The 2012 Ford Taurus is a full-size sedan designed for families and fleet managers, offering a spacious and comfortable ride. Built on the updated platform, it provides a solid foundation for its various trim levels, including the SE, SEL, SHO, and Limited. Notable features include an available SHO performance variant with a powerful 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for enhanced traction, and advanced technology options like the infotainment system. The Taurus is recognized for its robust engineering, comfortable interior, and strong safety ratings, including a 5-Star NHTSA rollover rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick designation.
This comprehensive factory service manual provides detailed information for the maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of the 2012 Ford Taurus. It covers all major systems, including the powertrain (engine mechanical, control systems, fuel, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, emissions), transmission (6-speed automatic, AWD components), chassis (brakes, steering, suspension, wheels, drive shafts), electrical systems (battery, charging, starting, lighting, body control, comfort and convenience, airbags), and body (exterior panels, interior trim, glass, doors, HVAC, structural components). The manual includes step-by-step repair procedures, troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and specifications for specialized tools, ensuring that owners, mechanics, and technicians can effectively maintain and repair the vehicle to factory standards.
Platform:
Ford D3 platform (updated)
Target Audience:
Families, fleet managers, those seeking comfortable and spacious sedans
Key Competitors 2012:
Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Charger, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, Buick LaCrosse
Platform Basis:
Based on the updated D3 platform, shared with Lincoln MKS and Ford Explorer (U502) to some extent.
Distinctive Features:
Available SHO performance variant, spacious interior, comfortable ride, optional AWD.
Primary Coverage:
North America
Trim Levels Covered:
SE, SEL, SHO, Limited
Estimated Page Count:
2500-3000 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine control systems (PCM), fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (6F50/6F55), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), transfer case (AWD models)
Chassis:
Braking system (ABS, ESC, EPB), steering system (EPAS), suspension system (front & rear), wheels & tires, drive shafts, axles
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), power accessories, comfort & convenience systems, airbags (SRS), anti-theft system
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, glass, doors, seats, HVAC system, body hardware, structural components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, component inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components, including engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical systems, and body components
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized Ford tools
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes and inspections to full engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repair.
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Searchable text (OCR processed) for quick information retrieval
Image Resolution:
High-resolution diagrams, illustrations, and photographs
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Download)
Engine Option 1:
3.5L Duratec V6
Displacement 1:
3.5 Liters (3496 cc)
Configuration 1:
DOHC 24-valve V6
Horsepower 1:
263 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque 1:
249 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery 1:
Electronic Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Option 2:
3.5L EcoBoost V6 (SHO model)
Displacement 2:
3.5 Liters (3496 cc)
Configuration 2:
DOHC 24-valve Twin-Turbocharged V6
Horsepower 2:
365 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque 2:
350 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Recommended Octane 1:
87 Octane (3.5L Duratec)
Recommended Octane 2:
91 Octane or higher (3.5L EcoBoost SHO)
Transmission Standard:
6-speed SelectShift Automatic
Transmission Optional:
N/A (All models use the 6-speed automatic)
AWD Availability:
Optional on SE, SEL, Limited; Standard on SHO
Sport Mode:
SelectShift driver control with paddle shifters (standard on SHO, optional on SEL/Limited)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mercon LV
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 10.7 quarts (10.1 liters) for 6F50/6F55 (dry fill)
Length:
202.0 inches (5131 mm)
Width Without Mirrors:
75.1 inches (1908 mm)
Height:
59.1 inches (1501 mm)
Wheelbase:
112.9 inches (2868 mm)
Front Headroom:
39.4 inches (1001 mm)
Front Legroom:
44.1 inches (1120 mm)
Rear Headroom:
37.8 inches (960 mm)
Rear Legroom:
40.0 inches (1016 mm)
Cargo Volume:
19.0 cubic feet (538 liters)
Curb Weight Min:
3,823 lbs (1734 kg) (FWD SE)
Curb Weight Max:
4,416 lbs (2003 kg) (AWD SHO)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5-Star (for 2012 Taurus)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for 2012 Taurus, depending on specific testing criteria)
Electronic Stability Control:
AdvanceTrac with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - Standard
Anti Lock Braking:
Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Standard
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) - Standard
Brake Assist:
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) - Standard
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, Safety Canopy® side-curtain airbags (includes rollover sensing)
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners, Belt-Minder® system
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Infotainment System Options:
Ford SYNC® voice-activated communications and entertainment system (optional, with various versions including SYNC with MyFord Touch® on higher trims).
Audio System:
Various Sony® audio systems available, including premium 12-speaker configurations.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available on certain trims, using radar to maintain speed and distance.
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System)
Rear View Camera:
Available rear-view camera system integrated with the infotainment display.
Parking Assist:
Available Reverse Sensing System and Active Park Assist (APA).
Usb Ports:
Available USB ports for media playback and device charging within SYNC system.
Bluetooth:
Standard Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and music streaming via SYNC.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic blend or full synthetic oil.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plugs 3.5L Duratec:
Typically iridium-tipped, 100,000 mile (160,000 km) replacement interval.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Inspect fluid condition regularly. Replace fluid and filter around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or under severe operating conditions.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) for 3.5L V6 (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
Ford Gold Premium Engine Coolant (or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1)
Common Issue 1:
Water pump leaks (especially on early models of this generation)
Common Issue 2:
Occasional transmission shifting issues or solenoid failures
Common Issue 3:
Power steering system (EPAS) motor or rack issues
Common Issue 4:
CVT failure (if applicable, though Taurus used traditional automatics)
Common Issue 5:
Catalytic converter issues (less common but possible)
Ford History:
Ford Motor Company, founded in 1903, a long-standing American automotive manufacturer known for innovation and mass production.
Taurus Generation:
Fifth generation (2010-2019), this generation marked a significant shift back to a larger, more upscale full-size sedan.
2012 Updates:
Minor updates, refinement of existing features, potentially updated infotainment options for certain trims.
Manufacturing Location:
Chicago Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA
Historical Awards:
The Ford Taurus has a long history, with past generations earning numerous awards for design and engineering. The 2012 model continued this lineage with a focus on comfort and space.
Fuel Economy City Est:
17 MPG (3.5L FWD)
Fuel Economy Highway Est:
25 MPG (3.5L FWD)
Fuel Economy City Sho Est:
15 MPG (3.5L EcoBoost AWD)
Fuel Economy Highway Sho Est:
22 MPG (3.5L EcoBoost AWD)
