2015 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID ECO mode

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).
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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.
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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.
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Stay in Neutral mode
Stay in Neutral mode allows your vehicle to
stay in neutral when you exit your vehicle.
Your vehicle must be stationary to enter this
mode.
To enter Stay in Neutral mode:
1.
Press the neutral (N) button on the shifter
assembly.
2. The message Select N Again to Enter
Stay in Neutral mode will appear in the
information display screen.
3. Press the neutral (N) button again to enter Stay in Neutral mode.
The message
Stay in Neutral mode
engaged will appear in the instrument cluster
when your vehicle has entered Stay in
Neutral mode.
Note: During this mode the neutral (N) button
will flash continuously and the instrument
cluster will display neutral as the selected
gear. Exiting Stay in Neutral mode
To disable Stay in Neutral mode put your
vehicle in another gear. See the Putting the
Vehicle in Gear
section for instructions on
how to do this.
Entering a Carwash
Note: Always put your vehicle in Stay in
Neutral mode when entering an automatic
car wash. Failure to do this could result in
vehicle damage that may not be covered by
warranty.
Drive (D)
The normal driving position for the best fuel
economy.
Drive (D) with Grade Assist The grade assist button is located
on the instrument panel next the
MyLincoln Touch
™ system. Press
the grade assist button to activate and
deactivate grade assist. Grade assist:
•
Provides additional grade braking with a
combination of engine motoring and
high-voltage battery charging to help
maintain vehicle speed when descending
a grade.
• As your vehicle determines the amount
of engine motoring and high-voltage
battery charging, you may notice the
engine speed increasing and decreasing
to help maintain your vehicle speed when
descending a grade. The grade assist lamp will appear
in the instrument cluster when
grade assist is turned on.
Low (L)
• Provides maximum engine braking.
• The transmission may be put into low (L)
at any vehicle speed.
• Not intended for use under extended or
normal driving conditions and results in
lower fuel economy.
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Due to the nature of radar technology, it is
possible to get a blockage warning and not
be blocked. This can happen, for example,
when driving in sparse rural or desert
environments. A false blocked condition will
either self clear or clear after a key cycle.
Switching to Normal Cruise Control
WARNING
Normal cruise control will not brake
due to slower vehicles. Always be
aware of which mode you have selected and
apply the brakes when necessary. You can manually change from adaptive
cruise control to normal cruise control
through the information display.
The cruise control indicator light
replaces the adaptive cruise
control indicator light if you select
normal cruise control. The gap setting will
not display, the system will not automatically
respond to lead vehicles and automatic
braking will not activate. ECO Cruise Control
This feature saves vehicle energy by relaxing
acceleration compared to standard cruise
control. For example, your vehicle may
temporarily lose speed when going uphill.
ECO will appear in the information display
when you activate ECO cruise control. It can
be switched on or off in the information
display.
See (page 109).
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The current assessment of your alertness is
within a typical range.
The current assessment of your alertness
indicates that you should rest as soon as
safely possible.
The status bar will travel from left to right as
the calculated alertness level decreases. As
the rest icon is approached the color turns
from green to yellow to red. The yellow
position indicates the first warning is active
and the red position indicates the second
warning is active.
Note:
If you have recently received a
warning; you should consider resting, even
if the current assessment is with the typical
range. Note:
If the camera sensor cannot track the
road lane markings or if your vehicle speed
drops below approximately 40 mph (64
km/h), the alertness level will change to grey
for a short time and the information display
will inform you that the system is unavailable.
Resetting the System
You can reset the system by either:
• Switching the ignition off and on.
• Stopping the vehicle and then opening
and closing the driver’ s door.
LANE KEEPING SYSTEM (If Equipped) WARNING
The system is designed to aid the
driver. It is not intended to replace your
attention and judgment. You are still
responsible to drive with due care and
attention. Note:
The system works above 40 mph (64
km/h). Note:
The system works as long as the
camera can detect one lane marking.
Note: The system may not function if the
camera is blocked or there is damage to the
windshield.
