2017 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID Owners Manual

The Blind Spot Information System
illuminates an amber alert indicator in the
outside mirror on the side of your vehicle the
approaching vehicle is coming from. When
the Blind Spot Information System is alerting
on a vehicle and the corresponding turn
signal is ON, the Blind Spot Information
System alert indicator flashes as an
increased warning level.
The alert indicator dims when the system
detects nighttime darkness.
Note:
The alert indicator flashes in case of
an alert and the turn signal is set to that side
at the same time.
System Sensor Blockage WARNING
To help avoid injuries, NEVER use the
Blind Spot Information System as a
replacement for using the interior and
exterior mirrors or looking over your shoulder
before changing lanes. The Blind Spot
Information System is not a replacement for
careful driving. The system uses radar sensors that are
located behind the bumper fascia on each
side of your vehicle. Any dirt, mud and snow
in front of the sensors and/or driving in heavy
rain can cause system degradation. Also,
other types of obstructions in front of the
sensor can cause system degradation. This
is referred to as a ‘blocked’ condition.
Note:
Do not apply bumper stickers and/or
repair compound to these areas, this can
cause degraded system performance.
If the system detects a degraded
performance condition, a message warning
of a blocked sensor will appear in the
information display. Also the BLIS alert
indicators will remain ON and BLIS will no
longer provide any vehicle warnings. You
can clear the information display warning but
the alert indicators will remain illuminated.
238
MKZ Hybrid (CC9) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Driving AidsE205199

A "blocked" condition can be cleared in two
ways:
•
After the blockage in front of the sensors
is removed or the rainfall/snowfall rate
decreases or stops, drive for a few
minutes in traffic to allow the sensors to
detect passing vehicles.
• By cycling the ignition from ON to OFF
and then back ON.
Note: If your vehicle has a tow bar with a
factory equipped trailer tow module and it
is towing a trailer, the sensors will
automatically turn the Blind Spot Information
System off. If your vehicle has a tow bar but
no factory equipped trailer tow module, it is
recommended to turn the Blind Spot
Information System off manually. Operating
the Blind Spot Information System with a
trailer attached will cause poor system
performance. System Errors
If the system senses a problem with the left
or right sensor, the telltale will illuminate and
a message will appear in the information
display. See Information Messages (page
119).
Switching the System Off and On
You can temporarily switch the Blind Spot
Information System off in the information
display. See General Information (page 108).
When the Blind Spot Information System
switches off, you will not receive alerts and
the information display shows a system off
message. The telltale in the cluster also
illuminates. When you switch the Blind Spot
Information System on or off, the alert
indicators flash twice.
Note: The Blind Spot Information System
remembers the last selected on or off setting.
You can also have the Blind Spot Information
System switched off permanently at an
authorized dealer. Once switched off
permanently, the system can only be
switched back on at an authorized dealer. CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT WARNING
To help avoid personal injury, NEVER
use the Cross Traffic Alert system as a
replacement for using the interior and
exterior mirrors and looking over your
shoulder before backing out of a parking
space. Cross Traffic Alert is not a
replacement for careful driving. Cross Traffic Alert is designed to warn you
of vehicles approaching from the sides when
the transmission is in reverse (R).
Using the System
Cross Traffic Alert turns on when you start
the engine and you shift into reverse (R).
Once shifted out of reverse (R), Cross Traffic
Alert turns off.
Note:
Cross Traffic Alert only functions while
your transmission is in reverse (R).
239
MKZ Hybrid (CC9) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Driving Aids

Cross Traffic Alert is designed to detect
vehicles that approach with a speed up to
37 mph (60 km/h). Coverage decreases when
the sensors are partially, mostly or fully
obstructed. Reversing slowly helps increase
the coverage area and effectiveness.In this first example, the left sensor is only
partially obstructed; zone coverage to the
right is nearly maximized.
240
MKZ Hybrid (CC9) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Driving AidsE142440

Zone coverage also decreases when parking
at shallow angles. Here, the left sensor is
mostly obstructed; zone coverage on that
side is severely limited.
241
MKZ Hybrid (CC9) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Driving AidsE142441

