2011 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID ignition

Normal vehicle operation
Starting:Turn the ignition key to
the start position while your vehicle
is in P (Park). The green “Ready
Indicator” light will appear in the
instrument cluster, letting you know
that the vehicle is ready for driving. The engine may not start because
this Hybrid vehicle is equipped with Silent Key Start (SKS). This fuel
saving feature allows your vehicle to be “ready to drive” without
requiring the gas engine to be running. This indicator will remain on
while the vehicle is on, whether the engine is running or not to indicate
the vehicle is capable of movement (using its electric motor, engine, or
both). The vehicle’s computer will determine if an engine start is
required. Typically, the engine will not start unless the vehicle is cold, a
climate control change is requested, or the accelerator is depressed.
Note:You may notice higher engine speeds upon start-up. This
temporary condition is normal and necessary to heat up the cabin and
minimize emissions.
Driving:The gas engine automatically starts and stops to provide power
when it’s needed and to save fuel when it’s not. While coasting at low
speeds, coming to a stop, or standing, the gas engine normally shuts
down and the vehicle operates in electric-only mode. Conditions that
may cause the engine to start up or remain running include:
•Considerable vehicle acceleration
•Vehicle speed above 47 mph (75 km/h)
•Ascending a hill
•Charge level of high voltage battery is low
•Very high or low outside temperature (to provide system
cooling/heating)
•Engine not warm enough to provide passenger requested cabin
temperature
Stopping:The gas engine may shut off to conserve fuel as you come to
a stop. Restarting the vehicle is not required. Simply step on the
accelerator when you are ready to drive.
Transmission Operation:Due to the technologically advanced,
electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transaxle (eCVT) you will
not feel shift changes like those of a non-hybrid vehicle. Your hybrid’s
transmission is designed to do its work seamlessly.
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Additional Tips:
•Do not carry extra loads
•Be mindful of adding external accessories that may increase
aerodynamic drag
•Observe posted speed limits
•Perform all scheduled maintenance
•There is no need to wait for your engine to “warm up”. The vehicle is
ready to drive immediately after starting
Refer toEssentials of good fuel economyinMaintenance and
Specificationschapter for more fuel saving tips.
Frequently asked questions
Question Answer
What are the series
of clicks from the
cargo area when I
first turn the key in
the ignition?The high voltage battery is electrically isolated
from the rest of the vehicle when the key is off.
When the key is turned to on, high voltage
contactors inside the battery are closed to make
the electricity available to the motor/generator
and enable the vehicle to drive. The clicks are
the sound of these contactors as they close and
open during start up and shut down.
Why does the engine
sometimes start at
key-on?The vehicle’s computer will determine if an
engine start is required at key-on. Silent Key
Start (SKS) will start the engine if it is
necessary for cabin heating, windshield defrost,
or if the outside temperature is low.
Why does it take a
long time before the
engine shuts down?There are several reasons the engine stays on for
an extended amount of time when it is first
started. One common reason is to ensure that
the emissions components are warm enough to
minimize tailpipe emissions. As the climate gets
cooler, this “engine-ON” time is extended.
Why does my engine
never shut down
above 47 mph
(75 km/h)?The engine is required to turn on above this
speed to protect the transmission hardware.
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WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause extensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulbs work. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the
respective system light explanation later in this section for additional
information.
Note:Some warning lights are reconfigurable telltale (RTT) indicators;
they will display in the message center and function the same as the
warning light, but they will not display on startup as regular warning
lights do.
Service engine soon:The service
engine soon light illuminates when
the ignition is turned to the on
position to check the bulb.
•Illuminates with key on, vehicle off:If the light illuminates, the
service engine soon light is working properly.
•Illuminates with key on, vehicle off, then starts to blink:The
light illuminates when the ignition is turned to the on position to
check the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. If after 15 seconds the service
engine soon light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. This can occur if the
vehicle’s engine or transmission has just been serviced, or the battery
OFF
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has recently run down or been disconnected. If the vehicle does not
need I/M testing, do nothing. The vehicle is designed to check the
emission control system during normal driving. If the vehicle needs
I/M testing, refer to theReadiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
testingsection in theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
•Illuminates with engine running:The light stays on after the
engine is started. It indicates that the on board diagnostics system has
detected a problem with the engine, transmission or an
emission-related component or system. Contact your authorized dealer
as soon as possible. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not
require towing. Refer toOn-board diagnostics (OBD-II)section in
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for information on
temporary malfunctions that may not require vehicle service.
•Blinks with engine running:The light stays on after the engine is
started and sometimes blinks. It indicates that the On Board
Diagnostics System has detected an engine misfire problem with the
engine. While the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which
could damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion
(avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING:Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel
system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Brake system warning:To confirm
the brake system warning light is
functional, it will momentarily
illuminate when the ignition is
turned to the on position (when the
engine is not running), or in a position between on and start, or by
applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the on
position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Illumination
after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level or brake
system malfunction. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
P!
