2018 FORD TAURUS warning lights

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid
drive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system
applies the brakes to individual wheels
and, when needed, reduces engine power
at the same time. If the wheels spin when
accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,
the system reduces engine power in order
to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING
The stability and traction control
light illuminates steadily if the
system detects a failure. Make sure
you did not manually disable the traction
control system using the information
display controls or the switch. If the
stability control and traction control light
is still illuminating steadily, have the
system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with
the traction control disabled could lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,
switching traction control off may be
beneficial 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, a
message appears in the information
display showing system status.
You can switch the system off by either
using the information display controls or
the switch. Using the Information Display
Controls
You can switch this feature off or on in the
information display. See General
Information (page 89).
Using a Switch
(If Equipped)
Use the traction control switch on the
instrument panel to switch the system off
or on.
The switch illuminates when traction
control is off.
System Indicator Lights and
Messages The stability and traction control
light:
• Temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up.
• Flashes when a driving condition
activates either of the systems.
• Illuminates if a problem occurs in either
of the systems. The stability and traction control
off light temporarily illuminates
on engine start-up and stays on
when you switch the traction control
system off.
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BLIND SPOT INFORMATION
SYSTEM (If Equipped)
WARNING
Never
use the Blind Spot
Information System as a
replacement for using the interior
and exterior mirrors or looking over your
shoulder before changing lanes. The Blind
Spot Information System is not a
replacement for careful driving. The Blind Spot Information System is
designed to aid you in detecting vehicles
that may have entered the blind spot zone
(A). The detection area is on both sides of
your vehicle, extending rearward from the
exterior mirrors to approximately
10 ft
(3 m) beyond the bumper. The system is
designed to alert you if certain vehicles
enter the blind spot zone while driving.
Note: The Blind Spot Information System
does not prevent contact with other vehicles
or objects; nor detect parked vehicles,
people, animals or infrastructure (fences,
guardrails, trees). It’ s only designed to alert
you to vehicles in the blind spot zones. Note:
When a vehicle passes quickly
through the blind spot zone, typically fewer
than two seconds, the system does not
trigger.
Using the System
The Blind Spot Information System turns
on when you start the engine and you drive
your vehicle forward above
3 mph
(5 km/h).
For automatic transmissions, the Blind
Spot Information System remains on while
the transmission is in drive (D). If shifted
into reverse (R) or park (P) the Blind Spot
Information System turns off. Once shifted
back into drive (D), the Blind Spot
Information System turns back on when
you drive your vehicle above
3 mph
(5 km/h).
For manual transmissions, the Blind Spot
Information System is on for all gears
except the reverse (R).
Note: The Blind Spot Information System
does not function in reverse (R) or park (P).
System Lights and Messages The Blind Spot Information System
illuminates an amber alert indicator in the
outside mirror on the side of your vehicle
the approaching vehicle is coming from.
The alert indicator dims when the system
detects nighttime darkness.
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A
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•
Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
• Consult your local motor vehicle laws
for towing a trailer.
• See the instructions included with
towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment
specifications.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if
you tow a trailer. See your scheduled
maintenance information.
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives
you.
You can find information on load
specification terms found on the tire label
and Safety Compliance label as well as
instructions on calculating your vehicle's
load in the Load Carrying chapter. See
Load Limit
(page 200).
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of the
total trailer weight is on the tongue.
Safety Chains
Note: Never attach safety chains to the
bumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the
hook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the trailer ’s safety chains, cross
them under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning tight corners. Do
not allow the chains to drag on the ground. Trailer Brakes WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic
brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle
may not have enough braking power and
your chances of having a collision greatly
increase. Electric brakes and manual, automatic or
surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them to
the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and federal
regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's braking
system operation is at the gross vehicle
weight rating, not the gross combined
weight rating.
Separate functioning brake systems
are required for safe control of towed
vehicles and trailers weighing more
than 1500 pounds (680 kilograms)
when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiring
to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; this
may damage the electrical system
resulting in fire. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible for assistance
in proper trailer tow wiring installation.
Additional electrical equipment may be
required. Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and hazard lights are
working.
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•
Transmissions give their best fuel
economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure
on the gas pedal.
• Four-wheel-drive operation (if
equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deep
water as you may lose control of your
vehicle.
