2016 LINCOLN MKZ Brake Assist

When the system is active, your vehicle
remains stationary on the slope for two to
three seconds after you release the brake
pedal. This allows time to move your foot
from the brake to the accelerator pedal. The
system releases the brakes automatically
once the engine has developed sufficient
drive to prevent your vehicle from rolling
down the slope. This is an advantage when
pulling away on a slope, for example from a
car park ramp, traffic lights or when reversing
uphill into a parking space.
Note:The system only functions when you
bring your vehicle to a complete standstill
with the vehicle in an uphill gear (for
example, second (2) when facing uphill or
reverse (R) when facing downhill).
Note: There is no warning light to indicate
the system is either on or off.
Using Hill Start Assist
1. Press the brake pedal to bring your vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep the
brake pedal pressed. 2. If the sensors detect that your vehicle is
on a slope, the system activates
automatically.
3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, your vehicle remains on the
slope without rolling away for about two
to three seconds. This hold time
automatically extends if you are in the
process of driving off.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. The system releases the brakes automatically.
Note: When you remove your foot from the
brake pedal and press the pedal again when
the system is active, you will experience
significantly reduced brake pedal travel. This
is normal.
Switching the System On and Off
Vehicles with Manual Transmission
You can switch this feature on or off in the
information display. The system remembers
the last setting when you start your vehicle. Vehicles with Automatic Transmission
You cannot turn the system on or off. When
you switch the ignition on, the system
automatically turns on.
191
Brakes

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
To help avoid personal injury, please
read and understand the limitations of
the system as contained in this section.
Sensing is only an aid for some (generally
large and fixed) objects when moving on a
flat surface at parking speeds. Certain
objects with surfaces that absorb ultrasonic
waves, surrounding vehicle's parking aid
systems, traffic control systems, fluorescent
lamps, inclement weather, air brakes, and
external motors and fans may also affect the
function of the sensing system; this may
include reduced performance or a false
activation.
To help avoid personal injury, always
use caution when in reverse (R) and
when using the sensing system.
WARNINGS
This system is not designed to prevent
contact with small or moving objects.
The system is designed to provide a warning
to assist the driver in detecting large
stationary objects to avoid damaging your
vehicle. The system may not detect smaller
objects, particularly those close to the
ground.
Certain add-on devices such as large
trailer hitches, bike or surfboard racks
and any device that may block the normal
detection zone of the system, may create
false beeps.
Note: Keep the sensors, located on the
bumper or fascia, free from snow, ice and
large accumulations of dirt. If the sensors
are covered, the system’s accuracy can be
affected. Do not clean the sensors with sharp
objects.
Note: If your vehicle sustains damage to the
bumper or fascia, leaving it misaligned or
bent, the sensing zone may be altered
causing inaccurate measurement of
obstacles or false alarms. Note:
The sensing system cannot be turned
off when a MyKey is present. See Principle
of Operation (page 60).
Note: If you attach certain add-on devices
such as a trailer or bike rack, the rear
sensing system may detect that add-on
device and therefore provide warnings. It is
suggested that you disable the rear sensing
system when you attach an add-on device
to your vehicle to prevent these warnings.
The sensing system warns the driver of
obstacles within a certain range of your
vehicle. The system turns on automatically
whenever you switch the ignition on.
The system can be switched off through the
information display menu or from the pop-up
message that appears once you shift the
transmission into reverse (R). See General
Information (page 109).
Note: On vehicles with front parking aid you
can use the parking aid switch to switch the
system off.
If a fault is present in the system, a warning
message appears in the information display.
See Information Messages (page 115).
196
Parking Aids (If Equipped)

