2009 LINCOLN MKZ driving

ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more
accurate measurement after 2,000 miles–3,000 miles (3,000 km–5,000
km).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiessection of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low — medium — high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than two automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
•Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
2009 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
269

Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in miles or kilometers).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in
gallons or liters).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
Calculation 1:Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Calculation 2:Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total
kilometers traveled.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle’s fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
•Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
2009 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
270

•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between the top gears occurs. Unnecessary
shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle may reduce fuel economy at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example; bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
2009 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
271

WARNING:Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal also lists engine displacement.
Please consult yourWarranty Guide/Customer Information Guidefor
complete emission warranty information.
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). The OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists your
authorized dealer in properly servicing your vehicle. When theService
engine soon
indicator illuminates, the OBD-II system has detected
a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause theService engine
soon
indicator to illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel—the engine may misfire or run poorly.
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel—the engine may misfire or run
poorly.
3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened. SeeFuel filler
capin this chapter.
4. Driving through deep water—the electrical system may be wet.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel, properly tightening the fuel cap or letting the
electrical system dry out. After three driving cycles without these or any
other temporary malfunctions present, theService engine soon
indicator should stay off the next time the engine is started. A driving
cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway
driving. No additional vehicle service is required.
2009 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
273

If theService engine soonindicator remains on, have your vehicle
serviced at the first available opportunity. Although some malfunctions
detected by the OBD-II may not have symptoms that are apparent,
continued driving with theService engine soon
indicator on can
result in increased emissions, lower fuel economy, reduced engine and
transmission smoothness, and lead to more costly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
Some state/provincial and local governments may have
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent
you from getting a vehicle registration. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M
test if theService engine soon
indicator is on or not working
properly (bulb is burned out), or if the OBD-II system has determined
that some of the emission control systems have not been properly
checked. In this case, the vehicle is considered not ready for I/M testing.
If theService engine soon
indicator is on or the bulb does not
work, the vehicle may need to be serviced. Refer to the On board
diagnostics (OBD-II) description in this chapter.
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission has just been serviced, or the
battery has recently run down or been replaced, the OBD-II system may
indicate that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To determine if the
vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn the ignition key to the on position
for 15 seconds without cranking the engine. If theService engine
soon
indicator blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing; if theService engine soon
indicator stays on
solid, it means that the vehicle is ready for I/M testing.
The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system
during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:
15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by
20 minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle
periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
2009 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
274

Checking automatic transmission fluid at cool temperature
(59°F-77°F [15°C-25°C])
If a fluid check is necessary at a low
fluid temperature (59°F-77°F
[15°C-25°C]), perform the check
using the cold range on the dipstick.
However, the fluid must be
re-checked at the proper fluid temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level does not show at all on the
dipstick.
Driving the vehicle with less than
the recommended fluid level may result in transmission failure. An under
fill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement
concerns and/or possible damage to the transmission.
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the normal
operating range may result in
transmission failure. An overfill
condition of transmission fluid may
cause shift and/or engagement
concerns and/or possible damage to
the transmission.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiessection in this
chapter.
Note:Only one ATF fluid specification has been tested and approved for
use with the automatic 6-speed: Premium Automatic Transmission fluid.
Mercon fluids cannot be used with the automatic 6-speed without
damage or voiding warranty.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 mL) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
2009 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
277

A
Accessory delay ..........................58
AdvanceTrac ..............................192
Air cleaner filter ...............278–279
Air conditioning ....................31, 33
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................126, 135, 138
and child safety seats ............128
description ..............126, 135, 138
disposal ....................................141
driver airbag ............128, 136, 139
indicator light .........134, 137, 140
operation .................128, 136, 139
passenger airbag .....128, 136, 139
side airbag ...............................135
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................203
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................258
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................190–191
Anti-theft system ................96, 100
arming the system ..................100
disarming a triggered
system .....................................101
Audio system (see Radio) .........16
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................199
fluid, adding ............................276
fluid, checking ........................276
fluid, refill capacities ..............280
fluid, specification ..................280
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....23
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........280
B
Battery .......................................256acid, treating emergencies .....256
jumping a disabled battery ....225
maintenance-free ....................256
replacement, specifications ...279
servicing ..................................256
Belt-Minder.............................121
Booster seats .............................154
Brakes ........................................190
anti-lock ...........................190–191
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................191
fluid, checking and adding ....275
fluid, refill capacities ..............280
fluid, specifications .................280
lubricant specifications ..........280
parking ....................................191
shift interlock ..........................198
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................42
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....280
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................218
Child safety seats ......................145
attaching with tether straps ..151
in front seat ............................146
in rear seat ..............................146
LATCH .....................................149
recommendations ...................143
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................154
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............243
instrument panel ....................245
interior .....................................245
plastic parts ............................244
washing ....................................241
2009 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide
USA(fus)
Index
287

waxing .....................................242
wheels ......................................242
wiper blades ............................244
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......31, 33
Clock ............................................55
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................73
Console
overhead ....................................54
Controls
power seat ...............................105
steering column ........................63
Coolant
checking and adding ..............258
refill capacities ................261, 280
specifications ..........................280
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................60
Cupholder(s) .............................112
Customer Assistance ................210
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................237
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................238
Getting roadside assistance ...210
Getting the service you
need .........................................233
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................239
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................237
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................38Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................276
engine oil .................................252
Driving under special
conditions ..................201, 204, 207
sand .........................................205
snow and ice ...........................208
through water .................206, 209
E
Electronic message center .........70
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................225
Emission control system ..........272
Engine ........................................282
cleaning ...................................243
coolant .....................................258
fail-safe cooling .......................262
idle speed control ...................256
lubrication specifications .......280
refill capacities ........................280
service points ..................250–251
starting after a collision .........212
Engine block heater .................188
Engine oil ..................................252
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................252
checking and adding ..............252
dipstick ....................................252
filter, specifications ........255, 279
recommendations ...................255
refill capacities ........................280
specifications ..........................280
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................188
F
Fail safe cooling ........................262
2009 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide
USA(fus)
Index
288