
Keep a record for at least one month and
record the type of driving (city or highway).
This provides an accurate estimate of the
vehicle
’s fuel economy under current
driving conditions. Additionally, keeping
records during summer and winter show
how temperature impacts fuel economy.
In general, lower temperatures mean lower
fuel economy.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARNINGS
Do not park, idle, or drive your
vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats
up the engine compartment and exhaust
system, which can start a fire. Exhaust leaks may result in entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes
into the passenger compartment. If you
smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle,
have your dealer inspect your vehicle
immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes. Your vehicle is equipped with various
emission control components and a
catalytic converter that will enable your
vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust
emission standards. To make sure that the
catalytic converter and other emission
control components continue to work
properly:
•
Use only the specified fuel listed.
• Avoid running out of fuel. •
Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high
speeds.
• Have the items listed in scheduled
maintenance information performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed
in scheduled maintenance information are
essential to the life and performance of
your vehicle and to its emissions system.
If you use parts other than Ford, Motorcraft
or Ford-authorized parts for maintenance
replacements, or for service of
components affecting emission control,
such non-Ford parts should be the
equivalent to genuine Ford Motor
Company parts in performance and
durability.
Illumination of the service engine soon
indicator, charging system warning light
or the temperature warning light, fluid
leaks, strange odors, smoke or loss of
engine power could indicate that the
emission control system is not working
properly.
An improperly operating or damaged
exhaust system may allow exhaust to enter
the vehicle. Have a damaged or
improperly operating exhaust system
inspected and repaired immediately.
Do not make any unauthorized changes
to your vehicle or engine. By law, vehicle
owners and anyone who manufactures,
repairs, services, sells, leases, trades
vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles
are not permitted to intentionally remove
164
MKZ (CC9) Fuel and Refueling

TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR
WHEELS
Emergency Towing
In the event your vehicle becomes
disabled (without access to wheel dollies,
car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport
vehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheels on
the ground, regardless of the
powertrain/transmission configuration)
under the following conditions:
•
The vehicle is facing forward so that it
is towed in a forward direction.
• The transmission gear shift lever is
placed in position N. If the transmission
gear shift lever cannot be moved to
position N, it may need to be
overridden. See Automatic
Transmission (page 170).
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is 50 miles (80
kilometers).
Recreational Towing
Note: Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering the vehicle.
See
Climate Control (page 124).
Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational (RV) towing. An example
of recreational towing would be towing
your vehicle behind a motorhome. These
guidelines are designed to ensure that
your transmission is not damaged. Your vehicle can be towed with all four
wheels on the ground using the Neutral
Tow feature, or with all four wheels off the
ground using a vehicle transport trailer. If
you are using a vehicle transport trailer,
follow the instruction specified by the
equipment provider.
Neutral Tow
If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground:
•
Tow only in the forward direction.
• Release the parking brake.
• Place the vehicle in Neutral Tow mode
by doing the following:
•Put the ignition in accessory mode
(ignition on, engine off ).
See
Keyless Starting (page 147).
• Select
Neutral Tow in the
information display.
• When prompted by the information
display, press the brake pedal and
select Neutral on the transmission.
Make sure the parking brake is off.
If done successfully,
Neutral Tow
Engaged appears in the display.
• Shut the ignition off.
See Keyless
Starting (page 147). If the process
is completed successfully, the N
on the transmission slowly blinks
and "Neutral tow engaged"
appears in the information display.
• Do not exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).
• Start the engine and allow it to run for
one minute at the beginning of each
day. With the engine running and your
foot on the brake, shift into position D
and then into position R before shifting
back into position
N.
222
MKZ (CC9) Towing

BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for
approximately 300 miles (480 kilometers).
During this time, your vehicle may exhibit
some unusual driving characteristics. The
engine also needs to break in. Avoid hard
accelerations and driving too fast for the
first 1000 miles (1600 kilometers). If
possible, avoid carrying heavy loads up
steep grades during the break-in period.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several things
such as how you drive, the conditions you
drive under and how you maintain your
vehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind
that may improve your fuel economy:
•
Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,
moderate fashion.
• Drive at steady speeds.
• Anticipate stops; slowing down may
eliminate the need to stop.
• Combine errands and minimize
stop-and-go driving.
•When running errands, go to the
furthest destination first and then
work your way back home.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
• Drive at reasonable speeds. (Traveling
at 65 mph/105 kph uses about 15% less
fuel than traveling at 75 mph/121 kph).
• Keep the tires properly inflated and
use only the recommended size. •
Use the recommended engine oil.
• Perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance.
There are also some things you may want
to avoid doing because they reduce your
fuel economy:
• Avoid sudden or hard accelerations.
• Avoid revving the engine before
turning off the car.
• Avoid long idle periods.
• Do not warm up your vehicle on cold
mornings.
• Reduce the use of air conditioning and
heat.
• Avoid using speed control in hilly
terrain.
• Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary weight
(approximately 1 mpg [0.4
kilometers/liter] is lost for every 400
lbs [180 kilograms] of weight carried).
• Avoid adding particular accessories to
your vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,
rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski
racks).
• Avoid driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Note: Driving through deep water above
the recommended levels can cause
vehicle damage.
223
MKZ (CC9) Driving Hints

2. If your inquiry or concern remains
unresolved, contact the Sales
Manager, Service Manager or
Customer Relations Manager.
3. If you require assistance or clarification
on Ford Motor Company policies,
please contact the Ford Customer
Relationship Center.
In order to help you serve you better,
please have the following information
available when contacting a Customer
Relationship Center:
• Vehicle Identification Number.
• Your telephone number (home and
business).
• The name of the authorized dealer and
city where located.
• The vehicle ’s current odometer
reading.
In some states, you must directly notify
Ford in writing before pursuing remedies
under your state ’s warranty laws. Ford is
also allowed a final repair attempt in some
states.
In the United States, a warranty dispute
must be submitted to the BBB AUTO LINE
before taking action under the
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, or to the
extent allowed by state law, before
pursuing replacement or repurchase
remedies provided by certain state laws.
This dispute handling procedure is not
required prior to enforcing state created
rights or other rights which are
independent of the Magnuson-Moss
Warranty Act or state replacement or
repurchase laws. IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)
California Civil Code Section 1793.2(d)
requires that, if a manufacturer or its
representative is unable to repair a motor
vehicle to conform to the vehicle
’s
applicable express warranty after a
reasonable number of attempts, the
manufacturer shall be required to either
replace the vehicle with one substantially
identical or repurchase the vehicle and
reimburse the buyer in an amount equal
to the actual price paid or payable by the
consumer (less a reasonable allowance
for consumer use). The consumer has the
right to choose whether to receive a
refund or replacement vehicle.
California Civil Code Section 1793.22(b)
presumes that the manufacturer has had
a reasonable number of attempts to
conform the vehicle to its applicable
express warranties if, within the first 18
months of ownership of a new vehicle or
the first 18000 miles (29 000 km),
whichever occurs first:
1. Two or more repair attempts are made
on the same non-conformity likely to
cause death or serious bodily injury
OR
2. Four or more repair attempts are made
on the same nonconformity (a defect
or condition that substantially impairs
the use, value or safety of the vehicle)
OR
3. The vehicle is out of service for repair
of nonconformities for a total of more
than 30 calendar days (not necessarily
all at one time).
233
MKZ (CC9) Customer Assistance

Whenever you add coolant, check the
coolant level in the inverter system
controller coolant reservoir the next few
times you drive the vehicle. If necessary,
add enough prediluted coolant to bring
the inverter system controller 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.
Used engine coolant should be disposed
of in an appropriate 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 an
authorized Ford 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 an
authorized Ford 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 coolant
meeting the Ford specification for optimum
cooling system and engine protection.
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.
258
MKZ (CC9) Maintenance