If the transmission is in reverse (R), the front
sensing system provides audio warnings
when your vehicle is moving and the
detected obstacle is stationary or moving
towards your vehicle.
If the transmission is in drive (D) or any other
forward gear (for example, low (L), sport (S)
or any forward gear in a manual
transmission), the front sensing system
provides audio warnings when your vehicle
is moving below a speed of 7 mph (12 km/h)
and an obstacle is located inside the
detection area.
ACTIVE PARK ASSIST (If Equipped)
WARNING
Designed to be a supplementary park
aid, this system may not work in all
conditions. This system cannot replace the
driver’s attention and judgment. The driver
is responsible for avoiding hazards and
maintaining a safe distance and speed, even
when the system is in use.
Note: The driver is always responsible for
controlling the vehicle, supervising the
system and intervening if required.
The system detects an available parallel
parking space and automatically steers your
vehicle into the space (hands-free) while you
control the accelerator, gearshift and brakes.
The system visually and audibly instructs you
to park your vehicle.
The system may not function correctly if
something passes between the front bumper
and the parking space (a pedestrian or
cyclist) or if the edge of the neighboring
parked vehicle is high off the ground (for
example, a bus, tow truck or flatbed truck).
Note: The blindspot information system does
not detect traffic alongside or behind your
vehicle during a park assist maneuver.
Note: The sensors may not detect objects
in heavy rain or other conditions that cause
disruptive reflections.
Note: The sensors may not detect objects
with surfaces that absorb ultrasonic waves
or cause ultrasonic interference (motorcycle
exhaust, truck air brakes or horns). Do not use the system if:
• You have attached a foreign object (bike
rack or trailer) to the front or rear of your
vehicle or attached close to the sensors.
• You have attached an overhanging object (surfboard) to the roof.
• The front bumper or side sensors are damaged or obstructed by a foreign
object (front bumper cover).
• A mini-spare tire is in use.
Using Active Park Assist
E146186
Press the button located on the
center console near the gearshift
lever or the right side of the center
stack.
The touchscreen displays a message and a
corresponding graphic to indicate it is
searching for a parking space. Use the
direction indicator to indicate which side of
your vehicle you want the system to search.
Note: If the direction indicator is not on, the
system automatically searches on your
vehicle's passenger side.
198
Parking Aids (If Equipped)

E130108
When you think your vehicle has enough
space in front and behind it, or you hear a
solid tone from the parking aid (accompanied
by a touchscreen display message and a
chime), bring your vehicle to a complete stop.
When automatic steering is finished, the
touch screen displays a message and a tone
sounds, indicating that the active park assist
process is done. The driver is responsible
for checking the parking job and making any
necessary corrections before putting the
transmission in park (P).Deactivating the Park Assist Feature
Manually deactivate the system by:
• Pressing the active park assist button.
• Grabbing the steering wheel.
• Driving above approximately 50 mph(80 km/h) for 10 seconds during an active
park search.
• Driving above 6 mph (9 km/h) during automatic steering.
• Turning off the traction control system. Certain vehicle conditions can also
deactivate the system, such as:
• Traction control has activated on a
slippery or loose surface.
• There is an anti-lock brake system activation or failure.
• Something touches the steering wheel.
If a problem occurs with the system, a
warning message is displayed, followed by
a tone. Occasional system messages may
occur in normal operation. For recurring or
frequent system faults, contact an authorized
dealer to have your vehicle serviced.
200
Parking Aids (If Equipped)

Extreme continuous steering may increase
the effort required for you to steer your
vehicle. This increased effort prevents
overheating and permanent damage to the
steering system. You do not lose the ability
to steer your vehicle manually. Typical
steering and driving maneuvers allow the
system to cool and return to normal
operation.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• Correct tire pressures.
• Uneven tire wear.
• Loose or worn suspension components.
• Loose or worn steering components.
• Improper vehicle alignment.
Note:A high crown in the road or high
crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander or pull. Adaptive Learning
The electronic power steering system
adaptive learning helps correct road
irregularities and improves overall handling
and steering feel. It communicates with the
brake system to help operate advanced
stability control and accident avoidance
systems. Additionally, whenever the battery
is disconnected or a new battery installed,
you must drive your vehicle a short distance
before the system relearns the strategy and
reactivates all systems.
PRE-COLLISION ASSIST
WARNINGS
This system is an extra driving aid. It
does not replace your attention and
judgment, or the need to apply the brakes.
This system does NOT automatically brake
your vehicle. If you fail to press the brake
pedal when necessary, you may collide with
another vehicle.
WARNINGS
The Pre-Collision Assist system with
brake support cannot help prevent all
collisions. Do not rely on this system to
replace your judgment and the need to
maintain correct distance and speed.
Note: The system does not detect, warn or
respond to potential collisions with vehicles
to the rear or sides of your vehicle.
Note: The Pre-Collision Assist system is
active at speeds above approximately
5.0 mph (8 km/h).
E156130
The system alerts you of certain collision
risks. The system's sensor detects your
vehicle's rapid approach to other vehicles
traveling in the same direction as your
vehicle.
226
Driving Aids

