
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 353).
3. Replace the filler cap. Turn it until you feel a strong resistance. ENGINE COOLANT CHECK WARNINGS
Do not add engine coolant when the
engine is hot. Steam and scalding
liquids released from a hot cooling system
can burn you badly. Also, spilling coolant on
hot engine parts can burn you. Do not put engine coolant in the
windshield washer fluid container. If
sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant
could make it difficult to see through the
windshield. To reduce the risk of personal injury,
make sure the engine is cool before
unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.
The cooling system is under pressure. steam
and hot liquid can come out forcefully when
you loosen the cap slightly. Do not add coolant further than the
MAX mark. 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 478).
Note: Make sure that the coolant level is
between the MIN and MAX marks on the
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 coolant
immediately. See
Adding Engine Coolant
in this chapter.
Maintain coolant concentration 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.
285
MKZ (), enUSA MaintenanceE142732

Note:
The front and rear washer systems
are supplied from the same reservoir.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is low.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford
specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 353).
State or local regulations on volatile organic
compounds may restrict the use of methanol,
a common windshield washer antifreeze
additive. Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be
used only if they provide cold weather
protection without damaging the vehicle ’s
paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel
filter that is integrated with the fuel tank.
Regular maintenance or replacement is not
needed. CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY WARNINGS
Batteries normally produce explosive
gases which can cause personal injury.
Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or
lighted substances to come near the battery.
When working near the battery, always shield
your face and protect your eyes. Always
provide proper ventilation. When lifting a plastic-cased battery,
excessive pressure on the end walls
could cause acid to flow through the vent
caps, resulting in personal injury and damage
to the vehicle or battery. Lift the battery with
a battery carrier or with your hands on
opposite corners. WARNINGS
Keep batteries out of reach of children.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid. Avoid
contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield
your eyes when working near the battery to
protect against possible splashing of acid
solution. In case of acid contact with skin or
eyes, flush immediately with water for a
minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a
physician immediately. Your vehicle is equipped with a Motorcraft®
maintenance-free battery which normally
does not require additional water during its
life of service.
Note:
If your battery has a cover or shield,
make sure it is reinstalled after the battery
has been cleaned or replaced.
Note: See an authorized dealer for low
voltage battery access, testing, or
replacement.
293
MKZ (), enUSA Maintenance

When a low voltage battery replacement is
necessary, see an authorized dealer to
replace the low voltage battery with a Ford
recommended replacement low voltage
battery that matches the electrical
requirements of the vehicle
To ensure proper operation of the battery
management system (BMS), do not allow a
technician to connect any electrical device
ground connection directly to the low voltage
battery negative post. A connection at the
low voltage battery negative post can cause
inaccurate measurements of the battery
condition and potential incorrect system
operation.
Note:
If a person adds electrical or electronic
accessories or components to the vehicle,
the accessories or components may
adversely affect the low voltage battery
performance and durability and may also
affect the performance of other electrical
systems in the vehicle.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the
top of the battery clean and dry. Also, make
certain the battery cables are always tightly
fastened to the battery terminals. If you see any corrosion on the battery or
terminals, remove the cables from the
terminals and clean with a wire brush. You
can neutralize the acid with a solution of
baking soda and water.
When a battery replacement is required, the
battery should only be replaced with a Ford
recommended replacement battery that
matches the electrical requirements of the
vehicle.
Because your vehicle
’s engine is
electronically-controlled by a computer,
some engine control settings are maintained
by power from the low voltage battery. Some
engine computer settings, like the idle trim
and fuel trim strategy, optimize the
driveability and performance of the engine.
Some other computer settings, like the clock
and radio station presets, are also maintained
in memory by power from the low voltage
battery. When a technician disconnects and
connects the low voltage battery, these
settings are erased. Note:
Until you switch the ignition to the on
position, you will receive a message in your
information display stating that your vehicle
is not in park.
Complete the following procedure in order
to restore the settings:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission into P.
3. Turn off all accessories.
4. Step on the brake pedal and start the vehicle.
5. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature. While the engine
is warming up, complete the following:
Reset the clock. See Audio System
(page 370). Reset the power windows
bounce-back feature. See Windows and
Mirrors (page 93). Reset the radio station
presets.
See Audio System (page 370).
6. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute. If the engine turns off, step on
the accelerator to start the engine.
294
MKZ (), enUSA Maintenance

