Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
“Regular” unleaded gasoline with
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
We do not recommend the use of
gasolines labeled as “Regular” that
are sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in high altitude areas.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your authorized dealer to
prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems, try a different brand of unleaded gasoline. “Premium”
unleaded gasoline is not recommended for vehicles designed to use
“Regular” unleaded gasoline because it may cause these problems to
become more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your authorized
dealer.
Do not add aftermarket fuel additive products to your fuel tank. It
should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. These products have not been approved for your engine and
could cause damage to the fuel system. Repairs to correct the effects of
using an aftermarket product in your fuel may not be covered by your
warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-Wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-Wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-Wide Fuel Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality, per the recommendations in theChoosing the Right
Fuelsection.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Maintenance and Specifications
255
•Use the same filling rate setting (low — medium — high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than two automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
•Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in miles or kilometers).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in
gallons or liters).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
Calculation 1:Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Calculation 2:Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total
kilometers traveled.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle’s fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
257
ENGINE DATA
Engine 3.5L-DOHC V6 engine
Displacement 3.5L
Required fuel 87 octane
Firing order 1–4–2–5–3–6
Spark plug gap (0.052–0.056 inch) 1.32–1.42 mm
Ignition system Coil on plug
Compression ratio 10.3:1
Engine drivebelt routing
•3.5L V6 Engine
1. Short drivebelt is on first pulley groove closest to engine.
2. Long drivebelt is on second pulley groove farthest from engine.
2008 MKZ(378)
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USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
270
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