
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.
Starting 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, don’t press 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 to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
To avoid potential transmission damage at extremely cold temperatures
(below -20°F [-30°C]), it is recommended that the vehicle be warmed up
to normal operating temperature before driving at highway speeds above
50 mph (80 km/h). Normal operating temperature is normally reached
after 10 minutes of moderate driving or idling.
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.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Driving
179

•Make sure the gearshift is in P
(Park).
3. Turn the key to 3 (RUN) without
turning the key to 4 (START).
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. SeeWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.
Starting the engine
1. Turn the key to 3 (RUN) without
turning the key to 4 (START).
2. Turn the key to 4 (START), then
release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
181

If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than 1
gallon (3.8L) may be required.
•TheService engine soon
indicator may come on. For more
information on theService engine soon
indicator, refer to
Warning lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,000 miles (1,600
km) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 2,000 miles–3,000 miles (3,000 km–5,000 km).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiessection of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
256

Fluid capacities .........................268
Foglamps .....................................38
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................193
Fuel ............................................251
calculating fuel
economy ............................71, 256
cap ...........................................253
capacity ...................................268
choosing the right fuel ...........254
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................259
detergent in fuel .....................255
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................251, 253, 256
filter, specifications ........251, 267
fuel pump shut-off switch .....201
improving fuel economy ........256
octane rating ...................255, 270
quality ......................................255
running out of fuel .................255
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................251
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......201
Fuses ..................................201–202
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............253
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................256
Gauges .........................................14
H
Hazard flashers .........................200
Head restraints .........................102
Headlamps ...................................37
aiming ........................................40autolamp system .......................37
bulb specifications ....................42
daytime running lights .............38
flash to pass ..............................39
high beam .................................39
replacing bulbs .........................43
turning on and off ....................37
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................31, 33
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................66
Hood ..........................................236
I
Ignition ...............................179, 270
Illuminated visor mirror .............53
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................144
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................261
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................231
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................39
J
Jack ............................................208
positioning ...............................208
storage .....................................208
Jump-starting your vehicle ......214
K
Keyless entry system .................94
autolock .....................................82
keypad .......................................95
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
277

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

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