7. While the engine is running, step on the
brake pedal and shift the transmission to
N.
8. Allow the engine to run for at least one minute by pressing on the accelerator
pedal.
9. Drive your vehicle at least 10 miles (16 kilometers) to completely relearn the idle
and fuel trim strategy.
Note: Certain features may not operate if
the Battery Monitor System is not reset with
a scan tool following a jump start or battery
replacement. Normal electrical accessory
operation should resume after your vehicle
is left undisturbed for 8 hours.
Note: If you do not allow the engine to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy, the
idle quality of your vehicle may be adversely
affected until the engine computer
eventually relearns the idle trim and fuel trim
strategy. Note:
Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner. Follow
your local authorized standards for disposal.
Call your local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling automotive
batteries.
Note: It is recommended that the negative
battery cable terminal be disconnected from
the battery if you plan to store your vehicle
for an extended period of time.
CHECKING THE WIPER BLADES Run the tip of your fingers over the edge of
the blade to check for roughness.
Clean the wiper blades with washer fluid or
water applied with a soft sponge or cloth.CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
The wiper arms can be manually moved
when the ignition is off. This allows for ease
of blade replacement and cleaning under
the blades.
1. Pull the wiper blade and arm away from
the glass. 2. Press the locking buttons together.
3. Rotate and remove the wiper blade.
4. Install in the reverse order.
295
MKZ (), enUSA MaintenanceE142463 E129990
1
1 2

•
Do not allow wax to come in contact with
any non-body (low-gloss black) colored
trim. The wax will discolor or stain the
parts over time.
•Roof racks.
• Bumpers.
• Grained door handles.
• Side moldings.
• Mirror housings.
• Windshield cowl area.
• Do not apply wax to glass areas.
• After waxing, your car's paint should feel
smooth, and be free of streaks and
smudges.
CLEANING THE ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they are
clean because grease and dirt buildup keep
the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
•
Take care when using a power washer
to clean the engine. The high-pressure
fluid could penetrate the sealed parts
and cause damage.
• Do not spray a hot engine with cold water
to avoid cracking the engine block or
other engine components.
• Spray Motorcraft Engine Shampoo and
Degreaser on all parts that require
cleaning and pressure rinse clean. In
Canada, use Motorcraft Engine Shampoo.
• Never wash or rinse the engine while it
is hot or running; water in the running
engine may cause internal damage.
• Never wash or rinse any ignition coil,
spark plug wire or spark plug well, or the
area in and around these locations.
• Cover the battery, power distribution box,
and air filter assembly to prevent water
damage when cleaning the engine. CLEANING THE WINDOWS AND
WIPER BLADES
Car wash chemicals and environmental
fallout can result in windshield and wiper
blade contamination. Dirty windshield and
wipers will result in poor windshield wiper
operation. Keep the windshield and wiper
blades clean to maintain windshield wiper
performance.
To clean the windshield and wiper blades:
•
Clean the windshield with a non-abrasive
glass cleaner.
• For windshields contaminated with tree
sap, chemicals, wax or bugs, clean the
entire windshield using steel wool (no
greater than 0000 grade) in a circular
motion and rinse with water.
• Clean the wiper blades with isopropyl
rubbing alcohol or windshield washer
fluid.
Note: Do not use razor blades or other
sharp objects to clean or remove decals from
the inside of the heated rear window. The
vehicle warranty does not cover damage
caused to the heated rear window grid lines.
304
MKZ (), enUSA Vehicle Care

