2012 LINCOLN MKX warning

BLIND SPOT INFORMATION SYSTEM (BLIS) WITH CROSS
TRAFFIC ALERT (CTA) (IF EQUIPPED)
The BLISis a convenience feature
that aids the driver in assessing
whether a vehicle is within an area
on either side of the vehicle
extending rearward from the outside
mirrors to approximately 10 feet
(3 meters) beyond the bumper. This
area is referred to as the blind zone.
The BLISwill alert the driver to
the presence of motorized vehicles
in these areas while driving on roads
and freeways.
The system is not designed to
prevent contact with other vehicles
or objects. The system is designed
to provide a warning to assist the
driver in detecting vehicles in the blind zones. The system will not detect
infrastructure, pedestrians, or cyclists.
WARNING:To help avoid injuries, NEVER use the BLISas a
replacement for using the side and rear view mirrors and looking
over your shoulder before changing lanes. BLISis not a replacement
for careful driving and only an assist.
The BLISand CTA has a yellow
indicator (also referred to as the
alert) located in the left and right
exterior mirrors. When the vehicle is
started, the BLISautomatically
illuminates both indicators for
several seconds indicating the
system is operating. The first time
you place the transmission in D (Drive) after starting the engine and
drive forward at a speed greater than 3 mph (5 km/h) the BLISsystem
becomes active. Afterwards, the BLISremains active for all speeds
including zero mph. BLISis also active if the transmission is placed in N
(Neutral). If the transmission is shifted out of D (Drive) or N (Neutral)
the system will enter the CTA mode (see CTA operation below). Once
shifted back into D (Drive) the BLISmode will activate once driven
above 3 mph (5 km/h).
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The BLISwill trigger the alert for vehicles that enter your blind zone
from the rear or merge into the blind zone from the side. Vehicles that
you pass, or a vehicle that enters the blind zone from the front, will
trigger the alert only after the vehicle is present in the blind zone for
three seconds.Note:For vehicles that pass through the blind zone
quickly, typically less than two seconds, the BLISwill not illuminate the
alert.
The BLISconsists of two radar
sensors each located rearward of
the rear wheels hidden behind the
bumper fascia. Do not place any
type of bumper sticker in this area.
Note:The BLIStypically will not
detect parked vehicles, humans,
animals, or infrastructure (fences,
guard rails, trees, etc.). The BLIS
does not function when the transmission is in R (Reverse) or P (Park).
The BLISdoes not provide any additional warning when your turn
signal is activated.
BLISdetection limitations:Due to the nature of radar technology,
there may be certain instances where vehicles entering and exiting the
blind spot zones may not be detected. Below is a list of circumstances
that may cause non-detection:
•Debris build-up on the rear quarter panel fascias
•Certain maneuvering of vehicles entering and exiting the blind zone
•Vehicles passing through the blind zone at very fast rates
•Severe weather conditions
•When several vehicles forming a convoy pass through the blind zone.
BLISFalse Alerts
Due to the nature of radar technology, there may be certain instances
when the BLISwill alert with no object present in the blind zone. This
is known as a false alert. Some level of false alerts are normal.
Circumstances that may cause a false alert are; guardrails, freeway
concrete walls, cyclone fencing, sharp turns around a pole or building, or
coming to a stop with a vehicle directly behind but very close. False
alerts are temporary and self correct.
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Cross traffic alert (CTA) system operation
The CTA system warns the driver of approaching vehicles when R
(Reverse) is selected and the vehicle is backing out of a front-in parking
spot. It sounds a series of tones and flashes the BLISindicator found on
the exterior mirror on the side of the approaching vehicle. Additionally,
the message center will display either, VEHICLE COMING FROM RIGHT
or VEHICLE COMING FROM LEFT to warn the driver from which
direction vehicles are approaching.
The system is not designed to prevent contact with other vehicles or
objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to assist the driver
in detecting vehicles in the blind zones. The system will not detect
infrastructure, pedestrians, or bicyclists.
WARNING:To help avoid personal injury, NEVER use the CTA
system as a replacement for using the side and rear view mirrors
and looking over your shoulder before backing out of a parking space.
CTA is not a replacement for careful driving and only an assist.
The CTA system detects vehicles approaching up to 45 feet (14 meters)
away. Coverage decreases when vehicles and objects in close proximity
block the CTA sensors (refer to figure for approximate zone coverage
areas[sensor obstructed for vehicle on left]). Backing slowly from
the parking spot in these situations helps to increase the sensor coverage
and effectiveness.
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CTA and reverse sensing system (RSS) interaction
CTA works along with the reverse sensing system (RSS) (if equipped).
Become familiar with the warning tones of both systems.
BLISand/or CTA on/off and disable operation
The BLISand/or the CTA can be turned off via the message center. If
either the BLISand/or the CTA is turned off, the systems will
automatically turn back on at the next ignition key cycle. When either
the BLISand/or the CTA is turned off, the message center displays
BLIND SPOT SYS OFF and/or CTA SYSTEM OFF. When the BLIS
and/or the CTA system is off, the driver will not receive alerts. Refer to
Message centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Note:If the system cannot be turned off, refer toMyKeyin theLocks
and Securitychapter for more information.
