Using the System
The Blind Spot Information System turnson when you start the engine and you driveyour vehicle forward above 3 mph(5 km/h).
For automatic transmissions, the BlindSpot Information System remains on whilethe transmission is in drive (D). If shiftedinto reverse (R) or park (P) the Blind SpotInformation System turns off. Once shiftedback into drive (D), the Blind SpotInformation System turns back on whenyou drive your vehicle above 3 mph(5 km/h).
For manual transmissions, the Blind SpotInformation System is on for all gearsexcept the reverse (R).
Note:The Blind Spot Information Systemdoes not function in reverse (R) or park (P).
System Lights and Messages
The Blind Spot Information Systemilluminates an amber alert indicator in theoutside mirror on the side of your vehiclethe approaching vehicle is coming from.
The alert indicator dims when the systemdetects nighttime darkness.
System Sensor Blockage
The system uses radar sensors that arelocated behind the bumper fascia on eachside of your vehicle. Any dirt, mud andsnow in front of the sensors and/or drivingin heavy rain can cause systemdegradation. Also, other types ofobstructions in front of the sensor cancause system degradation. This is referredto as a ‘blocked’ condition.
Note:Do not apply bumper stickers and/orrepair compound to these areas, this cancause degraded system performance.
If the system detects a degradedperformance condition, a message warningof a blocked sensor will appear in theinformation display. Also the system alertindicators will remain ON and the systemwill no longer provide any vehicle warnings.You can clear the information displaywarning but the alert indicators will remainilluminated.
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Zone coverage also decreases whenparking at shallow angles. Here, the leftsensor is mostly obstructed; zone coverageon that side is severely limited.
System Lights, Messages andAudible Alerts
The Cross Traffic Alert illuminates anamber alert indicator in the outside mirroron the side of your vehicle the approachingvehicle is coming from. Cross Traffic Alertalso sounds an audible alert and amessage appears in the informationdisplay indicating a vehicle is coming fromthe right or left. Cross Traffic Alert workswith the reverse sensing system thatsounds its own series of tones. See RearParking Aid (page 170).
The system uses radar sensors that arelocated behind the bumper fascia on eachside of your vehicle. Do not allow mud,snow or bumper stickers to obstruct theseareas, this can cause degraded systemperformance. See Blind Spot
Information System (page 191). If theBlind Spot Information System is blocked,Cross Traffic Alert is also blocked. Acorresponding message appears in theinformation display as soon as you shiftthe transmission into reverse (R).
System Limitations
Cross Traffic Alert has its limitations;situations such as severe weatherconditions or debris build-up on the sensorarea may limit vehicle detection.
The system detects approaching vehiclesfrom up to 45 ft (14 m) away, thoughcoverage decreases when the sensors areblocked. Reversing slowly helps increasethe coverage area and effectiveness.
The following are other situations that maylimit the Cross Traffic Alert performance:
•Stationary or slow moving vehicles.
•Pedestrians or objects in the roadway.
•Oncoming vehicles in the same lame.
•Severe weather conditions.
•Debris build-up near or around thesensor(s).
•Small distance to the vehicle ahead.
•Adjacently parking vehicles or objectsobstructing the sensors.
•Approaching vehicles passing atspeeds greater than 15 mph (24 km/h).
•Driving in reverse faster than 3 mph(5 km/h).
•Backing out of an angled parking spot.
If the rear end of the vehicle is hit ordamaged, the radar sensing zone may bealtered causing missed or false collisionwarnings. See your authorized dealer tohave your collision warning radar checkedfor proper coverage and operation.
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle lawsfor towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included withtowing accessories for the properinstallation and adjustmentspecifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. See your scheduledmaintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency givesyou.
You can find information on loadspecification terms found on the tire labeland Safety Compliance label as well asinstructions on calculating your vehicle'sload in the Load Carrying chapter. SeeLoad Limit (page 200).
Remember to account for the trailertongue weight as part of your vehicle loadwhen calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of thetotal trailer weight is on the tongue.
Safety Chains
Note:Never attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to thehook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the trailer’s safety chains, crossthem under the trailer tongue and allowenough slack for turning tight corners. Donot allow the chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulicbrake system directly to yourvehicle's brake system. Your vehiclemay not have enough braking power andyour chances of having a collision greatlyincrease.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Separate functioning brake systemsare required for safe control of towedvehicles and trailers weighing morethan 1500 pounds (680 kilograms)when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiringto the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; thismay damage the electrical systemresulting in fire. Contact your authorizeddealer as soon as possible for assistancein proper trailer tow wiring installation.Additional electrical equipment may berequired.
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
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Towing

•Transmissions give their best fueleconomy when operated in the topcruise gear and with steady pressureon the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (ifequipped) is less fuel efficient thantwo-wheel-drive operation.
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deepwater as you may lose control of yourvehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,check the depth. Never drive through waterthat is higher than the bottom of the frontrocker area of your vehicle.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle.Your brake performance and traction maybe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Check that the horn works.
