Compass display
Select this function from the INFO menu. Press the INFO button
repeatedly until the Compass and Odometer are displayed. (Do not
select Trip, DTE, or AFE. The top of the message center must be blank).
The compass reading may be affected when you drive near large
buildings, bridges, power lines and powerful broadcast antenna. Magnetic
or metallic objects placed in, on or near the vehicle may also affect
compass accuracy.
Usually, when something affects the compass readings, the compass will
correct itself after a few days of operating your vehicle in normal
conditions. If the compass still appears to be inaccurate, a manual
calibration may be necessary. Refer toCompass zone/calibration
adjustment.
Most geographic areas (zones) have a magnetic north compass point that
varies slightly from the northerly direction on maps. This variation is four
degrees between adjacent zones and will become noticeable as the
vehicle crosses multiple zones. A correct zone setting will eliminate this
error. Refer toCompass zone/calibration adjustment.
Compass zone/calibration adjustment
Perform this adjustment in an open area free from steel structures and
high voltage lines.
For optimum calibration, turn off all electrical accessories (heater/air
conditioning, wipers, etc.) and make sure all vehicle doors are shut.
1. Turn ignition to the RUN position.
2. Start the engine.
3. Press the INFO button repeatedly until the Compass and Odometer
are displayed. (Do not select Trip, DTE, or AFE. The top of the message
center must be blank).
Note:If the compass displaysCAL 000000.0 miinstead of heading
information, the compass will need to be calibrated. Slowly drive the
vehicle in a circle (less than 3 mph [5 km/h]) until theCALindicator
changes to display compass heading. This may take up to 3 circles to
complete calibration.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
72
Heated seats (if equipped)
Persons who are unable to feel pain to the skin because of
advanced age, chronic illness, diabetes, spinal cord injury,
medication, alcohol use, exhaustion, or other physical conditions, must
exercise care when using the seat heater. The seat heater may cause
burns even at low temperatures, especially if used for long periods of
time. Do not place anything on the seat that insulates against heat,
such as a blanket or cushion, because this may cause the seat heater
to overheat. Do not puncture the seat with pins, needles, or other
pointed objects because this may damage the heating element which
may cause the seat heater to overheat. An overheated seat may cause
serious personal injury.
Note:Do not do the following:
•Place heavy objects on the seat
•Operate the seat heater if water or any other liquid is spilled on the
seat. Allow the seat to dry thoroughly.
The heated seats will only function when the ignition is in RUN.
To operate the heated seats:
•Push the control located on the
climate control system panel once
to activate high heat.
•Push twice to activate low heat.
•Push a third time to deactivate.
The indicator light on the control will illuminate when activated. For low
heat, one light will be lit; for high heat, both lights will be lit.
Heated and cooled seats
Heated seats
Persons who are unable to feel pain to the skin because of
advanced age, chronic illness, diabetes, spinal cord injury,
medication, alcohol use, exhaustion, or other physical conditions, must
exercise care when using the seat heater. The seat heater may cause
burns even at low temperatures, especially if used for long periods of
time. Do not place anything on the seat that insulates against heat,
such as a blanket or cushion, because this may cause the seat heater
to overheat. Do not puncture the seat with pins, needles, or other
pointed objects because this may damage the heating element which
may cause the seat heater to overheat. An overheated seat may cause
serious personal injury.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
106
Note:Do not do the following:
•Place heavy objects on the seat
•Operate the seat heater if water or any other liquid is spilled on the
seat. Allow the seat to dry thoroughly.
The heated seats will only function when the engine is running.
To operate the heated seats:
Press once to activate the high heat
setting (3 indicator lights). Continue
pressing to scroll through the other
settings; medium heat (2 indicator
lights), low heat (1 indicator light) or off.
The heated seats will turn off after 15 minutes.
If the vehicle falls below 350 RPMs while the heated seats are on, the
feature will turn itself off and will need to be reactivated.
Cooled seats
The cooled seats will only function when the engine is running.
To operate the cooled seats:
Press once to activate the high cool
setting (3 indicator lights). Continue
pressing to scroll through the other
settings; medium cool (2 indicator
lights), low cool (1 indicator light) or off.
The cooled seats will turn off after 30 minutes.
If the vehicle falls below 350 RPMs while the cooled seats are on, the
feature will turn itself off and will need to be reactivated.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Seating and Safety Restraints
107
Note:If the engine does not start on the first try, turn the key to LOCK,
wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine still fails to start, press the
accelerator to the floor and try again; this will allow the engine to crank
with the fuel shut off in case the engine is flooded with fuel.
This vehicle has a computer assisted cranking system which assists in
starting the engine. If the ignition key is turned to 4 (START) and then
released when the engine begins cranking, the engine may continue
cranking for up to 10 seconds or until the vehicle starts.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and allows the heater/defroster system to respond quickly. If your vehicle
is equipped with this system, your equipment includes a heater element
which is installed in your engine block and a wire harness which allows
the user to connect the system to a grounded 120 volt a/c electrical
source. The block heater system is most effective when outdoor
temperatures reach below 0°F (-17°C).
Failure to follow engine block heater instructions could result in
property damage or physical injury.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
182
Prior to using the engine block heater, follow these recommendations for
proper and safe operation:
•For your safety, use an outdoor extension cord that is product
certified by Underwriter’s laboratory (UL ) or Canadian Standards
Association (CSA). Use only an extension cord that can be used
outdoors, in cold temperatures, and is clearly markedSuitable for Use
with Outdoor Appliances.Never use an indoor extension cord
outdoors; it could result in an electric shock or fire hazard.
•Use a 16 gauge outdoor extension cord, minimum.
•Use as short an extension cord as possible.
•Do not use multiple extension cords. Instead, use one extension cord
which is long enough to reach from the engine block heater cord to
the outlet without stretching.
•Make certain that the extension cord is in excellent condition (not
patched or spliced). Store your extension cord indoors at
temperatures above 32°F (0°C). Outdoor conditions can deteriorate
extension cords over a period of time.
•To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two pronged (cheater) adapters.
Also ensure that the block heater, especially the cord, is in good
condition before use.
•Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug /engine
block heater cord plug connection is free and clear of water in order
to prevent possible shock or fire.
•Be sure that areas where the vehicle is parked are clean and clear of
all combustibles such as petroleum products, dust, rags, paper and
similar items.
•Be sure that the engine block heater, heater cord and extension cord
are solidly connected. A poor connection can cause the cord to
become very hot and may result in an electrical shock or fire. Be sure
to check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system
has been operating for approximately a half hour.
•Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall
tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
183
How to use the engine block heater
Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.
Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater system may consume anywhere between 400 watts or 1000 watts
of energy per hour. Your factory installed block heater system does not
have a thermostat; however, maximum temperature is attained after
approximately 3 hours of operation. Block heater operation longer than 3
hours will not improve system performance and will unnecessarily use
additional electricity.
Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Refer toBrake system warning
lightin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake application and compensates for this
tendency. Noise from the ABS pump motor and brake pedal pulsation
may be observed during ABS braking; any pulsation or mechanical noise
you may feel or hear is normal. In addition, the ABS performs a
self-check after you start the engine and begin to drive away. A brief
mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal.
P!
BRAKE
2008 MKZ(378)
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Driving
184
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect from any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.
Note:In the illustrations,lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
2. Connect the other end of the positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the assisting battery.
+–+–
+–+–
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
215
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
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
276