Full analog tachometer + Fuel
gauge
Full analog tachometer + Fuel
gauge + Engine coolant
temperature gauge
Intelligent all-wheel drive
(AWD) (if equipped) + fuel
gauge
Shown with vertical bar tachometer
enabled
Select-Shift Automatic™ transmission (SST)
Select-Shift tnsmission allows you to manually shift gears. If your vehicle
is equipped with this feature it will be denoted by an M instead of an L
located in the shift selector indicator. Refer toAutomatic transmission
operationin theDrivingchapter.
When SST is activated the M will light up in the shift select indicator and
also in the message center.
i01234.5mi
F
E
01234.5mi
FH
C E
F6
4
RPM
1000+2
0
01234.5mi
E
Instrument Cluster
20
2011 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Changing the set speed
There are three ways to change the set speed:
•Accelerate or brake to the desired speed and press SET upward and
release.
•Increase or decrease the speed by holding SET upward or downward
until the desired set speed is shown on the message center. The
vehicle speed will gradually change to the selected speed.
•Increase or decrease the speed in increments of 1 mph (2 km/h) by
briefly pressing the SET upward or downward.
The ACC may apply the brakes to slow the vehicle down to the new set
speed. The set speed will display continuously in the message center
while ACC is active.
Resuming the set speed
Press and release RES/CNCL. This will automatically return the vehicle
to the previously set speed. The set speed will display continuously in
the message center while ACC is active.
Note:Resume should only be used if the driver is aware of the set speed
and intends to return to it.
Low speed automatic cancellation
ACC is not functional at vehicle speeds below 16 mph (26 km/h). Once
the vehicle speed drops below 16 mph (26 km/h), an audible alarm will
sound and the automatic braking will be released.
Hilly condition usage
It is recommended that the driver select a lower gear position when ACC
is active in situations such as prolonged downhill driving on steep grades
(i.e., driving in mountainous areas). In these situations, additional engine
braking is needed to reduce the load on the vehicle’s regular brake
system to prevent them from overheating. For more information,
referenceAutomatic transmission operationin theDrivingchapter.
Note:If ACC is applying brakes for an extended period of time, an
audible alarm will sound and ACC will shut down. This is to allow the
brakes to cool down. When the brakes have cooled down, the ACC will
again function normally.
Turning off cruise control
Press OFF to turn off the cruise control.
Note:When you turn off the cruise control or the ignition, your cruise
control set speed memory is erased.
Driver Controls
73
2011 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Memory profiles
The memory feature also coordinates with user-created profile settings
utilizing the infotainment touchscreen system. See theCreating a user
profilesection in theMyLincoln Touch™supplement for more
information.
Easy entry/exit feature
This feature automatically moves the steering wheel all the way up and
in and moves the driver’s seat rearward 2 in. (5 cm) when:
•the transmission is in N (Neutral) or P (Park)
•the ignition is turned off
The seat and steering wheel will move to the original position when:
•the transmission is in N (Neutral) or P (Park)
•the ignition is put in accessory mode
The easy entry feature can be turned off or on through the vehicle
message center. Refer toMessage centerin theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
REAR SEATS
Rear seat head restraints
Your vehicle is equipped with rear seat outboard head restraints that
look differently than the front head restraints, but function similarly.
WARNING:To minimize the risk of neck injury in the event of a
crash, the driver and passenger occupants should not sit in
and/or operate the vehicle, until the head restraint is placed in its
proper position. The driver should never adjust the head restraint
while the vehicle is in motion.
For details about how to raise, lower and remove the rear head
restraints, refer toAdjustable head restraintsat the beginning of this
chapter.
The center rear head restraint is fixed and non-adjustable.
Folding down the 60/40 rear seats
Note: The head restraints should be placed in the full down position
before folding the seatback down.
Note: Ensure that no objects such as books, purses, or briefcases are on
the floor in front of, on or under the second row seat cushion before
actuating the release lever to cycle the seats to the load-floor position.
Seating and Safety Restraints
124
2011 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 km) of trailer towing and don’t make full-throttle starts.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Use a lower gear to eliminate excessive shifting and assist in
transmission cooling. For additional information, refer toAutomatic
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.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•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.
•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.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
208
2011 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Automatic transmission adaptive learning
Your transmission is equipped with an adaptive learning strategy found in
the vehicle computer. This feature is designed to increase durability and
provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. A new vehicle or
transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation. Additionally, whenever the battery is
disconnected or a new battery installed, the strategy must be relearned.
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed automatic
transmission
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Press the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
Driving
226
2011 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.
M (Manual)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Will downshift to the lowest available gear for the current vehicle
speed; allows for first gear when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Understanding your SelectShift Automatic™ Transmission (SST)
This vehicle is equipped with a SelectShift Automatic™ transmission
(SST) gearshift lever. SST is an automatic transmission with the ability
for the driver to change gears up or down as desired. By moving the
gearshift lever from D (Drive) to M (Manual), you now have control of
selecting the gear you desire using the toggle switch on the gearshift
lever.
Gearshift lever toggle switch
•To manually downshift the
transmission with the gearshift
lever in M (Manual), press – on
the gearshift lever.
•To manually upshift the
transmission with the gearshift
lever in M (Manual), press + on
the gearshift lever.
PRNDM
Driving
227
2011 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Using hill start assist
Hill start assist is activated automatically when the vehicle is stopped on
a slope greater than five degrees. Hill start assist operates with the
vehicle facing downhill if reverse gear is selected.
WARNING:You must remain in the vehicle once you have
activated hill start assist.
Activating hill start assist
1. Press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete standstill.
Keep the brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that the vehicle is on a slope, hill start assist will
be activated automatically.
3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, the vehicle will
remain on the slope without rolling away for approximately up to three
seconds. This hold time will automatically be extended if you are in the
process of driving off.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. The brakes will be released
automatically.
WARNING:If the engine is revved excessively, or if a
malfunction is detected when hill start assist is active, hill start
assist will be deactivated.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
It may be beneficial to turn the AdvanceTracwith RSC system off so
the wheels are allowed to spin.
Driving
229
2011 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
WARNING:Objects in the blind spot mirror are closer than they
appear.
BLIND SPOT INFORMATION SYSTEM (BLIS) WITH CROSS
TRAFFIC ALERT (CTA) (IF EQUIPPED)
The BLISis a convenience feature
that aids the driver in assessing
whether a vehicle is within an area
on either side of the vehicle
extending rearward from the outside
mirrors to approximately 10 feet
(3 meters) beyond the bumper. This
area is referred to as the blind zone.
The BLISwill alert the driver to
the presence of motorized vehicles
in these areas while driving on roads
and freeways.
The system is not designed to
prevent contact with other vehicles
or objects. The system is designed
to provide a warning to assist the
driver in detecting vehicles in the blind zones. The system will not detect
infrastructure, pedestrians, or cyclists.
WARNING:To help avoid injuries, NEVER use the BLISas a
replacement for using the side and rear view mirrors and looking
over your shoulder before changing lanes. BLISis not a replacement
for careful driving and only an assist.
The BLISand CTA has a yellow
indicator (also referred to as the
alert) located in the left and right
exterior mirrors. When the vehicle is
started, the BLISautomatically
illuminates both indicators for
several seconds indicating the
system is operating. The first time
you place the transmission in D (Drive) after starting the engine and
drive forward at a speed greater than 3 mph (5 km/h) the BLISsystem
Driving
240
2011 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)