Door ajar (RTT):Illuminates in
the message center display 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.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the off, lock or accessory position and the driver’s door is
opened.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
Parking brake on warning chime:Sounds when the parking brake is
engaged and the vehicle is driven. If the warning remains after the
parking brake is disengaged, contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Message center activation chime:Sounds when some messages
appear in the message center display for the first time.
Turn signal on warning chime:Sounds when the turn signal has been
left on for an extended period of time.
Memory seat feedback chime:Sounds when saving/deleting memory
positions for seats, mirrors, etc.
Perimeter alarm warning chime:Sounds when using a key to unlock
the driver’s doors and the perimeter alarm is armed.
Instrument Cluster
16
2012 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
UNITS
Displays the current units English or Metric.
Press RESET to change from English to Metric.
AUTOLAMP (SEC)
This feature keeps your headlights on for up to three minutes after the
ignition is switched off.
Press RESET to select the new Autolamp delay values of 0, 10, 20, 30,
60, 90, 120 or 180 seconds.
AUTOLOCK
This feature automatically locks all vehicle doors when the vehicle is
shifted into any gear, putting the vehicle in motion.
Press RESET to turn autolock on or off.
AUTOUNLOCK
This feature automatically unlocks all vehicle doors when the driver’s
door is opened within 10 minutes of the ignition being turned off.
Press RESET to turn autounlock on or off.
BLIND SPOT (if equipped)
The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is designed to assist the
driver by monitoring the side areas on both sides of the vehicle.
Press RESET to turn it off or on.
CROSS TRAFFIC (if equipped)
This feature is designed to assist and warn the driver when backing out
of parking spaces.
Press RESET to turn it off or on.
EASY ENTRY/EXIT SEAT
Press RESET to turn it off or on.
PARK AID (Reverse sensing system–if equipped)
This feature sounds a warning tone to warn the driver of obstacles near
the rear bumper, and functions only when R (Reverse) gear is selected.
Press RESET to turn the rear park assist off.
CREATE MYKEY / MYKEY SETUP/ CLEAR MYKEY
For more information refer toMyKeyin theLocks and Securitychapter.
Instrument Cluster
22
2012 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)
Turns the headlamps on with a reduced intensity output (halogen
headlamps) or turns the front fog lamps on (HID headlamp).
To activate:
•the ignition must be in the on position,
•the headlamp control is in the off, autolamps or parking lamp position
and
•the transmission must be out of the P (Park) position.
WARNING:Always remember to turn on your headlamps at
dusk or during inclement weather. The Daytime Running Lamp
(DRL) system does not activate the tail lamps and generally may not
provide adequate lighting during these conditions. Failure to activate
your headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision.
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL
Use to adjust the brightness of the
instrument panel and all applicable
lit components in the vehicle during
headlamp and parking lamp
operation.
•Tapthetoporbottomofthe
control to brighten/dim all interior
lit components incrementally, or
•Press and hold the top or bottom of the control until the desired
lighting level is reached.
•Press and hold the top of the control to the full on position to activate
the “dome on” feature. This will turn on the interior courtesy lights.
The lights will remain on until the bottom of the control is pressed.
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
The headlamps on your vehicle are properly aimed at the assembly plant.
If your vehicle has been in an accident, the alignment of your headlamps
should be checked by your authorized dealer.
Lights
55
2012 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Replacing front parking lamp/turn signal bulb
For driver side replacement of the front parking lamp/turn signal
bulb, do the following:
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.
1. Release the clamps (2) that secure the air filter housing cover.
2. Carefully separate the two halves of the air filter housing.
3. Locate the mass air flow sensor electrical connector on the air outlet
tube (1). This connector will need to be unplugged.
4. Remove the air filter assembly.
5. Remove the bolts on the air inlet (3), then remove the air inlet.
6. Reach over the front bolster to access the bulb.
7. Remove the bulb socket by rotating it counterclockwise, then pull it
straight out of the lamp assembly.
Reverse these steps to complete the process.
For passenger side replacement of the front park/turn signal bulb,
see your authorized dealer.
Lights
63
2012 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Courtesy wipe feature:One extra wipe will occur a few seconds after
washing the front window to clear any excess washer fluid remaining on
the windshield.
Note:Do not operate the washer when the washer reservoir is empty.
This may cause the washer pump to overheat. Check the washer fluid
level frequently. Do not operate the wipers when the windshield is dry.
