All Wheel Drive (AWD) Systems

The AWD system consists of the following:

• PTU
• Rear driveshaft
• AWD relay module
• Rear axle with ATC solenoid

Torque from the engine is transferred through the transmission to the PTU. This torque is transferred from the driveshaft to the rear axle, which controls torque to the rear halfshafts. The AWD system is always active and requires no driver input.

The AWD system continuously monitors vehicle conditions and automatically adjusts the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. During normal operation, most of the torque is delivered to the front wheels. If wheel slip between the front and rear wheels is detected, if the vehicle is under heavy acceleration or if the vehicle is in an aggressive handling event, the AWD system increases torque to the rear wheels to prevent or control wheel slip. When the AWD system is functioning properly, there should be no perceived speed difference between the front and rear axles when launching or driving the vehicle on any uniform surface. Traction should be similar to a part time 4WD system in 4H (4X4 HIGH), but have no binding in turns.

Police vehicles and SHO Track Pack vehicles will include a PTU cooler and PTU oil minder information. The PTU in Taurus SHO Track Pack and police interceptor vehicles does not require any normal scheduled maintenance. The system is electronically monitored and notifies the driver of required service by displaying the message "Change AWD Power Transfer Unit Lube" in the information display. The PTU lube will be more likely to require a fluid change if the vehicle has experienced extended periods of extreme/severe duty cycle driving. Do not check or change the PTU lubricant unless the unit has been submerged in water, shows signs of leakage or a message indicating required service is displayed. To reset the PTU lube life monitor, refer to Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Oil Life Monitor Reset .