BRAKE
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WARNING:Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking
performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.
Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Driving extended
distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and
the risk of personal injury.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as
possible. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake warning light
also is illuminated.
Check brake system/Brake fluid
level low (RTT):Indicates the
braking system is not operating
properly or that the brake fluid level
is low. A message may also display
in the message center. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Parking brake engaged (RTT):
Displays when the parking brake is
engaged. A message may also
display in the message center.
Airbag readiness:The warning
light illuminates momentarily when
the ignition is turned to the on
position. The supplementary
restraint system includes the airbags and seat belt buckle pretensioners.
If this light fails to illuminate when the ignition is turned on, continues to
flash or remains on, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
A chime will sound if there is a malfunction in the indicator light.
ABS
!
BRAKE
P
BRAKE
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Safety belt:The warning light
illuminates momentarily when the
ignition is turned to the on position.
Illuminates to remind you to fasten
your safety belt. A Belt-Minder
chime will also sound to remind you to fasten your safety belt. Refer to
theSeating and Safety Restraintschapter to activate/deactivate the
Belt-Minderchime feature.
Stop safely hazard warning
(RTT):Indicates Hybrid component
fault/failure that will cause the
vehicle to shutdown, fail to start or
enter into a limited operating mode. A message may also display in the
message center.
Note: If the vehicle is still running, the vehicle may soon
shutdown without further warning and should be stopped safely.
If this lamp is lit, stop the vehicle, shift to P (Park), turn the key to the
off position, and attempt to restart the vehicle. If the fault remains, the
vehicle may require refueling, jump starting or service. For information
regarding the low-voltage (12–volt) battery only, please refer toJump
starting (low voltage [underhood] battery only)in theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
Ready to drive:Illuminates once
the vehicle has successfully started
and will remain lit throughout the
drive. Indicates the vehicle is ready
to drive even when you don’t hear
the gasoline engine running.
Ready to drive (RTT):Illuminates
briefly once the vehicle has
successfully started. Indicates that
the vehicle is ready to drive even
when you don’t hear the gasoline
engine running.
Charging system (RTT):
Illuminates when the low-voltage
(12-volt) battery is not charging
properly. The message center
displays CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM. If it stays on while the vehicle is
running (Ready to drive indicator is illuminated), there may be a
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AdvanceTracoff:Illuminates when
AdvanceTrachas been disabled by
the driver. Refer to theDriving
chapter for more information.
Low tire pressure warning:
Illuminates to warn you when your
tire pressure is low. If the telltale
remains on solid at start up or while
driving, the tire pressure should be
checked. The message center will also display LOW TIRE PRESSURE
when one or more tires on your vehicle have low tire pressure.
The telltale can also warn you when the system is malfunctioning. If the
telltale begins to flash, when the ignition is first turned on or while
driving, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. The message
center will also display TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT or TIRE
PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT when the system is malfunctioning.
Please note that if your spare tire is in use, the damaged road tire must
be re-installed on your vehicle to restore system functionality. For more
information on this system, refer toTire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS)in theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
Low fuel (RTT):Displays when
the fuel level in the fuel tank is at
or near empty. The fuel gage will
turn yellow and then red depending
on fuel level. A message may also display in the message center. Refer to
Fuel gaugein this chapter.
Speed control (RTT):The speed
control system indicator light
changes color to indicate what mode
the system is in:
•On (amber light):Illuminates
when the speed control system is turned on. Turns off when the speed
control system is engaged or turned off.
•Engaged (green light):Illuminates when the speed control system is
engaged. Turns off when the speed control system is disengaged.
OFF
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Throttle Control/Powertrain
malfunction (RTT):Illuminates
when a powertrain fault has been
detected. If the indicator stays on or
continues to come on, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Door ajar (RTT):Displays when
the ignition is in the on position and
any door is not completely closed. A
message may also display in the
message center.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the off, lock or accessory position and the driver’s door is
opened.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
Parking brake on warning chime:Sounds when the parking brake is
left on and the vehicle is driven. If the warning stays on after the park
brake is off, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Turn signal on warning chime:Sounds when the turn signal has been
left on for an extended period of time.
HEV Engine off reminder chime:Sounds for 10 seconds when the
PRNDL is in the P (Park) position and the Driver’s door is ajar (open)
while ignition is on. Always turn your ignition key to off and remove key
before leaving your vehicle. (The engine may be off when the vehicle is
stopped, yet the key is on, and the engine can turn on at any time)
Message center activation chime:Sounds when some messages
appear in the message center display for the first time.
Memory seat feedback chime:Sounds during memory seat
programming to confirm that a memory position has been set.
Perimeter alarm warning chime:Sounds when using a key to unlock
the driver’s doors and the perimeter alarm is armed.
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