2017 FORD TAURUS trailer

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.
208
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Towing

Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in position P to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off automaticallywhen you are towing on long, steepgrades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic transmission inposition P.
4. Place wheel chocks in front and backof the trailer wheels. (Chocks notincluded with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 in (15 cm) above the bottomedge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions, andreliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytimethe rear axle has been submerged in water.Water may have contaminated the rearaxle lubricant, which is not normallychecked or changed unless a leak issuspected or other axle repair is required.
209
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Towing

TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
You can flat-tow (all wheels on theground, regardless of thepowertrain/transmission configuration)your disabled vehicle (without access towheel dollies, car-hauling trailer, or flatbedtransport vehicle) under the followingconditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward so youtow it in a forward direction.
•You place the transmission in neutral(N). If you cannot place thetransmission in neutral (N), you mayneed to override it. See Transmission(page 153).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
Recreational Towing
Note:Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering your vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 109).
Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L Engine
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational towing, such as towingyour vehicle behind a motorhome. Wedesigned these guidelines to preventdamage to your transmission.
Front-wheel drive vehicles CANNOT beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground) asvehicle or transmission damage may occur.You must place the front wheels on atwo-wheel tow dolly. If you are using a towdolly, follow the instructions specified bythe equipment provider.
Vehicles Equipped with a 3.5L Engine
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational towing, such as towingyour vehicle behind a motorhome or truck.We designed these guidelines to preventdamage to your vehicle after it ishooked-up to the recreational vehicle ortow dolly.
You can tow your front-wheel drive vehiclewith all four wheels on the ground or withthe front wheels off the ground by using atow dolly. If you are using a tow dolly,follow the instructions specified by theequipment provider. If you are towing withall four wheels on the ground, see thefollowing instructions.
You can tow your all-wheel drive vehiclewith all four wheels on the ground or withall four wheels off the ground using avehicle transport trailer. Do not tow yourall-wheel drive vehicle with the frontwheels off the ground (by using a towdolly) and the rear wheels on the ground.This causes damage to your all-wheel drivesystem. If you are using a vehicle transporttrailer, follow the instructions specified bythe equipment provider. If you are towingwith all four wheels on the ground, see thefollowing instructions.
If you tow your vehicle with all four wheelson the ground:
•Tow only in the forward direction.
•Release the parking brake.
•Shift into neutral (N).
•Do not exceed 65 mph (105 km/h).
•Start the engine and allow it to run forfive minutes at the beginning of eachday and every six hours thereafter. Withthe engine running and your foot on thebrake, shift into drive (D) and then intoreverse (R) before shifting back intoneutral (N).
210
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Towing

BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires forapproximately 300 mi (480 km). Duringthis time, your vehicle may exhibit someunusual driving characteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first1,000 mi (1,600 km). Vary your speedfrequently and change up through thegears early. Do not labor the engine.
Do not tow during the first 1,000 mi(1,600 km).
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Your fuel economy is affected by severalthings, such as how you drive, theconditions you drive under, and how youmaintain your vehicle.
You may improve your fuel economy bykeeping these things in mind:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds withoutstopping.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down mayeliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimizestop-and-go driving.
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds (travelingat 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15% lessfuel than traveling at 65 mph [105km/h]).
•Keep the tires properly inflated and useonly the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance.
Avoid these actions; they reduce your fueleconomy:
•Sudden accelerations or hardaccelerations.
•Revving the engine before turning it off.
•Idle for periods longer than one minute.
•Warm up your vehicle on coldmornings.
•Use the air conditioner or frontdefroster.
•Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
•Rest your foot on the brake pedal whiledriving.
•Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow atrailer.
•Carry unnecessary weight(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] islost for every 400 lb [180 kilogram] ofweight carried).
•Driving with the wheels out ofalignment.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing atrailer may reduce fuel economy at anyspeed.
•Adding certain accessories to yourvehicle (for example bug deflectors,rollbars, light bars, running boards, skiracks or luggage racks) may reducefuel economy.
•To maximize the fuel economy, drivewith the tonneau cover installed (ifequipped).
•Using fuel blended with alcohol maylower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lowertemperatures during the first 8–10miles (12–16 kilometers) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improvedfuel economy as compared to drivingon hilly terrain.
211
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving Hints

