switch on the instrument panel. Switching the Traction Control™ system
off may allow excess wheel spin to “dig” the vehicle out and enable a
successful “rocking” maneuver. When the Traction Control™ system is
off, an indicator light will illuminate and will remain on until the system
is turned back on or the ignition is turned off and on. Remember to
switch the Traction Control™ system back on once the vehicle is no
longer stuck.
If a system fault is detected, the traction control active light will
illuminate, the Traction Control™ button will not turn the system on or
off and your vehicle should be serviced by an authorized dealer.
STEERING
To help prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation. If excessive, check for low
power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from 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, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the RUN position unless brake pedal is depressed.
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Driving
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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.
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5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry, lint-free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect
the fluid level. The fluid should read
within the hot range on the dipstick
if at normal operating temperature
(140°F-158°F [60°C-70°C]).
Checking automatic transmission fluid at cool temperature
(59°F-77°F [15°C-25°C])
If a fluid check is necessary at a low
fluid temperature (59°F-77°F
[15°C-25°C]), perform the check
using the cold range on the dipstick.
However, the fluid must be
re-checked at the proper fluid temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level does not show at all on the
dipstick.
Driving the vehicle with less than
the recommended fluid level may result in transaxle failure. An under fill
condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement
concerns and /or possible damage to the transaxle.
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the normal
operating range may result in
transaxle failure. An overfill
condition of transmission fluid may
cause shift and/or engagement
concerns and/or possible damage to
the transaxle.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
2008 MKZ(378)
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Maintenance and Specifications
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Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiessection in this
chapter.
Note:Only one ATF fluid specification has been tested and approved for
use with the automatic 6-speed: Premium Automatic Transmission fluid.
Mercon fluids cannot be used with the automatic 6-speed without
damage or voiding warranty.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 mL) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transaxle components.
AIR FILTER
Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft part numbersin this chapter.
To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or personal burn
injuries do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the engine is running.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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Item Capacity Ford part nameFord part number /
Ford specification
Automatic transmission
fluid7.4 quarts (7.0L)
3
Motorcraft Premium
Automatic Transmission
FluidXT-8-QAW /
WSS-M2C924-A
Rear Differential (AWD)
fluid2.4 pints (1.15L)Motorcraft SAE 80W-90
Premium Rear Axle
LubricantXY-80W90-QL /
WSP-M2C197-A
Power Transfer Unit
(PTU) fluid (AWD)
4
12 ounces (0.35L)Motorcraft SAE 75W-140
Synthetic Rear Axle
LubricantXY-75W140-QL /
WSL-M2C192-A
Windshield washer fluid 4.75 quarts (4.5L)Motorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A /
WSB-M8B16-A2
Fuel tank (front-wheel
drive)17.5 gallons
(66.2L)——
Fuel tank (all- wheel
drive)16.5 gallons
(62.5L)——
1Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size and
if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set
by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.4The Power Transfer Unit is lubricated for life with synthetic lube. Lubricant levels are not to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or repair required. Replace Power Transfer Unit
lubricant with specified synthetic lubricant anytime the unit is submerged in water.
See your authorized dealer for fluid level checking or filling of the Power Transfer Unit.
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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
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washing ....................................228
waxing .....................................229
wheels ......................................229
wiper blades ............................231
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......31, 33
Clock ............................................55
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................72
Console
overhead ....................................54
Controls
power seat ...............................103
steering column ........................62
Coolant
checking and adding ..............245
refill capacities ................249, 268
specifications ..........................268
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................60
Cupholder(s) .............................111
Customer Assistance ................199
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................224
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............225
Getting roadside assistance ...199
Getting the service you
need .........................................220
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................226
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................224
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................38Dipstick
automatic transmission fluid .263
engine oil .................................239
Driving under special
conditions ..................191, 194, 196
sand .........................................195
snow and ice ...........................197
through water .................196, 198
E
Electronic message center .........69
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................214
Emission control system ..........259
Engine ........................................270
cleaning ...................................230
coolant .....................................245
fail-safe cooling .......................250
idle speed control ...................243
lubrication specifications .......268
refill capacities ........................268
service points ..........................237
starting after a collision .........201
Engine block heater .................182
Engine oil ..................................239
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................239
checking and adding ..............239
dipstick ....................................239
filter, specifications ........242, 267
recommendations ...................242
refill capacities ........................268
specifications ..........................268
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................182
F
Fail safe cooling ........................250
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Index
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