Segment:
Full-size Performance Sedan
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional service technicians working on the Ford Taurus SHO.
Competitors 2011:
Dodge Charger SRT8, Chevrolet Impala SS (previous generation), Cadillac CTS-V (higher performance tier).
Performance Differentiation:
EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo power, all-wheel-drive system, adaptive suspension (optional SHO Performance Package).
Unique Selling Proposition:
Blend of family sedan practicality with potent V6 twin-turbo performance and AWD traction.
Powertrain:
Engine (3.5L EcoBoost V6), Transmission (SelectShift 6-Speed Automatic), Drivetrain (AWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, Stability Control)
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Audio, HVAC Controls, Instrumentation
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass, Doors, Hood, Trunk
HVAC:
Climate Control System, Refrigerant Handling, Components
Safety Systems:
Airbags, Seatbelts, ABS, Traction Control, Stability Control
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, Symptom-based diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation and repair
Repair:
Component removal and installation, Overhaul procedures, System-specific repairs
Diagnostics Tools:
Scan tool usage, PID (Parameter ID) monitoring, Diagnostic test procedures
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for critical fasteners across all systems
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.
Diagrams:
Extensive use of exploded views, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Compatibility:
Universal PDF viewer compatibility (Adobe Acrobat Reader recommended for full features).
Quality:
High-resolution scans suitable for printing individual pages or entire sections.
Digital Binding:
N/A (Digital Download PDF)
Digital Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download PDF)
Engine Code:
LFN (3.5L DOHC V6 Ti-VCT Twin-Turbo EcoBoost)
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3496 cc)
Configuration:
V6 (60-degree bank angle)
Aspiration:
Twin-Turbocharged
Horsepower:
365 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
350 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Injection Type:
Direct Injection (DI) with Port Injection Backup
Fuel Type Requirement:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Block Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Cooling Type:
Liquid-Cooled, Pressurized
Oil Capacity:
6.5 US Quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter change
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 (Meets Ford WSS-M2C946-A specification)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Automatic with SelectShift
Optional Transmission:
N/A (6-speed auto was standard for SHO)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Intelligent AWD System
Shift Modes:
Driver-selectable modes (Normal, Sport) via SelectShift paddle shifters or console shifter.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mercon LV (Meets Ford WSS-M2C938-A specification)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 10.5 US Quarts (9.9 Liters)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for 2011 model year where tested)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (2011 model year)
Traction Control:
Standard, Electronic Traction Control (ETC)
Stability Control:
Standard, AdvanceTrac with Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ABS:
Standard, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Brake Assist:
Standard, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Frontal, Side-Curtain, Front Seat Side Airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Sync System:
Ford SYNC with voice-activated communications and entertainment.
Audio System:
Available Sony Audio System with 12 speakers and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
Navigation:
Optional Navigation System with touchscreen interface.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Optional Blind Spot Information System (BLIS).
Parking Assist:
Available Reverse Sensing System and Rearview Camera.
Usb Ports:
Available USB port for media playback and device charging.
Bluetooth:
Standard Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil meeting Ford WSS-M2C946-A.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Initial at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter. Use Ford Premium Gold Coolant (VC-7-B).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 100,000 miles for normal service. Consult manual for severe service intervals. Use Mercon LV.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 (Meets Ford specification WSS-M6C62-A)
Power Steering Fluid:
Refer to manual; typically Ford compatible power steering fluid.
Common Complaint 1:
Occasional turbocharger lag or boost issues (diagnostics crucial).
Common Complaint 2:
Water pump leaks or failure (due to material or thermal stress).
Common Complaint 3:
PCM software glitches causing rough idle or transmission shifting issues.
Common Complaint 4:
Potential for carbon buildup on intake valves due to direct injection, requiring periodic cleaning.
Ford Performance Legacy:
Ford has a long history of performance models, from the Mustang to the prior Taurus SHO generations.
Generation Context:
This 2011 SHO represents the revival of the SHO nameplate after a hiatus, based on the significantly redesigned 6th generation Taurus.
Previous Sho Generations:
1st Gen (1989-1991, V6), 2nd Gen (1992-1995, V6), 3rd Gen (1996-1999, V8).
Production Start Year:
2009 (for the 6th gen Taurus platform)
Manufacturing Location:
Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant, USA
