
HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
This hybrid vehicle combines electric and
gasoline propulsion to provide
performance and efficiency. It requires no
special fuels and you never have to plug
it in.
Note:
You may notice higher engine
speeds upon start-up. This temporary
condition is normal and necessary to heat
up the cabin and minimize emissions. Starting: Switch the ignition on
while your transmission selector
is in position P. The green ready
indicator light will appear in the instrument
cluster, letting you know that the vehicle
is ready for driving.
The engine may not start because this
vehicle is equipped with silent key start.
This fuel saving feature allows your vehicle
to be ready to drive without requiring the
gas engine to be running. This indicator
will remain on while the vehicle is on,
whether the engine is running or not to
indicate the vehicle is capable of
movement (using its electric motor, engine,
or both). Typically, the engine will not start
unless the vehicle is cold, you make a
climate control change, or you press the
accelerator.
Driving:
The gas engine automatically
starts and stops to provide power when
needed and to save fuel when not needed.
While coasting at low speeds, coming to
a stop, or standing, the gas engine
normally shuts down and the vehicle
operates in electric-only mode. Conditions
that may cause the engine to start up or
remain running include: •
Considerable vehicle acceleration
• Vehicle speed above 85 mph (137
km/h) However, the maximum speed
for electric–only operation may be
lower while driving in hot temperatures
or on hilly terrain.
• Ascending a hill
• Charge level of high voltage battery is
low
• Very high or low outside temperature
(to provide system cooling or heating)
• Engine not warm enough to provide
passenger requested cabin
temperature.
Stopping:
The gas engine may shut off to
conserve fuel as you come to a stop.
Restarting the vehicle is not required.
Simply step on the accelerator when you
are ready to drive.
Transmission Operation:
Due to the
technologically advanced,
electronically-controlled continuously
variable transaxle, you will not feel shift
changes like those of a non-hybrid vehicle.
Note: Since engine speed is controlled by
the transmission, it may seem elevated at
times. This is normal hybrid operation and
helps deliver fuel efficiency and
performance.
Neutral:
It is not recommended to idle the
vehicle in position N for an extended
period of time because this will discharge
your high voltage battery and decrease
fuel economy. The engine will not start,
and cannot provide power to the hybrid
system in position
N.
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MKZ (CC9) Unique Driving CharacteristicsE144692

Frequently asked questions
Answer
Question
The high voltage battery is electrically
isolated from the rest of the vehicle when
the key is off. When you turn the key to on, high voltage contactors inside the battery
are closed to make the electricity available to the motor/generator and enable the
vehicle to drive. The clicks are the sound
of these contactors as they close and open during start up and shut down.
What are the series of clicks from the cargo
area when I first turn the key in the ignition?
The vehicle's computer will determine if anengine start is required at key-on. Silent
key start will start the engine if it is neces- sary for cabin heating, windshield defrost, or if the outside temperature is low.
Why does the engine sometimes start at
key-on?
There are several reasons the engine stayson for an extended amount of time when
you first start it. One common reason is to
ensure that the emissions components are warm enough to minimize tailpipe emis- sions. As the climate gets cooler, this engine-on time is extended.
Why does it take a long time before the
engine shuts down?
The engine is required to turn on abovethis speed to protect the transmission hardware.
Why does my engine never shut down
above 85 mph (137 km/h)?
In order to ensure that the climate controlsystem can begin heating the cabin or
defrosting the windshield as soon as a driver requests it, the engine coolant
temperature has to be kept sufficiently hot. Keeping the engine on is required to
maintain the correct minimum temperature.
Why does my engine stay on when it is
extremely cold outside?
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MKZ (CC9) Unique Driving Characteristics

The system may apply the brakes to slow
the vehicle to the new set speed. The set
speed will display continuously in the
information display while the system is
active.
Resuming the Set Speed
Note:
Only use resume if you are aware
of the set speed and intend to return to it.
Press and release RES. The vehicle will
return to the previously set speed. The set
speed will display continuously in the
information display while the system is
active.
Low Speed Automatic Cancellation
The system is not functional at vehicle
speeds below 12 mph (20 km/h). An
audible alarm will sound and the automatic
braking releases if the vehicle drops below
this speed.
Hilly Condition Usage
Note: An audible alarm will sound and the
system will shut down if it is applying
brakes for an extended period of time.
This allows the brakes to cool down. The
system will function normally again when
the brakes have cooled down.
You should select a lower gear position
when the system is active in situations
such as prolonged downhill driving on
steep grades, for example in mountainous
areas. The system needs additional engine
braking in these situations to reduce the
load on the vehicle ’s regular brake system
to prevent them from overheating. Switching the System Off
Note:
The set speed memory erases when
you switch off the system.
Press and release
OFF or turn off the
ignition.
Detection Issues
The radar sensor has a limited field of
vision. It may not detect vehicles at all or
detect a vehicle later than expected in
some situations. The lead vehicle graphic
will not illuminate if the system does not
detect a vehicle in front of you. 196
MKZ (CC9) Cruise ControlE71621

