
Note:
For best results, coolant
concentration should be tested with a
refractometer such as Rotunda tool
300-ROB75240 available from your
authorized dealer. Ford does not
recommend the use of hydrometers or
coolant test strips for measuring
coolant concentrations.
Note: Automotive fluids are not
interchangeable. Do not use engine
coolant or antifreeze or windshield
washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding Engine Coolant WARNINGS
Do not add engine coolant when
the engine is hot. Steam and
scalding liquids released from a hot
cooling system can burn you badly.
Also, you can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts. Do not put engine coolant in the
windshield washer fluid
container. If sprayed on the
windshield, engine coolant could
make it difficult to see through the
windshield. To reduce the risk of personal
injury, make sure the engine is
cool before unscrewing the coolant
pressure relief cap. The cooling
system is under pressure; steam and
hot liquid can come out forcefully
when the cap is loosened slightly. Do not add coolant further than
the MAX mark. Note:
Do not use stop leak pellets,
cooling system sealants, or additives
as they can cause damage to the
engine cooling or heating systems. This
damage would not be covered under
your vehicle ’s warranty.
Note: During normal vehicle operation,
the engine coolant may change color
from orange to pink or light red. As long
as the engine coolant is clear and
uncontaminated, this color change
does not indicate the engine coolant
has degraded nor does it require the
engine coolant to be drained, the
system to be flushed, or the engine
coolant to be replaced.
• Do not mix different colors or types
of coolant in your vehicle. Make
sure the correct coolant is used.
Mixing of engine coolants may
harm your engine ’s cooling system.
The use of an improper coolant
may harm engine and cooling
system components and may void
the warranty. Use prediluted
engine coolant meeting the Ford
specification. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 325).
• In case of emergency, a large
amount of water without engine
coolant may be added in order to
reach a vehicle service location. In
this instance, the cooling system
must be drained, chemically
cleaned with Motorcraft®
Premium Cooling System Flush,
and refilled with prediluted engine
coolant as soon as possible. Water
alone (without engine coolant)
can cause engine damage from
corrosion, overheating or freezing.
269
Maintenance

What you Should Know About
Fail-Safe Cooling
If the engine coolant supply is
depleted, this feature allows the
vehicle to be driven temporarily before
incremental component damage is
incurred. The
“fail-safe” distance
depends on ambient temperatures,
vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, the
engine coolant temperature gauge
will move to the red (hot) area and: The coolant temperature
warning light will illuminate.
The service engine soon
indicator will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset
over-temperature condition, the
engine will automatically switch to
alternating cylinder operation. Each
disabled cylinder acts as an air pump
and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still
operate. However:
• The engine power will be limited.
• The air conditioning system will be
disabled.
Continued operation will increase the
engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing
steering and braking effort to increase. Once the engine temperature cools,
the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer
as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated WARNINGS
Fail-safe mode is for use during
emergencies only. Operate the
vehicle in fail-safe mode only as long
as necessary to bring the vehicle to
rest in a safe location and seek
immediate repairs. When in fail-safe
mode, the vehicle will have limited
power, will not be able to maintain
high-speed operation, and may
completely shut down without
warning, potentially losing engine
power, power steering assist, and
power brake assist, which may
increase the possibility of a crash
resulting in serious injury. Never remove the coolant
reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot. You have limited engine power when
in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will
not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run
rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down
automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely
possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken
to an authorized dealer.
271
Maintenance

3. If this is not possible, wait a short
period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Note: Driving the vehicle without
repairing the engine problem increases
the chance of engine damage. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUID
CHECK
Note: Transmission fluid should be
checked by an authorized dealer. If
required, fluid should be added by an
authorized dealer.
The automatic transmission does not
have a transmission fluid dipstick.
Have an authorized dealer check and
change the transmission fluid and
filter at the correct service interval.
See Scheduled Maintenance (page
440). Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level
should be checked if the transmission
is not working properly, or if you notice
some sign of fluid leakage.
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. 6F35/HF35 transmission
(If
Equipped)
Note: Transmission fluid should be
checked by an authorized dealer. If
required, fluid should be added by an
authorized dealer.
The automatic transmission does not
have a transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to your scheduled maintenance
information for 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, (For example: if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly) or
if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage. See
Scheduled
Maintenance (page 440).
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.
6F50/6F55 Transmission
(If
Equipped) WARNINGS
The dipstick cap and surrounding
components may be hot; gloves
are recommended. Use gloves when moving the air
filter assembly. Components will
be hot. 272
Maintenance
![LINCOLN MKZ 2013 Owners Manual Note:
Automatic transmission fluid
expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle
until it is warmed up (approximately
20 miles [30 kilometers]). If your
vehicle has been op LINCOLN MKZ 2013 Owners Manual Note:
Automatic transmission fluid
expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle
until it is warmed up (approximately
20 miles [30 kilometers]). If your
vehicle has been op](/manual-img/15/6980/w960_6980-275.png)
Note:
Automatic transmission fluid
expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle
until it is warmed up (approximately
20 miles [30 kilometers]). 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.
Refer to your scheduled maintenance
information for 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. For example, if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly or
if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 kilometers) or until it reaches
normal operating temperature
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the
gearshift lever through all of the
gear ranges. Allow a minimum of
10 seconds for each gear to
engage.
4. Put the gearshift lever in P (Park)
and leave the engine running. Note:
You will need to move the air
filter assembly to access the
transmission dipstick.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag.
If necessary, refer to Under hood
overview in this chapter for the
location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it
is fully seated in the filler tube by
turning it to the locked position.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be
in the designated areas for normal
operating temperature.
Moving the Air Filter Assembly
(Accessing the Dipstick) WARNING
Do not run engine with the air
filter disconnected.
273
Maintenance

WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING
If you operate your vehicle in
temperatures below 40°F (5°C),
use washer fluid with antifreeze
protection. Failure to use washer fluid
with antifreeze protection in cold
weather could result in impaired
windshield vision and increase the risk
of injury or accident. Note:
The front and rear washer
systems are supplied from the same
reservoir.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level
is low. Only use a washer fluid that
meets Ford specifications. See
Capacities and Specifications
(page 325).
State or local regulations on volatile
organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common
windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents
should be used only if they provide
cold weather protection without
damaging the vehicle ’s paint finish,
wiper blades or washer system. CHANGING THE 12V
BATTERY WARNINGS
Batteries normally produce
explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not
allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery.
When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect
your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation. When lifting a plastic-cased
battery, excessive pressure on
the end walls could cause acid to flow
through the vent caps, resulting in
personal injury and/or damage to the
vehicle or battery. Lift the battery with
a battery carrier or with your hands on
opposite corners. Keep batteries out of reach of
children. Batteries contain
sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin,
eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to
protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact
with skin or eyes, flush immediately
with water for a minimum of 15
minutes and get prompt medical
attention. If acid is swallowed, call a
physician immediately. Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling. 277
Maintenance

Poor wiper quality can be improved
by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield.
CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER - 2.0L
ECOBOOST™/3.7L
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. When changing the air filter element,
use only the air filter element listed.
See Capacities and Specifications
(page 325).
For EcoBoost equipped vehicles:
When servicing the air cleaner, it is
important that no foreign material
enter the air induction system. The
engine and turbocharger are
susceptible to damage from even
small particles.
Change the air filter element at the
proper interval. See
Scheduled
Maintenance (page 440).
Note: Failure to use the correct air filter
element may result in severe engine
damage. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the engine
if the correct air filter element is not
used. 2.0L EcoBoost Engine
3.7L Engine
1. Release the clamps that secure
the air filter housing cover.
2. Carefully lift the air filter housing cover.
3. Remove the air filter element from
the air filter housing.
4. Wipe any dirt or debris from the air
filter housing and cover to make
sure no dirt gets in the engine and
to make sure you have a good seal.
280
MaintenanceE144365 E146427

If you cannot remove those streaks
after cleaning with the glass cleaner
or if the wipers chatter and move in a
jerky motion, clean the outer surface
of the windshield and the wiper
blades using a sponge or soft cloth
with a neutral detergent or
mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and
wiper blades with clean water. The
windshield is clean if beads do not
form when you rinse the windshield
with water.
Note:
Do not use sharp objects, such
as a razor blade, to clean the inside of
the rear window or to remove decals,
as it may cause damage to the rear
window defroster ’s heated grid lines.
CLEANING THE INTERIOR WARNINGS
Do not use cleaning solvents,
bleach or dye on the vehicle
’s
safety belts, as these actions may
weaken the belt webbing. On vehicles equipped with
seat-mounted airbags, do not
use chemical solvents or strong
detergents. Such products could
contaminate the side airbag system
and affect performance of the side
airbag in a collision. For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety
belts and seats equipped with side
airbags:
•
Remove dust and loose dirt with a
vacuum cleaner.
• Remove light stains and soil with
Motorcraft® Professional Strength
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner.
• If grease or tar is present on the
material, spot-clean the area first
with Motorcraft® Spot and Stain
Remover. In Canada, use
Motorcraftt Multi-Purpose Cleaner.
• If a ring forms on the fabric after
spot cleaning, clean the entire area
immediately (but do not
oversaturate) or the ring will set.
• Do not use household cleaning
products or glass cleaners, which
can stain and discolor the fabric
and affect the flame retardant
abilities of the seat materials.
CLEANING THE
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
LENS WARNING
Do not use chemical solvents or
strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel
to avoid contamination of the airbag
system. 287
Vehicle Care

General Information
WARNING
Failure to follow these guidelines
could result in an increased risk
of loss of vehicle control, injury or
death. Note:
Do not use the kit if a tire has
become severely damaged by driving
the vehicle with a tire that has
insufficient air pressure. Only punctured
areas located within the tire tread can
be sealed with the kit.
Do not attempt to repair punctures
larger than 1.4 inch (6.4 mm) or
damage to the tire's sidewall. The tire
may not completely seal.
Loss of air pressure may adversely
affect tire performance. For this
reason:
Note: Do not drive the vehicle above
50 mph (80 km/h).
Note: Do not drive further than 120
miles (200 km). Drive only to the
closest Ford Motor Company
authorized dealer or tire repair shop to
have your tire inspected.
• Drive carefully and avoid abrupt
steering maneuvers.
• Periodically monitor tire inflation
pressure in the affected tire; if the
tire is losing pressure, have the
vehicle towed.
• Read the information in the Tips
for Use of the Kit section to ensure
safe operation of the kit and your
vehicle. Tips for Use of the Kit
Read the following list of tips to
ensure safe operation of the kit:
•
Before operating the kit, make sure
your vehicle is safely off the road
and away from moving traffic. Turn
on the hazard lights.
• Always set the parking brake to
ensure the vehicle doesn't move
unexpectedly.
• Do not remove any foreign objects,
such as nails or screws, from the
tire.
• When using the kit, leave the
engine running (only if the vehicle
is outdoors or in a well-ventilated
area) so the compressor doesn't
drain the vehicle's battery.
• Do not allow the compressor to
operate continuously for more
than 15 minutes; this will help
prevent the compressor from
overheating.
• Never leave the kit unattended
when it is operating.
• Sealant compound contains latex.
Make sure that you use the
non-latex gloves provided to avoid
an allergic reaction.
• Keep the kit away from children.
• Only use the kit when the ambient
temperature is between -22°F
(–30°C) and 158°F (70°C).
293
Wheels and Tires