Fast Restart
The fast restart feature allows you to
restart the engine within 20 seconds of
switching it off, even if a valid key is not
present.
Within 20 seconds of switching the engine
off, press the brake pedal and press the
button. After 20 seconds have expired,
you can no longer restart the vehicle
without the key present inside your
vehicle.
Once the vehicle has started, it remains
running until you press the button, even if
the system does not detect a valid key. If
you open and close a door while the
vehicle is running, the system searches
for a valid key. You cannot restart the
engine if the system does not detect a
valid key within 20 seconds.
Automatic Shutdown
This feature automatically shuts down the
vehicle if it has been idling for an extended
period. The ignition also turns off in order
to save battery power. Before the vehicle
shuts down, a message appears in the
information display showing a timer
counting down from 30 seconds. If you do
not intervene within 30 seconds, the
vehicle shuts down. Another message
appears in the information display to
inform you that the vehicle has shut down
in order to save fuel. Start your vehicle as
you normally do.
Automatic Shutdown Override
Note:
You cannot permanently switch off
the automatic shutdown feature. When
you switch it off temporarily, it turns on at
the next ignition cycle. You can stop the shutdown, or reset the
timer, at any point before the 30-second
countdown has expired by doing any of
the following:
•
You can reset the timer by interacting
with your vehicle (such as pressing the
brake pedal or accelerator pedal).
• You can temporarily switch off the
shutdown feature any time the ignition
is on (for the current ignition cycle
only). Use the information display to
do so. See Information Displays
(page 97).
• During the countdown before
shutdown, you are prompted to press
OK or RESET (depending on your type
of information display) to temporarily
switch the feature off (for the current
ignition cycle only).
Switching Off the Vehicle When It Is
Stationary
1. Put the transmission in position
P.
2. Press the button once.
3. Apply the parking brake.
Note: This switches off the ignition, all
electrical circuits, warning lamps and
indicators.
Note: If the engine is idling for 30 minutes,
the ignition and engine automatically shut
down.
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MKZ (CC9) Starting and Stopping the Engine
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.
152
MKZ (CC9) Unique Driving CharacteristicsE144692
Low Gear: Low gear (position L) is
designed to mimic the enhanced engine
braking available in non-hybrid vehicles.
Low gear will produce high engine speeds
to provide necessary engine braking. This
is normal and will not damage your vehicle.
In low gear, the gas engine will remain on
more often than in position
D.
Unique Hybrid Operating Characteristics
Your vehicle behaves differently compared
to a non-hybrid. Here is a description of
the major differences:
Battery:
Your Hybrid is equipped with a
high voltage battery. A cool battery
ensures battery life and provides the best
possible performance. Your hybrid high
voltage battery may periodically
re-condition itself to ensure maximum
efficiency. You may notice slight changes
in driveability during this process, but it is
an important part of your hybrid's high
voltage battery optimization features.
Cabin air cools the high voltage battery by
pulling air through vents in the rear
package tray. Avoid placing objects on the
package tray which could block air flow
through the vents.
If you leave your vehicle inoperative for
over 31 days, it may be necessary to
jumpstart the vehicle.
See Roadside
Emergencies (page 225).
Engine:
The engine speed in your hybrid
is not directly tied to your vehicle speed.
Your vehicle's engine and transmission
are designed to deliver the power you
need at the most efficient engine speed.
During heavy accelerations, your hybrid
may reach high engine speeds (up to
6000 RPM). In prolonged mountainous driving, you
may see the engine tachometer changing
without your input. This is intentional and
maintains the battery charge level. You
may also notice during extended downhill
driving that your engine continues to run
instead of shutting off.
During this engine braking, the engine
stays on, but it is not using any fuel. You
may also hear a slight whine or whistle
when operating your vehicle. This is the
normal operation of the electric generator
in the hybrid system.
During certain events (such as vehicle
servicing) your low voltage 12-volt battery
may become disconnected or disabled.
Once the battery is reconnected and after
driving the vehicle, the engine may
continue to operate for three to five
seconds after the key is turned to off. This
is a normal condition.
Braking:
Your hybrid is equipped with
standard hydraulic braking and
regenerative braking. Regenerative
braking is performed by your transmission
and it captures brake energy and stores
it in your high voltage battery.
Driving to optimize fuel economy
Note: Having your engine running is not
always an indication of inefficiency. In
some cases, it is actually more efficient
than driving in electric mode.
Your fuel economy should improve
throughout your hybrid's break-in period.
As with any vehicle, your driving habits
and accessory usage can significantly
impact your fuel economy. For best results,
keep in mind these tips:
153
MKZ (CC9) Unique Driving Characteristics
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?
155
MKZ (CC9) Unique Driving Characteristics
serious personal injury or sickness may
result. If fuel is splashed on the skin,
promptly wash skin thoroughly with
soap and water. Consult a physician
immediately if you experience an
adverse reaction.
FUEL QUALITY
Note: We recommend that you use only
high quality fuel without additives or other
engine treatments.
Choosing the Right Fuel
Note: Use of any fuel other than those
recommended may cause powertrain
damage, a loss of vehicle performance
and repairs may not be covered under
warranty.
If your vehicle is not a flexible fuel vehicle,
then only use unleaded fuel or unleaded
fuel blended with a maximum of 15%
ethanol. Do not use fuel ethanol (E85),
diesel fuel, fuel methanol, leaded fuel or
any other fuel because it could damage
or impair the emission control system.
