2011 LINCOLN MKT tow

Powertrain Maximum GCWR - lb
(kg)Maximum Trailer
Weight - lb (kg)
3.7L FWD Class I 6900 (3131) 2000 (907)
3.7L AWD Class I 7070 (3208) 2000 (907)
EcoBoost™ Class I 7200 (3267) 2000 (907)
3.7L FWD Class III 9450 (4288) 4500 (2042)*
3.7L AWD Class III 9620 (4365) 4500 (2042)**
EcoBoost™ Class III 9750 (4424) 4500 (2042)**
*For towing trailers up to 3500 lb (1588 kg), use a weight-carrying
hitch and ball which uniformly spreads the trailer tongue loads through
the vehicle’s underbody structure. For towing trailers over 3500 lb
(1588 kg), up to 4500 lb (2042 kg), it is recommended to use a
weight-distributing hitch to increase front axle load while towing.
**For towing trailers up to 4500 lb (2042 kg), use a weight-carrying
hitch and ball which uniformly spreads the trailer tongue loads through
the vehicle’s underbody structure.
WARNING:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.
WARNING:Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. Contact your authorized dealer or a
reliable trailer dealer as soon as possible if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper; use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
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WARNING:Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision
greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer brake controller connector (if equipped)
The trailer brake controller
connector is located under the
instrument panel above the brake
pedal.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Do not
connect trailer lamps directly to your vehicle’s tail lamps. This can cause
damage to your vehicle’s electrical system. Contact your authorized
dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking-up trailer lamps.
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Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•It is recommended to select the “M” gear position when additional
engine braking is needed. In situations such as prolonged downhill
driving on steep grades (i.e., driving in mountainous areas), additional
engine braking is needed to reduce the load on the vehicle’s regular
brake system to prevent them from overheating. For more information
on transmission operation and gear positions, seeAutomatic
transmission operationin theDrivingchapter.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate
stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer toSpecial operating conditionsin the
Scheduled Maintenance Guidechapter.
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.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift into the lowest gear
position. Do not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat
and become less effective.
•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).
•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.
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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. Refer to theClimate
Controlschapter for more information.
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 FWD 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.
All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles:
Tow your AWD vehicle with all four wheels on the ground or with all four
wheels off the ground using a vehicle transport trailer.Do not tow your
AWD vehicle with the front wheels off the ground (by using a tow
dolly) and the rear wheels on the ground; this will cause damage
to your AWD system.If you are using a vehicle transport trailer, follow
the instruction specified by the equipment provider.
Note:If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, follow
these instructions:
•Tow only in the forward direction.
•Release the parking brake.
•Place the transmission shift lever in N (Neutral).
•Place the ignition in the accessory position (refer toStartingin the
Drivingchapter).
•Do not exceed 65 mph (105 km/h)
•Start the engine and allow it to run for five minutes at the beginning
of each day and at each fuel stop.
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There may be areas inside your vehicle where the IA key is not detected.
If the message NO KEY DETECTED appears on your message center
when you press the START/STOP button, it may be necessary to move
your IA key to another area within the vehicle. The IA key may not be
detected near the roof (between the driver or passenger sun visor and
the roof, or in the overhead console area), or in the third row seat cup
holder and armrest area, or in the extreme corners of the rear package
tray, near your audio speakers. It is not recommended that you stow the
IA key in these locations. If you move the IA key to a location where it
has been detected before and you still see the NO KEY DETECTED
message, your IA key’s battery may be low or you may be in an area with
excessive radio frequency interference. If this occurs, you can use the
back-up method to start your vehicle (see below).
Back-up method of starting:Your
IA key uses a radio frequency signal
to communicate with your vehicle
and authorize your vehicle to start
when you press the START/STOP
button and apply the brake pedal. If
excessive radio frequency
interference is present in the area,
or if the battery in your IA key is
low, it may be necessary to start
your car by inserting the IA key in
the back-up slot, located in the rear of the center console utility
compartment. Insert the IA key into the slot with buttons facing out and
with key ring up. After inserting the IA key into the back-up slot, use the
START/STOP button and brake pedal to start your vehicle as usual. The
vehicle should respond normally as long as the IA key is in the back-up
slot in the center console utility compartment. Once the vehicle is
started, the IA key can be removed from the back-up slot, if desired.
