Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Service Engine SoonEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check Fuel CapLow Tire Pressure
Warning
2009 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
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WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause extensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulbs work. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the
respective system warning light for additional information.
Service engine soon:TheService
engine soonindicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned on to check the bulb and to
indicate whether the vehicle is ready for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
testing. Normally, theService engine soonlight will stay on until the
engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no malfunctions are present.
However, if after 15 seconds theService engine soonlight blinks eight
times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. See the
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testingin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board
Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer toOn
board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Instrument Cluster
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WARNING:Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel
system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned on when the
engine is not running, or in a position between on and start, or by
applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned on. If the brake
system warning light does not illuminate at this time, seek service
immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination after releasing the
parking brake indicates low brake fluid level or a brake system
malfunction and the brake system should be inspected immediately by
your authorized dealer.
WARNING:Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking
performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.
Have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer. Driving extended
distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and
the risk of personal injury.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake
warning light also is illuminated.
Airbag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when the ignition is
turned on, continues to flash or
remains on, have the system
serviced immediately by your authorized dealer. A chime will also sound
when a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system has been
detected.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Instrument Cluster
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Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A Belt-Minder
chime will also sound to remind you
to fasten your safety belt. Refer to
theSeating and Safety Restraints
chapter to activate/deactivate the Belt-Minderchime feature.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
Engine oil pressure:Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range, refer toEngine oilin
theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
Engine coolant temperature:
Illuminates when the engine coolant
temperature is high. Stop the
vehicle as soon as possible , switch off the engine and let cool. Refer to
Engine coolantin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
AdvanceTrac/Traction
Control™ active:Illuminates when
the AdvanceTrac/Traction
Control™ is active. If the light
remains on, it indicates a Traction
Control™ fault. Have the system
serviced immediately, refer to theDrivingchapter for more information.
Low tire pressure warning:
Illuminates when your tire pressure
is low. If the light remains on at
start up or while driving, the tire
pressure should be checked. Refer
toInflating your tiresin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter. When
the ignition is first turned on, the light will illuminate for three seconds
to ensure the bulb is working. If the light does not turn on or begins to
flash, have the system inspected by your authorized dealer. For more
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Instrument Cluster
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fuse may have blown. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter for information on checking and replacing fuses.
To have full capacity usage of your power point, the engine is required to
be running to avoid unintentional discharge of the battery. To prevent
the battery from being discharged:
•do not use the power point longer than necessary when the engine is
not running,
•do not leave battery chargers, video game adapters, computers and
other devices plugged in overnight or when the vehicle is parked for
extended periods.
Always keep the power point caps closed when not being used.
Cigar/Cigarette lighter (if equipped)
Do not plug optional electrical accessories into the cigarette lighter
socket.
Do not hold the lighter in with your hand while it is heating, this will
damage the lighter element and socket. The lighter will be released from
its heating position when it is ready to be used.
Improper use of the lighter can cause damage not covered by your
warranty.
POWER WINDOWS
WARNING:Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle and
do not let children play with the power windows. They may
seriously injure themselves.
WARNING:When closing the power windows, you should verify
they are free of obstructions and ensure that children and/or
pets are not in the proximity of the window openings.
Press and pull the switches to open
and close windows.
•Push down (to the first detent)
and hold the switch to open.
•Pull up (to the first detent) and
hold the switch to close.
Note:You can open and close the vehicle’s windows and moon roof (if
equipped) by using the door key in the driver door key cylinder or the
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Driver Controls
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9. ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (if equipped)
10. PARK AID
11. FUEL LEVEL
Oil life
An oil change is required whenever indicated by the message center.
USE ONLY RECOMMENDED ENGINE OILS.
To reset the oil monitoring system to 100% after each oil change
(approximately 7,500 miles [12,000 km] or six months) perform the
following:
1. Press the SETUP control to enter
SYSTEM CHECK, then press SETUP
control again to display “OIL LIFE =
XXX% HOLD RESET = NEW”.
2. Press and hold the RESET
control for two seconds and release.
Oil life is set to 100% and “OIL LIFE
SET TO 100%” is displayed.
3. While “OIL LIFE SET TO 100%”
is displayed, if a lower oil life is
desired, press and release the RESET control to reduce the value. Each
press of the RESET control reduces the value by 10 percent.
Note:Oil life of 100% equals 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or six months. For
example, setting oil life to 60% sets the oil life value to 4,500 miles
(7,200 km) and 108 days.
Units (English/Metric)
1. Select this function from the
SETUP menu for the current units
to be displayed.
2. Press the RESET control to
change from English to Metric.
Auto high beam (if equipped)
This feature automatically turns on your high beams if it is dark enough
and no other traffic is present.
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REAR LEFT DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the rear left door is not
completely closed.
REAR RIGHT DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the rear right door is
not completely closed.
PARK BRAKE ENGAGED— Displayed when the manual park brake is
set, the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph
(5 km/h). If the warning stays on after the park brake is released,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
FUEL LEVEL LOW— Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
CHECK FUEL FILL INLET— Displayed when the fuel fill inlet may
not be properly closed. Refer toEasy Fuel™ “no cap” fuel systemin
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM— Displayed when the brake system needs
servicing. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the brake fluid level is low
and the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake
fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
WASHER FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the washer fluid reservoir
is less than one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level. Refer to
Windshield washer fluidin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter.
CHECK PARK AID— Displayed when the transmission is in R
(Reverse) and the Reverse sensing system (park aid) is disabled. Refer
toReverse sensing system (park aid)in this section to enable.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE— Displayed when one or more tires on your
vehicle have low tire pressure. Refer toInflating your tiresin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT— Displayed when the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System is malfunctioning. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, have the system inspected by your authorized
dealer.
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT— Displayed when a tire pressure
sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. For more
information on how the system operates under these conditions, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, have
the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Driver Controls
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Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•It is recommended to select the “M” gear position when additional
engine braking is needed. In situations such as prolonged downhill
driving on steep grades (i.e., driving in mountainous areas), additional
engine braking is needed to reduce the load on the vehicle’s regular
brake system to prevent them from overheating. For more information
on transmission operation and gear positions, seeUnderstanding the
gearshift positions of the 6–speed automatic transmissionin the
Drivingchapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourscheduled maintenance
informationfor more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift into the “M” gear
position. Do not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat
and become less effective. For more information on transmission
operation and gear positions, seeAutomatic transmission operation
in theDrivingchapter.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
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