Driving through deep water may damage the engine or
transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant and
PTU (Power Transfer Unit) lubricant should be checked and changed if
necessary.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly.”
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills.A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, Do not try to turn around because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
Driving
262
2012 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The coolant temperature warning light
will illuminate.
•The service engine soon
indicator 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.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
WARNING:Fail-safe mode is for use during emergencies only.
Operate the vehicle in fail-safe mode only as long as necessary to
bring the vehicle to rest in a safe location and seek immediate repairs.
When in fail-safe mode, the vehicle will have limited power, will not be
able to maintain high-speed operation, and may completely shut down
without warning, potentially losing engine power, power steering assist,
and power brake assist, which may increase the possibility of a crash
resulting in serious injury.
Maintenance and Specifications
321
2012 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
•Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax
to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is
washed. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges, and latches with a light
grade oil. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•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 a quality gas stabilizer
product 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.
Maintenance and Specifications
342
2012 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Engine oil/coolant change intervals
Engine oilAs indicated by the message center: do not
exceed one year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Engine coolant,
initial change6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, after
initial changeEvery 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Check every month
Engine oil level
Function of all interior and exterior lights
Tires for wear and proper pressure, including spare
Windshield washer fluid level
Check every six months
Battery connections; clean if necessary
Body and door drain holes for obstructions; clean if necessary
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
Door weatherstrips for wear; lubricate if necessary
Hinges/latches/outside locks for proper operation; lubricate if necessary
Parking brake for proper operation
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
Washer spray/wiper operation; clean or replace blades as necessary
Scheduled Maintenance
362
2012 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
A
Accessory delay ..........................78
Active Park Assist .....................242
Adaptive Cruise Control .............82
AdvanceTrac ..............................227
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................154, 163, 165
and child safety seats ............156
description ..............154, 163, 165
disposal ....................................168
driver airbag ............156, 164, 166
indicator light .................162, 168
operation .................156, 164, 166
passenger airbag .....156, 164, 166
side airbag ...............................163
Air cleaner filter ...............340, 344
Air conditioning ....................49, 52
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................258
Ambient mood/lighting ...............66
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................316
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................224–225
Anti-theft system ..............122, 125
arming the system ..................125
disarming a triggered
system .....................................125
Audio system (see Radio) .........32
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................233
fluid, adding ............................335
fluid, checking ........................335
fluid, refill capacities ..............345
fluid, specification ..................345
Selectshift (SST) ....................235Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....40
B
Battery .......................................314
acid, treating emergencies .....314
jumping a disabled battery ....282
maintenance-free ....................314
replacement, specifications ...344
servicing ..................................314
Belt-Minder.............................150
Blind Spot Information
System .......................................252
Blind spot mirror ......................250
Booster seats .............................182
Brakes ........................................224
anti-lock ...........................224–225
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................225
fluid, checking and adding ....335
fluid, refill capacities ..............345
fluid, specifications .................345
lubricant specifications ..........345
parking ....................................226
shift interlock ..........................232
Bulbs ............................................66
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....345
Cargo net .....................................99
CD ................................................32
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................274
Child safety seats ......................173
attaching with tether straps ..179
in front seat ............................173
in rear seat ..............................173
LATCH .....................................177
Index
378
2012 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
cleaning ...................................299
coolant .....................................316
fail-safe cooling .......................320
lubrication specifications .......345
refill capacities ........................345
service points ..................307–308
Engine block heater .................222
Engine oil ..................................310
checking and adding ..............310
dipstick ....................................310
filter, specifications ................344
refill capacities ........................345
specifications ..........................345
Event data recording ....................7
Exhaust fumes ..........................222
F
Fail safe cooling ........................320
Fleet MyKey programming ......101
Floor mats .............................98–99
Fluid capacities .........................345
Fog lamps ....................................59
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................259
Fuel ............................................322
calculating fuel
economy ............................20, 328
cap ...........................................324
capacity ...................................345
choosing the right fuel ...........325
detergent in fuel .....................326
filler funnel .............................327
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................322, 324, 328
filter, specifications ........322, 344
fuel pump shut-off ..................266
improving fuel economy ........328
octane rating ...................326, 349quality ......................................326
running out of fuel .........282, 327
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................322
Fuses ..........................................267
G
Garage door opener ....................94
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............324
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................328
Gauges .........................................17
H
Hazard flashers .........................266
Headlamps ...................................57
aiming ........................................63
autolamp system .......................58
bulb specifications ....................67
daytime running lights .............63
flash to pass ..............................62
high beam .................................59
turning on and off ....................57
Heated Seats .....................133–134
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................49, 52
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................94
Hood ..........................................306
I
Ignition ...............................218, 349
Illuminated visor mirror .............72
Index
380
2012 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................173
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................333
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................301
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................63
Intelligent Access Key ..............100
Intelligent Access with push
button start ...............................113
J
Jack ............................................274
positioning ...............................274
storage .....................................274
Jump-starting your vehicle ......282
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................108
keypad .....................................120
locking and unlocking doors ..122
programming entry code .......120
Keys ...........................................100
positions of the ignition .........218
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................58
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................67
daytime running light ...............63
fog lamps ...................................59
headlamps .................................57
headlamps, flash to pass ..........62instrument panel, dimming .....63
interior lamps .....................65, 67
LATCH anchors .........................177
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........225
Load limits .................................206
Locks
autolock ...................................108
childproof ................................111
doors ........................................107
Lubricant specifications ...........345
Lug nuts ....................................281
Lumbar support, seats .............132
M
Message center .....................18–19
english/metric button ...............23
system check button ................23
warning messages .....................23
Mirrors .........................................79
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................79
heated ............................49, 52, 80
programmable memory ..........116
side view mirrors (power) .......79
Moon roof ....................................92
Motorcraftparts ..............303, 344
MyKey ........................................101
N
Navigation system .......................48
O
Octane rating ............................326
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................310
Index
381
2012 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)