•Check that the exterior lights work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check thatthe steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS
WARNINGS
Always use floor mats that aredesigned to fit the foot well of yourvehicle. Only use floor mats thatleave the pedal area unobstructed. Onlyuse floor mats that are firmly secured toretention posts so that they cannot slip outof position and interfere with the pedalsor impair safe operation of your vehicle inother ways.
Pedals that cannot move freely cancause loss of vehicle control andincrease the risk of serious personalinjury.
Always make sure that the floormats are properly attached to theretention posts in the carpet that aresupplied with your vehicle. Floor mats mustbe properly secured to both retention poststo make sure mats do not shift out ofposition.
Never place floor mats or any othercovering in the vehicle foot well thatcannot be properly secured toprevent them from moving and interferingwith the pedals or the ability to control thevehicle.
Never place floor mats or any othercovering on top of already installedfloor mats. Floor mats should alwaysrest on top of vehicle carpeting surface andnot another floor mat or other covering.Additional floor mats or any other coveringwill reduce the pedal clearance andpotentially interfere with pedal operation.
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General Information
WARNING
Failure to follow these guidelinescould result in an increased risk ofloss of vehicle control, injury or death.
Note:Do not use the kit if a tire has becomeseverely damaged by driving the vehicle witha tire that has insufficient air pressure. Onlypunctured areas located within the tire treadcan be sealed with the kit.
Do not attempt to repair punctures largerthan ¼ inch (6 millimeters) or damage tothe tire's sidewall. The tire may notcompletely seal.
Loss of air pressure may adversely affecttire performance. For this reason:
Note:Do not drive the vehicle above50 mph (80 km/h).
Note:Do not drive further than 120 mi(200 km). Drive only to the closestauthorized Ford dealer or tire repair shop tohave your tire inspected.
•Drive carefully and avoid abruptsteering maneuvers.
•Periodically monitor tire inflationpressure in the affected tire. If the tireis losing pressure, have the vehicletowed.
•Read the information in the Tips forUse of the Kit section to make sure safeoperation of the kit and your vehicle.
Tips for Use of the Kit
Read the following list of tips to ensuresafe operation of the kit:
•Before operating the kit, make sureyour vehicle is safely off the road andaway from moving traffic. Turn on thehazard lights.
•Always set the parking brake to ensurethe vehicle does not moveunexpectedly.
•Do not remove any foreign objects,such as nails or screws, from the tire.
•When using the kit, leave the enginerunning (only if the vehicle is outdoorsor in a well-ventilated area) so thecompressor does not drain the vehiclebattery.
•Do not allow the compressor tooperate continuously for more than 15minutes. This will help prevent thecompressor from overheating.
•Never leave the kit unattended whenit is operating.
•Sealant compound contains latex.Make sure that you use the non-latexgloves provided to avoid an allergicreaction.
•Keep the kit away from children.
•Only use the kit when the ambienttemperature is between -22°F (-30°C)and 158°F (70°C).
•Only use the sealing compound beforethe use by date. The use by date is onthe lower right hand corner of the labellocated on the sealant canister(bottle). Check the use by dateregularly and replace the canister afterfour years.
•Do not store the kit unsecured insidethe passenger compartment of thevehicle as it may cause injury during asudden stop or crash. Always store thekit in its original location.
•After sealant use, the tire pressuremonitoring system sensor and valvestem on the wheel must be replacedby an authorized Ford dealer.
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Wheels and Tires

•When inflating a tire or other objects,use the black air hose only. Do not usethe transparent hose which is designedfor sealant application only.
•Operating the kit could cause anelectrical disturbance in radio, CD, andDVD player operation.
What to do when a Tire IsPunctured
A tire puncture within the tire tread areacan be repaired in two stages with the kit.
•In the first stage, the tire will bereinflated with a sealing compoundand air. After the tire has beenreinflated, you will need to drive thevehicle a short distance 4 mi (6 km) todistribute the sealant in the tire.
•In the second stage, you will need tocheck the tire pressure and adjust, ifnecessary, to the vehicle tire inflationpressure.
First Stage: Reinflating the Tirewith Sealing Compound and Air
WARNINGS
Do not stand directly over the kitwhile inflating the tire. If you noticeany unusual bulges or deformationsin the tire sidewall during inflation, stopand call roadside assistance.
If the tire does not inflate to therecommended tire pressure within15 minutes, stop and call roadsideassistance.
Preparation: Park the vehicle in a safe, leveland secure area, away from moving traffic.Turn the hazard lights on. Apply the parkingbrake and turn the engine off. Inspect theflat tire for visible damage.
Sealant compound contains latex. Toavoid any allergic reactions, use thenon-latex gloves located in the accessorybox on the underside of the kit housing.
Do not remove any foreign object that haspierced the tire. If a puncture is located inthe tire sidewall, stop and call roadsideassistance.
1. Remove the valve cap from the tirevalve.
2. Unwrap the clear tube from thecompressor housing.
3. Remove the tube cap and fasten themetal connector of the tube to the tirevalve, turning clockwise. Make sure theconnection is tightly fastened.
4. Plug the power cable into the 12-voltpower point in the vehicle.
5. Remove the warning sticker found onthe canister and place it on the top ofthe instrument panel or the center ofthe dash.
6. Start the vehicle only if the vehicle isoutdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
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