
CHECK TRANSMISSION.Indicates the transmission is not operating
properly. If this warning stays on, contact your dealer as soon as
possible.
LOW FUEL LEVEL.Displayed when you have approximately 80 km
(50 miles) to empty.
CHECK FUEL CAP.Displayed when the fuel filler cap is not properly
installed. Check the fuel filler cap for proper installation. Refer toFuel
filler capin theMaintenance and specificationschapter.
LOW BRAKE FLUID.Indicates the brake fluid level is low and the
brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toChecking and
adding brake fluidin theMaintenance and specificationschapter.
CHECK TAIL LAMPS.Displayed when the tail lamps are activated and
at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as safely possible
and have the burned out lamp replaced.
CHECK BRAKE LAMPS.Displayed when the brake lamps are
activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as
safely possible and have the burned out lamp replaced. The center
high-mount brakelamp is not monitored.
CHECK FRT TURN LAMPS.Displayed when the turn signals are
activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as
safely possible and have the burned out lamp replaced.
CHECK SIDE REPEATER LAMPS (if equipped).Displayed when
the turn signals are activated and at least one is burned out. Check the
lamps as soon as possible and have the burned out lamp replaced.
CHECK REAR TURN LAMPS.Displayed when the turn signals are
activated and at least one is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as
possible and have the burned out lamp replaced.
CHECK TRACTION CONTROL (if equipped).Displayed when the
Traction Controlysystem is not operating properly. If this message is
displayed on the message centerandthe amber T/C OFF light in the
Traction Controlyon/off switch isnotilluminated, the Traction
Controlysystem will be partially operable. If this warning stays on,
contact your dealer for service as soon as possible. For further
information, refer toTraction controlyin theDrivingchapter.
Driver Controls
101

POSITIVE RETENTION FLOOR MAT
Position the floor mat so that the
eyelet is over the pointed end of the
retention post and rotate forward to
lock in. Make sure that the mat does
not interfere with the operation of
the accelerator or the brake pedal.
To remove the floor mat, reverse the
installation procedure.
CARGO NET (IF EQUIPPED)
The cargo net secures lightweight objects in the cargo area. This net is
not designed to restrain objects during a collision.
There are four straps on the net and
six anchors in the trunk that can be
used for securing different sized
objects.
To attach the cargo net to the
anchors:
²Take the bottom strap of one side
of the net and push the anchor
through the strap loop.
²Take the top strap of same side
of the net and push the anchor through the strap loop.
²Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the other side.
LUGGAGE RACK (IF EQUIPPED)
The luggage rack is dealer installed only. See your local Lincoln Mercury
dealership.
The maximum load is 75 kg (165 lb) on the luggage rack structure. The
vehicle's roof panel is not designed to carry a load.
When loading the luggage rack, it is recommended to evenly distribute
the load, as well as maintain a low center of gravity. Ensure that the load
is securely fastened.
Driver Controls
107

Memory seats/steering column/mirrors (if equipped)
This system allows automatic
positioning of the driver seat,
outside rearview mirrors, and power
adjusted tilt/telescope steering
column to two programmable
positions.
The memory seat control is located
on the driver door.
²To program position one, move
the driver seat to the desired
position using the seat controls. Press the SET control. The SET
control indicator light will briefly illuminate. While the light is
illuminated, press control 1.
²To program position two, repeat the previous procedure using control
2.
A position can only be set or recalled when the transmission gearshift is
in Park (automatic transmission) or the park brake is set (manual
transmission). A memory seat position may be programmed at any time.
The memory seat positions are also recalled when you press your remote
entry transmitter UNLOCK control.
To program the memory seat to remote entry transmitter, refer to
Remote entry systemin theControls and features chapter.
2ND SEAT/SPLIT-FOLDING REAR SEAT
One or both rear seatbacks can be folded down to provide additional
cargo space.
To lower the seatback(s), pull the
release handle(s) located inside the
trunk.
SE T
12
Seating and Safety Restraints
125

STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. LOCK, locks the gearshift lever
(automatic transmission only) and
allows key removal.
2. OFF, shuts off the engine and all
accessories without locking the
steering wheel (if equipped). This
position also allows the automatic
transmission shift lever to be moved
from the P (Park) position without
the brake pedal being depressed.
3. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not running.
4. RUN, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator
before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have
difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the
vehicle, refer toStarting the enginein this chapter.
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
2
3
4
5
1
Driving
156

²Push the clutch pedal to the
floor.
3. Turn the key to 4 (RUN) without
turning the key to 5 (START).
Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate or illuminate briefly. If a
light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.
²If the driver's safety belt is fastened, the
light may not illuminate.
Starting the engine
Note:Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
23 1
4
5
P! BRAKE
H
C
1
234567
00
20
406080100
120
140
160
40
80120160
200
240km/hRPMX1000RESETMPHA/B
F
E
CHECK
FUEL
CAP
Driving
158

may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's
anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check after you start
the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be
heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS
warning light will come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
Using ABS
²In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four-wheel
ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel
ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full
steering control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient
space, will enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a
controlled stop.
²The anti-lock system does not decrease the time necessary to apply
the brakes or always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough
room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop.
²We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
Driving
161

ABS warning lampABS
TheABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to the RUN position. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the
ABS needs to be serviced.
With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake
released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately.)
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, apply the brake pedal
and pull the handle up as far as
possible.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned to to the RUN
position) until the parking brake is
released.
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
P!
BRAKE
P!
BRAKE
Driving
162

Your brake handle may need to be
pulled up slightly to release pressure
before pushing in the button.
Push the button on the end of the
parking brake and push the handle
down as far as possible to release the
brake. Driving with the parking brake
on will cause the brakes to wear out
quickly and reduce fuel economy.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
²underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
²uneven vehicle loading
²high crown in center of road
²high crosswinds
²wheels out of alignment
²loose or worn suspension components
Speed sensitive steering
The steering in your vehicle is speed sensitive. At high speeds, steering
assist will decrease to improve steering feel. At lower speeds,
maneuverability will be increased.
If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes while
driving at a constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system
checked by your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving
163