The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel
or fuel additives with metallic compounds,
including manganese-based additives. Octane Recommendations
Regular unleaded gasoline with a pump
(R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 is
recommended. Some fuel stations offer
fuels posted as regular with an octane
rating below 87, particularly in high altitude
areas. Fuels with octane levels below 87
are not recommended. Premium fuel will
provide improved performance and is
recommended for severe duty use such
as trailer tow.
Do not be concerned if your engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if it
knocks heavily while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see
your authorized dealer to prevent any
engine damage.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Avoid running out of fuel because this
situation may have an adverse effect on
vehicle components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•
To start the vehicle with a keyless
ignition, just start the engine. Crank
time will be longer than usual.
• Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of
fuel is enough to restart the vehicle. If
the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep
grade, more than 1 gallon (3.8 liters)
may be required.
• The service engine soon indicator may
come on.
159
MKZ (CC9) Fuel and Refueling
Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test if
the service engine soon indicator is on or
not working properly (bulb is burned out),
or if the OBD-II system has determined
that some of the emission control systems
have not been properly checked. In this
case, your vehicle is not ready for I/M
testing.
If the vehicle
’s engine or transmission has
just been serviced, or the battery has
recently run down or been replaced, the
OBD-II system may indicate that the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To
determine if the vehicle is ready for I/M
testing, turn the ignition key to the on
position for 15 seconds without cranking
the engine. If the service engine soon
indicator blinks eight times, it means that
the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing; if
the service engine soon indicator stays on
solid, it means that the vehicle is ready for
I/M testing.
The OBD-II system monitors the emission
control system during normal driving. A
complete check may take several days. If
the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, you
may need to perform the following driving
cycle consisting of mixed city and highway
driving:
Drive on an expressway or highway for a
steady 15 minutes, followed by 20 minutes
of stop-and-go driving with at least four
30-second idle periods. Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight
hours without starting the engine. Then,
start the engine and complete the above
driving cycle. The engine must warm up
to its normal operating temperature. Once
started, do not turn off the engine until the
above driving cycle is complete. If the
vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, you
will have to repeat the above driving cycle.
166
MKZ (CC9) Fuel and Refueling
HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY CUT-
OFF SWITCH
The high-voltage shut off operation shuts
off power from the high-voltage battery
after a collision, or if your vehicle receives
a substantial physical jolt.
To reactivate the vehicle after either event
perform the following steps:
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Turn the ignition on.
3. If the vehicle is not powered after this
sequence, repeat steps 1 and 2.
For vehicles equipped with a push button
start system:
1. Press the START/STOP button to turn
ignition off.
2. Press the brake pedal and press the START/STOP button.
3. Remove your foot from the brake pedal
and press the
START/STOP button
(ignition off ).
4. Press the
START/STOP button again
to re-enable the vehicle.
Note: After completing this process the
vehicle will detect if the electrical system
is safe and reactivate. Once your vehicle
determines the electrical system safe you
can start your vehicle as you would
normally by pressing the brake in
combination with the START/STOP button.
Note: In the event the vehicle does not
reactivate after the second key cycle,
contact an authorized dealer.
169
MKZ (CC9) High Voltage Battery
PARKING AID (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNINGS
To help avoid personal injury, please
read and understand the limitations
of the system as contained in this section.
Sensing is only an aid for some (generally
large and fixed) objects when moving in
reverse on a flat surface at parking speeds.
Traffic control systems, inclement weather,
air brakes, and external motors and fans
may also affect the function of the sensing
system; this may include reduced
performance or a false activation. To help avoid personal injury, always
use caution when in R (Reverse) and
when using the sensing system. This system is not designed to
prevent contact with small or moving
objects. The system is designed to provide
a warning to assist the driver in detecting
large stationary objects to avoid damaging
the vehicle. The system may not detect
smaller objects, particularly those close to
the ground. Certain add-on devices such as large
trailer hitches, bike or surfboard
racks and any device that may block the
normal detection zone of the system, may
create false beeps. Note:
Keep the sensors, located on the
bumper or fascia, free from snow, ice and
large accumulations of dirt. If the sensors
are covered, the system’ s accuracy can
be affected. Do not clean the sensors with
sharp objects. Note:
If your vehicle sustains damage to
the bumper or fascia, leaving it misaligned
or bent, the sensing zone may be altered
causing inaccurate measurement of
obstacles or false alarms.
Note: If your vehicle is equipped with
MyKey®, it is possible to prevent turning
the sensing system off. See MyKey™ (page
53
).
The sensing system warns the driver of
obstacles within a certain range of the
bumper area. The system turns on
automatically whenever the ignition is
switched on.
When receiving a detection warning, the
radio volume is reduced to a
predetermined level. After the warning
goes away, the radio volume returns to
the previous level.
The system can be switched off through
the information display menu or from the
pop-up message that appears once the
transmission is shifted into R. See General
Information
(page 97).
If a fault is present in the system, a warning
message appears in the information
display and does not allow the driver to
switch the faulted system on.
See
Information Messages (page 109).
Rear Sensing System
The rear sensors are only active when the
transmission is in R. As the vehicle moves
closer to the obstacle, the rate of the
audible warning increases. When the
obstacle is fewer than 10 inches (25
centimeters) away, the warning sounds
continuously. If a stationary or receding
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MKZ (CC9) Parking Aids