Door Ajar
Lights when the ignition is on and
any door is not completely closed.
Electric Park Brake Lights or flashes when the electric
parking brake malfunctions.
Engine or Motor Coolant Temperature Lights when the engine or motor
cooling system is overheating.
Stop your vehicle in a safe place
and have an authorized dealer check the
system.
Engine Oil If it lights with the engine running
or when you are driving, this
indicates a malfunction. Stop your
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and
switch the engine off. Check the engine oil
level. See Engine Oil Check (page 288). Note:
Do not resume your trip if it lights, even
if the oil level is correct. Have an authorized
dealer check the system immediately.
Fasten Safety Belt Lights and a chime sounds to
remind you to fasten your safety
belt. See Safety Belt Minder (page
38
).
Front Airbag Lights when you start your vehicle.
If it continues to flash or remains
on, it indicates a malfunction. Have
an authorized dealer check the system.
Grade Assist
(If Equipped) Lights when you switch on the
grade assist function.Heads Up Display
(If Equipped) A red beam of lights appears on
the windshield in certain instances
when using adaptive cruise control
and/or the collision warning system. To make
sure the display works, it will also appear
momentarily when you start your vehicle .
High Beam Lights when you switch on the
high-beam headlamps. Flashes
when you use the headlamp
flasher.
Hood Ajar Lights when the ignition is on and
the hood is not completely closed.
Lane Keeping Aid
(If Equipped) Lights when you activate the lane
keeping system.
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MKZ Hybrid (), enUSA Instrument Cluster E146190 E144523 E156133 E159324 E144813
Power: Press the button to turn the system on and off. Switching off the climate control system prevents outside air from enteri\
ng
the vehicle.
D
Recirculated air:
Press the button to switch between outside air and recirculated air. When you select recirculated air, the air
currently in the passenger compartment recirculates. This may reduce the\
time needed to cool the interior (when used with A/C
and may reduce unwanted odors from entering your vehicle.
E
Note:
Recirculated air may turn off automatically (or be prevented from turnin\
g on) in all airflow modes except MAX A/C to reduce
the risk of fogging. Recirculation may also turn on and off automatically in Panel or Panel and Floor airflow modes during hot weather
in order to improve cooling efficiency.
A/C:
Press the button to turn air conditioning compressor on or off. Use air conditioning with recirculated air to improve cooling
performance and efficiency.
F
MAX A/C:
Press the button to maximize cooling. Recirculated air flows through the instrument panel vents, air conditioni\
ng
automatically turns on, and the fan automatically adjusts to the highest\
speed.
G
AUTO:
Press the button to turn on automatic operation. Select the desired tem\
perature using the temperature control. The system
adjusts fan speed, air distribution, air conditioning operation, and sel\
ects outside air or recirculated air to heat or cool the vehicle
in order to maintain the desired temperature. You can also use the
AUTO button to turn off dual zone operation by pressing and
holding the button for more than two seconds.
H
Heated rear window:
Turns the heated rear window on and off. See Heated Windows and Mirrors (page 142).
I
Defrost:
Press the button to distribute air to the windshield vents and de-miste\
r. Air distribution to instrument panel and footwell
vents turn off. You can use this setting to defog and clear the windshield of a thin cove\
ring of ice.
J
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MKZ Hybrid (), enUSA Climate Control
HINTS ON CONTROLLING THE
INTERIOR CLIMATE
General Hints
Note:
Prolonged use of recirculated air may
cause the windows to fog up.
Note: You may feel a small amount of air
from the footwell air vents regardless of the
air distribution setting.
Note: To reduce humidity build-up inside
your vehicle, do not drive with the system
switched off or with recirculated air always
switched on.
Note: Do not place objects under the front
seats as this may interfere with the airflow
to the rear seats.
Note: Remove any snow, ice or leaves from
the air intake area at the base of the
windshield.
Note: To improve the time to reach comfort
in hot weather, drive with the windows
slightly open for 2-3 minutes after start-up
or until your vehicle airs out. Automatic Climate Control
Note:
Adjusting the settings when your
vehicle interior is extremely hot or cold is not
necessary. The system automatically adjusts
to heat or cool the cabin to your selected
temperature as quickly as possible. For the
system to function efficiently, the instrument
panel and side air vents should be fully
open.
Note: If you select AUTO during cold outside
temperatures, the system directs airflow to
the windshield and side window vents. In
addition, the fan may run at a slower speed
until the engine warms up.
Note: If you select AUTO during hot outside
temperatures, or when the inside of the
vehicle is hot, the system automatically uses
recirculated air to maximize interior cooling.
When the interior reaches the selected
temperature, the system automatically
switches to using outside air.
Heating the Interior Quickly
1. Press the
AUTO button. 2. Adjust the temperature control to the
desired setting.
Recommended Settings for Heating
1. Press the
AUTO button.
2. Adjust the temperature control to the desired setting. Use 72°F (22°C) as a
starting point, then adjust the setting as
necessary.
Cooling the Interior Quickly
Press the
MAX A/C button.
Recommended Settings for Cooling
1. Press the
AUTO button.
