2015 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID Owners Manual

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.
Switching Off the Vehicle When It Is
Moving WARNING
Switching off the engine when the
vehicle is still moving will result in a
loss of brake and steering assistance. The
steering will not lock, but higher effort will
be required. When the ignition is switched
off, some electrical circuits, warning lamps
and indicators may also be off. 1. Put the transmission in position
N and
use the brakes to bring your vehicle to a
safe stop.
2. When your vehicle has stopped, put the transmission in position
P.
3. Press and hold the button for one second, or press it three times within two
seconds.
4. Apply the parking brake.
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes WARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your vehicle checked by
your authorized dealer immediately. Do not
drive your vehicle if you smell exhaust fumes.
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust
fumes. Take precautions to avoid its
dangerous effects. Important Ventilating Information
If you stop your vehicle and the leave the
engine idling for long periods of time, we
recommend that you do one of the following:•
Open the windows at least 1 inch (2.5
centimeters)
• Set your climate control to outside air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (If Equipped) WARNINGS
Failure to follow engine block heater
instructions could result in property
damage or serious personal injury. Do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or
two-pronged adapters. There is a risk of
electrical shock. Note:
The heater is most effective when
outdoor temperatures are below 0°F (-18°C).
The heater acts as a starting aid by warming
the engine coolant. This allows the climate
control system to respond quickly. The
equipment includes a heater element
(installed in the engine block) and a wire
harness. You can connect the system to a
grounded 120-volt AC electrical source.
166
MKZ Hybrid (), enUSA Starting and Stopping the Engine

We recommend that you do the following for
a safe and correct operation:
•
Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord
that is product certified by Underwriter’ s
Laboratory (UL) or Canadian Standards
Association (CSA). This extension cord
must be suitable for use outdoors, in cold
temperatures, and be clearly marked
Suitable for Use with Outdoor
Appliances. Do not use an indoor
extension cord outdoors. This could
result in an electric shock or become a
fire hazard.
• Use as short an extension cord as
possible.
• Do not use multiple extension cords.
• Make sure that when in operation, the
extension cord plug and heater cord plug
connections are free and clear of water.
This could cause an electric shock or fire.
• Make sure your vehicle is parked in a
clean area, clear of combustibles.
• Make sure the heater, heater cord and
extension cord are firmly connected. •
Check for heat anywhere in the electrical
hookup once the system has been
operating for approximately 30 minutes.
• Make sure the system is unplugged and
properly stowed before driving your
vehicle. Make sure the protective cover
seals the prongs of the block heater cord
plug when not in use.
• Make sure the heater system is checked
for proper operation before winter.
Using the Engine Block Heater
Make sure the receptacle terminals are clean
and dry prior to use. Clean them with a dry
cloth if necessary.
The heater uses 0.4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of
energy per hour of use. The system does not
have a thermostat. It achieves maximum
temperature after approximately three hours
of operation. Using the heater longer than
three hours does not improve system
performance and unnecessarily uses
electricity.
167
MKZ Hybrid (), enUSA 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 is in park
(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 neutral (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 neutral (N).
168
MKZ Hybrid (), enUSA Unique Driving CharacteristicsE144692

Low Gear: Low gear (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
drive (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
252).
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.
169
MKZ Hybrid (), enUSA Unique Driving Characteristics

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:
•
Keep the tires properly inflated and only
use the recommended size.
• Aggressive driving increases the amount
of energy required to move your vehicle.
In general, you can achieve better fuel
economy with mild to moderate
acceleration and deceleration. Moderate
braking is particularly important since it
allows you to maximize the energy
captured by the regenerative braking
system. Additional Tips:
•
Do not carry extra loads.
• Be mindful of adding external
accessories that may increase
aerodynamic drag.
• Observe posted speed limits.
• Perform all scheduled maintenance.
• There is no need to wait for your engine
to warm up. The vehicle is ready to drive
immediately after starting. EV+ Mode
Your vehicle will recognize your frequent
destinations and allow for more EV driving
as you approach them. For example, when
nearing your home it should be easier to stay
in electric mode. The EV indicator will display
EV+ when this mode is active. You should
see this about 1/8 mile (200 meters) from a
frequent destination. See Information
Displays (page 109).
Note: Frequent destinations are learned by
your vehicle after two to four weeks of use.
You can clear these destinations with a
Driving History reset through the Settings
menu.
Note: The EV+ feature can be turned on or
off through the Driver Assist section of the
Settings menu.
170
MKZ Hybrid (), enUSA 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 avail-
able 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 an engine start is requiredat key-on. Silent key start will start the engine if it is necessary 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 stays on for an extended amountof time when you first start it. One common reason is to ensure that the emissions components are warm enough to minimize tailpipe
emissions. 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 above this speed to protect thetransmission hardware.
Why does my engine never shut down above 85 mph (137 km/h)?
In order to ensure that the climate control system can begin heatingthe 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?
171
MKZ Hybrid (), enUSA Unique Driving Characteristics

Answer
Question
Your vehicle's engine and transmission are designed to deliver thepower you need at the most efficient engine speed. This may be
higher than expected during heavy accelerations, and may fluctuate
during steady state driving. These are characteristics of the Atkinson engine cycle and the transmission technology that help maximize your hybrid's fuel economy.
Why does my engine rev up so high sometimes when I accelerate?
The fan noise comes from a fan located outside the high voltage
battery. This fan turns on when the battery requires cooling air. The
fan speed, and associated noise level, will change according to the
amount of cooling required to maintain good performance. Maintaining
the battery temperature at optimal conditions also prolongs the useful life of the battery and helps to achieve better fuel economy. Do not
place objects on the package tray which could block air flow through the hybrid vehicle battery cooling vents.
What is the fan noise I hear from the rear of my hybrid?
Running out of gas is not recommended. However, you may be ableto go about one mile, driving at 30 mph (48 km/h), if the battery has a normal state of charge.
How far can I go in Electric Drive if I run out of gas?
Change the engine oil every 10000 miles (16000 km) under normaloperating conditions. See Scheduled Maintenance (page 468).
What is the engine oil change service interval?
Your hybrid vehicle can use E15 (15% ethanol, 85% gasoline) fuel, butyou may notice slightly reduced fuel economy because ethanol
contains less energy per gallon than gasoline. Your hybrid vehicle is not designed to use E85 (85% ethanol).
Can I put E15 or E85 in my vehicle, and how will it affect my fuel
economy?
172
MKZ Hybrid (), enUSA Unique Driving Characteristics

Answer
Question
The high voltage battery system is designed to last the life of thevehicle and requires no maintenance.
How long will my high voltage battery last? Does it need maintenance?
There are no provisions for charging the high voltage battery from apower supply external to the vehicle.
Can you charge the battery with a plug into an A/C outlet?
Yes. Your hybrid vehicle can be flat towed without modification. SeeTowing (page 247).
Can I tow the hybrid behind my motor home with all four wheels down?
173
MKZ Hybrid (), enUSA Unique Driving Characteristics