2013 LINCOLN MKZ suspension

Note:
Excessive tire slippage can
cause driveline 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 (ABS), do
not “pump ” the brakes. See Hints on
Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes
(page
178). for more information on
the operation of the anti-lock brake
system (ABS). Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems
on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable
performance whether loaded or
empty and durable load carrying
capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that
you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as
lowering kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not
equivalent to the original factory
equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that
raise the center of gravity can make it
more likely the vehicle will rollover as
a result of a loss of control. Ford Motor
Company recommends that caution
be used with any vehicle equipped
with a high load or device (such as
ladder or luggage racks).
Failure to maintain your vehicle
properly may void the warranty,
increase your repair cost, reduce
vehicle performance and operational
capabilities and adversely affect driver
and passenger safety. Frequent
inspection of vehicle chassis
components is recommended if the
vehicle is subjected to off-highway
usage.
176
All-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involving
braking system, aftermarket roof
racks, suspension, steering system,
tire construction and wheel and tire
size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may
adversely affect the performance of
the AdvanceTrac system. In addition,
installing any stereo loudspeakers
may interfere with and adversely
affect the AdvanceTrac system.
Install any aftermarket stereo
loudspeaker as far as possible from
the front center console, the tunnel,
and the front seats in order to
minimize the risk of interfering with
the AdvanceTrac sensors. Reducing
the effectiveness of the AdvanceTrac
system could lead to an increased risk
of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death. Remember that even advanced
technology cannot defy the laws
of physics. It’ s always possible to lose
control of a vehicle due to
inappropriate driver input for the
conditions. Aggressive driving on any
road condition can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the
risk of personal injury or property
damage. Activation of the
AdvanceTrac system is an indication
that at least some of the tires have
exceeded their ability to grip the road; WARNINGS
this could reduce the operator ’s ability
to control the vehicle potentially
resulting in a loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and
death. If your AdvanceTrac system
activates, SLOW DOWN. The AdvanceTrac Control system
helps you keep control of your vehicle
when on a slippery surface. The
electronic stability control portion of
the system helps avoid skids and
lateral slides and roll stability control
helps avoid a vehicle rollover. The
traction control system helps avoid
drive wheel spin and loss of traction.
See Using Traction Control (page
181).
182
Stability Control

These systems have a range of modes
which you can choose from in order
to customize your ideal driving
experience:
•
Comfort – Provides a more relaxed
driving experience. Steering effort
is decreased, suspension
movement is more fluid. Comfort
mode is ideal when enhanced
traveling comfort is desired.
• Normal – Delivers a balanced
combination of comfortable,
controlled ride and confident
handling and powerful yet quiet
powertrain sound. This mode
provides an engaging drive
experience and a direct connection
to the road without sacrificing any
of the composure demanded from
a luxury vehicle. Unwanted noises
from the powertrain are cancelled
while desired sounds are shaped
to deliver a smooth powerful note.
This setting is ideal for everyday
use and daily driving.
• Sport – Provides a sportier driving
experience. Suspension stiffens,
with an emphasis on handling and
control. The engine responds more
directly to your inputs and takes
on a more powerful tone. Sport
mode is intended to be used during
more spirited driving.
You can configure which of the
Adaptive Drive modes is active when
the vehicle is in D (Drive) or in S
(Sport). The configuration is retained
until modified from the main menu on
the information display. See General
Information (page 100). LANE KEEPING SYSTEM WARNING
The system is designed to aid the
driver. It is not intended to
replace the driver ’s attention and
judgment. The driver is still
responsible to drive with due care and
attention. Note:
The system needs to be
activated by the driver at each key
cycle.
Note: The system works above 40
mph (64 km/h).
Note: The system works as long as one
lane marking can be detected by the
camera.
Note: If the camera is blocked or if the
windshield is damaged, the system
may not function.
Note: When Aid mode is on and the
system detects no driver steering
activity for a short continuous period
of time, the system alerts the driver to
put their hands on the steering wheel.
The system may detect a light
grip/touch on the steering wheel as
hands off driving.
The system detects unintentional
drifting toward the outside of the lane
and alerts and/or aids the driver to
stay in the lane through the steering
system and instrument cluster display.
The system automatically detects and
tracks the road lane markings using a
camera that is mounted behind the
interior rear view mirror.
208
Driving Aids

