
STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. Off— locks the gearshift lever
and allows key removal. This
position also shuts the engine and
all electrical accessories off.
2. Accessory— allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
3. On— all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
4. Start— cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Starting your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system.
This system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment
standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of
radio noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
To avoid potential transmission damage at extremely cold temperatures
(below -20°F [-30°C]), it is recommended that the vehicle be warmed up
to normal operating temperature before driving at highway speeds above
50 mph (80 km/h). Normal operating temperature is normally reached
after 10 minutes of moderate driving or idling.
WARNING:Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
WARNING:Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
2009 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
208

3. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake, shift into gear and
drive.
Note:If the engine does not start on the first try, turn the key to the off
position, wait 10 seconds and try step 2 again. If the engine still fails to
start, press the accelerator to the floor and try step 2 again, keeping the
accelerator on the floor until the engine begins to accelerate above
cranking speeds; this will allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off
in case the engine is flooded with fuel.
Push button start system (if equipped)
If your vehicle is equipped with the
push button start system, you can
start your vehicle by pressing the
start button in combination with the
brake pedal rather than using a key.
The start button is located on the
instrument panel to right of the
steering wheel.
In order to operate the Push Button
Start system and start your vehicle,
your Intelligent Access Key (IA
Key) must be present inside the vehicle, either in the passenger
compartment or in the trunk.
1. To put the vehicle in Accessory mode, press and release the start/stop
button without applying the brake pedal. This allows electrical
accessories such as the radio to operate while the engine is not running.
“Accessory Power Active” and “Press Brake to Start” will be displayed in
the message center. Refer toMessage centerin theDriver Controls
chapter for more information.
2. To put the vehicle in on mode, press and hold the start/stop button for
at least one second without applying the brake pedal. This will power
your vehicle’s electrical system and the warning lights in the instrument
cluster will illuminate, but the engine will remain off.
Note:You cannot immediately start your vehicle from the on mode. If
you would like to start the vehicle and you are in on mode, you must
first switch the vehicle off by pressing the start/stop button.
3. To start your vehicle’s engine, press the start/stop button (for any
length of time) while applying the brake pedal.
4. To switch off your vehicle when it is in accessory or on modes or
when the engine is running, press and release the start/stop button.
2009 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
211

Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, press the parking
brake pedal down until the pedal
stops.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned on) until the
parking brake is released.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Push the parking brake pedal
downward again to release the
parking brake. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the
brakes to wear out quickly and
reduce fuel economy.
Note:If the vehicle is driven with
the parking brake applied, a chime
will sound.
P!
BRAKE
2009 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
217

WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Switch the ignition off and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.
D (Drive) with Overdrive Cancel and Grade Assist
Initially, moving the lever to (M)
activates two features at the same
time: Over Drive Cancel and Grade
Assist. The message center display
on the instrument cluster will show
D and the overdrive cancel and
grade assist lamp will illuminate.
1. Overdrive Cancel
•Overdrive is deactivated.
•The transmission operates in gears one through five.
2009 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
224

•The overdrive cancel and grade
assist lamp in the instrument
cluster is illuminated.
2. Grade Assist
•Improves driving experience in hilly terrain or mountainous areas by
providing additional grade (engine) braking and extends lower gear
operation on uphill climbs.
•Provides additional engine braking through the automatic transmission
shift strategy which reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle acceleration,
accelerator pedal, brake pedal and vehicle speed).
•Allows the transmission to select gears that will provide the desired
engine braking based on the vehicle inputs mentioned above. This will
increase engine RPM during engine braking.
Overdrive Cancel with Grade Assist is designed to provide optimal gear
selection in hilly terrain or mountainous areas. It is recommended that
you return to O/D (overdrive mode) on flat terrain to provide the best
fuel economy and transmission function.
To return to O/D (overdrive mode), move the shift lever back fromM
toD.
•The overdrive cancel and grade assist lamp in the instrument cluster
will not be illuminated.
•The transmission will operate in gears one through six.
O/D (overdrive mode) is automatically returned each time the ignition is
off.
2009 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
225

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Getting roadside assistance
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the coverage period listed on the Roadside Assistance Card
included in your Owner Guide portfolio.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•a flat tire change with a good spare (except vehicles that have been
supplied with a tire inflation kit)
•battery jump start
•lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s
responsibility)
•fuel delivery – Independent Service Contractors, if not prohibited by
state, local or municipal law shall deliver up to 2.0 gallons (7.5L) of
gasoline or 5 gallons (18.9L) of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle. Fuel
delivery service is limited to two no-charge occurrences within a
12-month period.
•winch out – available within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of a paved or
county maintained road, no recoveries.
•towing – Ford/Mercury/Lincoln eligible vehicle towed to an authorized
dealer within 35 miles (56.3 km) of the disablement location or to the
nearest authorized dealer. If a member requests to be towed to an
authorized dealer more than 35 miles (56.3 km) from the disablement
location, the member shall be responsible for any mileage costs in
excess of 35 miles (56.3 km).
Trailers shall be covered up to $200 if the disabled eligible vehicle
requires service at the nearest authorized dealer. If the trailer is disabled,
but the towing vehicle is operational, the trailer does not qualify for any
roadside services.
Canadian customers refer to your Customer Information Guide
for information on:
•coverage period
•exact fuel amounts
2009 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
239

Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF
In the event of a moderate to severe collision, this vehicle is equipped
with a fuel pump shut-off feature that stops the flow of fuel to the
engine. Not every impact will cause a shut-off.
Note:If your vehicle has the push button start system, press the
stop/start button twice to reactivate the fuel system.
Should your vehicle shut off after a collision due to this feature, you may
restart your vehicle by doing the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the off position.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the on position.
In some instances the vehicle may not restart the first time you try to
restart and may take one additional attempt.
WARNING:Failure to inspect and if necessary repair fuel leaks
after a collision may increase the risk of fire and serious injury.
Ford Motor Company recommends that the fuel system be inspected
by an authorized dealer after any collision.
FUSES AND RELAYS
Fuses
If electrical components in the
vehicle are not working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown fuses are
identified by a broken wire within
the fuse. Check the appropriate
fuses before replacing any electrical
components.
Note:Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified amperage
rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire
damage and could start a fire.
15
2009 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
241

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Components
16 20A** Left HID
17 10A** Alternator sense
18 — Not used
19 20A IP power point
20 40A* HTD Backlite
21 20A* Console power point
22 30A* Front heated/cooled seats
23 7.5A** PCM Keep alive power, Canister
vent
24 10A** A/C clutch relay
25 20A Right HID
26 10A** Backup relay
27 15A** Fuel pump
28 60A Cooling fan
29 30A Left rear window
30 30A Left front window
31 — Not used
32 30A* Driver seat module
33 30A* PEPS R/S relay
34 — Not used
35 40A* Front A/C blower motor
36 20A** SPDJB R/S
37 10A** PCM R/S
38 5A** Delayed Accessory
39 Diode Fuel pump diode
40 Diode OTIS diode
41 G8VA relay A/C clutch
42 G8VA relay Fuel pump
43 G8VA relay Backup
44 G8VA relay Auto high beam
45 — Not used
2009 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
247