2017 FORD TAURUS Owners Manual

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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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involvingbraking system, aftermarket roofracks, suspension, steering system,tire construction and wheel and tire sizemay change the handling characteristicsof your vehicle and may adversely affectthe performance of the electronic stabilitycontrol system. In addition, installing anystereo loudspeakers may interfere withand adversely affect the electronic stabilitycontrol system. Install any aftermarketstereo loudspeaker as far as possible fromthe front center console, the tunnel, andthe front seats in order to minimize the riskof interfering with the electronic stabilitycontrol sensors. Reducing theeffectiveness of the electronic stabilitycontrol system could lead to an increasedrisk of loss of vehicle control, vehiclerollover, personal injury and death.
Remember that even advancedtechnology cannot defy the laws ofphysics. It’s always possible to losecontrol of a vehicle due to inappropriatedriver input for the conditions. Aggressivedriving on any road condition can causeyou to lose control of your vehicleincreasing the risk of personal injury orproperty damage. Activation of theelectronic stability control system is anindication that at least some of the tireshave exceeded their ability to grip the road;this could reduce the operator’s ability tocontrol the vehicle potentially resulting ina loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death. If your electronicstability control system activates, SLOWDOWN.
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
If a fault occurs in either the stabilitycontrol or the traction control system, youmay experience the following conditions:
•The stability and traction control lightilluminates steadily.
•The stability control and tractioncontrol systems do not enhance yourvehicle's ability to maintain traction ofthe wheels.
If a driving condition activates either thestability control or the traction controlsystem you may experience the followingconditions:
•The stability and traction control lightflashes.
•Your vehicle slows down.
•Reduced engine power.
•A vibration in the brake pedal.
•The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
•If the driving condition is severe andyour foot is not on the brake, the brakepedal may move as the system applieshigher brake force.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent skids or lateral slides byapplying brakes to one or more of thewheels individually and, if necessary,reducing engine power.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto maintain traction of the wheels bydetecting and controlling wheel spin. SeeUsing Traction Control (page 166).
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Stability Control

Vehicle without stability controlskidding off its intended route.A
B Vehicle with stability controlmaintaining control on a slipperysurface.
USING STABILITY CONTROL
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
You cannot switch the stability controlsystem off, but when you shift into reverse(R), the system deactivates.
On SHO models only, you can disable thestability control system when you pressand hold the stability control button formore than five seconds with your vehicleat a stop and your foot on the brake.
You can switch the traction control systemoff or on. See Using Traction Control(page 166).
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B
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Stability Control Features
Traction ControlSystemElectronicStability ControlIcon StatusModeButton Func-tions
EnabledEnabledOn during bulbcheckStability andtraction controlfully enabled
Default at start-up
DisabledEnabledOnTraction controloffButton pressedmomentarily
EnabledEnabledOnSport mode(SHO withperformancepack only)
Button pressedtwice; brakesapplied
DisabledDisabledOnStability controldisabled (SHOwith perform-ance pack only)
Button pressedand held morethan 5 seconds;brakes applied;no throttle
EnabledEnabledOffStability controlfully enabledButton pressedagain afterdeactivation
The SHO with performance package isequipped with sport mode. This will allowyou to reduce normal stability controlsystem intervention and provide a morespirited driving experience.
To enter sport mode, press the stabilitycontrol button twice rapidly with thebrakes applied.
You will see a message appear in theinformation display that the system is nowin sport mode.
Note:Sport mode is not intended to beused on public roadways.
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Stability Control

