2017 FORD TAURUS transmission

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.
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E143950

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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PARKING BRAKE
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fullyand make sure the transmission islocked in park (P). Failure to set theparking brake and engage park could resultin vehicle roll-away, property damage orbodily injury.
To set the parking brake, press the parkingbrake pedal down to its fullest extent. Thebrake warning lamp in the instrumentcluster will illuminate and remainsilluminated until the parking brake isreleased.
To release the parking brake, press theparking brake pedal down again.
If you are parking your vehicle on a gradeor with a trailer, press and hold the brakepedal down, then set the parking brake.There may be a little vehicle movement asthe parking brake sets to hold the vehicle'sweight. This is normal and should be noreason for concern. If needed, press andhold the service brake pedal down, thentry reapplying the parking brake. Chock thewheels if required. If the parking brakecannot hold the weight of the vehicle, theparking brake may need to be serviced orthe vehicle may be overloaded.
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Brakes

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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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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Certain vehicle conditions can alsodeactivate the system, such as:
•Traction control has activated on aslippery or loose surface.
•There is an anti-lock brake systemactivation or failure.
•Something touches the steering wheel.
If a problem occurs with the system, awarning message is displayed, followedby a chime. Occasional system messagesmay occur in normal operation. Forrecurring or frequent system faults, contactan authorized dealer to have your vehicleserviced.
Troubleshooting the System
The system does not look for a space
The traction control system may be off.
The transmission is in reverse (R); your vehicle must be moving forward to detect aparking space.
The system does not offer a particular space
The sensors may be covered (for example, snow, ice or dirt buildup). Covered sensorscan affect the system's functionality
There is not enough room in the parking space for your vehicle to safely park.
There is not enough space for the parking maneuver on the opposite side of the parkingspace.
The parking space is farther than 5 ft (1.5 m) or closer than 16 in (40 cm) away.
Your vehicle is going faster than 22 mph (35 km/h).
You may have recently disconnected or replaced the battery. After a battery disconnect,the vehicle must be driven on a straight road at a speed greater than 12 mph (20 km/h)for up to 30 seconds.
The system does not position your vehicle where I want in the space
Your vehicle is rolling in the opposite direction of the transmission (rolling forward whenreverse [R] is selected).
An irregular curb along the parking space prevents the system from aligning your vehicleproperly.
Vehicles or objects bordering the space may not be positioned correctly.
Your vehicle was pulled too far past the parking space.
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Parking Aids

The system does not position your vehicle where I want in the space
The tires may not be installed or maintained correctly (not inflated correctly, impropersize, or of different sizes).
A repair or alteration has changed detection capabilities.
A parked vehicle has a high attachment (salt sprayer, snowplow, moving truck bed,etc).
The parking space length or position of parked objects changed after your vehicle passed.
The temperature around your vehicle changes quickly (driving from a heated garageinto the cold, or after leaving a car wash).
REAR VIEW CAMERA
WARNINGS
The rear view camera system is areverse aid supplement device thatstill requires the driver to use it inconjunction with the interior and exteriormirrors for maximum coverage.
Objects that are close to eithercorner of the bumper or under thebumper, might not be seen on thescreen due to the limited coverage of thecamera system.
Reverse your vehicle as slow aspossible, higher speeds may limityour reaction time to stop yourvehicle.
Use caution when the rear cargo dooris ajar. If the rear cargo door is ajar,the camera will be out of positionand the video image may be incorrect. Allguidelines disappear when the rear cargodoor is ajar. Some vehicles may not comeequipped with guidelines.
Do not switch the camera featureson or off when your vehicle is moving.
The rear view camera system provides avideo image of the area behind yourvehicle. During operation, lines appear inthe display which represent your vehicle’spath and proximity to objects behind yourvehicle.
The camera is located on the luggagecompartment door.
Using the Rear View CameraSystem
The rear view camera system displayswhat is behind your vehicle when you placethe transmission in reverse (R).
Note:The reverse sensing system is noteffective at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h)and may not detect certain angular ormoving objects.
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