Note: When Aid mode is on and the system
detects no steering activity for a short period,
the system will alert you to put your hands
on the steering wheel. The system may
detect a light grip or touch on the steering
wheel as hands off driving.
The system notifies you to stay in your lane
through the steering system and the
instrument cluster display when the front
camera detects an unintentional drift out of
your lane is likely to occur. The system
automatically detects and tracks the road
lane markings using a camera mounted
behind the interior rear view mirror.
Switching the System On and Off
Note: The system on or off setting is stored
until it is manually changed, unless a MyKey®
is detected. If the system detects a MyKey®
it defaults to on and the mode is set to Alert.
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BLIND SPOT INFORMATION
SYSTEM
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®)
with Cross Traffic Alert (If Equipped)
WARNING
To help avoid injuries, NEVER use the
BLIS as a replacement for using the
interior and exterior mirrors and looking over
your shoulder before changing lanes. BLIS
is not a replacement for careful driving. BLIS aids you in detecting vehicles that may
have entered the blind spot zone (A). The
detection area is on both sides of the vehicle,
extending rearward from the exterior mirrors
to approximately 9.8 ft (3 m) beyond the
bumper. The system alerts you if certain
vehicles enter the blind spot zone while
driving.
Cross traffic alert warns you of vehicles
approaching from the sides when the
transmission is in reverse (R).
Note: BLIS is not designed to prevent
contact with other vehicles or objects; or to
detect parked vehicles, people, animals or
infrastructure (for example, fences, guardrails
or trees). It is designed to alert the driver to
vehicles in the blind zones.
Note: When a vehicle passes quickly through
the blind zone, typically fewer than two
seconds, the system does not trigger. Using the Systems
BLIS turns on when the vehicle is started and
is driven forward above
5 mph (8 km/h); it
remains on while the transmission is in drive
(D) or neutral (N). If shifted out of drive (D) or
neutral (N), the system enters cross traffic
alert mode. Once shifted back into drive (D),
BLIS turns back on when the vehicle is driven
above
5 mph (8 km/h).
Note: BLIS does not function in reverse (R)
or park (P) or provide any additional warning
when a turn signal is on.
Note: Cross traffic alert detects approaching
vehicles from up to
45.9 ft (14 m) away
though coverage decreases when the
sensors are blocked. Reversing slowly helps
increase the coverage area and
effectiveness.
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TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR
WHEELS
Emergency Towing
In the event your vehicle becomes disabled
(without access to wheel dollies, car-hauling
trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle), it can be
flat-towed (all wheels on the ground,
regardless of the powertrain/transmission
configuration) under the following conditions:
•
The vehicle is facing forward so that it is
towed in a forward direction.
• The transmission gear shift lever is
placed in position N. If the transmission
gear shift lever cannot be moved to
position N, it may need to be overridden.
See Automatic Transmission (page
187).
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is 50 miles (80
kilometers). Recreational Towing
Note:
Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering the vehicle.
See
Climate Control (page 139).
Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational (RV) towing. An example of
recreational towing would be towing your
vehicle behind a motorhome. These
guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.
Your vehicle can be towed with all four
wheels on the ground using the Neutral Tow
feature, or with all four wheels off the ground
using a vehicle transport trailer. If you are
using a vehicle transport trailer, follow the
instruction specified by the equipment
provider.
Neutral Tow
If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground:
• Tow only in the forward direction.
• Release the parking brake. •
Place the vehicle in Neutral Tow mode
by doing the following:
•Put the ignition in accessory mode
(ignition on, engine off ). See Keyless
Starting (page 163).
• Select Neutral Tow in the information
display.
• When prompted by the information
display, press the brake pedal and
select Neutral on the transmission.
Make sure the parking brake is off. If
done successfully,
Neutral Tow
Engaged appears in the display.
• Shut the ignition off.
See Keyless
Starting (page 163). If the process is
completed successfully, the N on the
transmission slowly blinks and
"Neutral tow engaged" appears in the
information display.
• Do not exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).
• Start the engine and allow it to run for
one minute at the beginning of each day.
With the engine running and your foot
on the brake, shift into position
D and
then into position R before shifting back
into position
N.
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