2013 LINCOLN MKZ Owners Manual

•
Do not use alcohol, methanol,
brine or any engine coolants mixed
with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze (coolant). Alcohol and
other liquids can cause engine
damage from overheating or
freezing.
• Do not add extra inhibitors or
additives to the coolant. These can
be harmful and compromise the
corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure
will escape as you unscrew the cap.
Add prediluted engine coolant
meeting the Ford specification. See
Capacities and Specifications
(page 325).
Whenever coolant has been added,
the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next
few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough prediluted
engine coolant to bring the coolant
level to the proper level.
Recycled Engine Coolant
Ford Motor Company does not
recommend the use of recycled
engine coolant since a Ford-approved
recycling process is not yet available.
Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community ’s regulations and
standards for recycling and disposing
of automotive fluids. Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•
It may be necessary to have a Ford
authorized dealer increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
• A coolant concentration of 60%
will provide improved freeze point
protection. Engine coolant
concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection
characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine
damage
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• It may be necessary to have a Ford
authorized dealer decrease the
coolant concentration to 40%.
• A coolant concentration of 40%
will provide improved overheat
protection. Engine coolant
concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion/freeze
protection characteristics of the
engine coolant and may cause
engine damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in
non-extreme climates should use
prediluted engine coolant for
optimum cooling system and engine
protection.
270
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.
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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

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

1. Shut the engine off.
2. Clean the area around the clamp
that connects the air filter
assembly to the rubber hose (A). 3. Remove the bolt cover (if
equipped). 4. Remove two bolts that attach the
air filter assembly to the front of
the vehicle (B).
5. Loosen the clamp holding the air filter assembly to the rubber hose
(A).
6. Remove the harness retaining clip
by pulling up (C). Do not
disconnect the sensor (D).
7. Without disconnecting the sensor (D), pull the air filter assembly up
to disconnect the air filter
assembly from the seated
grommets located underneath the
air filter assembly. 8.
Rotate the air filter assembly 90
degrees counterclockwise and
reinstall into the rubber hose.
9. Tighten the clamp (A).
10. The transmission fluid level indicator can now be accessed.
274
MaintenanceE158839
A
BCD E158840 E158841

Checking the fluid level
Low fluid level
If the fluid level is below the MIN range
of the dipstick, add fluid to reach the
hash mark level.
Note:
If the fluid level is below the MIN
level, do not drive the vehicle. An
underfill condition may cause shift or
engagement concerns or possible
damage.
Correct fluid level The transmission fluid should be
checked at normal operating
temperature 180°F-200°F
(82°C-93°C) on a level surface. The
normal operating temperature can be
reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 kilometers) of driving.
The transmission fluid level should be
targeted within the cross-hatch area
if at normal operating temperature
180°F-200°F (82°C-93°C). High fluid level
If the fluid level is above the MAX
range of the dipstick, remove fluid to
reach the hashmark level.
Note:
Fluid level above the MAX level
may cause shift or engagement
concerns or possible damage. High
fluid levels can be caused by an
overheating condition. 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. Depending on vehicle use,
cooling times could take up to 30
minutes or longer.
Adjusting Automatic Transmission
Fluid Levels 275
MaintenanceE158842 E158843 E158844 E158845

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 Technical
Specifications section in this chapter.
Note:
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift or
engagement concerns 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. Reinstall
the air filter assembly. After the fluid
level has been checked and adjusted
as necessary, do the following:
1. Shut the engine off.
2. Loosen the clamp holding the air filter assembly to the rubber hose.
3. Rotate the air filter assembly 90 degrees clockwise without
disconnecting the sensor.
4. Seat the air filter assembly back into the grommets by pushing
down on the air filter assembly.
5. Tighten the clamp.
6. Install and tighten two bolts that
attach air filter assembly to the
front of the vehicle. 7.
Install the bolt cover (if equipped).
8. Reinstall the harness retaining clip
into the front of the air filter
assembly.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
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.
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an
electric power steering (EPS) system.
There is no fluid reservoir to check or
fill.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a
lifetime fuel filter that is integrated
with the fuel tank. Regular
maintenance or replacement is not
needed.
276
MaintenanceE158846

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