DUAL AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CLIMATE CONTROL WITH
HEATED AND COOLED SEATS
Temperature conversion:To switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius,
refer toMessage centerin theDriver Controlschapter.
MAX A/C setting:In order to achieve maximum cooling performance,
press
, A/C,, and set the temperature to 60°F (16°C) and the
highest blower setting.
1.
Defrost:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster
vents and demister vents. Can be used to clear the windshield of fog and
thin ice. The system will automatically provide outside air to reduce
window fogging. To exit defrost, select another distribution mode.
2.Passenger side temperature control:Press to increase/decrease
the temperature on the passenger side of the vehicle. Allows the
passenger to choose and control a different temperature than the driver,
if desired.
3.
RRear defroster:Press to activate/deactivate the rear window
defroster. Refer to theRear window defrostersection in this chapter for
more information.
4.DUALzone selector: Press to engage/disengage separate passenger
side temperature control.
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
32
12.EXT:Press to display outside temperature. Press again to display
cabin temperature settings.Note:Exterior readings are more accurate
when the vehicle is moving.
13.A/C:Press to activate/deactivate air conditioning. Use with
recirculated air to improve cooling performance and efficiency. Engages
automatically in AUTO,
(defrost) and(floor/defrost).
14.OFF:Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate.
15.Driver side temperature control:Press to increase/decrease the
temperature on the driver side of the vehicle in dual zone or the
temperature of both the driver and passenger sides in single zone.
16.AUTO:To engage automatic temperature control, press AUTO and
select the desired temperature using the temperature control. The
system will automatically determine fan speed, airflow distribution, A/C
on or off, and outside or recirculated air, to heat or cool the vehicle to
reach the desired temperature.
Operating tips
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather,
select
(defrost) or(floor/defrost).
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle, do not drive with the
system OFF or with
(recirculated air) engaged and A/C off.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2-3 minutes after start up or until the vehicle has been “aired out.”
During extreme high ambient temperatures when idling stationary for
extended periods of time in gear, it is recommended to run the A/C in
the MAX A/C position, reduce blower fan speed from the highest setting
and put the vehicle’s transmission into the PARK gear position to
continue to receive cool air from your A/C system.
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
34
For maximum cooling performance in MAX A/C mode:
•Automatic operation:
1. Press AUTO for full automatic operation.
2. Do not override A/C or
(recirculated air).
3. Set the temperature to 60°F (16°C).
•Manual operation:
1. Select
or.
2. Select A/C and
(recirculated air). Use(recirculated air)
with A/C to provide colder airflow.
3. Set the temperature to 60°F (16°C).
4. Set highest fan setting initially, then adjust to maintain comfort.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
R
The rear defroster control is located on the climate control panel and
works to clear the rear window of fog and thin ice.
The engine must be running to operate the rear window defroster.
Press the control to turn the rear window defroster on. An indicator light
on the button will illuminate when active. The rear window defroster
turns off automatically after 15 minutes or when the engine is turned off.
To manually turn off the rear window defroster at any time, press the
control again.
If your vehicle is equipped with both rear defroster and heated mirrors,
the same button will activate both.
Do not use razor blades or other sharp objects to clean the inside
of the rear window or to remove decals from the inside of the
rear window. This may cause damage to the heated grid lines and
will not be covered by your warranty.
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
35
cause them not to function properly. Your lamp outage feature
may also be disabled or provide incorrect information.
Trailer tow connector
(equipped on vehicles with a Class II trailer tow/prep package)
The trailer tow connector is located under the rear bumper, on the
driver’s side of the vehicle.
Refer to the following chart for information regarding the
factory-equipped trailer tow connector:
Trailer tow connector
Color Function
1. Dark Green Right hand turn signal/brake/hazard
flasher
2. Yellow Left hand turn signal/brake/hazard
flasher
3. Brown Tail lamps/parking lamps
4. White Ground
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•To ensure proper “break-in” of powertrain components, do not trailer
tow during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of a new vehicle.
•To ensure proper “break-in” of powertrain components during the first
500 miles (800 km) of trailer towing, drive no faster than 70 mph
(113 km/h) with no full throttle starts.
•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.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling. For additional information, refer toAutomatic
transmission operationin theDrivingchapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guide
for more information.
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
196
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.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•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)
(automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual transmissions).
•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.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle for personal travel (such as behind a motor home or a
truck).
Note:Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle.
In case of roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to
Wrecker towingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle.
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles:
Tow your Front Wheel Drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground
or with the front wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly. If you are
using a tow dolly follow the instructions specified by the equipment
provider.
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
197
wheels and distributed to the rear wheels as needed. The AWD system is
active all the time and requires no input from the operator.
All components of the AWD system are sealed for life and require no
maintenance.
If your vehicle is equipped with AWD, a spare tire of a different size
other than the tire provided should never be used. A dissimilar spare tire
size (other than the spare tire provided) or major dissimilar tire sizes
between the front and rear axles could cause the AWD system to stop
functioning and default to front wheel drive and could damage the
system.
Note:Your AWD vehicle is not intended for severe off-road use. The
AWD feature gives your vehicle some limited off-road capabilities in
which driving surfaces are relatively level, obstruction-free and otherwise
similar to normal on-road driving conditions. Operating your vehicle
under other than those conditions could subject the vehicle to excessive
stress which might result in damage which is not covered under your
warranty.
Driving off-highway with AWD vehicles
AWD vehicles are equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and rough
roads and have operating characteristics that are somewhat different
from conventional vehicles, both on and off the highway.
When driving at slow speeds off-highway under high outside
temperatures, use L (Low) gear when possible. L (Low) gear operation
will maximize the engine and transmission cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
Basic operating principles
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
219
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
AWD Systems (if equipped)
With AWD, the vehicle uses all four wheels to power the vehicle. This
increases traction, enabling you to drive over terrain and road conditions
that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Do not drive your AWD vehicle in deep sand for an extended period of
time. This will cause the AWD system to overheat. If the rear tires stop
spinning while the front tires spin in deep sand, turn off the vehicle and
allow the AWD system to cool down for a minimum of 15 minutes. After
the system has cooled down, normal AWD function will return. When
driving at slow speeds in deep sand under high outside temperatures,
use L (Low) gear when possible. L (Low) gear operation will maximize
the engine and transmission cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars) or the bottom of the hubs
(for trucks) (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the ignition system gets
wet, the vehicle may stall.
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
221
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, refer to the
Batterysection of theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
The high-current fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp Rating Protected Circuits
1 — Not used
2 — Blower motor relay
3 — Not used
4 — Not used
5 40A** Cooling fan (vehicles with trailer
tow)
60A** Cooling fan (vehicles without trailer
tow)
6 40A** Cooling fan (trailer tow only)
7 30A** Rear heated seats
8 10A* Alternator
9 20A* Trailer tow parking lamps
10 — Not used
11 — Trailer tow parking lamp relay
12 — Not used
13 — Not used
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
232