Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds.Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Release the parking brake. With your foot on the brake pedal and with
the A/C on, put the vehicle in D (Drive) and allow the engine to idle for
at least one minute.
7. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 km) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and radio settings must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
244
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
A
Accessory delay ..........................58
Air cleaner filter ...............265–267
Air conditioning ....................31, 33
Airbag supplemental
restraint system ........125, 134, 137
and child safety seats ............127
description ..............125, 134, 137
disposal ....................................140
driver airbag ............127, 135, 138
indicator light .........134, 136, 140
operation .................127, 135, 138
passenger airbag .....127, 135, 138
side airbag ...............................134
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................193
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................245
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................184–185
Anti-theft system ................96, 100
arming the system ..................100
disarming a triggered
system .....................................101
Audio system (see Radio) .........16
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................189
fluid, adding ............................263
fluid, checking ........................263
fluid, refill capacities ..............268
fluid, specification ..................268
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....23
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........268
B
Battery .......................................243acid, treating emergencies .....243
jumping a disabled battery ....214
maintenance-free ....................243
replacement, specifications ...267
servicing ..................................243
Belt-Minder.............................120
Booster seats .............................141
Brakes ........................................184
anti-lock ...........................184–185
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................185
fluid, checking and adding ....263
fluid, refill capacities ..............268
fluid, specifications .................268
lubricant specifications ..........268
parking ....................................185
shift interlock ..........................188
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................42
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....268
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................208
Child safety restraints ..............141
child safety belts ....................141
Child safety seats ......................144
attaching with tether straps ..148
in front seat ............................145
in rear seat ..............................145
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................141
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............230
instrument panel ....................231
interior .....................................232
plastic parts ............................230
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
275
locking and unlocking doors ....96
programming entry code .........95
Keys .......................................79, 98
positions of the ignition .........179
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................37
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................42
daytime running light ...............38
fog lamps ...................................38
headlamps .................................37
headlamps, flash to pass ..........39
instrument panel, dimming .....39
interior lamps ...........................41
replacing bulbs .........................43
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................41
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........185
Load limits .................................172
Locks
autolock .....................................82
childproof ..................................86
doors ..........................................81
Lubricant specifications ...........268
Lug nuts ....................................213
Lumbar support, seats .............105
M
Message center .....................69–70
english/metric button ...............74
system check button ................74
warning messages .....................75
Mirrors ...................................58–59automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................58
heated ........................................60
programmable memory ............90
side view mirrors (power) .......59
Moon roof ..............................64, 89
Motorcraft parts ........233, 251, 267
N
Navigation system .......................30
O
Octane rating ............................255
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................239
P
Parking brake ............................185
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....267
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................113
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................205
Power door locks ........................81
Power mirrors .............................59
Power point .................................55
Power steering ..........................187
fluid, checking and adding ....262
fluid, refill capacity ................268
fluid, specifications .................268
Power Windows ...........................56
Power windows
opening using remote entry
system .......................................89
R
Radio ............................................16
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
278