Positioning:
The 2012 Ford Taurus SHO represented a revival of Ford's performance sedan lineage, offering a blend of luxury, comfort, and potent V6 twin-turbo power, targeting enthusiasts seeking a capable, all-weather performance car.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Dodge Charger SRT8, Cadillac CTS-V, BMW 5 Series, and Audi A6 in its segment.
Performance Features:
Standard EcoBoost V6, All-Wheel Drive (AWD), adaptive suspension, sport-tuned chassis, performance brake system.
Comfort Features:
Spacious interior, advanced infotainment (SYNC), available premium audio, heated and cooled seats, advanced climate control.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, timing
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control module (ECM) diagnosis
Transmission:
6F50/6F55 SelectShift Automatic Transmission: disassembly, assembly, torque converter, valve body, solenoids, internal components
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, rear differential, transfer case, drive shafts, CV joints
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, traction control, stability control, brake bleeding, pad replacement, rotor replacement, caliper service
Suspension:
Front suspension (McPherson strut), rear suspension (multi-link), springs, shock absorbers, bushings, alignment specifications
Steering:
Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), steering column, steering rack, tie rods, power steering fluid
Body:
Body construction, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, panel replacement, welding procedures
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, climate control module, refrigerant, performance testing
Electrical Power Control:
Battery, alternator, starter, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM)
Instrumentation:
Instrument cluster, gauges, warning lights, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lights, wiring and bulb replacement
Infotainment Audio:
SYNC system, audio components, speakers, antenna, media connectivity
Safety Restraints:
Airbags, seat belts, SRS system diagnosis and repair
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common problems, symptom-based diagnosis, DTC interpretation
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems, including component replacement and adjustment
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnosis, scan tool usage, live data interpretation, sensor testing
Installation:
Component installation and removal procedures
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, wiring diagrams, vacuum diagrams
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and bodywork repairs.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (Iridium-tipped spark plugs).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended at 100,000 miles or as per severe service schedule.
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) - meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Motorcraft MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid (if power steering uses transmission fluid)
Turbocharger Issues:
Some early models experienced turbocharger wastegate rattle or failure, requiring replacement or repair of turbocharger assemblies.
Transmission Hesitation:
Occasional reports of transmission hesitation or rough shifting, often addressable with software updates or internal transmission service.
Carbon Buildup:
As with many direct-injection engines, carbon buildup on intake valves can occur over time, potentially affecting performance and requiring specialized cleaning.
Brake Wear:
Due to the performance nature, brake pads and rotors can wear faster than on standard sedans if driven aggressively.