Note:
Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the front
rocker area of your vehicle. When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction may
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so: •
Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.
• Check that the horn works.
• Check that the exterior lights work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that
the steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS WARNINGS
Use a floor mat designed to fit the
footwell of your vehicle that does not
obstruct the pedal area. Failure to
follow this instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle, personal
injury or death. Pedals that cannot move freely can
cause loss of vehicle control and
increase the risk of serious personal
injury. Secure the floor mat to both
retention devices so that it cannot
slip out of position and interfere with
the pedals. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death. Do not place additional floor mats
or any other covering on top of the
original floor mats. This could result
in the floor mat interfering with the
operation of the pedals. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. Always make sure that objects
cannot fall into the driver foot well
while your vehicle is moving. Objects
that are loose can become trapped under
the pedals causing a loss of vehicle control. 211
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General Information
WARNING
Failure to follow these guidelines
could result in an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, injury or death.
Note:
Do not use the kit if a tire has become
severely damaged by driving the vehicle with
a tire that has insufficient air pressure. Only
punctured areas located within the tire tread
can be sealed with the kit.
Do not attempt to repair punctures larger
than ¼ inch (6 millimeters) or damage to
the tire's sidewall. The tire may not
completely seal.
Loss of air pressure may adversely affect
tire performance. For this reason:
Note: Do not drive the vehicle above
50 mph (80 km/h).
Note: Do not drive further than
120 mi
(200 km). Drive only to the closest
authorized Ford dealer or tire repair shop to
have your tire inspected.
• Drive carefully and avoid abrupt
steering maneuvers.
• Periodically monitor tire inflation
pressure in the affected tire. If the tire
is losing pressure, have the vehicle
towed.
• Read the information in the Tips for
Use of the Kit section to make sure safe
operation of the kit and your vehicle.
Tips for Use of the Kit
Read the following list of tips to ensure
safe operation of the kit: •
Before operating the kit, make sure
your vehicle is safely off the road and
away from moving traffic. Turn on the
hazard lights.
• Always set the parking brake to ensure
the vehicle does not move
unexpectedly.
• Do not remove any foreign objects,
such as nails or screws, from the tire.
• When using the kit, leave the engine
running, only if the vehicle is outdoors
or in a well-ventilated area, so the
compressor does not drain the vehicle
battery.
• Do not allow the compressor to
operate continuously for more than 15
minutes. This will help prevent the
compressor from overheating.
• Never leave the kit unattended when
it is operating.
• Sealant compound contains latex.
Make sure that you use the non-latex
gloves provided to avoid an allergic
reaction.
• Keep the kit away from children.
• Only use the kit when the ambient
temperature is between
-22°F (-30°C)
and 158°F (70°C).
• Only use the sealing compound before
the use by date. The use by date is on
the lower right-hand corner of the label
on the sealant canister, bottle. Check
the use by date regularly and replace
the canister after four years.
• Do not store the kit unsecured inside
the passenger compartment of the
vehicle as it may cause injury during a
sudden stop or crash. Always store the
kit in its original location.
• After sealant use, the tire pressure
monitoring system sensor and valve
stem on the wheel must be replaced
by an authorized Ford dealer.
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•
When inflating a tire or other objects,
use the black air hose only. Do not use
the transparent hose which is designed
for sealant application only.
• Operating the kit could cause an
electrical disturbance in radio, CD, and
DVD player operation.
What to do when a Tire Is
Punctured
A tire puncture within the tire tread area
can be repaired in two stages with the kit.
• In the first stage, the tire will be
reinflated with a sealing compound
and air. After the tire has been
reinflated, you will need to drive the
vehicle a short distance 4 mi (6 km) to
distribute the sealant in the tire.
• In the second stage, you will need to
check the tire pressure and adjust, if
necessary, to the vehicle tire inflation
pressure.
First Stage: Reinflating the Tire
with Sealing Compound and Air WARNINGS
Do not stand directly over the kit
while inflating the tire. If you notice
any unusual bulges or deformations
in the tire's sidewall during inflation, stop
and call roadside assistance. If the tire does not inflate to the
recommended tire pressure within
15 minutes, stop and call roadside
assistance. Preparation: Park the vehicle in a safe, level
and secure area, away from moving traffic.
