2015 LINCOLN MKS warning

USING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
All-wheel drive uses all four wheels to power
the vehicle. This increases traction, enabling
you to drive over terrain and road conditions
that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle
cannot. The AWD system is active all the time
and requires no input from the operator.
Note:
Your AWD vehicle is not for off-road
use. The AWD feature gives your vehicle some
limited off-road capabilities in which driving
surfaces are relatively level, obstruction-free
and otherwise similar to normal on-road
driving conditions. Operating your vehicle
under other than those conditions could
subject the vehicle to excessive stress which
might result in damage not covered under your
warranty.
Note: When an AWD system fault is present,
the warning Check AWD displays in the
information display. See Information
Messages (page 94). An AWD system fault
causes the AWD system to default to
front-wheel drive only mode. If this warning
displays, have your vehicle serviced at an
authorized dealer. Note:
The AWD Off message displays in the
information display if the AWD system has
overheated
See Information Messages
(page 94). This condition may occur if the
vehicle operates in extreme conditions with
excessive wheel slip, such as deep sand. To
resume normal AWD function as soon as
possible, stop the vehicle in a safe location
and stop the engine for at least 10 minutes.
After the engine restarts and the AWD system
has adequately cooled, the AWD Off message
turns off and normal AWD function returns. In
the event you do not stop the engine, the AWD
Off message turns off when the system cools
and normal AWD function returns.
Do not use a spare tire of a different size
other than the tire provided. The AWD system
may disable automatically and enter
front-wheel drive only mode to protect
driveline components if you install the
mini-spare tire. A warning in the information
display indicates this condition.
See
Information Messages (page 94). If there
is an AWD Off message in the information
display from using the spare tire, this
indicator should turn off after reinstalling the
repaired or replaced normal road tire and
cycling the ignition off and on. Reinstall the repaired or replaced road tire as soon as
possible. Major dissimilar tire sizes between
the front and rear axles could cause the AWD
system to stop functioning and default to
front-wheel drive or damage the AWD
system.
Driving In Special Conditions With
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
AWD vehicles are equipped for driving on
sand, snow, mud and rough roads and have
operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on
and off the highway.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand
under high outside temperatures, use a low
gear when possible. Lower gear operation
maximizes the engine and transmission
cooling capability. Under severe operating
conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
Basic operating principles in special
conditions
•
Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• Use extreme care when driving on
pavement made slippery by loose sand,
water, gravel, snow or ice.
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MKS (), enUSA All-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)

If Your Vehicle Goes Off the Edge of the
Pavement
•
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the
pavement, slow down, but avoid severe
brake application. Ease the vehicle back
onto the pavement only after reducing
your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the
road surface.
• It may be safer to stay on the apron or
shoulder of the road and slow down
gradually before returning to the
pavement. You may lose control if you do
not slow down or if you turn the steering
wheel too sharply or abruptly.
• It often may be less risky to strike small
objects, such as highway reflectors, with
minor damage to your vehicle rather than
attempt a sudden return to the pavement
which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or rollover.
Remember, your safety and the safety of
others should be your primary concern. If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck WARNINGS
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the transmission is in park
(P). Turn the ignition to the lock
position or turn the vehicle off using the
start/stop button and remove the key
whenever you leave your vehicle. If you release the parking brake and the
brake warning lamp remains
illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer. Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(56 km/h). The tires may fail and injure
a passenger or bystander. Note:
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is
not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock the vehicle for more than a
few minutes or damage to the transmission
and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow you
can rock it out by shifting between forward
and reverse gears, stopping between shifts,
in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the
accelerator in each gear. If your vehicle is equipped with
AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control
™,
it may be beneficial to disengage the
AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control ™
system while attempting to rock the vehicle.
Emergency Maneuvers
• In an unavoidable emergency situation
where a sudden sharp turn must be
made, remember to avoid "over-driving"
your vehicle (i.e., turn the steering wheel
only as rapidly and as far as required to
avoid the emergency). Excessive steering
results in less vehicle control, not more.
Additionally, if changes in vehicle speed
are necessary, use smooth variations of
accelerator and/or brake pedal pressure
to adjust vehicle speed. Avoid abrupt
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MKS (), enUSA All-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)

Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore
apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump” the
brakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice WARNING
If you are driving in slippery conditions
that require tire chains or cables, then
it is critical that you drive cautiously.
Keep speeds down, allow for longer stopping
distances and avoid aggressive steering to
reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle
control which can lead to serious injury or
death. If the rear end of the vehicle slides
while cornering, steer in the direction of the
slide until you regain control of the vehicle. Note:
Excessive tire slippage can cause
transmission damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD
vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like any
other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on
snowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheel
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control. Avoid sudden applications of power and
quick changes of direction on snow and ice.
Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily
when starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an
AWD vehicle may accelerate better than a
two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it
does not stop any faster, because as in other
vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels.
Do not become overconfident as to road
conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance
between you and other vehicles for stopping.
Drive slower than usual and consider using
one of the lower gears. In emergency
stopping situations, apply the brake steadily.
Since your vehicle is equipped with a four
wheel (ABS), do not
“pump” the brakes. See
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes
(page 147). Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your
vehicle provide predictable performance
whether loaded or empty and durable load
carrying capability. For this reason, Ford
Motor Company strongly recommends that
you do not make modifications such as
adding or removing parts (such as lowering
kits or stabilizer bars) or by using
replacement parts not equivalent to the
original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the
center of gravity can make it more likely the
vehicle will rollover as a result of a loss of
control. Ford Motor Company recommends
you use caution with any vehicle equipped
with a high load or device (such as ladder or
luggage racks).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may
void the warranty, increase your repair cost,
reduce vehicle performance and operational
capabilities and adversely affect driver and
passenger safety. If the vehicle experiences
off-highway use, check the vehicle chassis
components more frequently.
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MKS (), enUSA All-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a
metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or
continuous squeal sound is present, the brake
linings may be worn-out. Have the system
checked by an authorized dealer. If your vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the
steering wheel while braking, have it checked
by an authorized dealer.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels, even under normal driving conditions.
Some dust is inevitable as the brakes wear
and does not contribute to brake noise. See
Cleaning the Alloy Wheels (page 261). See
Warning Lamps and
Indicators (page 84).
Wet brakes result in reduced braking
efficiency. Gently press the brake pedal a few
times when driving from a car wash or
standing water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal becomes
stuck or entrapped, apply steady and firm
pressure to the brake pedal to slow the
vehicle and reduce engine power. If you
experience this condition, apply the brakes
and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Move the transmission to park (P), switch the
engine off and apply the parking brake.
Inspect the accelerator pedal for any
interference. If none are found and the
condition persists, have your vehicle towed
to the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brake rapidly
by measuring the rate at which you press the
brake pedal. It provides maximum braking
efficiency as long as you press the pedal, and
can reduce stopping distances in critical
situations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steering
control during emergency stops by keeping
the brakes from locking.
This lamp momentarily illuminates
when you turn the ignition on. If the
light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the system
may be disabled. Have the system checked
by an authorized dealer. If the anti-lock brake
system is disabled, normal braking is still
effective. If the brake warning lamp
illuminates when you release the
parking brake, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-
LOCK BRAKES
Note: When the system is operating, the brake
pedal will pulse and may travel further.
Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You may
also hear a noise from the system. This is
normal.
The anti-lock braking system will not
eliminate the risks when:
• You drive too closely to the vehicle in
front of you.
• Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
• You take corners too fast.
• The road surface is poor.
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PARKING BRAKE
WARNINGS
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the brake warning lamp remains
illuminated, then driving your vehicle
could result in reduced braking ability,
increased stopping distances and potential
loss of brakes. See your authorized dealer as
soon as possible. Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the transmission is placed
in park (P). Failure to set the parking
brake and engage park could result in vehicle
roll-away, property damage or bodily injury.
Turn the ignition to the lock position and
remove the key whenever you leave your
vehicle. To set the parking brake, press the parking
brake pedal down to its fullest extent.
To release the parking brake, press the
parking brake pedal down again. HILL START ASSIST WARNINGS
The system does not replace the
parking brake. When you leave your
vehicle, always apply the parking brake.
Failure to leave your vehicle securely parked
may lead to a crash or injury. See
Parking
Brake (page 148). You must remain in your vehicle when
the system turns on. At all times, you
are responsible for controlling your
vehicle, supervising the system and
intervening, if required. Failure to take care
may result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, serious personal injury or death. The system will turn off if a malfunction
is apparent or if you rev the engine
excessively. Failure to take care may
result in the loss of control of your vehicle,
serious personal injury or death. The system makes it easier to pull away
when your vehicle is on a slope without the
need to use the parking brake.When the system is active, your vehicle
remains stationary on the slope for two to
three seconds after you release the brake
pedal. This allows time to move your foot
from the brake to the accelerator pedal. The
system releases the brakes automatically
once the engine has developed sufficient
drive to prevent your vehicle from rolling
down the slope. This is an advantage when
pulling away on a slope, for example from a
car park ramp, traffic lights or when reversing
uphill into a parking space.
Note:
The system only functions when you
bring your vehicle to a complete standstill.
Shift the gearshift lever to reverse (R) when
facing downhill and first gear (1) when facing
uphill.
Note: There is no warning light to indicate the
system is either on or off.
Using Hill Start Assist
1. Press the brake pedal to bring your vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep the
brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that your vehicle is on a slope, the system activates
automatically.
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MKS (), enUSA Brakes