Why does the vehicle not come back into the middle of the lane always, as
expected, in the Aid or Aid + Alert mode?
High cross winds
Large road crown
Rough roads, grooves, shoulder drop-offs
Heavy uneven loading of the vehicle or improper tire inflation pressure
If the tires have been exchanged (including snow tires), or the suspension has
been modified
BLIND SPOT MONITOR
Blind Spot Information System
(BLIS®) with Cross Traffic
Alert (If Equipped) WARNING
To help avoid injuries, NEVER use
the BLIS as a replacement for
using the interior and exterior mirrors
and looking over your shoulder before
changing lanes. BLIS is not a
replacement for careful driving and
only an assist. BLIS aids you in detecting vehicles
that may have entered the blind spot
zone (A). The detection area is on
both sides of the vehicle, extending
rearward from the exterior mirrors to
approximately 10 feet (3 meters)
beyond the bumper. The system alerts
you if certain vehicles enter the blind
spot zone while driving.
Cross traffic alert warns you of
vehicles approaching from the sides
when the transmission is in R
(Reverse).
Note:
BLIS is not designed to prevent
contact with other vehicles or objects;
or to detect parked vehicles, people,
animals or infrastructure (fences,
guardrails, trees, etc.). It is designed to
alert the driver to vehicles in the blind
zones.
Note: When a vehicle passes quickly
through the blind zone, typically fewer
than two seconds, the system does not
trigger.
212
Driving AidsA
A
E124788

STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING
Obtain immediate service if a
system error is detected. You
may not notice any difference in the
feel of your steering, but a serious
condition may exist. Failure to do so
may result in loss of steering control. Note:
Your vehicle is equipped with an
electric power-assisted steering
system. There is no fluid reservoir to
check or fill.
The electric power steering system
has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system to
ensure proper operation of the
electronic system. When an electronic
error is detected, a message will be
displayed in the information display.
If this happens, stop the vehicle in a
safe place, and turn off the engine.
After at least 10 seconds, reset the
system by restarting the engine, and
watch the information display for a
steering message. If a steering
message returns, or returns while
driving, take the vehicle to your dealer
to have it checked. If your vehicle loses electrical power
while you are driving (or if the ignition
is turned off), you can steer the
vehicle manually, but it takes more
effort. Extreme continuous steering
may increase the effort it takes for you
to steer. This occurs to prevent
internal overheating and permanent
damage to your steering system. If this
should occur, you will neither lose the
ability to steer the vehicle manually
nor will it cause permanent damage.
Typical steering and driving
maneuvers will allow the system to
cool and steering assist will return to
normal.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check
for:
•
an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension
components
• loose or worn steering
components
• improper vehicle alignment
A high crown in the road or high
crosswinds may also make the
steering seem to wander or pull.
217
Driving Aids

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR or the
GAWR specified on the
certification label. Towing trailers beyond the
maximum recommended gross
trailer weight exceeds the limit of the
vehicle and could result in engine
damage, transmission damage,
structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal
injury. Note:
There may be electrical items
such as fuses or relays that can affect
trailer towing operation. See Fuses
(page 251).
Weight, not volume designates your
vehicle's load capacity. You cannot
necessarily use all available space
when loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an additional
load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and
suspension. Inspect these
components periodically during, and
after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer
movement affects the vehicle when
driving:
• Load the heaviest items closest to
the trailer floor.
• Load the heaviest items in the
center of the left and right side
trailer tires. •
Load the heaviest items above the
trailer axles or just slightly forward
toward the trailer tongue. Do not
allow the final trailer tongue
weight to go above or below
10-15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
• Select a tow bar with the correct
rise or drop. When both the loaded
vehicle and trailer are connected,
the trailer frame should be level,
or slightly angled down toward the
vehicle, when viewed from the
side.
When driving with a trailer or payload,
a slight takeoff vibration or shudder
may be present due to the increased
payload weight. Additional
information regarding proper trailer
loading and setting your vehicle up for
towing is located in another chapter
of this manual. See Load Limit (page
219). You can also find the information
in the
RV & Trailer Towing Guide,
available at your authorized dealer.
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note: Do not exceed the trailer weight
for your vehicle configuration listed in
the chart below.
Note: Be sure to take into
consideration trailer frontal area. Do
not exceed 20 feet 2
(1.86 meters 2
).
Note: For high altitude operation,
reduce the gross combined weight by
2% per 1000 feet (300 meters)
starting at the 1000 foot (300 meter)
elevation point.
227
Towing

