Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 10
Warning lights and chimes 10
Gauges 14
Entertainment Systems 17
AM/FM stereo with CDX6/MP3 17
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) 24
USB port 25
Satellite radio information 28
Family entertainment system 30
Navigation system 59
SYNC 59
Climate Controls 60
Automatic temperature control 60
Rear window defroster 63
Lights 64
Headlamps 64
Turn signal control 68
Bulb replacement 69
Driver Controls 75
Windshield wiper/washer control 75
Steering wheel adjustment 76
Power windows 80
Mirrors 81
Speed control 83
Message center 93
Locks and Security 109
Keys 109
Locks 111
Anti-theft system 124
Table of Contents
1
2008 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Service Engine SoonEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check Fuel CapLow Tire Pressure
Warning
2008 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
9
HEADLAMP CONTROL
Rotate the headlamp control to the
first position
to turn on the
parking lamps. Rotate to the second
position
to turn on the
headlamps.
Adaptive headlamps (if equipped)
The headlamp beams move in the same direction as the steering wheel
which provides more visability when driving around curves.
Note:The system has a power-up movement check feature. When the
vehicle is started, the lamps track left to right, then back to center to
alert the driver that the system is working properly.
Autolamp control
The autolamp system provides light
sensitive automatic on-off control of
the exterior lights normally
controlled by the headlamp control.
The autolamp system also keeps the
lights on for approximately 20
seconds or, if equipped with a
message center, you can select a
delay from 0–180 seconds, after the
ignition switch is turned to OFF. See
Message Center (if equipped)in
theDriver Controlschapter.
•To turn autolamps on, rotate the control counterclockwise.
•To turn autolamps off, rotate the control clockwise to OFF.
Note:Some vehicles may be equipped with aheadlamps on with
windshield wipers feature.If the windshield wipers are turned on (for
a fixed period of time) the exterior lamps will turn on with headlamp
control in the Autolamp position.
2008 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
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Do not attempt to manually force the liftgate to travel faster than the
power system will permit. This will activate the obstacle detection
feature.
Exercise care, when power opening or closing the liftgate in a garage or
other enclosed area with a low ceiling or close to a wall/garage door. The
liftgate could be damaged from the contact. Disable the power feature
and operate the liftgate manually if necessary.
When power operating the liftgate at temperatures below 32° F (0° C),
the liftgate may stop about 5 inches (12.7 cm) from the full open
position. The liftgate can be fully opened by pushing it upward to the
maximum open position.
The Power Liftgate feature can be
enabled or disabled using the
Message Center. With the control in
the OFF position, power operation
is disabled from the liftgate handle
button and from the rear cargo area button. The integrated keyhead
transmitter and instrument panel switch will operate the liftgate
regardless of the position state of the Message Center. Refer to the
Message Centersection in this chapter.
To power open or close the
liftgate from the Instrument
panel:
Press the button, located to the left
of the steering column, once to
power open or close the liftgate.
To power open or close the
liftgate with the integrated
keyhead transmitter:
Press
twice within 3 seconds to
power open or close the liftgate.
Refer toRemote entry systemin
theLocks and Securitychapter.
2008 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
105
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)
Both U.S. and Canada Federal regulations require tire manufacturers to
place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This
information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of
the tire and also provides a U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number for
safety standard certification and in case of a recall.
This begins with the letters “DOT” and indicates that the tire meets all
federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code
designating where it was manufactured, the next two are the tire size
code and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was
built. For example, the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After
2000 the numbers go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th
week of 2001. The numbers in between are identification codes used for
traceability. This information is used to contact customers if a tire defect
requires a recall.
Tire replacement requirements
Your vehicle is equipped with tires designed to provide a safe ride and
handling capability.
Only use replacement tires and wheels that are the same size,
load index, speed rating and type (such as P-metric versus
LT-metric or all-season versus all-terrain) as those originally provided
by Ford. The recommended tire and wheel size may be found on either
the Safety Compliance Certification Label or the Tire Label which is
located on the B-Pillar or edge of the driver’s door. If this information
is not found on these labels then you should consult your Ford dealer.
Use of any tire or wheel not recommended by Ford can affect the
safety and performance of your vehicle, which could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death. Additionally the use of non-recommended tires and wheels
could cause steering, suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer
unit failure. If you have questions regarding tire replacement, see an
authorized dealer.
2008 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
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SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size, load index, speed rating as
those originally provided by Ford. Use of any tire or wheel not
recommended by Ford can affect the safety and performance of your
vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. Additionally, the
use of non-recommended tires and wheels could cause steering,
suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer unit failure.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that only
cable chains are used with steel wheels (of the same size and
specifications) as chains may chip aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Install cable chains only on the front wheels.
•Use only cable chains on 18 inch wheels with P245/60R18 tires.
•Do not use tire chains, cables or optional traction devices on 20 inch
wheels and tires.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the cable chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the cable chains. If this does not work,
remove the cable chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire cable chains when they are no longer needed. Do not
use tire cable chains on dry roads.
•The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and cable chains.
VEHICLE LOADING – WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER
This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or
trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating
capability, with or without a trailer. Properly loading your vehicle will
provide maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading
your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining
your vehicle’s weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle’s
Tire Label or Safety Compliance Certification Label:
Base Curb Weight– is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of
fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or
optional equipment.
2008 MKX(mkx)
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
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STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. LOCK, locks the automatic
transaxle gearshift lever and allows
key removal. This position also shuts
the engine and all electrical
accessories off without locking the
steering wheel. To lock the steering
wheel, remove the key then turn the
steering wheel.
2. ACC, allows the electrical accessories such as the radio to operate
while the engine is not running. This position also unlocks the steering
wheel.
3. RUN, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
4. 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.
2008 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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AdvanceTrac with RSC stability enhancement feature will restore full
engine power and torque to each wheel.
If the AdvanceTracwith RSC system is activated excessively in a short
period of time, the brake portion of the system will disable to allow the
brakes to cool down. In this situation, Traction Control will use only
engine power reduction to help control the wheels from over-spinning.
When the brakes have cooled down, the system will again function
normally. Anti-lock braking, RSC and ESC are not affected by this
condition and will function normally during the cool-down period.
During Traction Control events the “sliding car” icon in the instrument
cluster will flash momentarily.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with RSC system may enhance
your vehicle’s stability during adverse maneuvers.
The AdvanceTracwith RSC system helps the driver maintain steering
control. AdvanceTracwith RSC will attempt to correct the vehicle
motion by applying brake force at individual tires and, if necessary, by
reducing engine power.
During Electronic Stability Control events the “sliding car” icon in the
instrument cluster will flash momentarily.
Driving maneuvers which may activate AdvanceTracwith RSC system
include:
•Taking a turn too fast.
•Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle.
•Driving over a patch of ice.
•Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road.
•Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice
versa.
•Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa.
•Driving on slick surfaces.
•Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer toTrailer
towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.)
Roll Stability Control™ (RSC)
The RSC system works in conjunction with the AdvanceTracsystem to
help maintain roll stability of the vehicle during aggressive maneuvers by
applying brake force to one or more wheels.
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USA(fus)
Driving
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