2017 FORD TAURUS ESP

Sand
Most of the time traction control improvestire traction by managing wheel slipthrough Brake, Engine, and AWDcalibrations. However, during low speeddriving, disabling traction control in deepsand can help keep the wheels moving tomaintain vehicle momentum.
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shiftto a lower gear and drive steadily throughthe terrain. Apply the accelerator slowlyand avoid spinning the wheels.
Do not drive your vehicle in deep sand foran extended period of time. This couldcause the AWD system to overheat anddefault to front-wheel drive. If this occurs,an AWD OFF message displays in theinformation display. To resume normalAWD function as soon as possible, stopthe vehicle in a safe location and stop theengine for at least 10 minutes. After theengine has been restarted and the AWDsystem has adequately cooled, the AWDOFF message turns off and normal AWDfunction returns. In the event the engine isnot stopped, the AWD OFF message turnsoff when the system cools and normalAWD function returns.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sandunder high outside temperatures, use L(Low) gear when possible. L (Low) gearoperation will maximize the engine andtransmission cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/Cmay cycle on and off to protectoverheating of the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehiclemomentum can work against you andcause the vehicle to become stuck to thepoint that assistance may be required fromanother vehicle. Remember, you may beable to back out the way you came if youproceed with caution.
Mud and Water
If you must drive through high water, driveslowly. Traction or brake capability maybe limited.
When driving through water, determine thedepth; avoid water higher than the bottomof the wheel rims (for cars) or the bottomof the hubs (for trucks) (if possible) andproceed slowly. If the ignition system getswet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes.Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle aseffectively as dry brakes. Drying can beimproved by moving your vehicle slowlywhile applying light pressure on the brakepedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud. Even AWD vehicles can lose tractionin slick mud. As when you are driving oversand, apply the accelerator slowly andavoid spinning your wheels. If the vehicledoes slide, steer in the direction of the slideuntil you regain control of the vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residuestuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.Excess mud stuck on tires and rotatingdriveshafts causes an imbalance thatcould damage drive components.
Note:Driving through deep water maydamage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged inwater, have the power transfer unit (PTU)or rear axle serviced by an authorizeddealer.
161
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E143950

“Tread Lightly” is an educational programdesigned to increase public awareness ofland-use regulations and responsibilitiesin our nations wilderness areas. Ford MotorCompany joins the U.S. Forest Service andthe Bureau of Land Management inencouraging you to help preserve ournational forest and other public and privatelands by “treading lightly.”
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Note:Avoid driving crosswise or turning onsteep slopes or hills. A danger lies in losingtraction, slipping sideways and possiblyrolling over. Whenever driving on a hill,determine beforehand the route you willuse. Do not drive over the crest of a hillwithout seeing what conditions are on theother side. Do not drive in reverse over a hillwithout the aid of an observer.
Although natural obstacles may make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or downa hill or steep incline, you should alwaystry to drive straight up or straight down.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, startin a lower gear rather than downshifting toa lower gear from a higher gear once theascent has started. This reduces strain onthe engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turnaroundbecause you might roll over. It is better toback down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power will causethe tires to slip, spin or lose traction,resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you woulduse to climb up the hill to avoid excessivebrake application and brake overheating.Do not descend in neutral; instead,disengage overdrive or manually shift to alower gear. When descending a steep hill,avoid sudden hard braking as you couldlose control. The front wheels have to beturning in order to steer the vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, thereforeapply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump”the brakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING
If you are driving in slipperyconditions that require tire chains orcables, then it is critical that you drivecautiously. Keep speeds down, allow forlonger stopping distances and avoidaggressive steering to reduce the chancesof a loss of vehicle control which can leadto serious injury or death. If the rear end ofyour vehicle slides while cornering, steer inthe direction of the slide until you regaincontrol of your vehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causedriveline damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WDvehicles in snow and ice but can skid likeany other vehicle.
162
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E143949

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.
169
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Stability Control

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.
171
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Parking AidsE130178

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.
172
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Parking AidsE146186 E130107

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.
173
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Parking AidsE130108

Switching Cruise Control Off
Press and release OFF when the system isin stand by mode or switch the ignition off.
Note:You erase the set speed when youswitch the system off.
USING ADAPTIVE CRUISE
CONTROL (If Equipped)
WARNINGS
Always pay close attention tochanging road conditions when usingadaptive cruise control. The systemdoes not replace attentive driving. Failingto pay attention to the road may result ina crash, serious injury or death.
Adaptive cruise control may notdetect stationary or slow movingvehicles below 6 mph (10 km/h).
Do not use adaptive cruise controlon winding roads, in heavy traffic orwhen the road surface is slippery.This could result in loss of vehicle control,serious injury or death.
Do not use adaptive cruise controlwhen towing a trailer that has trailerbrakes. The auto-brake componentof the adaptive cruise control system doesnot operate the trailer brakes. Usingadaptive cruise control when towing atrailer that has trailer brakes may result inthe loss of vehicle control, which couldresult in serious injury.
Adaptive cruise control is not a crashwarning or avoidance system.
Adaptive cruise control does notdetect pedestrians or objects in theroad.
Adaptive cruise control does notdetect oncoming vehicles in thesame lane.
WARNINGS
Do not use the system in poorvisibility, for example fog, heavy rain,spray or snow.
Do not use the adaptive cruisecontrol when entering or leaving ahighway, on roads with intersectionsor roundabouts or non-vehicular traffic orroads that are winding, slippery, unpaved,or steep slopes.
Do not use tire sizes other than thoserecommended because this canaffect the normal operation of thesystem. Failure to do so may result in a lossof vehicle control, which could result inserious injury.
Note:It is your responsibility to stay alert,drive safely and be in control of the vehicleat all times.
The system adjusts your speed to maintaina proper distance between you and thevehicle in front of you in the same lane. Youcan select from one of four gap settings.
The adaptive cruise controls are on thesteering wheel.
Setting Adaptive Cruise Control
Press and release ON.
179
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Cruise ControlE173593

The vehicle will apply the brakes to slowthe vehicle to maintain a safe distancefrom the vehicle in front. The maximumbraking which the system can apply islimited. You can override the system byapplying the brakes.
If the system predicts that its maximumbraking level will not be sufficient, anaudible warning will sound while thesystem continues to brake. This isaccompanied by a heads-up display; a redwarning bar illuminating on the windshield.You should take immediate action.
Setting the Gap Distance
Note:It is your responsibility to select a gapappropriate to the driving conditions.
You can decrease or increase the distancebetween your vehicle and the vehicle infront by pressing the gap control.
The selected gap appears in theinformation display as shown by the barsin the graphic. Four gap distance settingsare available.
Adaptive cruise control, distance between vehicle settings
Dynamic beha-viorDistance gapTime gap,secondsGraphic display,bars indicatedbetweenvehicles
Set speed
yd (m)mph ( km/h)
Sport31 (28)1162 (100)
Normal43 (39)1.4262 (100)
Normal55 (50)1.8362 (100)
Comfort67 (61)2.2462 (100)
181
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Cruise ControlE173593 E173595