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. 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. 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.
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.
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 at the
correct service interval. See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 412). Your
transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be
checked if the transmission is not working
properly, (i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly) or if you notice some sign of
fluid leakage.
259
MKZ (CC9) Maintenance

4.
On the wall or screen you will observe
a flat zone of high intensity light
located at the top of the right hand
portion of the beam pattern. If the top
edge of the high intensity light zone is
not at the horizontal reference line, the
headlamp will need to be adjusted. 5. Locate the vertical adjuster on each
headlamp. Using a Phillips #2
screwdriver, turn the adjuster either
clockwise or counterclockwise in order
to adjust the vertical aim of the
headlamp. The horizontal edge of the
brighter light should touch the
horizontal reference line.
6. Close the hood and turn off the lamps. Horizontal Aim Adjustment
Horizontal aim is not required for this
vehicle and is not adjustable.
CHANGING A BULB
Lamp Assembly Condensation
Exterior lamps are vented to accommodate
normal changes in pressure. Condensation
can be a natural by-product of this design.
When moist air enters the lamp assembly
through the vents, there is a possibility that
condensation can occur when the
temperature is cold. When normal
condensation occurs, a thin film of mist
can form on the interior of the lens. The
thin mist eventually clears and exits
through the vents during normal operation.
Clearing time may take as long as 48
hours under dry weather conditions.
Examples of acceptable condensation are:
•
Presence of thin mist (no streaks, drip
marks or droplets).
• Fine mist covers less than 50% of the
lens.
Examples of unacceptable moisture
(usually caused by a lamp water leak) are:
• Water puddle inside the lamp.
• Large water droplets, drip marks or
streaks present on the interior of the
lens.
Take your vehicle to a dealer for service
if any of the above conditions of
unacceptable moisture are present.
264
MKZ (CC9) MaintenanceE142465 E150095

4. Remove the soaked cloth and if it is
not soiled badly, use this cloth to clean
the area by using a rubbing motion for
60 seconds.
5. Following this, wipe area dry with a clean, white, cotton cloth.
CLEANING LEATHER SEATS (IF
EQUIPPED)
For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with
a soft, damp cloth. For more thorough
cleaning, wipe the surface with a mild soap
and water solution. Dry the area with a soft
cloth.
If you cannot completely clean the leather
using a mild soap and water solution, you
can try a commercially available leather
cleaning product designed for automotive
interiors.
Note: To check for compatibility, first test
any cleaner or stain remover on an
inconspicuous part of the leather.
You should:
• remove dust and loose dirt with a
vacuum cleaner
• clean spills and stains as quickly as
possible
• check for compatibility by first testing
any cleaner or stain remover on an
inconspicuous part of the leather.
Do not use the following products as these
may damage the leather:
• oil/petroleum-based leather
conditioners
• household cleaners •
alcohol solutions
• solvents or cleaners intended
specifically for rubber, vinyl and
plastics.
REPAIRING MINOR PAINT
DAMAGE
Your authorized dealer has touch-up paint
to match your vehicle ’s color. Take your
color code (printed on a sticker in the
driver’ s door jamb) to your authorized
dealer to ensure you get the correct color.
• Remove particles such as bird
droppings, tree sap, insect deposits,
tar spots, road salt and industrial fallout
before repairing paint chips.
• Always read the instructions before
using the products.
CLEANING THE ALLOY WHEELS
Note: Do not apply a cleaning chemical
to warm or hot wheel rims and covers.
Note: Some automatic car washes may
cause damage to the finish on your wheel
rims and covers.
Note: Industrial-strength or heavy-duty
cleaners in combination with brush
agitation to remove brake dust and dirt,
could wear away the clear coat finish over
a period time.
Note: Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based
or high caustic-based wheel cleaners,
steel wool, fuels or strong household
detergents.
272
MKZ (CC9) Vehicle Care