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
To help avoid personal injury, pleaseread and understand the limitationsof the system as contained in thissection. Sensing is only an aid for some(generally large and fixed) objects whenmoving on a flat surface at parking speeds.Certain objects with surfaces that absorbultrasonic waves, surrounding vehicle'sparking aid systems, traffic controlsystems, fluorescent lamps, inclementweather, air brakes, and external motorsand fans may also affect the function ofthe sensing system; this may includereduced performance or a false activation.
To help avoid personal injury, alwaysuse caution when in reverse (R) andwhen using the sensing system.
This system is not designed toprevent contact with small or movingobjects. The system is designed toprovide a warning to assist the driver indetecting large stationary objects to avoiddamaging your vehicle. The system maynot detect smaller objects, particularlythose close to the ground.
Certain add-on devices such as largetrailer hitches, bike or surfboard racksand any device that may block thenormal detection zone of the system, maycreate false beeps.
Note:Keep the sensors, located on thebumper or fascia, free from snow, ice andlarge accumulations of dirt. If the sensorsare covered, the system’s accuracy can beaffected. Do not clean the sensors withsharp objects.
Note:If your vehicle sustains damage tothe bumper or fascia, leaving it misalignedor bent, the sensing zone may be alteredcausing inaccurate measurement ofobstacles or false alarms.
Note:The sensing system cannot be turnedoff when a MyKey is present. See Principleof Operation (page 51).
Note:If you attach certain add-on devicessuch as a trailer or bike rack, the rear sensingsystem may detect that add-on device andtherefore provide warnings. It is suggestedthat you disable the rear sensing systemwhen you attach an add-on device to yourvehicle to prevent these warnings.
The sensing system warns the driver ofobstacles within a certain range of yourvehicle. The system turns on automaticallywhenever you switch the ignition on.
You can turn the system on oroff by pressing the parking aidbutton. If your vehicle does nothave a parking aid button, the system canbe switched off through the informationdisplay menu or from the pop-up messagethat appears once you shift thetransmission into reverse (R). See GeneralInformation (page 89).
If a fault is present in the system, a warningmessage appears in the informationdisplay. See Information Messages(page 98).
REAR PARKING AID
The rear sensors are only active when thetransmission is in reverse (R). As yourvehicle moves closer to the obstacle, therate of the audible warning increases.When the obstacle is less than 12 in(30 cm) away, the warning soundscontinuously. If the system detects astationary or receding object farther than12 in (30 cm) from the corners of thebumper, the tone sounds for only threeseconds. Once the system detects anobject approaching, the warning soundsagain.
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Coverage area of up to 6 ft (1.8 m) fromthe rear bumper. There may be decreasedcoverage area at the outer corners of thebumper.
The system detects certain objects whilethe transmission is in reverse (R) :
•Your vehicle is moving toward astationary object at a speed of 3 mph(5 km/h) or less.
•Your vehicle is not moving, but amoving object is approaching the rearof your vehicle at a speed of 3 mph(5 km/h) or less.
•Your vehicle is moving at a speed ofless than 3 mph (5 km/h) and a movingobject is approaching the rear of yourvehicle at a speed of less than 3 mph(5 km/h).
The system provides audio warnings onlywhen your vehicle is moving or when yourvehicle is stationary and the detectedobstacle is less than 12 in (30 cm) awayfrom the bumper.
ACTIVE PARK ASSIST
WARNINGS
The system is designed to aid thedriver. It is not intended to replaceyour attention and judgment. You arestill responsible to drive with due care andattention.
At all times, you are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle, supervisingthe system and intervening, ifrequired. Failure to take care may result inthe loss of control of your vehicle, seriouspersonal injury or death.
The sensors may not detect objectsin heavy rain or other conditions thatcause interference.
Active park assist does not apply thebrakes under any circumstances.
Note:Keep the sensors, located on thebumper or fascia, free from snow, ice andlarge accumulations of dirt. Covered sensorscan affect the systems accuracy. Do notclean the sensors with sharp objects.
Note:The sensors may not detect objectswith surfaces that absorb ultrasonic waves.
Active Park Assist is an electric parking aidthat uses ultrasonic sensors. The systemdetects an available parallel parking spaceand automatically steers your vehicle intothe space (hands-free) while you controlthe accelerator, gearshift and brakes. Thesystem visually and audibly instructs youto park your vehicle.
The system may not function correctly ifsomething passes between the frontbumper and the parking space (apedestrian or cyclist) or if the edge of theneighboring parked vehicle is high off theground (for example, a bus, tow truck orflatbed truck). If you are uncomfortablewith the proximity to any vehicle or object,you may choose to override the system.
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The system may not operate correctly inany of the following conditions:
•You use a spare tire or a tiresignificantly worn more than the othertires.
•One or more tires are improperlyinflated.
•You try to park on a tight curve.
Do not use the system if:
•You have attached a bike rack, traileror other object near the sensors on thefront or rear of your vehicle.
•You have attached an overhangingobject (surfboard) to the roof.
•The front bumper or side sensors aredamaged or obstructed (front bumpercover).
•The correct tire size is not in use on yourvehicle (for example, a mini-spare tire).
Using Active Park Assist
Press the button to turn thesystem on or off.
When driving at a speed less than 22 mph(35 km/h), the system automatically scansboth sides of your vehicle for an availableparking space. The system displays amessage and a corresponding graphic toindicate it is searching for a parking space.Use the direction indicator to selectsearching either to the left hand side orright hand side of your vehicle. If thedirection indicator is not used, the systemdefaults to the passenger side of yourvehicle.
When the system finds a suitable space itdisplays a message and a tone sounds.Stop your vehicle and follow theinstructions on the display screen. If yourvehicle is moving very slowly, you mayneed to pull forward a short distancebefore the system is ready to park.
Note:You can also activate the systemafter you have already driven partially orcompletely past the parking space. To doso, press the active park assist button andthe system will inform you if you haverecently past a suitable parking space.
Note:You must observe that the selectedspace remains clear of obstructions at alltimes in the maneuver.
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Note:Active park assist may not detectvehicles with overhanging loads (a bus or atruck), street furniture and other items. Youmust make sure the selected space issuitable for parking.
Note:You should drive your vehicle within5 ft (1.5 m) and as parallel to the othervehicles as possible while passing a parkingspace.
Note:The system always offers the lastdetected parking space (for example, if yourvehicle detects multiple spaces while youare driving, it offers the last one).
Note:If driven above approximately 22 mph(35 km/h), the display screen shows amessage to alert you to reduce your vehiclespeed.
Automatic Steering into ParkingSpace
Note:If vehicle speed exceeds 6 mph(10 km/h) or the maneuver is interrupted(driver input is detected), the systemswitches off and you need to take fullcontrol of your vehicle.
Note:If a maneuver is interrupted beforecompletion, the system switches off. Thesteering wheel position will not indicate theactualy position of the steering and you haveto take full control of your vehicle.
When you shift the transmission intoreverse (R), with your hands off the wheel(and nothing obstructing its movement),your vehicle steers itself into the space.The system displays instructions to moveyour vehicle back and forth in the space.
When you think your vehicle has enoughspace in front and behind it, or you hear asolid tone from the parking aid(accompanied by a touchscreen displaymessage and a chime), bring your vehicleto a complete stop.
When automatic steering is complete, thesystem displays a message and a chimesounds, indicating that the active parkassist process is finished. The driver isresponsible for checking the parking joband making any necessary correctionsbefore leaving your vehicle.
Deactivating the Park AssistFeature
Manually deactivate the system by:
•Pressing the active park assist buttonduring an active maneuver.
•Grabbing the steering wheel during anactive maneuver.
•Driving above approximately 22 mph(35 km/h) for 30 seconds during anactive park search.
•Driving above 6 mph (10 km/h) duringautomatic steering.
•Turning off the traction control system.
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