2013 LINCOLN MKZ Owners Manual

Zone coverage also decreases when
parking at shallow angles. Here, the
left sensor is mostly obstructed; zone
coverage on that side is severely
limited.
System Lights and Messages
The BLIS and cross traffic alert
systems illuminate a yellow alert
indicator in the outside mirror on the
side of the vehicle the approaching
vehicle is coming from. Note:
The alert indicator dims when
nighttime darkness is detected.
Cross traffic alert also sounds an
audible warning and a message
appears in the information display
indicating a vehicle is coming from the
right or left. Cross traffic alert works
with the reverse sensing system which
sounds its own series of tones. See
Parking Aid (page 184).
System Sensors 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 BLIS as
a replacement for using the side and
rear view mirrors and looking over your
shoulder before changing lanes. BLIS
is not a replacement for careful driving
and only an assist. 214
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Note:
It is possible to get a blockage
warning with no blockage present; this
is rare and known as a false blockage
warning. A false blocked condition
either self-corrects or clears after a key
cycle. The system uses radar sensors which
are located behind the bumper fascia
on each side of your vehicle. Do not
allow these areas to become
obstructed by mud, snow or bumper
stickers, as this can cause degraded
system performance.
If the system detects a degraded
performance condition, a message
warning of a blocked sensor or a
message warning of low visibility will
appear in the information display and
the alert indicator illuminates in the
appropriate mirror(s). The information
display warning can be cleared but
the alert indicator remains
illuminated.
When the blockage is removed, the
system can be reset in two ways:
•
when at least two objects are
detected while driving, or
• turn the ignition from on to off,
then back on. If the blockage is still present after the
key cycle, the system senses again
that it is blocked after driving in traffic. Reasons for messages being
displayed
Clean the fascia area in front of the radar or
remove the obstruction.
The radar
surface is dirty or
obstructed
Drive normally in trafficfor a few minutes to
allow the radar to detect
passing vehicles so it can clear the blocked state.
The radar
surface is not dirty or
obstructed
No action required. Thesystem automatically
resets to an unblocked
state once the rainfall or snowfall rate decreases
or stops. Do not use BLIS or cross traffic alert in these conditions.
Heavy
rainfall/
snowfall
interferes with the radar
signals
System Limitations
The BLIS and cross traffic alert
systems do have their limitations;
situations such as severe weather
conditions or debris build-up on the
sensor area may limit vehicle
detection.
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The following are other situations that
may limit the BLIS:
•
Certain maneuvering of vehicles
entering and exiting the blind zone.
• Vehicles passing through the blind
zone at very fast rates.
• When several vehicles forming a
convoy pass through the blind
zone.
The following are other situations that
may limit the cross traffic alert
system:
• Adjacently parked vehicles or
objects obstructing the sensors.
• Approaching vehicles passing at
speeds greater than 15 mph (24
km/h).
• Driving in reverse faster than 5
mph (8 km/h).
• Backing out of an angled parking
spot.
False Alerts
Note: If a trailer is connected to the
vehicle the BLIS system may detect the
trailer causing a false alert. You may
want to turn the BLIS off manually.
There may be certain instances when
either the BLIS or cross traffic alert
systems illuminate the alert indicator
with no vehicle in the coverage zone;
this is known as a false alert. Some
amount of false alerts are normal;
they are temporary and self-correct. System Errors
If either system senses a problem with
the left or right sensor, the BLIS
telltale will illuminate and a message
will appear in the information display.
All other system faults will only be
displayed by a message in the
information display.
Switching the Systems Off and On
One or both systems can be switched
off temporarily by using the
information display control. See
General Information (page 100).
When the BLIS is switched off, you will
not receive alerts and a telltale
illuminates in the information display.
Note: The CTA system always
switches on whenever the ignition is
switched on. However, the BLIS system
will remember the last selected on or
off setting.
One or both systems cannot be
switched off when MyKey is used. See
General Information
(page 337).
One or both systems can also be
switched off permanently at your
authorized dealer. Once switched off,
switching it back on must also be
done at your authorized dealer.
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Driving Aids

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

Adaptive Learning
The EPS system adaptive learning
helps correct for road irregularities
and improves overall handling and
steering feel. It communicates with
the vehicle's brake system to help
operate advanced stability control
and accident avoidance systems.
Additionally, whenever the battery is
disconnected or a new battery
installed, the vehicle must be driven
a short distance before the strategy
is relearned and all systems are
reactivated.
218
Driving Aids

LOAD LIMIT
Vehicle loading - with and
without a trailer
This section will guide you in the
proper loading of your vehicle,
trailer or both, to keep your loaded
vehicle weight within its design
rating capability, with or without
a trailer. Properly loading your
vehicle will provide maximum
return of vehicle design
performance. Before loading your
vehicle, familiarize yourself with
the following terms for
determining your vehicle
’s weight
ratings, with or without a trailer,
from the vehicle ’s Tire Label or
Safety Compliance Certification
Label:
Base Curb Weight - is the weight
of the vehicle including a full tank
of fuel and all standard
equipment. It does not include
passengers, cargo, or optional
equipment.
Vehicle Curb Weight -
is the
weight of your new vehicle when
you picked it up from your
authorized dealer plus any
aftermarket equipment. Payload -
is the combined weight
of cargo and passengers that the
vehicle is carrying. The maximum
payload for your vehicle can be
found on the Tire Label on the
B-Pillar or the edge of the driver ’s
door (vehicles exported outside
the US and Canada may not have
a Tire Label). Look for
“THE
COMBINED WEIGHT OF OCCUPANTS AND CARGO
SHOULD NEVER EXCEED XXX
kg OR XXX lb.
” for maximum
payload. The payload listed on the
Tire Label is the maximum
payload for the vehicle as built by
the assembly plant. If any
aftermarket or authorized-dealer
219
Load CarryingE143816PAYLOAD

installed equipment has been
installed on the vehicle, the weight
of the equipment must be
subtracted from the payload
listed on the Tire Label in order to
determine the new payload.
WARNING
The appropriate loading capacity
of your vehicle can be limited
either by volume capacity (how much
space is available) or by payload
capacity (how much weight the
vehicle should carry). Once you have
reached the maximum payload of
your vehicle, do not add more cargo,
even if there is space available.
Overloading or improperly loading
your vehicle can contribute to loss of
vehicle control and vehicle rollover. Example only:
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Load CarryingE142516 E142517

Cargo Weight – includes all
weight added to the Base Curb
Weight, including cargo and
optional equipment. When towing,
trailer tongue load or king pin
weight is also part of cargo weight.
GAW (Gross Axle Weight) -
is
the total weight placed on each
axle (front and rear) – including
vehicle curb weight and all
payload. GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) -
is the maximum
allowable weight that can be
carried by a single axle (front or
rear). These numbers are shown
on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label. The label
shall be affixed to either the
door hinge pillar, door-latch
post, or the door edge that
meets the door-latch post, next
to the driver's seating position.
The total load on each axle
must never exceed its GAWR.
Note: For trailer towing information
refer to the RV and Trailer Towing
Guide provided by your authorized
dealer. 221
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