2011 LINCOLN MKZ Owners Manual

WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
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 as soon as possible.
ADVANCETRACSTABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with the AdvanceTracsystem. The
AdvanceTracsystem provides the following stability enhancement
features for certain driving situations:
•Traction control system (TCS), which functions to help avoid
drive-wheel spin and loss of traction.
•Electronic stability control (ESC), which functions to help avoid skids
or lateral slides
WARNING:Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction and/or wheel/tire size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance
of the AdvanceTracsystem. In addition, installing any stereo
loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the AdvanceTrac
system. Install any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as far as possible
from the front center console, the tunnel, and the front seats in order
to minimize the risk of interfering with the AdvanceTracsensors.
Reducing the effectiveness of the AdvanceTracsystem could lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
WARNING:Remember that even advanced technology cannot
defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a
vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your
vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the AdvanceTracsystem is an indication that at least
some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this
could reduce the operator’s ability to control the vehicle potentially
resulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death. If your AdvanceTracsystem activates, SLOW DOWN.
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WARNING:If a failure has been detected within the
AdvanceTracsystem, the stability control light will illuminate
steadily, and you may hear a chime. If equipped with a message center,
the vehicle will also indicate a failure with the brake system. Have the
system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.
The AdvanceTracsystem automatically enables each time the engine is
started. All features of the AdvanceTracsystem (TCS and ESC) are
active and monitor the vehicle from start-up. However, the system will
only intervene if the driving situation requires it.
The AdvanceTracsystem includes
one of these stability control
switches located on the instrument
panel.
The stability control light and the
stability control off light located in
the instrument cluster will
illuminate temporarily during
start-up as part of a normal system self-check. The stability control light
may illuminate (flash) during certain driving situations which cause the
AdvanceTracsystem to operate. If the stability control light illuminates
steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately. If
equipped with a message center, the vehicle will also indicate a failure
with the AdvanceTracsystem.
When AdvanceTracperforms a normal system self-check, some drivers
may notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a rumble, grunting, or
grinding noise after startup and when driving off.
When an event occurs that activates AdvanceTracyou may experience
the following:
•A slight deceleration of the vehicle
•The stability control light will flash.
•If your foot is on the brake pedal, a vibration in the pedal
•If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal may move as the systems applies higher brake forces. You
may also hear a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during
this severe condition.
•The brake pedal may feel stiffer than usual.
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Traction control system (TCS)
Traction control is a driver aid feature that helps your vehicle maintain
traction of the wheels, typically when driving on slippery and/or hilly
road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel spin.
Excessive wheel spin is controlled in two ways, which may work
separately or in tandem; engine traction control and brake traction
control. Engine traction control works to limit drive-wheel spin by
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 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 and electronic stability control (ESC) will continue to
function during the cool-down period.
The engine traction control and brake traction control systems may be
deactivated in certain situations. See theSwitching off AdvanceTrac
section below.
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 ESC, 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
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•Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
Switching off AdvanceTrac
If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine
power, switching off certain features of the AdvanceTracsystem may be
beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This will restore full
engine power and will enhance momentum through the obstacle.
To turn off the traction control
system, press the stability control
off switch. The off switch could look
like either of the two graphics
shown. Full features of the
AdvanceTracsystem can be
restored by pressing the switch
again or by turning off and
restarting the engine.
When the traction control system is
off, the stability control off light will
illuminate steadily. Pressing the
stability control switch again will
turn off the stability control off
light.
In R (Reverse), ABS and the engine and brake traction control features
will continue to function; however, ESC is disabled.
AdvanceTracFeatures
Control
switch func-
tionsStability
control
light
Stability
control off
light
ESCTraction
control
Default at
start-upIlluminated
during bulb
checkIlluminated
during bulb
checkEnabled Enabled
Control switch
pressed mo-
mentarilyNot illumi-
natedIlluminated
solidEnabled Disabled
Control switch
pressed again
after deactiva-
tionNot illumi-
natedNot illumi-
natedEnabled Enabled
OFF
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STEERING
To help prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation. If excessive, check for low
power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the on position unless the brake pedal is pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the on position and the brake pedal pressed, it is possible that a fuse has
blown or the vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating properly. Refer to
Fuses and relaysin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
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If the fuse is not blown and the brake lamps are working properly, the
following procedure will allow you to move the gearshift lever from P
(Park):
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to off, then remove the key.
2. Using a screwdriver (or similar
tool), remove the protective cover
on the passenger side of the console
to access the brake shift interlock
lever.
3. Locate the brake shift interlock
lever through the access hole on the
shifter assembly.
4. Insert the screwdriver (or similar
tool) into the access hole, press and
hold brake shift interlock lever while pulling the gearshift lever out of the
P (Park) position and into the N (Neutral) position.
5. Remove the tool and reinstall the protective cover.
6. Apply brake pedal, start the vehicle, and release the parking brake.
See your authorized dealer as soon as possible if this procedure
is used.
WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brake lamps are working.
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.
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.
R
N
D
L
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
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). Switch the ignition off 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).
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.
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Understanding your SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST)
gearshift lever
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 (without a
clutch) as desired. By moving the
gearshift lever from drive position
(D) to the right into Manual (M)
you now have control of selecting
the gear you desire.
Initially when moving the lever to the manual mode (M), the message
center will display the current selected gear you are in. Only by moving
the lever in the forward (-) or backward (+) position will the
transmission utilize the manual mode for select shifting.
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