Fast restart feature:The Fast Restart feature allows you to re-start
your vehicle within 20 seconds of switching the vehicle off, if a valid IA
key is not present when the vehicle is switched off. When you switch
your vehicle off without an IA key in the passenger compartment, the
message RESTART NOW OR KEY IS NEEDED will be displayed in the
message center. You can re-start the vehicle (by applying the brake pedal
and pressing the START/STOP button) for up to 20 seconds, even
though the IA key is not present. After 20 seconds have expired, you can
no longer start your vehicle without the IA key present inside the
vehicle.
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become very hot and may result in an electrical shock or fire. Be sure
to check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system
has been operating for approximately a half hour.
•Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall
tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order.
How to use the engine block heater
Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.
Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater will use .4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. Your
factory installed block heater system does not have a thermostat;
however, maximum temperature is attained after approximately three
hours of operation. Block heater operation longer than three hours will
not improve system performance and will unnecessarily use additional
electricity.
Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Refer toWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the
brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern.
P!
BRAKE
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momentarily reducing engine power. Brake traction control works to limit
wheel spin by momentarily applying the brakes to the wheel that is
slipping. Traction control is most active at low speeds.
During TCS events, the stability control light in the instrument cluster
will flash.
If the TCS is activated excessively in a short period of time, the braking
portion of the system may become temporarily disabled to allow the
brakes to cool down. In this situation, TCS will use only engine power
reduction or transfer to help control the wheels from over-spinning.
When the brakes have cooled down, the system will regain all features.
Anti-lock braking, RSC, and ESC will continue to function during the
cool-down period.
The engine traction control and brake traction control system may be
deactivated in certain situations. See theSwitching off traction control
section following.
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Electronic stability control (ESC) may enhance your vehicle’s directional
stability during adverse maneuvers, for example when cornering severely
or avoiding objects in the roadway. ESC operates by applying brakes to
one or more of the wheels individually and, if necessary, reducing engine
power if the system detects that the vehicle is about to skid or slide
laterally.
During ESC events, the stability control light in the instrument cluster
will flash.
Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the ESC system, which
include but are not limited to:
•Taking a turn too fast
•Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
•Driving over a patch of ice or other slippery surfaces
•Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
•Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice
versa
•Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
•Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer toTrailer
towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter).
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AdvanceTracFeatures
Control
switch
functionsModeStability
control
off
light
Message
center dis-
playESC/
RSCTCS
Default at
start-upSystem
InitializationTurns on
during
bulb
checkNothing
displayedEnabled Enabled
Control
switch
pressed
once mo-
mentarilyTraction con-
trol OFFOnTRACTION
CONTROL
OFFEnabled Disabled
Control
switch
pressed
again after
deactiva-
tionAdvance-
Tracfully
enabledOffADVANCE-
TRAC ONEnabled Enabled
Trailer sway control (if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with trailer sway control. When properly
equipped, trailer sway control will use the vehicle’s AdvanceTracwith
RSCsystem to detect and mitigate trailer sway by applying brake force
at individual wheels and, if necessary, by reducing engine power.
Note:Trailer sway control does not prevent a trailer from swaying, it
mitigates the sway from increasing once it has occurred. TSC cannot
stop all trailers from swaying. If you are experiencing trailer sway it is
likely that the trailer is improperly loaded for the correct tongue weight
or the speed of the vehicle and trailer is too high. Pull the vehicle-trailer
over to a safe location to check the trailer weight distribution and tongue
load and reduce speed to a safe level while towing. If trailer sway is
experienced, SLOW DOWN. Always use caution when towing a trailer
and follow the tongue weight recommendations. Refer toTrailer towing
in theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information on
towing a trailer with your vehicle.
During trailer sway control events, the stability control light in the
instrument cluster will flash momentarily. The cluster message center
will also displayTRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED. In some cases
Driving
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