How do you use cruise control on a Ford Taurus?
Turn on cruise control, accelerate to your desired speed, and then press SET to lock that speed. You can adjust the speed with the +/- controls, resume after braking with RES, and disengage with CANCEL or by braking. The exact controls can vary by model year and trim, with some Tauruses offering Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) in addition to standard cruise.
This guide covers the basics that apply to most Ford Taurus models, and it also outlines how ACC works for vehicles equipped with that feature. It notes where to find the controls and how to operate them safely on highways and long stretches of road.
Basic cruise control operation (non-adaptive)
Follow these steps if your Taurus is equipped with standard, non-adaptive cruise control. The sequence is designed to be performed in order for reliable engagement.
- Drive at the speed you want to maintain on a clear, straight highway. Ensure traffic conditions permit steady speeds.
- Turn on the cruise control system. Look for an ON switch or button on the steering wheel or stalk; activate it to illuminate the cruise indicator in the instrument cluster.
- Set your speed. Once you reach your desired speed, press the SET or SET/COAST button to lock in that speed. The cruise indicator should confirm it is engaged.
- Adjust the set speed as needed. Use the + (increase) or - (decrease) controls on the cruise panel, or press RES/ACCEL to momentarily surge to a higher speed and then maintain the new setting.
- Disengage when necessary. Braking with the brake pedal or pressing CANCEL will temporarily disengage cruise control; you can resume later with RES/ACCEL or the resume button.
- Resume to a previously set speed. If you canceled or temporarily slowed, press RES/ACCEL or the RES button to return to the prior set speed.
Using standard cruise control helps reduce driver fatigue on long highway rides and can improve fuel economy when conditions are stable. Always stay alert to traffic, weather, and road conditions, and be prepared to override the system if needed.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on Ford Taurus
Some Ford Taurus trims offer Adaptive Cruise Control, which uses radar to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead while you maintain a set target speed. ACC can lessen the need for frequent throttle adjustments, but it requires attentive use and may be limited by weather, road surface, and traffic.
If your Taurus has ACC, use these steps to operate it effectively and safely.
- Ensure ACC is activated. Press the ACC_ON or ON button to enable adaptive cruise control, which should illuminate a separate indicator on the cluster or steering wheel.
- Set your target speed. Accelerate to your desired cruising speed, then press SET or SET/DIST to establish the speed the system will maintain.
- Choose your following distance. Use the Distance control on the steering wheel (often labeled Distance, or represented by car icons with distance bars) to select a shorter or longer gap behind the vehicle ahead.
- Monitor and adjust as traffic changes. The system will brake and accelerate to maintain the set speed and distance; you can override with the accelerator, brake, or Cancel if needed, and you can resume with RES/ACCEL.
- Deactivate when done. Turn off ACC with the ON/OFF button or by pressing a dedicated off control, or simply cancel and resume as appropriate.
Note that ACC performance can be affected by rain, snow, or poor road markings. Always monitor the surroundings and be prepared to take full manual control if the system cannot respond safely.
Safety tips and practical notes
Regardless of which cruise option you use, these guidelines help ensure safe operation:
- Maintain attention on traffic and road conditions; cruise control does not replace driver judgment.
- Avoid using cruise control on wet, icy, or winding roads where traction and steering require constant input.
- Be aware of your vehicle’s speed limits and adjust the settings accordingly to avoid unintentional speeding.
- If your Taurus is equipped with ACC, remember that the following distance is adjustable and should be increased in heavier traffic or poor visibility.
Always consult your specific model year’s owner's manual for precise button labels and control locations, as Ford sometimes changes nomenclature and layout across trims and generations.
Summary
In a Ford Taurus, standard cruise control lets you lock in a steady speed with SET, adjust with +/- or RES, and disengage with CANCEL or braking. If your Taurus includes Adaptive Cruise Control, you can set a target speed and a following distance to automatically adjust speed relative to the vehicle ahead. Regardless of the system, use cruise control as a helpful aid on suitable roads, while staying alert and ready to take control when conditions require it.