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 313).
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.
STEERING
Electric Power Steering WARNINGS
The electric power steering system
has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system to ensure
proper operation. When a system error is
detected a steering message will appear
in the information display. 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. WARNINGS
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. Your vehicle is equipped with an electric
power-assisted steering system. There is
no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
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.
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MKZ (CC9) Driving Aids

Note:
For best results, coolant
concentration should be tested with a
refractometer such as Rotunda tool
300-ROB75240 available from your
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 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 cooling or heating
systems. This damage would not be
covered under your vehicle ’s warranty.
Note: During normal vehicle operation,
the coolant may change color from orange
to pink or light red. As long as the coolant
is clear and uncontaminated, this color
change does not indicate the coolant has
degraded nor does it require the coolant
to be drained, the system to be flushed,
or the coolant to be replaced.
Note: It is very important to use prediluted
coolant meeting the Ford specification in
order to avoid plugging the small coolant
passageways. Use of concentrated
coolant and water may cause coolant
passageway plugging and void the
warranty. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 302).
256
MKZ (CC9) Maintenance

•
Do not mix different colors or types of
coolant in your vehicle. Make sure the
correct coolant is used. Mixing of
coolants may harm your cooling
system. The use of an improper
coolant may harm the engine, inverter
system controller, and cooling system
components and may void the
warranty.
• In case of emergency, a large amount
of water without engine coolant may
be added to the engine cooling system
only in order to reach a vehicle service
location. In this instance, the engine
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. DO NOT use
this method for the inverter system
controller cooling system. The inverter
system controller cooling system
operates close to ambient
temperature, and is susceptible to
freezing in any subfreezing
environment in the absence of coolant.
• 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. Adding Engine Coolant
1.
Unscrew the engine coolant reservoir
cap slowly. Any pressure will escape
as you unscrew the cap.
2. Use a funnel to add prediluted engine
coolant to the engine coolant reservoir.
Make sure that the level is between
the MIN and MAX marks on the engine
coolant reservoir. Use prediluted
engine coolant meeting the Ford
specification. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 302).
3. Close the engine coolant reservoir cap.
Whenever you add coolant, check the
coolant level in the engine coolant
reservoir the next few times you drive the
vehicle. If necessary, add enough
prediluted engine coolant to bring the
engine coolant level to the proper level.
Adding Inverter System Controller
Coolant
1. Open the inverter system controller coolant reservoir cap.
2. Use a funnel to add prediluted coolant
to the inverter system controller
coolant reservoir. Make sure that the
level is between the MIN and MAX
marks on the inverter system controller
coolant reservoir. Use prediluted
coolant meeting the Ford specification.
See
Capacities and Specifications
(page 302).
3. Close the inverter system controller coolant reservoir cap.
257
MKZ (CC9) Maintenance

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 millimeters) 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 kilometers). 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 make sure
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).
• Only use the sealing compound before
the use by date. The use by date is on
the lower right hand corner of the label
located on the sealant canister (bottle).
Check the use by date regularly and
replace the canister after four years.
277
MKZ (CC9) Wheels and Tires

Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a
normal operating characteristic and, by
itself, does not necessarily indicate a
concern or that the fluid needs to be
changed. However, a qualified expert,
such as the factory-trained technicians at
your dealership, should inspect discolored
fluids that also show signs of overheating
or foreign material contamination
immediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle
’s oils
and fluids at the specified intervals or in
conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a
viable way to change fluid for many vehicle
sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are
flushed only with new fluid that is the same
as that required to fill and operate the
system or using a Ford-approved flushing
chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basic
maintenance checks and inspections every
month or at six-month intervals. Check every month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure. Windshield washer fluid level. Check every six months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary. Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if necessary. Parking brake for proper operation.
414
MKZ (CC9) Scheduled Maintenance