2017 FORD TAURUS ignition

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).
168
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Stability ControlE72903A
AA
B
BB
B

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.
170
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Parking AidsE139213

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

Switching the System Off
Note:The set speed memory erases whenyou switch off the system.
Press and release OFF or turn off theignition.
Detection Issues
WARNING
On rare occasions, detection issuescan occur due to the roadinfrastructures, for example bridges,tunnels and safety barriers. In these cases,the system may brake late orunexpectedly. At all times, you areresponsible for controlling your vehicle,supervising the system and intervening, ifrequired.
The radar sensor has a limited field ofvision. It may not detect vehicles at all ordetect a vehicle later than expected insome situations. The lead vehicle graphicwill not illuminate if the system does notdetect a vehicle in front of you.Detection issues can occur:
When driving on a different linethan the vehicle in front.A
With vehicles that edge into yourlane. The system can only detectthese vehicles once they movefully into your lane.
B
There may be issues with thedetection of vehicles in frontwhen driving into and coming outof a bend or curve in the road.
C
In these cases the system may brake lateor unexpectedly. The driver should stayalert and intervene when necessary.
183
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Cruise ControlE71621

DRIVER ALERT (If Equipped)
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
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 system may not function if thesensor is blocked.
Take regular rest breaks if you feeltired. Do not wait for the system towarn you.
Certain driving styles may result inthe system warning you even if youare not feeling tired.
In cold and severe weatherconditions the system may notfunction. Rain, snow and spray canall limit sensor performance.
The system will not operate if thesensor cannot track the road lanemarkings.
If damage occurs in the immediatearea surrounding the sensor, haveyour vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
The system may not correctlyoperate if your vehicle is fitted witha suspension kit not approved by us.
Note:Keep the windshield free fromobstructions for example bird droppings,insects and snow or ice.
Note:If the camera is blocked or if thewindshield is damaged, the system may notfunction.
Note:The system will store the on or offsetting in the information display menuthrough ignition cycles.
Note:If enabled in the menu, the systemwill be active at speeds above 40 mph(64 km/h). When below the activationspeed, the information display will informthe driver that the system is unavailable.
The system automatically monitors yourdriving behavior using various inputsincluding the front camera sensor.
If the system detects that your drivingalertness is reduced below a certainthreshold, the system will alert you usinga chime and a message in the clusterdisplay.
USING DRIVER ALERT
Switching the System On and Off
Switch the system on or off using theinformation display. See GeneralInformation (page 89).
When activated, the system will monitoryour alertness level based upon yourdriving behavior in relation to the lanemarkings, and other factors.
System Warnings
Note:The system will not issue warningsbelow approximately 40 mph (64 km/h).
The warning system has two stages. Atfirst, the system issues a temporarywarning that you need to take a rest. Thismessage will only appear for a short time.If the system detects further reduction indriving alertness, it may issue anotherwarning that will remain in the informationdisplay for a longer time. You can press OKon the steering wheel control to clear thewarning.
186
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving Aids

System Display
When active the system will runautomatically in the background and onlyissue a warning if required. You can viewthe status at any time using theinformation display. See GeneralInformation (page 89).
The alertness level is shown by six stepsin a colored bar.
The current assessment of your alertnessis within a typical range.
The current assessment of your alertnessindicates that you should rest as soon assafely possible.
The status bar will travel from left to rightas the calculated alertness leveldecreases. As the rest icon is approachedthe color turns from green to yellow to red.
The yellow position indicates the firstwarning is active and the red positionindicates the second warning is active.
Note:If you have recently received awarning; you should consider resting, evenif the current assessment is within thetypical range.
Note:If the camera sensor cannot track theroad lane markings or if your vehicle speeddrops below approximately 40 mph(64 km/h), the alertness level will changeto grey for a short time and the informationdisplay will inform you that the system isunavailable.
Resetting the System
You can reset the system by either:
•Switching the ignition off and on.
•Stopping the vehicle and then openingand closing the driver’s door.
LANE KEEPING SYSTEM (If
Equipped)
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 system is designed to aid thedriver. It is not intended to replaceyour attention and judgment. You arestill responsible to drive with due care andattention.
In cold and severe weatherconditions the system may notfunction. Rain, snow and spray canall limit sensor performance.
If damage occurs in the immediatearea surrounding the sensor, haveyour vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
187
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving AidsE131358 E131359