WARNINGS
Use of any tire or wheel not
recommended by Ford can affect the
safety and performance of your
vehicle, which could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death. Additionally the use
of non-recommended tires and
wheels could cause steering,
suspension, axle, transfer case or
power transfer unit failure. If you have
questions regarding tire replacement,
contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible. When mounting replacement
tires and wheels, you should not
exceed the maximum pressure
indicated on the sidewall of the tire to
set the beads without additional
precautions listed below. If the beads
do not seat at the maximum pressure
indicated, re-lubricate and try again
When inflating the tire for mounting
pressures up to 20 psi (1.38 bar)
greater than the maximum pressure
on the tire sidewall, the following
precautions must be taken to protect
the person mounting the tire:
1. Make sure that you have the correct
tire and wheel size.
2. Lubricate the tire bead and wheel
bead seat area again.
3. Stand at a minimum of 12 feet (3.66
meters) away from the wheel and tire
assembly.
4. Use both eye and ear protection. WARNINGS
For a mounting pressure more than
20 psi (1.38 bar) greater than the
maximum pressure, a Ford dealer or
other tire service professional should
do the mounting.
Always inflate steel carcass tires with
a remote air fill with the person
inflating standing at a minimum of 12
ft (3.66 m) away from the wheel and
tire assembly Important: Remember to replace the
wheel valve stems when the road tires
are replaced on your vehicle
It is recommended that the two front
tires or two rear tires generally be
replaced as a pair.
The tire pressure sensors mounted in
the wheels (originally installed on your
vehicle) are not designed to be used
in aftermarket wheels.
The use of wheels or tires not
recommended by Ford Motor
Company may affect the operation of
your tire pressure monitoring system.
If the TPMS indicator is flashing, your
TPMS is malfunctioning. Your
replacement tire might be
incompatible with your TPMS, or
some component of the TPMS may
be damaged.
316
Wheels and Tires

Safety Practices
WARNINGS
If your vehicle is stuck in snow,
mud, sand, etc., do not rapidly
spin the tires; spinning the tires can
tear the tire and cause an explosion.
A tire can explode in as little as three
to five seconds. Do not spin the wheels at over
35 mph (56 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or
bystander. Driving habits have a great deal to do
with your tire mileage and safety.
•
Observe posted speed limits
• Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
• Avoid potholes and objects on the
road
• Do not run over curbs or hit the tire
against a curb when parking
Highway Hazards
No matter how carefully you drive
there ’s always the possibility that you
may eventually have a flat tire on the
highway. Drive slowly to the closest
safe area out of traffic. This may
further damage the flat tire, but your
safety is more important. If you feel a sudden vibration or ride
disturbance while driving, or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been
damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can
safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tires for damage. If a tire
is under-inflated or damaged, deflate
it, remove wheel and replace it with
your spare tire and wheel. If you
cannot detect a cause, have the
vehicle towed to the nearest repair
facility or tire dealer to have the
vehicle inspected.
Tire and Wheel Alignment
A bad jolt from hitting a curb or
pothole can cause the front end of
your vehicle to become misaligned or
cause damage to your tires. If your
vehicle seems to pull to one side when
you’re driving, the wheels may be out
of alignment. Have an authorized
dealer check the wheel alignment
periodically.
Wheel misalignment in the front or
the rear can cause uneven and rapid
treadwear of your tires and should be
corrected by an authorized dealer.
Front-wheel drive vehicles and those
with an independent rear suspension
(if equipped) may require alignment
of all four wheels.
The tires should also be balanced
periodically. An unbalanced tire and
wheel assembly may result in irregular
tire wear.
317
Wheels and Tires