Page 237 of 280
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.5L V6 engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Coolant bleed valve
3. Transmission fluid dipstick
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Battery
6. Power distribution box
7. Air filter assembly
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
11. Engine coolant reservoir
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
237
Page 239 of 280
Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield, refer toWindows and wiper bladesin theCleaning
chapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level dipstick.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
239
Page 240 of 280
•3.5L V6 engine
6. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully, then remove it again.
•If the oil level iswithin this
range,the oil level is acceptable.
DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level isbelow this
mark,engineoil must be added
to raise the level within the
normal operating range.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
240
Page 241 of 280

•3.5L V6 engine
•If required, add engine oil to the engine. Refer toAdding engine oil
in this chapter.
•Do not overfill the engine
with oil. Oil levels above this
mark may cause engine
damage.If the engine is
overfilled, some oil must be
removed from the engine by an
authorized dealer.
7. Put the dipstick back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal operating range, add only
certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil
filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
normal operating range on the engine oil level dipstick.
4. Install the dipstick and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
until it stops.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level dipstick and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
241
Page 269 of 280

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.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
269
Page 276 of 280

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