Maintenance 251
General information...................................251
Opening and closing the hood............................252
Under hood overview..................................253
Engine oil dipstick....................................254
Engine oil check......................................254
Engine coolant check..................................255
Automatic transmission fluid check........................259
Brake fluid check.....................................261
Fuel filter...........................................261
Washer fluid check....................................262
Changing the vehicle battery.............................262
Checking the wiper blades..............................264
Changing the wiper blades..............................265
Air filter(s).........................................266
Adjusting the headlamps................................267
Changing a bulb......................................268
Bulb specification chart.................................273
Vehicle Care 274
Cleaning products.....................................274
Cleaning the exterior..................................274
Waxing.............................................276
Repairing minor paint damage............................276
Cleaning the engine...................................276
Cleaning the windows and wiper blades.....................277
Cleaning the interior...................................278
Cleaning the instrument panel and instrument cluster lens.......280
Cleaning leather seats..................................281
Cleaning the alloy wheels...............................281
Vehicle storage.......................................282
6Table of Contents
2014 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, June 2014
USA(fus)
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
5. Restart 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.
TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECK
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 km]). 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 yourscheduled maintenance informationfor 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, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
WARNING:The dipstick cap and surrounding components may
be hot; gloves are recommended.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) 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. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toUnder hood overviewin 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.
Maintenance259
2014 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, June 2014
USA(fus)
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 and/or
engagement concerns and/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 km) 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 and/or engagement concerns and/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
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 theTechnical
specificationssection in this chapter.
Note:Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint
(250 ml) increments through the
filler tube until the level is correct.
MAX MIN
MAX MIN
260Maintenance
2014 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, June 2014
USA(fus)
Item Capacity Ford part nameFord part number /
Ford specification
Power steering fluidBetween MIN and
MAX on reservoirMotorcraft MERCON LVXT-10-QLVC (U.S.);
CXT-10-LV12 (Canada)
/ MERCON LV
Automatic
transmission fluid
7,8
11.0 quarts (10.4L)
(6F50)Motorcraft
MERCON LVXT-10-QLVC (U.S.);
CXT-10-LV12 (Canada)
/ MERCON LV
Rear differential
(All-Wheel Drive)
fluid2.4 pints (1.15L)Motorcraft SAE 80W-90
Premium Rear Axle
LubricantXY-80W90-QL /
WSP-M2C197-A
Power Transfer Unit
(PTU) fluid
(All-Wheel Drive)
9
12 ounces (0.35L)Motorcraft SAE 75W-140
Synthetic Rear Axle
LubricantXY-75W140-QL /
WSL-M2C192-A
Windshield washer
fluidFill as requiredMotorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
Concentrates (U.S.)
Premium Quality
Windshield Washer Fluid
(Canada)ZC-32-B2 (U.S.);
CXC-37-(A, B, D, and F)
(Canada) /
WSB-M8B16-A2
Fuel tank
(front-wheel drive)18.3 gallons
(69.3L)——
Fuel tank (all-wheel
drive)19.2 gallons
(72.7L)——
Capacities and Specifications317
2014 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, June 2014
USA(fus)
Multi-point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help make sure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Multi-point Inspection
Accessory drive belt(s) Half-shaft dust boots (if equipped)
Battery performance Horn operation
Clutch operation (if equipped) Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Engine air filter Suspension component for leaks or
damage
Exhaust system Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps and hazard
warning system operationTires (including spare) for wear and
proper pressure
**
Fluid levels*; fill if necessary Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission
(with an underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and window
washer
**If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire
sealant expiration Use By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
Be sure to ask your dealership service advisor or technician about the
multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a comprehensive way to perform a
thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s your checklist that gives you
immediate feedback on the overall condition of your vehicle. You’ll know
what’s been checked, what’s okay, as well as those things that may
require future or immediate attention. The multi-point vehicle inspection
is one more way to keep your vehicle running great!
432Scheduled Maintenance
2014 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, June 2014
USA(fus)
Normal scheduled maintenance*
At every oil change
interval as indicated by
the information displayChange engine oil and filter.**
Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure
tread depth.
Perform multi-point inspection
(recommended).
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped with dipstick). Consult dealer for
requirements.
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums,
brake linings, hoses and parking brake.
Inspect engine cooling system strength and
hoses.
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect rear axle and U-joints. Lubricate if
equipped with grease fittings (All-wheel drive
vehicles).
Inspect half-shaft boots.
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints,
suspension, tie-rod ends, driveshaft and
U-joints. Lubricate if equipped with grease
fittings.
Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.
*Do not exceed one year or 10000 miles (16000 kilometers) between
service intervals.
**Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after each engine oil and filter
change. See theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Scheduled Maintenance435
2014 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, June 2014
USA(fus)
Other maintenance items1
Every 20000 miles
(32000 km)Replace cabin air filter, or clean screen.
Inspect spark plugs.
Every 30000 miles
(48000 km)Replace engine air filter.
Every 40000 miles
(64000 km)Change spark plugs.
Every 100000 miles
(160000 km)Change engine coolant.
2
Inspect accessory drive belt(s).3
Every 150000 miles
(240000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid.
Replace accessory drive belt(s) if not replaced
within the last 100000 miles (160000 km).
1These maintenance items can be performed within 3000 miles
(4800 kilometers) of the last oil change. Do not exceed the designated
distance for the interval.
2Initial replacement at six years or 100000 miles (160000 kilometers),
then every three years or 50000 miles (80000 kilometers).
3After initial inspection, inspect every other oil change until replaced.
436Scheduled Maintenance
2014 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, June 2014
USA(fus)
SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
If you operate your vehicleprimarilyin any of the following conditions,
you need to perform additional maintenance as indicated. If you
occasionallyoperate your vehicle under any of these conditions, it is
not necessary to perform the additional maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your dealership service advisor or technician.
Perform the services shown in the following tables when specified or
within 3000 miles (4800 kilometers) of the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED
message appearing in the information display.
Example #1:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at
28751 miles (46270 kilometers); perform the 30000 mile
(48000 kilometer) automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message hasnotcome on,
but the odometer reads 30000 miles (48000 kilometers); perform the
engine air filter replacement. (For example, the Intelligent Oil-Life
Monitor was reset at 25000 miles [40000 kilometers].)
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
As required Change engine oil and filter as indicated by
the information display and perform services
listed in the Normal Scheduled Maintenance
chart.
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredInspect and lubricate U-joints.
See axle maintenance items under
Exceptions.
Every 30000 miles
(48000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid.
440Scheduled Maintenance
2014 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, June 2014
USA(fus)