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles Sold in the United States:Getting Roadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have avehicle concern, Ford Motor Companyoffers a complimentary roadsideassistance program. This program isseparate from the New Vehicle LimitedWarranty. The service is available:
•24 hours a day, seven days a week.
•For the coverage period listed on theRoadside Assistance Card included inyour Owner's Manual portfolio.
Roadside Assistance covers:
•A flat tire change with a good spare, ifprovided with the vehicle (exceptvehicles supplied with a tire inflationkit).
•Battery jump start.
•Lock-out assistance (key replacementcost is the customer's responsibility).
•Fuel delivery — independent servicecontractors, if not prohibited by state,local or municipal law, shall deliver upto 2 gal (7.6 L) of gasoline or 5 gal(18.9 L) of diesel fuel to a disabledvehicle. Roadside Assistance limits fueldelivery service to two no-chargeoccurrences within a 12-month period.
•Winch out — available within 100 ft(30.5 m) of a paved or countymaintained road, no recoveries.
•Towing — independent servicecontractors, if not prohibited by state,local or municipal law, shall tow Fordeligible vehicles to an authorized dealerwithin 35 mi (56 km) of thedisablement location or to the nearest
authorized dealer. If a memberrequests a tow to an authorized dealerthat is more than 35 mi (56 km) fromthe disablement location, the membershall be responsible for any mileagecosts in excess of 35 mi (56 km).
Roadside Assistance includes up to $200for a towed trailer if the disabled eligiblevehicle requires service at the nearestauthorized dealer. If the towing vehicle isoperational but the trailer is not, then thetrailer does not qualify for any roadsideservices.
Vehicles Sold in the United States:Using Roadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistanceidentification card and place it in yourwallet for quick reference. This card is inthe owner's information portfolio in theglove compartment.
United States Ford vehicle customers whorequire Roadside Assistance, call1-800-241-3673.
If you need to arrange roadside assistancefor yourself, Ford Motor Companyreimburses a reasonable amount fortowing to the nearest dealership within35 mi (56 km). To obtain reimbursementinformation, United States Ford vehiclecustomers call 1-800-241-3673.Customers need to submit their originalreceipts.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: GettingRoadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have avehicle concern, Ford Motor Company ofCanada, Limited offers a complimentaryroadside assistance program. This programis eligible within Canada or the continentalUnited States.
214
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Roadside Emergencies

If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, theengine may temporarily reach a highertemperature during severe operatingconditions, for example ascending a longor steep grade in high ambienttemperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolanttemperature gauge moves toward the redzone and a message may appear in theinformation display.
You may notice a reduction in vehiclespeed caused by reduced engine power inorder to manage the engine coolanttemperature. Your vehicle may enter thismode if certain high-temperature andhigh-load conditions take place. Theamount of speed reduction depends onvehicle loading, grade and ambienttemperature. If this occurs, there is no needto pull off the road. You can continue todrive your vehicle.
The air conditioning may automaticallyturn on and off during severe operatingconditions to protect the engine fromoverheating. When the coolanttemperature decreases to the normaloperating temperature, the air conditioningturns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge movesfully into the red zone, or if the coolanttemperature warning or service enginesoon messages appear in your informationdisplay, do the following:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and shift the transmission intopark (P).
2. Leave the engine running until thecoolant temperature gauge needlereturns to the normal position. Afterseveral minutes, if the temperaturedoes not drop, follow the remainingsteps.
3.Switch the engine off and wait for it tocool. Check the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
5. If the coolant level is normal, restartthe engine and continue.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK - 2.0L
ECOBOOST™
6F35 Transmission
The automatic transmission does not havea transmission fluid dipstick.
The automatic transmission does notconsume fluid. If the transmission is notworking correctly, for example, thetransmission slips, shifts slowly or thereare signs of fluid leakage, have the systemchecked by an authorized dealer.
Change the automatic transmission fluidand filter at the correct service interval.
Do not use supplemental automatictransmission fluid additives because theyare unnecessary and could lead totransmission damage that may not becovered by the vehicle Warranty.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK - 3.5L DURATEC/
3.5L ECOBOOST™
6F50/6F55 Transmission (If Equipped)
WARNINGS
The dipstick cap and surroundingcomponents may be hot, use gloves.
Use gloves when moving the air filterassembly. Components will be hot.
247
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Maintenance

