Positioning:
Full-size sedan offering comfort, space, and available powerful V6 engines, catering to families and those seeking a larger American sedan.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Impala, Buick LaCrosse, Dodge Charger (depending on powertrain), Toyota Avalon.
Vehicle Highlights:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, available AWD, SYNC infotainment system, powerful engine options.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners and independent technicians with factory-level knowledge for accurate diagnosis, efficient repair, and proper maintenance, reducing reliance on expensive dealerships.
Engine:
Internal combustion engine (ICE) diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for all available variants.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (e.g., 6F50/6F55) diagnosis, repair, and fluid servicing.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, Traction Control, Stability Control system diagnosis and repair.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system schematics, component testing, body control modules (BCM), lighting, power accessories.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, steering components, wheel alignment specifications.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, component replacement, refrigerant handling.
Fuel System:
Fuel delivery, injection, evaporative emissions (EVAP) system, fuel tank and pump servicing.
Exhaust:
Exhaust system components, catalytic converter, muffler, oxygen sensors.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, coolant specifications and flushing procedures.
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass replacement, structural repair.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and component replacement, seat belt mechanisms.
Maintenance:
Routine scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical diagnostic flowcharts.
Repair:
Component removal, installation, and repair for all major systems.
Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission overhaul (if applicable to the specific manual).
Diagnostics:
Advanced diagnostic procedures using scan tools, multimeter usage, and specific component testing methods.
Calibration:
TPMS calibration, throttle body relearn procedures, sensor recalibration where applicable.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical values.
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers basic maintenance to complete overhauls, including diagnostics and specialized procedures).
Engine Code Options:
Duratec 3.5L V6 (Cyclone engine), EcoBoost 3.5L V6 Twin-Turbo (SHO model).
Displacement 3.5L:
3.5 Liters (3497 cc)
Horsepower 3.5L:
Approximately 263 hp @ 6250 rpm (standard V6).
Torque 3.5L:
Approximately 249 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (standard V6).
Horsepower 3.5L Ecoboost:
Approximately 365 hp @ 5500 rpm (SHO model).
Torque 3.5L Ecoboost:
Approximately 350 lb-ft @ 1500-5250 rpm (SHO model).
Injection Type:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for standard V6, premium recommended for EcoBoost).
ECU:
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) managing engine and transmission functions.
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Typically rated 5-Star overall by NHTSA for models of this era (check specific test results).
IIHS Rating:
Good in front and side crash tests by IIHS (check specific year/model testing).
Stability Control:
AdvanceTrac® with Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, Safety Canopy® side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning front seat belts, LATCH child seat anchor system.
Sync System:
Ford SYNC® (optional SYNC with MyFord Touch® on higher trims) for voice control of audio, phone, and climate.
Audio Options:
Premium Sony® audio system availability.
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®).
Rearview Camera:
Available rearview camera system.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on some models.
Usb Ports:
Available USB ports for device charging and media playback.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or based on oil life monitoring system. Consult manual for exact interval based on driving conditions.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Refer to manual for precise interval.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually. Consult manual for exact interval.
Spark Plugs:
Typically platinum or iridium plugs with a service interval of 100,000 miles. Specific type and gap are critical and detailed in the manual.
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect periodically, change based on severe usage or at intervals recommended in the manual (often around 100,000 miles but depends on conditions).
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-20, meeting Ford WSS-M2C930-A or equivalent specification. Consult manual for exact specification.
Coolant Spec:
Motorcraft® Yellow Prediluted Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent meeting WSS-M97B51-A1).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Powertrain Reliability:
Early models of the 6-speed automatic transmission could experience shifting issues or premature wear if fluid maintenance is neglected. EcoBoost engines may have specific concerns related to direct injection and turbocharger maintenance.
Electrical Gremlins:
Some owners report minor electrical issues or sensor faults, often related to wiring harnesses or modules. Detailed electrical troubleshooting is crucial.
Suspension Components:
Front suspension components like sway bar links or control arm bushings may wear over time, particularly in areas with rough road conditions.
Ford Legacy:
Ford has a long history of producing reliable and innovative vehicles, with the Taurus being a significant model in their lineup for decades.
Sixth Gen Introduction:
The sixth generation Taurus, introduced for the 2010 model year, represented a significant redesign and repositioning as Ford's flagship sedan.
Facelift:
The 2010 model year marked the introduction of the current generation, based on the Taurus SHO concept.
Manufacturing Location:
Chicago Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA.
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Likely achieved 'Top Safety Pick' status in relevant years due to its strong crash test performance.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
The Ford Taurus has not won MotorTrend Car of the Year for the 2012 model year; this award was won by the Honda Civic.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Consumer Reports ratings for the 2012 Taurus generally indicated average to below-average predicted reliability, with specific concerns noted for the transmission and electronics.