Action
Message
See your authorized dealer.
SHIFT SYS FAULT Neutral Unavailable
Service Required
See your authorized dealer.
SHIFT SYS FAULT Low Unavailable Service
Required
Displays when neutral tow is active and the ignition needs to be turned \
off. See Towing the
Vehicle on Four Wheels (page 248).
Neutral Tow Engaged Turn Ignition Off for
Towing
Displays while attempting to exit neutral tow. The brake pedal needs to be depressed and parkbutton selected to deactivate.
See Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels (page 248).
Neutral Tow Engaged Depress Brake and
Select Park to Exit Neutral Tow
Displays when neutral tow is active and the park brake needs to be released.
See Towing the
Vehicle on Four Wheels (page 248).
Neutral Tow Remove Park Brake for
Towing
Displays when neutral tow has been deactivated.
Neutral Tow Disengaged
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MKZ Hybrid (), enUSA Information Displays
REMOTE START
The remote start feature allows you to
pre-condition the interior of your vehicle. The
climate control system works to achieve
comfort according to your previous settings.
Note:
You cannot adjust the system during
remote start operation.
Turn the ignition on to return the system to
its previous settings. You can now make
adjustments normally, but you need to turn
certain vehicle-dependent features back on,
such as:
• Heated seats.
• Cooled seats.
• Heated steering wheel.
• Heated mirrors.
• Heated rear window.
You can adjust the default remote start
settings using the information display
controls. See Information Displays (page
109). Automatic Settings
In hot weather, the system is set to 72°F
(22°C). The cooled seats are set to high (if
available, and selected to AUTO in the
information display).
In moderate weather, the system either heats
or cools (based on previous settings). The
rear defroster, heated mirrors and heated
seats do not automatically switch on.
In cold weather, the system is set to 72°F
(22°C). The heated seats are set to high (if
available, and selected to AUTO in the
information display). The rear defroster and
heated mirrors automatically switch on.
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SITTING IN THE CORRECT
POSITION
WARNINGS
Sitting improperly, out of position or
with the seat back reclined too far can
take weight off the seat cushion and affect
the decision of the passenger sensing
system, resulting in serious injury or death
in the event of a crash. Always sit upright
against your seat back, with your feet on the
floor. Do not recline the seat back as this can
cause the occupant to slide under the
safety belt, resulting in serious injury in the
event of a crash. Do not place objects higher than the
seat back to reduce the risk of serious
injury in the event of a crash or during heavy
braking. When you use them properly, the seat, head
restraint, safety belt and air bags will provide
optimum protection in the event of a crash.
We recommend that you follow these
guidelines:
•
Sit in an upright position with the base of
your spine as far back as possible.
• Do not recline the seat back more than
30 degrees.
• Adjust the head restraint so that the top
of it is level with the top of your head and
as far forward as possible. Make sure that
you remain comfortable. •
Keep sufficient distance between
yourself and the steering wheel. We
recommend a minimum of 10 inches (25
centimeters) between your breastbone
and the air bag cover.
• Hold the steering wheel with your arms
slightly bent.
• Bend your legs slightly so that you can
press the pedals fully.
• Position the shoulder strap of the safety
belt over the center of your shoulder and
position the lap strap tightly across your
hips.
Make sure that your driving position is
comfortable and that you can maintain full
control of your vehicle.
HEAD RESTRAINTS WARNINGS
Fully adjust the head restraint before
you sit in or operate your vehicle. This
will help minimize the risk of neck injury in
the event of a crash. Do not adjust the head
restraint when your vehicle is moving.
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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?
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MKZ Hybrid (), enUSA Unique Driving Characteristics
Note:
If the driver attempts to leave the
vehicle while it is in gear, the vehicle will
automatically shift into park (P). Seatbelt and
door monitors determine the driver's intent
and makes the shift for you. During this time
a Transmission not in Park message will
appear in the display screen, prompting the
driver to make the shift. To put the vehicle
in gear with the door open perform steps 1-4.
See the
Automatic Return to Park section
in this chapter for more information on this
feature.
Note: To put your vehicle in gear with the
door open, perform steps 1-4. See the
Automatic Return to Park
section in this
chapter for more information on this feature.
Park (P)
This position locks the transmission and
prevents the front wheels from turning.
Always come to a complete stop before
putting your vehicle into and out of park (P).
An audible chime will sound when park (P)
is manually selected. When you turn the ignition off, your vehicle
will automatically shift into park (P). If you turn
the ignition off while your vehicle is moving,
it will first shift into neutral (N) until a slow
enough speed is reached. Your vehicle will
then shift into park (P) automatically.
Automatic Return to Park
Note:
This feature will not operate when your
vehicle is in Stay in Neutral mode or neutral
tow.
Your vehicle has a safety feature that will
automatically shift your vehicle into park (P)
when any of the following circumstances are
met:
• Turn the ignition off.
• Open the driver's door with your seat belt
unlatched.
