Page 210 of 280
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel additional
caution should be given to:
•Towing a trailer
•Driving vehicles equipped with a camper body
•Driving vehicles with a load on the cargo rack
Drive cautiously when using a full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel and
seek service as soon as possible.
Stopping and securing the vehicle
1. Park on a level surface, set the parking brake and activate the hazard
flashers.
2. Place the gearshift lever in P (Park) and turn the engine off.
Removing the spare tire and jack
1. Remove the carpeted load floor
panel located in the rear of the
vehicle and remove the lug wrench
and long bolt from the tool bag.
2. Remove the bolt securing the
spare tire using the lug wrench,
then lift and remove the spare tire
from the trunk.
3. Remove the jack retention bolt by
turning it counterclockwise and
remove the jack from the vehicle.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
210
Page 263 of 280

BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range the performance of the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
TRANSAXLE FLUID
Checking 6–speed automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume
fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not
working properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Checking automatic transmission fluid at normal operating
temperature (140°F-158°F [60°C-70°C])
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]) until the engine coolant gauge
indicates normal operating temperature. If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until the coolant gauge indicates
normal operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage (approximately
10–15 seconds in each position).
4. Move the gearshift lever to P (Park) and leave the engine running.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
263
Page 280 of 280

Towing .......................................177
recreational towing .................177
trailer towing ..........................177
wrecker ....................................219
Traction control ........................186
Transmission .............................188
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....188
fluid, refill capacities ..............268
lubricant specifications ..........268
Trunk ...........................................86
remote release ....................78, 90
Turn signal ..................................41
U
USB port ......................................25
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................271Vehicle loading
..........................172
Ventilating your vehicle
...........182
W
Warning lights (see Lights)
.......10
Washer fluid
..............................238
Water, Driving through
.............198
Windows
......................................89
opening using remote entry
system
.......................................89
power
.........................................56
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
..........................................52
checking and adding fluid
.....238
replacing wiper blades
...........238
Wrecker towing
.........................219
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
280