Ford Taurus Owners Manual: Brakes

GENERAL INFORMATION

Note: Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn out. Have them inspected by an authorized dealer. If your vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized dealer.

Note: Brake dust may accumulate on the wheels, even under normal driving conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the brakes wear and does not contribute to brake noise. See the Vehicle Care chapter for wheel cleaning instructions.

chapter for information on the See the Instrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake system warning light.

Wet brakes result in reduced braking efficiency. Gently press the brake pedal a few times when driving from a car wash or standing water to dry the brakes.

Brake Over Accelerator

In the event the accelerator pedal becomes stuck or entrapped, apply steady and firm pressure to the brake pedal to slow your vehicle and reduce engine power. If you experience this condition, apply the brakes and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Turn the engine off, shift to position P and apply the parking brake, then inspect the accelerator pedal for any interferences. If none are found and the condition persists, have your vehicle towed to the nearest authorized dealer.

Brake Assist

Brake assist detects when you brake heavily by measuring the rate at which you press the brake pedal. It provides maximum braking efficiency as long as you press the pedal. Brake assist can reduce stopping distances in critical situations.

Anti-Lock Brake System

This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by keeping the brakes from locking.

illuminates when you turn the ignition This lamp momentarily
illuminates when you turn the ignition on. If the light does not illuminate during start-up, remains on or flashes, the anti-lock brake system may be disabled and may need to be serviced.

If the anti-lock brake system is disabled, normal braking is still


If the anti-lock brake system is disabled, normal braking is still effective. If the brake warning lamp illuminates with the parking brake released, have your brake system serviced immediately.

All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
All wheel drive AWD uses all four wheels to power the vehicle. This increases traction, enabling you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicles cannot. T ...

Hints on driving with anti-lock brakes
When the system is operating, the brake pedal will pulse and may travel further. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You may also hear a noise from the system. This is normal. The anti-lock bra ...

Other materials:

Driver alert
WARNING: The driver alert system is designed to aid you. It is not intended to replace your attention and judgment. You are still responsible to drive with due care and attention. Note: The system will store the on/off setting in the information display menu through ignition cycles. Note: If ...

Acceleration Control
SPECIFICATIONS Torque Specifications DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION Acceleration Control The acceleration controls consist of the accelerator pedal and sensor assembly. The engine management system electronically operates the throttle of the engine in response to throttle pedal movements initiated by ...

General Procedures
Sectioning Guidelines General Equipment Material NOTE: The following illustration provides recommended sectioning points. Cut lines shown in illustration are approximate.  WARNING: Collision damage repair must conform to the instructions contained in this workshop manual. Replacement ...