General
•
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated
place.
• Protect from sunlight, if possible.
• If vehicles are stored outside, they
require regular maintenance to protect
against rust and damage.
Body
• Wash your vehicle thoroughly to remove
dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior
surfaces, rear-wheel housing and the
underside of front fenders.
• Periodically wash your vehicle if it is
stored in exposed locations.
• Touch-up exposed or primed metal to
prevent rust.
• Cover chrome and stainless steel parts
with a thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when
you wash your vehicle.
• Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid
hinges, and latches with a light grade oil. •
Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
• Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
Engine
• The engine oil and filter should be
changed prior to storage because used
engine oil contains contaminates that
may cause engine damage.
• Start the engine every 15 days for a
minimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast idle
with the climate controls set to defrost
until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature.
• With your foot on the brake, shift through
all the gears while the engine is running.
• We recommend that you change the
engine oil before you use your vehicle
again.
Fuel system
• Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel
pump nozzle. Cooling system
•
Protect against freezing temperatures.
• When removing your vehicle from
storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm that there are no cooling system
leaks and that fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
• Check and recharge as necessary. Keep
connections clean.
• If storing your vehicle for more than 30
days without recharging the battery, we
recommend that you disconnect the
battery cables to maintain battery charge
for quick starting.
Note: It is necessary to reset memory
features if battery cables are disconnected.
Brakes
• Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure.
309
MKZ (), enUSA Vehicle Care

Miscellaneous
•
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and
pins under your vehicle are covered with
grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m) every
15 days to lubricate working parts and
prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of
storage, do the following:
• Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt or
grease film build-up on window surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any
deterioration.
• Check under the hood for any foreign
material that may have collected during
storage such as mice or squirrel nests.
• Check the exhaust for any foreign
material that may have collected during
storage.
• Check tire pressures and set tire inflation
per the Tire Label. •
Check brake pedal operation. Drive your
vehicle 15 ft (4.5 m) back and forth to
remove rust build-up.
• Check fluid levels (including coolant, oil
and gas) to make sure there are no leaks,
and fluids are at recommended levels.
• If you remove the battery, clean the
battery cable ends and inspect.
Contact an authorized dealer if you have any
concerns or issues.
310
MKZ (), enUSA Vehicle Care

Do not attempt to repair punctures larger
than 0.24 in (6 mm) or damage to the tire's
sidewall. The tire may not completely seal.
Loss of air pressure may adversely affect tire
performance. For this reason:
Note: Do not drive the vehicle above 50 mph
(80 km/h)
.
Note: Do not drive further than
120 mi
(200 km). Drive only to the closest authorized
Ford dealer or tire repair shop to have your
tire inspected.
• Drive carefully and avoid abrupt steering
maneuvers.
• Periodically monitor tire inflation pressure
in the affected tire. If the tire is losing
pressure, have the vehicle towed.
• Read the information in the Tips for Use
of the Kit section to make sure safe
operation of the kit and your vehicle.
Tips for Use of the Kit
To ensure safe operation of the kit: •
Read all instructions and cautions fully.
• Before operating the kit, make sure your
vehicle is safely off the road and away
from moving traffic. Turn on the hazard
lights.
• Always set the parking brake to ensure
the vehicle does not move unexpectedly.
• Do not remove any foreign objects, such
as nails or screws, from the tire.
• When using the kit, leave the engine
running (only if the vehicle is outdoors or
in a well-ventilated area) so the
compressor does not drain the vehicle
battery.
• Do not allow the compressor to operate
continuously for more than 15 minutes.
This will help prevent the compressor
from overheating.
• Never leave the kit unattended when it
is operating.
• Sealant compound contains latex. Make
sure that you use the non-latex gloves
provided to avoid an allergic reaction.
• Keep the kit away from children. •
Only use the kit when the ambient
temperature is between -22°F (-30°C) and
158°F (70°C)
.
• Only use the sealing compound before
the use by date. The use by date is on
the lower right hand corner of the label
located on the sealant canister (bottle).
Check the use by date regularly and
replace the canister after four years.
• Do not store the kit unsecured inside the
passenger compartment of the vehicle
as it may cause injury during a sudden
stop or crash. Always store the kit in its
original location.
• After sealant use, the tire pressure
monitoring system sensor and valve stem
on the wheel must be replaced by an
authorized Ford dealer.
• When inflating a tire or other objects, use
the black air hose only. Do not use the
transparent hose which is designed for
sealant application only.
• Operating the kit could cause an
electrical disturbance in radio, CD, and
DVD player operation.
312
MKZ (), enUSA Wheels and Tires