A "blocked" condition can be cleared intwo ways:
•After the blockage in front of thesensors is removed or therainfall/snowfall rate decreases orstops, drive for a few minutes in trafficto allow the sensors to detect passingvehicles.
•By cycling the ignition from ON to OFFand then back ON.
Note:When towing a trailer, the sensorsmay detect the trailer thus causing a falsealert. It may be desirable to turn the BlindSpot Information System off if the falsealerts become annoying.
System Errors
If the system senses a problem with theleft or right sensor, the telltale willilluminate and a message will appear inthe information display. See InformationMessages (page 98).
System Limitations
The system does have its limitations;situations such as severe weatherconditions or debris build-up on the sensormay limit vehicle detection.
The following are other situations that maylimit the system:
•Certain maneuvering of vehiclesentering and exiting the blind zone.
•Vehicles passing through the blind zoneat very fast rates.
•When several vehicles forming aconvoy pass through the blind zone.
Switching the System Off and On
You can temporarily switch the Blind SpotInformation System off in the informationdisplay. See General Information (page89). When the Blind Spot InformationSystem switches off, you will not receivealerts and the information display showsa system off message. The telltale in thecluster also illuminates. When you switchthe Blind Spot Information System on oroff, the alert indicators flash twice.
Note:The system switches back on everytime you start your vehicle.
You can also have the Blind SpotInformation System switched offpermanently at an authorized dealer. Onceswitched off permanently, the system canonly be switched back on at an authorizeddealer.
CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT (If
Equipped)
WARNING
Never use the Cross Traffic Alertsystem as a replacement for usingthe interior and exterior mirrors andlooking over your shoulder before backingout of a parking space. Cross Traffic Alertis not a replacement for careful driving.
Cross Traffic Alert is designed to warn youof vehicles approaching from the sideswhen the transmission is in reverse (R).
Using the System
Cross Traffic Alert turns on when you startthe engine and you shift into reverse (R).Once shifted out of reverse (R), CrossTraffic Alert turns off.
Note:Cross Traffic Alert only functionswhile your transmission is in reverse (R).
193
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving Aids

False Alerts
Note:When towing a trailer, the sensorsmay detect the trailer thus causing a falsealert. It may be desirable to turn the BlindSpot Information System off if the falsealerts become annoying.
There may be certain instances when thereis a false alert by the Cross Traffic Alertsystem that illuminates the alert indicatorwith no vehicle in the coverage zone. Someamount of false alerts are normal; they aretemporary and self-correct.
System Errors
If Cross Traffic Alert senses a problem withthe left or right sensor a message willappear in the information display. SeeInformation Messages (page 98).
Switching the System Off and On
You can temporarily switch Cross TrafficAlert off in the information display. SeeInformation Messages (page 98). Whenyou switch Cross Traffic Alert off, you willnot receive alerts and the informationdisplay will display a system off message.
Note:The Cross Traffic Alert switches onwhenever the ignition is switched on andready to provide appropriate alerts whenthe transmission is in reverse (R). CrossTraffic Alert will not remember the lastselected on or off setting.
You can also have Cross Traffic Alertswitched off permanently at an authorizeddealer. Once switched off permanently,the system can only be switched back onat an authorized dealer.
STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNINGS
The electric power steering systemhas diagnostic checks thatcontinuously monitor the system. Ifa fault is detected, a message displays inthe information display. Stop your vehicleas soon as it is safe to do so. Switch theignition off. After at least 10 seconds,switch the ignition on and watch theinformation display for a steering systemwarning message. If a steering systemwarning message returns, have the systemchecked by an authorized dealer.
If the system detects an error, youmay not feel a difference in thesteering, however a serious conditionmay exist. Obtain immediate service froman authorized dealer, failure to do so mayresult in loss of steering control.
Your vehicle has an electric power steeringsystem. There is no fluid reservoir. Nomaintenance is required.
If your vehicle loses electrical power whileyou are driving, electric power steeringassistance is lost. The steering system stilloperates and you can steer your vehiclemanually. Manually steering your vehiclerequires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increasethe effort required for you to steer yourvehicle. This increased effort preventsoverheating and permanent damage tothe steering system. You do not lose theability to steer your vehicle manually.Typical steering and driving maneuversallow the system to cool and return tonormal operation.
196
Taurus (CPH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving Aids