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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.
•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.
Maintenance and Specifications
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TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
dipstick.
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 180°F-200°F (82°C-93°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Engine block heater .................205
Engine oil ..................................272
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................272
checking and adding ..............272
dipstick ....................................272
filter, specifications ........275, 299
recommendations ...................275
refill capacities ........................300
specifications ..........................300
Event data recording ....................7
Exhaust fumes ..........................205
F
Fail safe cooling ........................282
Fluid capacities .........................300
Fog lamps ....................................46
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................222
Fuel ............................................283
calculating fuel
economy ............................20, 288
cap ...........................................286
capacity ...................................300
choosing the right fuel ...........287
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................291
detergent in fuel .....................288
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................283, 286, 288
filter, specifications ........283, 299
fuel pump shut-off switch .....231
improving fuel economy ........288
octane rating ...................287, 303
quality ......................................287
running out of fuel .................288
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................283
Fuses ..................................231–232G
Garage door opener ....................70
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............286
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................288
Gauges .........................................16
H
Hazard flashers .........................230
Head restraints .........................116
Headlamps ...................................45
aiming ........................................47
autolamp system .......................45
bulb specifications ....................51
daytime running lights .............46
flash to pass ..............................46
high beam .................................46
replacing bulbs .........................52
turning on and off ....................45
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................40
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................70
Hood ..........................................268
I
Ignition ...............................202, 303
Illuminated visor mirror .............59
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................155
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................293
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................264
Index
313
2010 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing
USA(fus)