E156131
When your vehicle rapidly approaches
another vehicle, a red warning light flashes
and a tone sounds.
The brake support system assists you in
reducing any collision speed by pre-charging
the brakes. If the risk of collision continues
to increases after the audio-visual warning,
the brake support prepares the brake system
for rapid braking. The system does not
automatically activate the brakes, but if the
brake pedal is pressed even lightly, the
brakes apply full stopping power.
Using the Pre-Collision Assist System
WARNING
The Pre-Collision Assist system’s brake
support reduces collision speed only
if you brake your vehicle before any collision.
As in any typical braking situation, you must
press your brake pedal.
You can adjust the warning system's
sensitivity through your information display.
See General Information (page 109).
Note: When possible, the manufacturer
recommends using the highest sensitivity
setting. If warnings are too frequent, you can
reduce your system's sensitivity. Reduced
sensitivity causes fewer and later system
warnings. See General Information (page
109). Blocked Sensors
E145632
If a blocked sensor message appears in the
information display, dirt, water, or an object
is blocking the sensor. The sensor is located
behind a cover near the driver side of the
lower grille. If anything blocks the sensor,
your vehicle cannot see through the sensor,
and the pre-collision assist system will not
work. Possible causes for the blocked sensor
message and corrective actions are listed
below.
227
Driving Aids

Action
Cause
Clean the radar sensor cover or remove the obstruction
The radar sensor cover in the grille is dirty or obstructed
Wait a short time. The radar may take several minutes to reset afteryou remove the obstruction
The surface of the radar sensor cover is clean but the message
remains in the display
The Pre-Collision Assist system is temporarily disabled. Shortly after
weather conditions improve, the collision warning system automatically reactivates
Heavy rain, spray, snow or fog in the air interferes with the radar
signals
The Pre-Collision Assist system is temporarily disabled. Shortly after
weather conditions improve, the collision warning system automatically reactivates
Swirling water, snow or ice on the road surface interferes with the
radar signals
System Limitations
WARNING
The Pre-Collision Assist system’s brake
support only reduces collision speed
if you first apply your brakes. You must brake
as you would in any typical braking situation.
Due to the nature of radar technology, there
may be certain instances where vehicles do
not provide a collision warning. These
include: • Stationary vehicles or vehicles moving
below 6.2 mph (10 km/h).
• Pedestrians or objects in the roadway.
• Oncoming vehicles in the same lane.
• Severe weather conditions (see blocked sensor section).
• Debris build-up on the grille near the headlamps (see blocked sensor section).
• Small distance to vehicle ahead.
• Large steering wheel and pedal movements (very active driving style). Damage to the front end of your vehicle may
alter the radar sensor's coverage area. This
may result in missed or false collision
warnings. Have an authorized dealer check
your radar sensor for proper coverage and
operation.
228
Driving Aids

ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
• Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1000 miles (1600
kilometers).
• Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
• See the instructions included with towing accessories for the proper installation
and adjustment specifications.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See your scheduled
maintenance information.
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions the rental agency gives you.
You can find information on load
specification terms found on the tire label
and Safety Compliance label as well as
instructions on calculating your vehicle's load
in the Load Carrying chapter. See Load Limit
(page 231).
Remember to account for the trailer tongue
weight as part of your vehicle load when
calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of the
total trailer weight is on the tongue.
Safety Chains
Note: Never attach safety chains to the
bumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the hook
retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross them
under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning tight corners. Do not allow
the chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic
brake system directly to your vehicle's
brake system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances of
having a collision greatly increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or
surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you install
them properly and adjust them to the
manufacturer's specifications. The trailer
brakes must meet local and federal
regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's braking
system operation is at the gross vehicle
weight rating, not the gross combined
weight rating.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiring
to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; this
may damage the electrical system resulting
in fire. Contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible for assistance in proper
trailer tow wiring installation. Additional
electrical equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and hazard lights are
working.
243
Towing