• Unlatching your seatbelt while the
driver's door is open.
If you turn the ignition off while your vehicle
is moving, your vehicle will first shift into
neutral (N) until it slows down enough to shift
into park (P) automatically. Note:
If you have waited an extended period
of time, (2-15 minutes) before starting your
vehicle, unlatching your safety belt will cause
this feature to activate, even with the driver's
door closed.
Note: This feature may not work properly if
the door ajar switch is malfunctioning. If your
door ajar indicator does not illuminate when
you open the driver’ s door or the indicator
illuminates with the driver’ s door closed. See
your authorized dealer.
Reverse (R)
With the transmission in reverse (R), your
vehicle will move backward. Always come
to a complete stop before shifting into and
out of reverse (R).
Neutral (N)
Press the neutral (N) button to put your
vehicle in neutral. In neutral, your vehicle can
start and is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal
down while in this position.
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MKZ Hybrid (), enUSA Transmission
Brake-Shift Interlock Override
WARNINGS
Do not drive your vehicle until you
verify that the brake lamps are working.
When doing this procedure, you will
be taking your vehicle out of park
which means your vehicle can roll freely. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always
fully set the parking brake prior to doing this
procedure. Use wheel chocks if appropriate. If you fully release the parking brake,
but the brake warning lamp remains
illuminated, the brakes may not be working
properly. See your authorized dealer. Note:
See your authorized dealer as soon
as possible if this procedure is used.
Note: For some markets this feature will be
disabled.
Note: This feature will only function if your
12-volt battery has power. Use the brake-shift interlock override
procedure to put your vehicle in gear in the
event of an electrical malfunction or if your
vehicle has a dead battery. The brake shift
interlock override button is located inside of
the center console, below media inputs. You
will need a tool (for example a screwdriver
or similar tool) to access the button.
1. Apply the parking brake and turn the
ignition off before performing this
procedure. 2.
Locate the brake shifter interlock access
slot. The slot is located below the media
hub, in the front of the center console
storage bin and it is not labeled. Note:
Make sure that you correctly identify
the access hole as not to damage the media
hub.
3. Using a tool, press and hold the brake shift interlock switch. When the
instrument panel buttons flash, your
vehicle is in override mode.
4. With the override switch still held, press the neutral (N) button for towing, or the
desired gear to shift from Park.
5. Release the override button.
6. Your vehicle will remain in Stay in Neutral
mode for wrecker towing purposes or
can be shifted to the desired gear and
driven (if your vehicle can be driven).
7. Release the parking brake.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud or
Snow
Note: Do not rock your vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more than
a minute or damage to the transmission and
tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
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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
the 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 308). See
Warning Lamps and
Indicators (page 103).
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 selector lever to position 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 heavily
by measuring the rate at which you press the
brake pedal. It provides maximum braking
efficiency as long as you press the pedal.
Brake assist 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 anti-lock
braking system may be disabled. Have the
system checked by an authorized dealer. If the system is disabled, normal
braking is still effective. If the brake
warning lamp illuminates when you
release the parking brake, have your system
checked by an authorized dealer.
Regenerative Braking System
This feature is used to simulate the engine
braking of an internal combustion engine
and assist the standard brake system while
recovering some of the energy of motion and
storing it in the battery to improve fuel
economy. The standard brake system is
designed to fully stop the car if regenerative
braking is not available. During regenerative
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MKZ Hybrid (), enUSA BrakesE144522 E144522
braking, the motor is spun as a generator to
create electrical current. This recharges the
battery and slows the vehicle. In effect, once
the accelerator pedal is released, the motor
changes from an energy user to an energy
producer.
When you release the accelerator pedal or
press the brake pedal, the brake controller
automatically detects the amount of
deceleration requested and optimizes how
much of the deceleration will be produced
by regenerative braking. The remaining
portion is generated by standard friction
braking. When the battery is almost fully
charged, the amount of regenerative braking
is limited to avoid overcharging, and the
requested deceleration is produced by
standard friction braking alone.
Regenerative braking does not take the
place of the standard friction brakes; it only
assists them. Regenerative braking has also
been designed to interact with the anti-lock
brake system. Regenerative braking is
disabled when the anti-lock brake system is
activated or the battery is fully charged.
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.
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
The electric parking brake replaces the
conventional handbrake. The operating
switch is located on the instrument panel to
the left of the steering wheel. WARNING
Always set the parking brake and leave
your vehicle with the transmission in
park (P). Note:
When you apply the electric parking
brake in certain conditions, for example on
a steep hill, the electric parking brake may
reapply the brakes within three to ten
minutes. As a result, you may notice various
noises when you apply and release the
electric parking brake. This is normal and no
cause for concern.
Applying the electric parking brake WARNING
If the brake system warning lamp does
not illuminate or flashes, there could
be a problem with your electric parking
brake. Have the system checked by an
authorized dealer as soon as possible. 193
MKZ Hybrid (), enUSA Brakes