This may scratch the glass, damage the wiper blades and cause the wiper
motor to burn out. Before operating the wiper on a dry windshield,
always use the windshield washer. In freezing weather, be sure the wiper
blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers.
Windshield wiper rainlamp feature
When the windshield wipers are turned on during daylight, and the
headlamp control is in the autolamp position, the exterior lamps will turn
on after a brief delay and will remain on until the wipers are turned off.
TILT/TELESCOPE STEERING WHEEL
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull the lever down to unlock the
steering column.
2. While the lever is in the down
position, move the steering wheel
up or down and in or out until you
find the desired position.
3. While holding the steering wheel
in place, pull the lever up to its
original position to lock the steering
column.
WARNING:Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is
moving.
Driver Controls
68
2012 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
CENTER CONSOLE
Your vehicle may be equipped with a variety of console features. These
include:
1. Cup holders with ambient lighting
(if equipped). Slide the door open
to access the cup holders.
2. Utility compartment with aux jack
and USB port, a power point, and
removable coin holder inside and a
secondary storage bin (on hinges
inside utility compartment).
Note:Slide the arm rest to the
rearward position to open the utility
compartment
3. Sliding arm rest.
WARNING:Use only soft cups in the cupholder. Hard objects
can injure you in a collision.
AUXILIARY POWER POINT (12V DC)
Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only. Do not insert
any other object in the power outlet as this will damage the
outlet and blow the fuse. Do not hang any type of accessory or
accessory bracket from the plug. Improper use of the power
outlet can cause damage not covered by your warranty.
Auxiliary power points can be found in the following locations:
•On the instrument panel
•In the center console utility compartment
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 is not
working, a fuse may have blown. Refer toFuses and relaysin the
Roadside Emergencieschapter for information on checking and
replacing fuses.
Driver Controls
72
2012 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Accessory delay
With accessory delay, the window switches, audio system and moon roof
(if equipped) may be used for up to 10 minutes after the ignition is
turned off or until either front door is opened.
INTERIOR MIRROR
The interior rearview mirror has two pivot points on the support arm
which lets you adjust the mirror up or down and from side to side.
WARNING:Do not adjust the mirror while the vehicle is in
motion.
Automatic dimming interior rear view mirror
The interior rear view mirror and a driver’s side exterior mirror have an
auto-dimming function. The electronic day/night mirror will change from
the normal (high reflective) state to the non-glare (darkened) state
when bright lights (glare) reach the interior mirror. When the interior
mirror detects bright light from behind the vehicle, the interior rear view
mirror and the driver’s side exterior mirror will automatically adjust
(darken) to minimize glare.
The mirrors will automatically return to the normal state whenever the
vehicle is placed in R (Reverse) to ensure a bright clear view when
backing up.
Do not block the sensors on the front and back of the interior
rear view mirror since this may impair proper mirror
performance.
Note:A rear center passenger and/or raised rear center headrest (if
equipped) may also block the light from reaching the sensor.
Do not clean the housing or glass of any mirror with harsh
abrasives, fuel or other petroleum-based cleaning products.
Note:If equipped with a rearview camera system, a video image will
display in the mirror or the navigation system display (if equipped) when
the vehicle is put in R (Reverse). As you shift into any other gear from R
(Reverse), the image will remain for a few seconds and then turn off.
Refer toRearview camera systemin theDrivingchapter.
Driver Controls
75
2012 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
SPEED CONTROL
With speed control set, you can maintain a set speed without keeping
your foot on the accelerator pedal.
WARNING:Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on
roads that are winding, slippery or unpaved.
Using speed control
The speed controls are located on the steering wheel. The following
buttons work with speed control:
RESUME:Press to resume a set
speed.
SET +:Press to increase the set
speed.
SET –:Press to decrease the set
speed.
OFF/ON:Press to turn speed
control off or on.
Setting speed control
To set speed control:
1. Press and release ON.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed.
3. Press and release SET + or SET -.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
5. The indicator
light on the instrument cluster will turn on.
Note:
•Vehicle speed may vary momentarily when driving up and down a
steep hill.
•If the vehicle speed increases above the set speed on a downhill, you
may want to apply the brakes to reduce the speed.
•If the vehicle speed decreases more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below
your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage.
Disengaging speed control
Press the brake pedal to disengage the speed control. Disengaging the
speed control will not erase the previous set speed.
Driver Controls
77
2012 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)