
Liftgate ajar signal
If the liftgate is not fully latched, you will receive a “LIFTGATE AJAR”
message on the instrument panel. If you see this message, check the
liftgate door to ensure it is fully latched.
Note:In the event of a power failure, the latch can be accessed and
released from the inside using the access panel on the liftgate trim.
POWER LIFTGATE (PLG)
You can power open or close the liftgate with the following controls.
•instrument panel control button
•integrated keyhead transmitter button
•outside liftgate control button
•control button in the rear cargo area
Opening and Closing the power liftgate:
WARNING:Make sure all persons are clear of the power liftgate
area before using the power liftgate control.
WARNING:Keep keys out of reach of children. Do not allow
children to play near an open or moving power liftgate.
The liftgate will only operate with the vehicle in P (Park).
When the liftgate is being power closed, a chime will sound three times
as the liftgate begins to power close. A single chime indicates a problem
with the close request, caused by:
•the ignition is on and the transmission is not in P (Park)
•or the battery voltage is below the minimum operating voltage
•or the vehicle speed is at or above 3 mph (5 km/h)
If the liftgate reverses and starts to close after an open request, a fast
continuous chime indicates excessive load on the gate or a possible strut
failure. If any excessive load is removed and you still have a faster
chime, have the system serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.
Do not attempt to manually force the liftgate to travel faster than the
power system will permit. This will activate the obstacle detection
feature.
Note:Cycling the ignition prior to completely latching the liftgate could
result in damage to the liftgate and/or its power components. Make sure
the liftgate is fully latched before operating the vehicle.
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
78

Care should be exercised in starting the engine before the liftgate is fully
closed (latched). If the ignition is cycled during a Liftgate Power Close
cycle and the liftgate is 6-10 inches (15–24 cm) from being latched, the
liftgate may reverse to the full open position. Verify that the gate is
closed before operating or moving the vehicle, especially in an enclosure,
like a garage or a parking structure. The liftgate or it components could
be damaged in an enclosure, if the liftgate is open.
When power operating the liftgate at temperatures below 32°F (0°C), the
liftgate may stop about 5 inches (12.7 cm) from the full open position.
The liftgate can be fully opened by pushing it upward to the maximum
open position.
The power liftgate feature can be
enabled or disabled using the
message center controls. With the
setting turned off, power operation
is disabled from the liftgate handle
button and from the rear cargo area button. The integrated keyhead
transmitter and instrument panel switch will still continue to operate the
liftgate regardless of the position state of the message center. Refer to
theMessage Center.
To power open or close the
liftgate from the Instrument
panel:
Press the button, located to the left
of the steering column, once to
power open or close the liftgate.
To power open or close the
liftgate with the integrated
keyhead transmitter:
Press
twice within three
seconds to power open or close the
liftgate. Refer toRemote entry
systemin theLocks and Security
chapter.
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
79

To power open the liftgate with
outside liftgate control button:
1. To open, unlock the liftgate with
the integrated keyhead transmitter
or power door unlock control.
2. To open the liftgate, push the
control button located in the top of
the liftgate pull cup handle.
Note:For the best performance
allow the power system to open the
liftgate after pushing the control. Manually pushing or pulling the liftgate
may activate the system’s obstacle detection feature and stop the power
operation.
To power close the liftgate with
the rear cargo area control
button:
Press and release the control on the
left rear quarter panel to close the
liftgate.
Note:The rear cargo area control
button is disabled when the liftgate
is latched.
WARNING:Keep clear of the liftgate when activating the rear
switch.
Note:The liftgate movement direction can be reversed with a second
press of the instrument panel, or the rear cargo area control button, or a
second double press of the integrated keyhead transmitter button.
To manually operate the liftgate:
1. Disable the liftgate power function. Refer to theMessage centerin
this chapter.
2. Open and close the liftgate as you would a standard liftgate. Refer to
Manual liftgatein this chapter.
Note:In case of operation in extreme cold -40°F (-40°C), or on extreme
inclines, manual operation of the liftgate is suggested.
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
80

Obstacle detection:
The power liftgate system is equipped with an obstacle detection feature.
If the power liftgate is closing, the system will reverse to full open when
it detects an obstacle. A chime will sound three times when an obstacle
is detected as the liftgate begins to reopen. Once the obstacle is
removed, the liftgate can be closed under power.
If the power liftgate is opening, the system will stop and a chime will
sound three times when an obstacle is detected. Once the obstacle is
removed, the liftgate can again be operated normally.
Resetting the power liftgate:
The power liftgate may not operate properly and may need to be reset if
any of these conditions occur:
•a low voltage or dead battery
•disconnected battery
•the liftgate is manually closed and left ajar (unlatched)
To reset the power liftgate:
1. Disconnect the battery for 20 seconds then, reconnect the battery.
2. Manually close and fully latch the liftgate.
3. Power open the liftgate by using the integrated keyhead transmitter,
or the instrument panel control button.
Note:If the power liftgate system is turned off in the message center,
the system cannot be activated with the outside release handle or rear
cargo area control button. The system will need to be turned on to
resume operation with the outside release handle or rear cargo area
control button. The power liftgate is still operational through the use of
the remote entry transmitter and instrument panel button when the
power liftgate is turned off in the message center.
MANUAL LIFTGATE OPERATION
The liftgate cargo area is only intended for cargo, not for passengers.
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
81