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid drive
wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system
applies the brakes to individual wheels and,
when needed, reduces engine power at the
same time. If the wheels spin when
accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,
the system reduces engine power in order to
increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
Note:
If your vehicle is equipped with MyKey®,
it is possible to prevent turning the traction
control system off. See MyKey ™ (page 50).
In certain situations for example, stuck in
snow or mud, turning the traction control off
may be beneficial as this allows the wheels
to spin with full engine power. Depending on
the type of system you have on your vehicle,
you can either turn the system off using the
information display or by pressing the button. Switching the System Off Using the
Information Display Controls
(If
Equipped)
Your vehicle comes with this feature already
enabled. If required, you can switch this
feature off using the information display
controls. See Principle of Operation (page
150
).
Switching the System Off Using a
Switch
(If Equipped)
The button is located in the instrument panel.
Press the button. You will see a message in
conjunction with an illuminated icon in the
display. Press the button again to return the
system to normal mode.
When you switch the traction control system
off, stability control remains fully active. System Indicator Lights and
Messages WARNING
If a failure has been detected within the
AdvanceTrac system, the stability
control light will illuminate steadily.
Verify that the AdvanceTrac system was not
manually disabled through the information
display. If the stability control light still
illuminates steadily, have the system serviced
by an authorized dealer immediately.
Operating your vehicle with AdvanceTrac
disabled could lead to an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. The stability control light
temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and flashes when a driving
condition activates the stability system. The stability control off light
temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and stays on when you
turn the traction control system off.
When you turn the traction control system
off or on, a message appears in the
information display showing system status.
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MKS (), enUSA Traction ControlE138639

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involving braking
system, aftermarket roof racks,
suspension, steering system, tire
construction and wheel and tire size may
change the handling characteristics of the
vehicle and may adversely affect the
performance of the AdvanceTrac system. In
addition, installing any stereo loudspeakers
may interfere with and adversely affect the
AdvanceTrac system. Install any aftermarket
stereo loudspeaker as far as possible from
the front center console, the tunnel, and the
front seats in order to minimize the risk of
interfering with the AdvanceTrac sensors.
Reducing the effectiveness of the
AdvanceTrac system could lead to an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. Remember that even advanced
technology cannot defy the laws of
physics. It’
s always possible to lose
control of a vehicle due to inappropriate
driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause you
to lose control of your vehicle increasing the
risk of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the AdvanceTrac system is an WARNINGS
indication that at least some of the tires have
exceeded their ability to grip the road; this
could reduce the operator ’s ability to control
the vehicle potentially resulting in a loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death. If your AdvanceTrac system
activates, SLOW DOWN. The AdvanceTrac Control system helps you
keep control of your vehicle when on a
slippery surface. The electronic stability
control portion of the system helps avoid
skids and lateral slides. The traction control
system helps avoid drive wheel spin and loss
of traction. See Using Traction Control
(page 150). Vehicle without AdvanceTrac
skidding off its intended route.
A
Vehicle with AdvanceTrac
maintaining control on a slippery
surface.
B
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MKS (), enUSA Stability ControlE72903A
AA
B
BB
B

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 on a
flat surface at parking speeds. Certain objects
with surfaces that absorb ultrasonic waves,
traffic control systems, fluorescent lamps,
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 reverse (R) 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. WARNINGS
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 50).
The sensing system warns the driver of
obstacles within a certain range of the
bumper area. The system turns on
automatically whenever you switch the
ignition on. When receiving a detection warning, the radio
volume reduces to a predetermined level.
After the warning goes away, the radio
volume returns to the previous level.
You can switch the system off through the
information display menu or from the pop-up
message that appears once you shift the
transmission into reverse (R). If your vehicle
is equipped with a front sensing system, you
can switch the system off using the parking
aid switch. See General Information (page
88
).
If a fault is present in the system, a warning
message appears in the information display
and you cannot switch the system on through
the pop-up message or parking aid switch.
See
Information Messages (page 94).
Rear Sensing System
The rear sensors are only active when the
transmission is in reverse (R). As the vehicle
moves closer to the obstacle, the rate of the
audible warning increases. When the
obstacle is less than
12 in (30 cm) away, the
warning sounds continuously. If the system
detects a stationary or receding object farther
than
12 in (30 cm) from the side of the
vehicle, the tone sounds for only three
seconds. Once the system detects an object
approaching, the warning sounds again.
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MKS (), enUSA Parking Aids