2. Adjust the temperature control to the desired setting. Use 72°F (22°C) as a
starting point, then adjust the setting as
necessary.
Side Window Defogging in Cold
Weather
1. Press the defrost button.
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MKZ Hybrid (), enUSA Climate Control
CLIMATE CONTROLLED SEATS (If
Equipped)
Heated Seats WARNING
People who are unable to feel pain to
their skin because of advanced age,
chronic illness, diabetes, spinal cord injury,
medication, alcohol use, exhaustion or other
physical conditions, must exercise care when
using the heated seat. The heated seat may
cause burns even at low temperatures,
especially if used for long periods of time.
Do not place anything on the seat that
insulates against heat, such as a blanket or
cushion. This may cause the heated seat to
overheat. Do not puncture the seat with pins,
needles or other pointed objects. This may
damage the heating element which may
cause the heated seat to overheat. An
overheated seat may cause serious personal
injury. Do not do the following:
•
Place heavy objects on the seat.
• Operate the heated seat if water or any
other liquid is spilled on the seat. Allow
the seat to dry thoroughly.
• Operate the heated seats unless the
engine is running. Doing so can cause
the battery to lose charge. Touch the heated seat symbol to cycle
through the various heat settings and off.
Warmer settings are indicated by more
indicator lights.
Cooled Seats
(If Equipped)
The cooled seats will only function when the
engine is running. To operate the cooled seats, press the
cooled seat symbol to cycle through the
various cooling settings and off. Cooler
settings are indicated by more indicator
lights.
If the engine falls below 350 RPM while the
cooled seats are on, the feature will turn itself
off. You will need to reactivate it.
Heated and cooled seat air filter
replacement (if equipped)
Your vehicle is equipped with lifetime air
filters that are integrated with the seats.
Regular maintenance or replacement is not
needed.
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MKZ Hybrid (), enUSA SeatsE146322 E146309
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
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
Note:
When you try to restart your vehicle
after a fuel shutoff, the vehicle makes sure
that the electrical system is safe to restart.
Once your vehicle determines that the
electrical system is safe, then the vehicle will
allow you to restart.
Note: In the event that your vehicle does not
restart after your third attempt, contact an
authorized dealer.
JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE WARNINGS
The gases around the battery can
explode if exposed to flames, sparks,
or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in
injury or vehicle damage. Batteries contain sulfuric acid which
can burn skin, eyes and clothing, if
contacted. Do not attempt to push-start your automatic
transmission vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start
capability. Attempting to push-start a vehicle
with an automatic transmission may cause
transmission damage.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Note:
Use only a 12-volt supply to start your
vehicle.
Note: Do not disconnect the battery of the
disabled vehicle as this could damage the
vehicle's electrical system.
1. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle making sure
the two vehicles do not touch. Set the
parking brake on both vehicles and stay
clear of the engine cooling fan and other
moving parts. 2. Check all battery terminals and remove
any excessive corrosion before you
attach the battery cables. Ensure that
vent caps are tight and level.
3. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect from any electrical surges. Turn
all other accessories off.
Connecting the Jumper Cables
Your vehicle has two battery prongs that are
accessible from under the hood, even though
the actual battery is located in the trunk. Your
vehicle can be jumped the same way
conventional vehicles can be using these
prongs. The illustration below shows the two
connector prongs used for jump-starting your
vehicle.
254
MKZ Hybrid (), enUSA Roadside Emergencies
Only use oils certified for gasoline engines
by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
An oil with this trademark symbol conforms
to the current engine and emission system
protection standards and fuel economy
requirements of the International Lubricants
Specification Advisory Council (ILSAC),
comprised of U.S. and Japanese automobile
manufacturers.
1. Remove the filler cap.
2. Add engine oil that meets the Ford
specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 346).
3. Replace the filler cap. Turn it until you feel a strong resistance. ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
Engine Coolant and Inverter System
Controller Coolant
Your vehicle is equipped with two separate
cooling systems. One is for cooling the
engine and one is for cooling the inverter
system controller that is specific to the hybrid
operating system. The two systems operate
similarly, with the inverter system controller
cooling system generally operating at a lower
temperature and pressure.
Checking the Engine Coolant
When the engine is cold, check the
concentration and level of the engine coolant
at the intervals listed in the scheduled
maintenance information.
See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 468).
Note: Make sure that the level is between
the MIN and MAX marks on the engine
coolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. The
level may extend beyond the MAX mark. Note:
If the level is at the MIN mark, below
the MIN mark, or empty, add prediluted
coolant immediately. See
Adding Engine
Coolant in this chapter.
The coolant concentration should be
maintained within 48% to 50%, which
equates to a freeze point between -30°F
(-34°C) and -34°F (-37°C).
Note: For best results, coolant concentration
should be tested with a refractometer such
as Robinair Coolant and Battery
Refractometer 75240. We do not
recommend the use of hydrometers or
coolant test strips for measuring coolant
concentrations.
Note: Automotive fluids are not
interchangeable. Do not use engine coolant
or antifreeze or windshield washer fluid
outside of its specified function and vehicle
location.
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MKZ Hybrid (), enUSA Maintenance