To open the liftgate, push the
button located in the top of the
liftgate pull cup handle to unlatch
the liftgate, then pull on the handle.
•Exercise care when opening or
closing the liftgate in a garage or
other enclosed area. The liftgate
could be damaged against a
garage door, low ceiling or wall.
•Do not hang anything (bike rack,
etc.) from the spoiler/glass or liftgate. Doing so could cause serious
damage to the liftgate and its components.
•Do not leave the liftgate open while driving. Doing so could cause
serious damage to the liftgate and its components as well as allowing
carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle.
WARNING:Make sure that the liftgate is closed to prevent
exhaust fumes from being drawn into the vehicle. This will also
prevent passengers and cargo from falling out. If you must drive with
the liftgate door open, keep the vehicle well ventilated so outside air
comes into the vehicle.
Liftgate ajar signal
If the liftgate is not fully latched, you will receive a “LIFTGATE AJAR”
message on the instrument panel. If you see this message, check the
liftgate door to ensure it is fully latched.
Note:In the event of a power failure, the latch can be accessed and
released from the inside using the access panel on the liftgate trim.
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
82

Deactivating/activating autolock feature
Your vehicle comes with the autolock features activated; there are four
methods to enable/disable this feature:
•Through your authorized dealer,
•by using a power door unlock/lock procedure,
•using a keypad procedure (if equipped), or
•or by using the instrument cluster message center (if equipped). Refer
toMessage centerin theDriver Controlschapter.
Note:The autolock feature can be activated/deactivated independently
of the autounlock feature.
Power door lock switch autolock enable/disable procedure
Before starting, ensure the ignition is in the off position and all vehicle
doors are closed. You must complete Steps 1–5 within 30 seconds or the
procedure will have to be repeated. If the procedure needs to be
repeated, wait a minimum of 30 seconds before beginning again.
1. Place the key in the ignition and
turn the ignition to the on position.
2. Press the power door unlock
control on the door panel three
times.
3. Turn the ignition from the on
position to the off position.
4. Press the power door unlock
control on the door panel three
times.
5. Turn the ignition back to the on position. The horn will chirp one time
to confirm programming mode has been entered and is active.
6. To enable/disable the autolock feature, press the unlock control, then
press the lock control. The horn will chirp once if autolock was
deactivated or twice (one short and one long chirp) if autolock was
activated.
7. Turn the ignition to the off position. The horn will chirp once to
confirm the procedure is complete.
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Locks and Security
88

Anti-theft indicator
The anti-theft indicator is located in the instrument panel cluster.
•When the ignition is in the off
position, the indicator will flash
once every two seconds to
indicate the SecuriLock™ system
is functioning as a theft
deterrent.
•When the ignition is in the on position, the indicator will glow for
three seconds to indicate normal system functionality.
If a problem occurs with the SecuriLock™ system, the indicator will flash
rapidly or glow steadily when the ignition is in the on position. If this
occurs, turn the ignition off then back to on to make sure there was no
electronic interference with the programmed key. If the vehicle doesn’t
start, try to start it with the 2nd programmed key and if successful
contact your authorized dealership for key replacement. If the indicator
still flashes rapidly or glows steadily, the vehicle will not start contact
your authorized dealer as soon as possible for service.
Automatic arming
The vehicle is armed immediately after switching the ignition to the off
position.
The theft indicator will flash every
two seconds to act as a theft
deterrent when the vehicle is
armed.
Automatic disarming
The vehicle is disarmed immediately after the ignition is turned to the on
position.
The theft indicator will illuminate for three seconds and then go out. If
the theft indicator stays on for an extended period of time or flashes
rapidly, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Replacement Integrated Keyless Transmitters (IKT) and coded keys
Note:Your vehicle comes equipped with two Integrated Keyhead
Transmitters (IKTs). The IKT functions as both a programmed ignition
key that operates all the locks and starts the vehicle, as well as a remote
keyless entry transmitter. A maximum of eight coded keys can be
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Locks and Security
102

The front passenger sensing system will disable (will not inflate) the
front passenger’s frontal airbag if:
•the front passenger seat is unoccupied, or has small/medium objects in
the front seat.
•the system determines that an infant is present in a rear-facing infant
seat that is installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
•the system determines that a small child is present in a forward-facing
child restraint that is installed according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
•the system determines that a small child is present in a booster seat.
•a front passenger takes his/her weight off of the seat for a period of
time.
The front passenger sensing system will turn off the passenger
seatmounted side airbag if:
•the seat is empty and safety belt is unbuckled.
The front passenger sensing system
uses apassenger airbag offor
pass airbag offindicator which will
illuminate and stay lit to remind you
that the front passenger frontal
airbag is disabled. The indicator
lamp is located in the center stack of the instrument panel above the
climate controls.
Note:The indicator lamp will illuminate for a short period of time when
the ignition is turned to the on position to confirm it is functional.
When the front passenger seat is not occupied (empty seat) or in the
event that the front passenger frontal airbag is enabled (may inflate), the
indicator lamp will be unlit.
The front passenger sensing system is designed to disable (will not
inflate) the front passenger’s frontal airbag when a rear facing infant
seat, a forward-facing child restraint, or a booster seat is detected.
•When the front passenger sensing system disables (will not inflate)
the front passenger frontal airbag, the indicator lamp will illuminate
and stay lit to remind you that the front passenger frontal airbag is
disabled.
•If the child restraint has been installed and the indicator lamp is not
lit, then turn the vehicle off, remove the child restraint from the
vehicle and reinstall the restraint following the child restraint
manufacturer’s instructions.
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
138