Note:Automatic transmission fluidexpands when warmed. To obtain anaccurate fluid check, drive your vehicle untilyou warm it up, approximately 20 mi(30 km). If you operate your vehicle for anextended period at high speeds, in city trafficduring hot weather or pulling a trailer, switchyour vehicle off until it reaches normaloperating temperatures to allow the fluidto cool before checking. Depending onvehicle use, cooling times could take up to30 minutes or longer.
Refer to your scheduled maintenanceinformation for scheduled intervals for fluidchecks and changes. Your transmissiondoes not consume fluid. However, youshould check the fluid level if thetransmission is not working properly. Forexample, if the transmission slips or shiftsslowly or if you notice some sign of a fluidleak.
1. Drive your vehicle 20 mi (30 km) oruntil it reaches normal operatingtemperature.
2.Park your vehicle on a level surface andengage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged andyour foot on the brake pedal, start theengine and move the gearshift leverthrough all of the gear ranges. Allow aminimum of 10 seconds for each gearto engage.
4. Put the gearshift lever in park (P) andleave the engine running.
Note:For vehicles with the EcoBoostengine, move the air filter assembly asideto access the transmission dipstick. SeeMoving the Air Filter Assembly for moreinformation.
5. Remove the dipstick and wipe it cleanwith a dry, lint free clean rag. Ifnecessary, refer to the Under hoodoverview in this chapter for the locationof the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure youfully seat it in the filler tube by turningit to the locked position.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect thefluid level. The fluid should be in thedesignated areas for normal operatingtemperature.
Moving the Air Filter Assembly(Accessing the Dipstick)
WARNING
Do not run engine with the air filterdisconnected.
1. Switch the engine off.
2. Clean the area around the clamp thatconnects the air filter assembly to therubber hose and then loosen it.
3. Remove the bolt cover.
248
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
MaintenanceE173335
2
3

Check the transmission fluid at the normaloperating temperatures between 180°F(82°C) and 200°F (93°C) on a levelsurface. Drive your vehicle until you warmit up to the normal operating temperatureafter approximately 20 mi (30 km).
Target the transmission fluid level withinthe cross-hatch area if at the normaloperating temperature between 180°F(82°C) and 200°F (93°C).
High fluid level
If the fluid level is above the MAX range ofthe dipstick, remove fluid to reach thehashmark level.
Note:Fluid level above the MAX level maycause shift or engagement concerns orpossible damage. An overheating conditioncan cause high fluid levels. If you operateyour vehicle for an extended period at highspeeds, in city traffic during hot weather orpulling a trailer, you should switch yourvehicle off until your vehicle reaches normaloperating temperatures. Depending onvehicle use, cooling times could take up to30 minutes or longer.
Adjusting Automatic Transmission FluidLevels
Before adding any fluid, make sure thecorrect type is used. The type of fluid usedis normally indicated on the dipstick andin the Technical Specifications section inthis chapter.
Note:An overfill condition of transmissionfluid may cause shift or engagementconcerns or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials mayaffect transmission operation and resultin damage to internal transmissioncomponents. Reinstall the air filterassembly. After you check the fluid leveland adjust as necessary, do the following:
1. Switch the engine off.
2. Loosen the clamp holding the air filterassembly to the rubber hose.
3. Seat the air filter assembly back intothe grommets by pushing down on theair filter assembly.
4. Tighten the clamp.
250
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
MaintenanceE158844 E158845 E158846