The BLISand/or the CTA can be disabled permanently even after an
ignition key cycle. This must be done by your authorized dealer.Note:
Once either of the systems are disabled, enabling must also be performed
at the dealership. When disabled, the message center will display BLIND
SPOT DISABLED and/or CTA DISABLED.
BLISand/or CTA fault operation
If the BLISand/or CTA senses a fault on either the left or right sensor,
the BLISalert indicator will go on and remain on and the message
center will display BLIND SPOT SYSTEM FAULT or CROSS TRAFFIC
SYSTEM FAULT. For faults that may cause the associated left or right
alert indicator not to illuminate, only the message center faults will
occur.
Blocked sensor
An extreme build-up of materials on
the quarter panel fascias such as
mud or snow can cause degraded
performance of the BLIS. Also,
heavy rain can cause the same
effect. The BLIScan detect this
degraded performance and issue a
blocked warning to the driver via
the message center. If a condition is determined by the system, the
message center displays BLIND SPOT NOT AVAILABLE or CROSS
TRAFFIC NOT AVAILABLE warning and the appropriate left and/or right
exterior mirror alert indicator will illuminate. The message center
warning may be cleared by the driver but the exterior mirror alert
indicator will remain illuminated.
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WARNING:Just prior to the system recognizing a blocked
condition and alerting the driver, the number of missed objects
will increase. To help avoid injuries, NEVER use the BLISas a
replacement for using the side and rear view mirrors and looking over
your shoulder before changing lanes. BLISis not a replacement for
careful driving and only an assist.
Once the blockage is removed, the system will require some driving time
and detection of at least two vehicle objects prior to resetting or the
driver can cycle the ignition key. If, however, blockage is still present
after the key cycle, the system will sense again that it is blocked after
driving in traffic.
The following table lists possible causes and actions for this message
being displayed:
The surface of the radar is
dirty or obstructed in some
wayClean the fascia area in front of the
radar, either side, or remove
obstruction.
The surface of the radar is not
dirty or obstructedDrive normally in traffic for a few
minutes to allow the radar to detect
that it is no longer blocked.Note:The
vehicle must be in D (Drive) and a
few vehicles must pass so that the
BLIScan clear a blocked state.
Heavy rainfall or heavy
snowfall is interfering with the
radar signalsNo action required by the driver. The
system will automatically reset to an
unblocked state once the
rainfall/snowfall rate decreases or
stops. Do not use BLISand/or CTA in
heavy rainfall or heavy snowfall.
Due to the nature of radar technology, it is possible to get a blockage
warning and not be blocked. This is rare and known as a false blockage
warning. A false blocked condition will either self clear or clear after a
key cycle.
Trailer tow false alerts
When towing a trailer, the sensors may detect the trailer thus causing a
false alert. It may be desirable to turn the BLISoff if the false alerts
become annoying.
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Day and night brightness
The BLISand/or CTA alert will automatically dim when the headlamp
switch is in PARK, ON, or AUTO ON and night time darkness has been
detected by the sun sensor.
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a full-time all-wheel drive (AWD)
system. The AWD system is an active system, meaning it not only
responds to wheel slip between the front and rear axles but also has the
ability to anticipate wheel slip and transfer torque to the rear wheels
before slip occurs. The AWD system is active all the time and requires no
input from the operator.
All components of the AWD system are sealed for life and require no
maintenance.
Note:When an AWD system fault is present, the warningCHECK AWD
will display in the message center. The AWD system is not functioning
correctly and defaulted to front-wheel drive. When this warning is
displayed, have your vehicle serviced at an authorized dealer
If your vehicle is equipped with AWD, a spare tire of a different size
other than the tire provided should never be used. If the spare tire is
installed, the AWD system may disable automatically and enter
front-wheel drive only mode to protect driveline components. This
condition may be indicated by anAWD OFFmessage in the message
center (seeMessage centersection in theInstrument Clusterchapter
for more information). If there is anAWD OFFmessage in the message
center from using the spare tire, this indicator should turn off after
reinstalling the repaired or replaced normal road tire and driving a short
distance. It is recommended to reinstall the repaired or replaced road
tire as soon as possible. Major dissimilar tire sizes between the front and
rear axles could cause the AWD system to stop functioning and default
to front-wheel drive or damage the AWD system.
Note:TheAWD OFFmessage may also be displayed in the message
center if the AWD system has overheated and defaulted to front-wheel
drive. This condition may occur if the vehicle was operated in extreme
conditions with excessive wheel slip, such as deep sand. To resume
normal AWD function as soon as possible, stop the vehicle in a safe
location and allow it to idle. TheAWD OFFmessage will turn off when
the system cools and normal AWD function returns.
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If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTracwith Roll Stability
Control™, it may be beneficial to disengage the AdvanceTracwith Roll
Stability Control™ system while attempting to rock the vehicle.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the
LOCK 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.
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle (i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency). Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
•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.
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Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. The front wheels have
to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore apply the brakes steadily. Do
not “pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
WARNING:If you are driving in slippery conditions that require
tire chains or cables, then it is critical that you drive cautiously.
Keep speeds down, allow for longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death. If the rear end of the vehicle
slides while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you
regain control of the vehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause transmission damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Since
your vehicle is equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS),
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