2012 LINCOLN MKS check engine light

Engine coolant temperature
(RTT):Illuminates when the engine
coolant temperature is high. Stop
the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let cool. Refer
toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Low fuel (RTT):Illuminates when
the fuel level in the fuel tank is at
or near empty. Refer toFuel gauge
in this chapter.
Low washer fluid (RTT):
Illuminates when the washer level in
the washer fluid reservoir is low.
Throttle Control/Transmission
(RTT):Illuminates when a
powertrain or an AWD fault has
been detected. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Door ajar (RTT):Illuminates when
the ignition is in the run position
and any door is not completely
closed.
Trunk ajar (RTT):Illuminates in
the message center display when
the ignition is in the run position
and the trunk is open.
Service engine soon:TheService
engine soonindicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned on to check the bulb and to
indicate whether the vehicle is ready for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
testing. Normally, theService engine soonlight will stay on until the
engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no malfunctions are present.
However, if after 15 seconds theService engine soonlight blinks eight
times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. See the
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testingin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter.
Instrument Cluster
13
2012 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the on-board
diagnostics system (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If 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 have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
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 light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned on 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 on. If the brake
system warning light does not illuminate at this time, seek service
immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination after releasing the
parking brake indicates low brake fluid level or a brake system
malfunction and the brake system should be inspected immediately by
your authorized dealer.
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.
Have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer. 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, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake
warning light also is illuminated.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
Instrument Cluster
14
2012 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Auxiliary power point can be found in the following location:
•On the center console
•Inside the utility compartment
•On the rear of the center console accessible from the rear seat
Do not use the power point for operating the cigarette lighter element (if
equipped).
Note:Do not plug optional electrical accessories into the cigarette
lighter socket (if equipped). Improper use of the lighter can cause
damage not covered by your warranty, and can result in fire or serious
injury.
To prevent the fuse from being blown, do not use the power point(s)
over the vehicle capacity of 12V DC/180W. If the power point or cigar
lighter socket is not working, a fuse may have blown. Refer toFuses and
relaysin theRoadside Emergencieschapter for information on
checking and replacing fuses.
To have full capacity usage of your power point, the engine is required to
be running to avoid unintentional discharge of the battery. To prevent
the battery from being discharged:
•do not use the power point longer than necessary when the engine is
not running,
•do not leave battery chargers, video game adapters, computers and
other devices plugged in overnight or when the vehicle is parked for
extended periods.
Always keep the power point caps closed when not being used.
POWER WINDOWS
WARNING:Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle and
do not let children play with the power windows. They may
seriously injure themselves.
WARNING:When closing the power windows, you should verify
they are free of obstructions and ensure that children and/or
pets are not in the proximity of the window openings.
Driver Controls
76
2012 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Do not
connect trailer lamps directly to your vehicle’s tail lamps. This can cause
damage to your vehicle’s electrical system. Contact your authorized
dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking-up trailer lamps.
WARNING:Never connect any trailer lamp wiring to the
vehicle’s tail lamp wiring; this may damage the electrical system
resulting in fire. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible for
assistance in proper trailer tow wiring installation. Additional electrical
equipment may be required.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•It is recommended to select the “M” gear position when additional
engine braking is needed. In situations such as prolonged downhill
driving on steep grades (i.e., driving in mountainous areas), additional
engine braking is needed to reduce the load on the vehicle’s regular
brake system to prevent them from overheating. For more information
on transmission operation and gear positions, seeAutomatic
transmission operationin theDrivingchapter.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate
stops and brake gradually.
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.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
215
2012 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•Be sure that the engine block heater, heater cord and extension cord
are solidly connected. A poor connection can cause the cord to
become very hot and may result in an electrical shock or fire. Be sure
to check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system
has been operating for approximately a half hour.
•Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall
tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order.
How to use the engine block heater
Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.
Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater will use .4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. Your
factory installed block heater system does not have a thermostat;
however, maximum temperature is attained after approximately three
hours of operation. Block heater operation longer than three hours will
not improve system performance and will unnecessarily use additional
electricity.
Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Refer toWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the
brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern.
P!
BRAKE
Driving
224
2012 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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 traction control off
buttons located on the center of the
instrument panel
The stability control light and the
stability control off light 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 AdvanceTrac
system to operate. If the stability control light illuminates steadily, have
the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately. The message
center will also indicate a failure with the brake system.
Note:If the system cannot be turned off, refer toMyKeyin theLocks
and Securitychapter for more information.
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.
Traction control system (TCS)
The traction control system 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
Driving
228
2012 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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 AdvanceTrac
system, press the traction 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 traction
control off switch again or by
turning off and restarting the engine.
If you switch off the AdvanceTrac
system, the stability control off light
will illuminate steadily. Pressing the
AdvanceTraccontrol switch again will
turn off the stability control off light.
In R (Reverse), ABS and the engine traction control and brake traction
control features will continue to function; however, ESC is disabled.
AdvanceTracFeatures
Control
switch
functionsModeStability
control
off
light
Message
center display
(if equipped)ESC TCS
Default at
start-upSystem
InitializationTurns on
during
bulb
checkNothing
displayedEnabled Enabled
Control
switch
pressed once
momentarilyTraction
control OFFOnTRACTION
CONTROL OFFEnabled Disabled
Control
switch
pressed again
after
deactivationAdvanceTrac
fully enabledOffADVANCETRAC
ONEnabled Enabled
OFF
Driving
230
2012 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
AWD systems (if equipped)
AWD uses all four wheels to power the vehicle. This increases traction,
enabling you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a
conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand under high outside
temperatures, use a low gear when possible. Lower gear operation will
maximize the engine and transmission cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the wheel rims (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even AWD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the engine, transmission, AWD system components or axles are
submerged in water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if
necessary.
Driving
261
2012 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)