5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir. Refer toMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter for the proper
fluid type.
BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the MIN and
MAX lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off until normal operating temperatures are reached to
allow the fluid to cool before checking. Depending on vehicle use,
cooling times could take up to 30 minutes or longer.
WARNING:The dipstick cap and surrounding components may
be hot; gloves are recommended.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
Maintenance and Specifications
321
2012 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
traffic during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off until normal operating temperatures are reached. Depending
on vehicle use, cooling times could take up to 30 minutes or longer.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiessection in this
chapter.
Note:Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint
(250 ml) increments through the
filler tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
Note:An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
AIR FILTER
Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the air filter element
listed. Refer toMotorcraftpart numbersin this chapter.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or
personal burn injuries do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.
MAX MIN
Maintenance and Specifications
323
2012 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Any adverse condition should be brought to the attention of your dealer
or qualified service technician as soon as possible for the proper service
advice. The owner maintenance service checks are generally not covered
by warranties so you may be charged for labor, parts or fluids used.
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
342
2012 MKX(mkx)
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.
Multi-point inspection – Recommended each visit
Accessory drive belt(s) Half-shaft dust boots (if equipped)
Battery performance Horn operation
Clutch operation (if equipped) Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Engine air filter Suspension component for leaks or
damage
Exhaust system Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps and hazard
warning system operationTires for wear and proper pressure,
including spare
Fluid levels*; fill if necessary Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission
(with an underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and
window washer
Be sure to ask your dealership service advisor or technician about the
multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a comprehensive way to perform a
thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s your checklist that gives you
immediate feedback on the overall condition of your vehicle. You’ll know
what’s been checked, what’s okay, as well as those things that may
require future or immediate attention. The multi-point vehicle inspection
is one more way to keep your vehicle running great!
Scheduled Maintenance
343
2012 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
A
Accessory delay ..........................66
Adaptive Cruise Control .............70
AdvanceTrac ..............................219
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................146, 154, 157
and child safety seats ............148
description ..............146, 154, 157
disposal ....................................160
driver airbag ............148, 155, 158
indicator light .........154, 156, 160
operation .................148, 155, 158
passenger airbag .....148, 155, 158
side airbag ...............................154
Air cleaner filter .......323–324, 326
Air conditioning ..........................40
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................247
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................303
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................217
Anti-theft system ..............114, 117
arming the system ..........114, 117
disarming a triggered
system .....................................117
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................227
fluid, adding ............................321
fluid, checking ........................321
fluid, refill capacities ..............327
fluid, specification ..................327
Selectshift (SST) ....................228
Auxiliary powerpoint ..................63
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........327B
Battery .......................................301
acid, treating emergencies .....301
jumping a disabled battery ....272
maintenance-free ....................301
replacement, specifications ...326
servicing ..................................301
Belt-Minder.............................141
Blind Spot Information
System .......................................241
Blind spot mirror ......................239
Booster seats .............................174
Brakes ........................................217
anti-lock ...................................217
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................218
fluid, checking and adding ....321
fluid, refill capacities ..............327
fluid, specifications .................327
lubricant specifications ..........327
parking ....................................219
shift interlock ..........................226
Bulbs ............................................52
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....327
Cargo management system ........91
Cargo net .....................................91
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .................265, 268
Child safety seats ......................165
attaching with tether straps ..171
in front seat ............................165
in rear seat ..............................165
LATCH .....................................169
recommendations ...................163
Index
358
2012 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................174
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............287
instrument panel ....................289
interior .....................................290
plastic parts ............................288
safety belts ..............................290
washing ....................................286
waxing .....................................286
wheels ......................................287
wiper blades ............................288
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............40
Collision Warning System .........236
Console ........................................63
overhead ....................................62
Controls
power seat ...............................121
steering column ........................78
Convertible
cleaning ...................................289
Coolant
checking and adding ..............303
refill capacities ................306, 327
specifications ..........................327
Cross Traffic Alert ....................241
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................68
Cupholder(s) .............................129
Customer Assistance ................254
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..................................335, 338
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............282
Getting roadside
assistance ................................254Getting the service you
need .........................................278
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................284
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................282
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................47
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................321
engine oil .................................297
Driving under special
conditions ..................230, 248, 251
sand .........................................250
snow and ice ...........................252
through water .................250, 253
E
Electronic message
center ...........................................18
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................272
running out of fuel .........272, 313
Emission control system ..........317
Engine ........................................330
cleaning ...................................287
coolant .....................................303
fail-safe cooling .......................307
idle speed control ...................301
lubrication specifications .......327
refill capacities ........................327
service points ..................295–296
Index
359
2012 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................289
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................48
Intelligent Access Key ................94
Intelligent Access with push
button start ...............................103
J
Jack ............................................265
positioning ...............................265
storage .....................................265
Jump-starting your vehicle ......272
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................100
keypad .....................................112
locking and unlocking
doors ........................................113
programming entry code .......112
Keys
positions of the ignition .........211
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................46
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................52
daytime running light ...............47
fog lamps ...................................47
headlamps .................................45
headlamps, flash to pass ..........47
instrument panel, dimming .....48
interior lamps ...........................51
replacing bulbs .........................53
LATCH anchors .........................169Liftgate ....................86, 91–92, 105
Lights, warning and
indicator ......................................12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........218
Load limits .................................199
Locks
autolock ...................................100
childproof ................................102
doors ..........................................99
Lubricant specifications ...........327
Lug nuts ....................................271
Lumbar support, seats .............122
M
Message center ...........................18
warning messages .....................28
Mirrors ...................................66–67
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................66
fold away ...................................68
heated ........................................67
programmable memory ..........106
side view mirrors
(power) .....................................67
signal .........................................68
Moon roof ....................................80
Motorcraftparts ..............292, 326
MyKey ..........................................94
MyLincoln Touch™ system ........38
O
Octane rating ............................312
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................297
Overdrive ...................................227
Index
361
2012 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
P
Parental MyKey programming ...94
Parking brake ............................219
Parts
(see Motorcraftparts) ...........326
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................132
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................261
Power door locks ........................99
Power liftgate ..............................86
Power mirrors .............................67
Powerpoint ..................................63
Power steering ..........................225
fluid, checking and
adding ......................................320
fluid, refill capacity ................327
fluid, specifications .................327
Power Windows ...........................64
Push button start system .........213
R
Rear heated seats .....................130
Rear-view camera system .........233
Recommendations for
attaching safety restraints for
children ......................................163
Relays ........................................256
Remote entry system .......102–103
illuminated entry ............108–109
locking/unlocking
doors ................................104–105
opening the trunk ...................105
Remote start ...........................109replacement/additional
transmitters .............................108
replacing the batteries ...........107
Remote start .............................109
Remote start climate
operation .....................................43
Reverse sensing system ...........231
Roadside assistance ..................254
Roof rack .....................................93
S
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) ....134–136,
138–139
Safety Canopy ...........................157
Safety defects, reporting ..........285
Safety restraints ...............134–136,
138–139
Belt-Minder...........................141
extension assembly ................138
for adults .................135–136, 138
for children .............................161
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................132
warning light and
chime ...............................140–141
Safety restraints - LATCH
anchors ......................................169
Safety seats for children ..........165
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................331
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
Normal Scheduled
Maintenance and Log .............345
Seats ..........................................119
child safety seats ....................165
climate control ........................124
Index
362
2012 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)