Ford Taurus Owners Manual: Warning lamps and indicators

These indicators can alert you to a vehicle condition that may become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure they work. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the respective system warning light for additional information.

Note: Some warning indicators are reconfigurable telltales (RTT). These indicators appear in the information display and function the same as a warning light, but do not display on startup.

Adaptive cruise control (if equipped) (RTT)

The speed control system indicator light changes color to indicate what mode the system is in:

• On (white light): Illuminates when the adaptive cruise control system


• On (white light): Illuminates when the adaptive cruise control system is turned on. Turns off when the speed control system is turned off.

• Engaged (green light): Illuminates when the adaptive cruise control system is engaged. Turns off when the speed control system is disengaged.

Airbag readiness

If this light fails to illuminate when the ignition is turned on,


If this light fails to illuminate when the ignition is turned on, continues to flash or remains on, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. A chime will sound when there is a malfunction in the indicator light.

Anti-lock brake system

If the ABS light stays illuminated or continues to flash, a


If the ABS light stays illuminated or continues to flash, a malfunction has been detected. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake warning light also is illuminated.

Brake system warning light

warning light is functional, it willTo confirm the brake system
warning light is functional, it will momentarily illuminate when the ignition is turned to the on position when the engine is not running, or in a position between on and start, or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the on position.

If it illuminates when you are driving, check that the parking brake is not engaged. If the parking brake is not engaged, this indicates low brake fluid level or a brake system malfunction. Have the system checked immediately by your authorized dealer.

WARNING:

Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.

Have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Driving extended distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and the risk of personal injury.

Charging system (RTT)

not charging properly. If it staysIlluminates when the battery is
not charging properly. If it stays on while the engine is running, there may be a malfunction with the charging system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical system or a related component.

Door ajar (RTT)

and any door is not completelyDisplays when the ignition is on
and any door is not completely closed.

Engine oil pressure (RTT)

pressure falls below the normal range. Illuminates when the oil
pressure falls below the normal range.

Engine coolant temperature (RTT)

coolant temperature is high. Stop Illuminates when the engine
coolant temperature is high. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let cool.

Grade assist (if equipped) (RTT)

turned on. Illuminates when grade assist is
turned on.

Heads up display (if equipped)

illuminate on the windshield in certain A red beam of lights will
illuminate on the windshield in certain instances when using adaptive cruise control and/or the collision warning system. It will also illuminate momentarily when you start your vehicle to make sure the display works.

High beams

headlamps are on.Illuminates when the high-beam
headlamps are on.

Low fuel (RTT)

in the fuel tank is at or near Illuminates when the fuel level
in the fuel tank is at or near empty.

Low tire pressure warning

pressure is low. If the light remains Illuminates when your tire
pressure is low. If the light remains on at start up or while driving, the tire pressure should be checked. When the ignition is first turned to on, the light will illuminate for 3 seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light does not turn on or begins to flash, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Low washer fluid (RTT)

Illuminates when the windshield washer fluid is low.


Illuminates when the windshield washer fluid is low.

Park lamps

Illuminates when the park lamps are on.


Illuminates when the park lamps are on.

Powertrain malfunction/reduced power (RTT)

an AWD fault has been Illuminates when a powertrain or
an AWD fault has been detected. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Safety belt

Reminds you to fasten your safety belt. A Belt-Minder® chime


Reminds you to fasten your safety belt. A Belt-Minder® chime will also sound to remind you to fasten your safety belt.

Service engine soon

indicator light illuminates when the The service engine soon
indicator light illuminates when the ignition is first turned to the on position to check the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the “service engine soon” light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the “service engine soon” light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. See the Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) testing in the Fuel and Refueling chapter.

Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the on-board diagnostics system (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) in the Fuel and Refueling chapter.

If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.

WARNING:

Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.

Speed control (if equipped) (RTT)

indicator light changes color toThe speed control system
indicator light changes color to indicate what mode the system is in:

• On (gray light-type 1, white light-type 2): Illuminates when the speed control system is turned on. Turns off when the speed control system is turned off.

• Engaged (white light-type 1, green light-type 2): Illuminates when the speed control system is engaged. Turns off when the speed control system is disengaged.

Stability Control System

control is active.Displays when the AdvanceTrac®/Traction
control is active.

If the light remains on, have the system serviced immediately.

Stability Control System Off

control has been Illuminates when AdvanceTrac®/Traction
control has been disabled by the driver.

Turn signal

right turn signal or the hazard Illuminates when the left or
right turn signal or the hazard warning flasher is turned on. If the indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.

    Gauges
    Type 1 Cluster shown in standard measure – metric clusters similar. A. Tachometer B. Information display. See Information displays for more information. C. Speedometer D. Fuel gauge Fuel gau ...

    Audible warnings and indicators
    Key In Ignition Warning Chime Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the off or accessory position and the driver’s door is opened. Keyless Warning Alert (If Equipped) Sounds the horn tw ...

    Other materials:

    Universal Garage Door Opener (If Equipped)
    HomeLink® wireless control system WARNING: Make sure that the garage door and security device are free from obstruction when you are programming. Do not program the system with the vehicle in the garage. WARNING: Do not use the system with any garage door opener that does not have the safety s ...

    Collision warning system
    WARNING: This system is designed to be a supplementary driving aid. It is not intended to replace the driver’s attention, and judgment, or the need to apply the brakes. This system does NOT activate the brakes automatically. Failure to press the brake pedal to activate the brakes may result in ...

    Diagnosis and Testing
    Rear View Mirrors - Exterior DTC Chart(s) Diagnostics in this manual assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. REFER to Section 100-00 for information regarding these diagnostic practices. DDM DTC Chart DSM DTC Chart Symptom Chart(s) Di ...