Turn the hazard lights on. Apply the parking
brake and turn the engine off. Inspect the
flat tire for visible damage. Sealant compound contains latex. To
avoid any allergic reactions, use the
non-latex gloves in the accessory box on
the underside of the kit housing.
Do not remove any foreign object that has
pierced the tire. If a puncture is in the tire
sidewall, stop and call roadside assistance.
1. Remove the valve cap from the tire
valve.
2. Unwrap the clear tube from the compressor housing.
3. Remove the tube cap and fasten the metal connector of the tube to the tire
valve, turning clockwise. Make sure the
connection is tightly fastened. 4. Plug the power cable into the 12-volt
power point in the vehicle.
5. Remove the warning sticker on the canister and place it on the top of the
instrument panel or the center of the
dash.
6. Start the vehicle only if the vehicle is outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
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Check Every Month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure. Windshield washer fluid level.
Fuel and water separator. Drain if necessary (or if indicated by the information display). Holes and slots in the tail pipe to make sure they are functional and clear of debris. Check Every Six Months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary. Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if necessary. Parking brake for proper operation.
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag and safety belt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as necessary.
Multi-Point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right,
it is important to have the systems on your
vehicle checked regularly. This can help
identify potential issues and prevent major
problems. We recommend having the
following multi-point inspection performed
at every scheduled maintenance interval
to help make sure your vehicle keeps
running great.
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Exterior Plastic Parts.........................................
261
Stripes or Graphics............................................. 261
Underbody............................................................ 261
Under Hood.......................................................... 261
Cleaning the Instrument Panel and Instrument Cluster Lens.........................263
Cleaning the Interior...................................263
Cleaning the Wheels..................................264
Cleaning the Windows and Wiper Blades...........................................................262
Clearing All MyKeys.......................................53
Climate.............................................................401
Climate Control
............................................109
Climate Controlled Seats...........................127 Cooled Seats......................................................... 127
Heated Seats........................................................ 127
Collision Warning System..........................197 PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION............................ 197
Coolant Check See: Engine Coolant Check............................ 244
Crash Sensors and Airbag Indicator.......44
Creating a MyKey............................................52 Programming/Changing Configurable
Settings............................................................... 52
Cross Traffic Alert.........................................194 False Alerts........................................................... 196
Switching the System Off and On...............196
System Errors....................................................... 196
System Lights, Messages and Audible Alerts.................................................................. 195
System Limitations............................................ 196
Using the System............................................... 194
Cruise Control.................................................68 Principle of Operation....................................... 179
Cruise control See: Using Cruise Control................................ 179
Customer Assistance..................................219
D
Data Recording
..................................................9
Event Data Recording.......................................... 10
Service Data Recording........................................ 9
Daytime Running Lamps
.............................75
Direction Indicators........................................76
Doors and Locks..............................................57
Driver Alert
......................................................186
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION........................... 186USING DRIVER ALERT.....................................
186
Driver and Passenger Airbags...................39 Children and Airbags.......................................... 40
Proper Driver and Front Passenger Seating Adjustment........................................................ 39
Driving Aids.....................................................186
Driving Hints...................................................210
Driving Through Water.................................211
DRL See: Daytime Running Lamps......................... 75
E
Economical Driving
......................................210
Emission Law.................................................148 Noise Emissions Warranty, Prohibited
Tampering Acts and Maintenance..........149
Tampering With a Noise Control System............................................................... 148
End User License Agreement..................470 VEHICLE SOFTWARE END USER LICENSE
AGREEMENT (EULA) ................................. 470
Engine Block Heater....................................138 Using the Engine Block Heater...................... 139
Engine Coolant Check...............................244 Adding Coolant.................................................. 244
Coolant Change................................................. 246
Engine Coolant Temperature Management.................................................. 247
Fail-Safe Cooling............................................... 246
Recycled Coolant............................................... 245
Severe Climates................................................. 246
Engine Emission Control...........................148
Engine Immobilizer See: Passive Anti-Theft System..................... 64
Engine Oil Check..........................................242 Adding Engine Oil............................................... 242
Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.0L EcoBoost™.................................................242
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.5L Duratec/3.5L Ecoboost™.................................................242
Engine Specifications - 2.0L EcoBoost™.................................................297
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 297
Engine Specifications - 3.5L Duratec..........................................................297
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 298
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