When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
•The engine coolant should be at the FULL COLD level, or within the
COLD FILL or MIN / MAX range as listed on the engine coolant
reservoir (depending upon application).
•Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor service interval
schedules.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
engine coolantin this chapter.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant/antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir,when the
engine is cool,until the appropriate fill level is obtained. If coolant is
filled to the COLD FILL RANGE or FULL COLD level when the engine is
not cool, the system will remain underfilled.
WARNING:Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot.
Steam and scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system
can burn you badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts.
WARNING:Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer
fluid container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant
could make it difficult to see through the windshield.
Maintenance and Specifications
284
2011 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
•DO NOT MIXdifferent colors or types of coolant in your vehicle.
Make sure the correct coolant is used.DO NOT MIXrecycled coolant
and new (unused) coolant together in the vehicle. Mixing of engine
coolants may harm your engine’s cooling system. The use of an
improper coolant may harm engine and cooling system components
and may void the warranty. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
distilled water to the FULL COLD level. For all other vehicles which have
a coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to
remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with
an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.
The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
Add the proper mixture of coolant and water to the cooling system by
following these steps:
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
Maintenance and Specifications
285
2011 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture, to
within the COLD FILL RANGE or the FULL COLD level on the reservoir.
If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the radiator
until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toChecking engine coolant). If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to –34°F/–36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your authorized dealer check the engine cooling system.
Your cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low
level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine
damage.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined inAdding engine coolant
in this section.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than –34°F [–36°C]):
•It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
Maintenance and Specifications
286
2011 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
•NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
•A coolant concentration of 60% will provide freeze point
protection down to -62°F [-52°C]. Increased engine coolant
concentrations above 60% will decrease the overheat
protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may cause
engine damage.
•If available, refer to the chart on the coolant container to
ensure the coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide
adequate freeze protection at the temperatures in which you
drive in the winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
•NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
•A coolant concentration of 40% will provide freeze point
protection down to -12°F [-24°C]. Decreased engine coolant
concentrations below 40% will decrease the corrosion/freeze
protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may cause
engine damage.
•If available, refer to the chart on the coolant container to
ensure the coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide
adequate protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the H (hot) area.
•The
symbol will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
Maintenance and Specifications
287
2011 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contain contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add MotorcraftGas Stabilizer or
equivalent meeting Ford material specification ESE-M99C112-A to the
vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage periods exceed
30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label. The vehicle should
then be operated at idle speed to circulate the additive throughout the
fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure
battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset
memory features.
Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Maintenance and Specifications
305
2011 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Multi-point inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help ensure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Engine coolant change interval
❑6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) - change engine coolant (whichever comes first)❑After initial change - change engine coolant every 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Check every month
❑Check function of all interior and exterior lights❑Check tires for wear and correct air pressure, including spare tire
❑Check windshield washer fluid level
❑Check engine oil level
Check every six months
❑Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function❑Check parking brake for proper operation
❑Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
❑Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
❑Check battery connections and clean if necessary
❑Check washer spray, wiper operation and clean all wiper blades (replace as necessary)
❑Check and lubricate all hinges, latches and outside locks. Inspect for correct operation
❑Check and lubricate door rubber weatherstrips. Inspect for excessive wear
❑Check and clean body and door drain holes. Inspect for clogs and obstructions
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
322
2011 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Oil Change Service Interval* 123456789101112131415
Change engine oil and filter• ••••••••••••••
Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure
tread depth• ••••••••••••••
Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag• ••••••••••••••
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)• ••••••••••••••
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped with dipstick); consult dealer for
requirements• ••••••••••••••
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake
linings, hoses and parking brake• ••••••••••••••
Inspect engine cooling system for strength, and
hoses• ••••••••••••••
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields• ••••••••••••••
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped)• ••••••••••••••
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension,
tie-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints; lubricate
if equipped with grease fittings• ••••••••••••••
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped)• •••••••
*Oil change service intervals should be completed as indicated by the instrument cluster message center
Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
326
2011 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
cleaning ...................................267
coolant .....................................283
fail-safe cooling .......................287
idle speed control ...................281
lubrication specifications .......307
refill capacities ........................307
service points ..........................276
starting after a collision .........237
Engine block heater .................205
Engine oil ..................................278
checking and adding ..............278
dipstick ....................................278
filter, specifications ........280, 306
recommendations ...................280
refill capacities ........................307
specifications ..........................307
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................205
F
Fail safe cooling ........................287
Fleet MyKey programming ........90
Floor mats ...................................88
Fluid capacities .........................307
Fog lamps ....................................54
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................229
Fuel ............................................289
calculating fuel
economy ............................20, 294
cap ...........................................291
capacity ...................................307
choosing the right fuel ...........292
detergent in fuel .....................293
filler funnel .............................293filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................289, 291, 294
filter, specifications ........288, 306
fuel pump shut-off switch .....237
improving fuel economy ........294
octane rating ...................292, 310
quality ......................................292
running out of fuel .........252, 293
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................289
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......237
Fuses ..................................238–239
G
Garage door opener ....................83
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............291
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................294
Gauges .........................................17
H
Hazard flashers .........................237
Headlamps ...................................52
aiming ........................................55
autolamp system .......................53
bulb specifications ....................59
daytime running lights .............54
flash to pass ..............................54
high beam .................................54
replacing bulbs .........................61
turning on and off ....................52
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................44, 47
Hood ..........................................275
Index
341
2011 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)