System Lights, Messages and Audible
Alerts
The Cross Traffic Alert illuminates an amber
alert indicator in the outside mirror on the
side of your vehicle the approaching vehicle
is coming from. Cross Traffic Alert also
sounds an audible alert and a message
appears in the information display indicating
a vehicle is coming from the right or left.
Cross Traffic Alert works with the reverse
sensing system that sounds its own series
of tones. See Rear Parking Aid (page 206). The system uses radar sensors that are
located behind the bumper fascia on each
side of your vehicle. Do not allow mud, snow
or bumper stickers to obstruct these areas,
this can cause degraded system
performance. See Blind Spot Information
System (page 237). If the Blind Spot
Information System is blocked, Cross Traffic
Alert is also blocked. A corresponding
message appears in the information display
as soon as you shift the transmission into
reverse (R).
System Limitations
Cross Traffic Alert has its limitations;
situations such as severe weather conditions
or debris build-up on the sensor area may
limit vehicle detection.
The following are other situations that may
limit the Cross Traffic Alert performance:
• Adjacently parked vehicles or objects
obstructing the sensors.
• Approaching vehicles passing at speeds
greater than
37 mph (60 km/h).
242
MKZ Hybrid (CC9) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Driving AidsE142442 E205199

•
Driving in reverse faster than 7 mph
(12 km/h).
• Backing out of an angled parking spot.
False Alerts
Note: If your vehicle has a tow bar with a
factory equipped trailer tow module and it
is towing a trailer, the sensors will
automatically turn the Cross Traffic Alert off.
If your vehicle has a tow bar but no factory
equipped trailer tow module, it is
recommended to turn the Cross Traffic Alert
off manually. Operating Cross Traffic Alert
with a trailer attached will cause poor Cross
Traffic Alert performance.
There may be certain instances when there
is a false alert by the Cross Traffic Alert
system that illuminates the alert indicator
with no vehicle in the coverage zone. Some
amount of false alerts are normal; they are
temporary and self-correct. System Errors
If Cross Traffic Alert senses a problem with
the left or right sensor a message will appear
in the information display.
See Information
Messages (page 119).
Switching the System Off and On
You can temporarily switch Cross Traffic Alert
off in the information display.
See General
Information (page 108). When you switch
Cross Traffic Alert off, you will not receive
alerts and the information display will display
a system off message.
Note: The Cross Traffic Alert switches on
whenever the ignition is switched on and
ready to provide appropriate alerts when
the transmission is in reverse (R). Cross
Traffic Alert will not remember the last
selected on or off setting.
You can also have Cross Traffic Alert
switched off permanently at an authorized
dealer. Once switched off permanently, the
system can only be switched back on at an
authorized dealer. STEERING
Electric Power Steering WARNINGS
The electric power steering system has
diagnostic checks that continuously
monitor the system. If a fault is detected, a
message displays in the information display.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so. Switch the ignition off. After at least 10
seconds, switch the ignition on and watch
the information display for a steering system
warning message. If a steering system
warning message returns, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer. If the system detects an error, you may
not feel a difference in the steering,
however a serious condition may exist.
Obtain immediate service from an authorized
dealer, failure to do so may result in loss of
steering control. Your vehicle has an electric power steering
system. There is no fluid reservoir. No
maintenance is required.
243
MKZ Hybrid (CC9) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Driving Aids

If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving, electric power steering
assistance is lost. The steering system still
operates and you can steer your vehicle
manually. Manually steering your vehicle
requires more effort.
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
At all times, you are responsible for
controlling your vehicle, supervising
the system and intervening, if required.
Failure to take care may result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, serious personal
injury or death. WARNINGS
The system does not detect cyclists,
animals, pedestrians at night or
vehicles that are driving in a different
direction. Failure to take care may result in
the loss of control of your vehicle, serious
personal injury or death. The system does not operate during
hard acceleration or steering. Failure
to take care may lead to a crash or personal
injury. The system may fail or operate with
reduced function during cold and
severe weather conditions. Snow, ice, rain,
spray and fog can adversely affect the
system. Keep the front camera and radar free
of snow and ice. Failure to take care may
result in the loss of control of your vehicle,
serious personal injury or death. In situations where the vehicle camera
has limited detection capability, this
may reduce system performance. These
situations include but are not limited to direct
or low sunlight, vehicles at night without tail
lights, unconventional vehicle types,
244
MKZ Hybrid (CC9) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Driving Aids

WARNINGS
pedestrians with complex backgrounds,
running pedestrians, partly obscured
pedestrians, or pedestrians that the system
cannot distinguish from a group. Failure to
take care may result in the loss of control of
your vehicle, serious personal injury or death. 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. The system cannot help prevent all
crashes. Do not rely on this system to
replace driver judgment and the need to
maintain a safe distance and speed. Using the Pre-Collision Assist System
The Pre-Collision Assist system is active at
speeds above approximately 3 mph (5 km/h)
and pedestrian detection is active at speeds
up to 50 mph (80 km/h). If your vehicle is rapidly approaching another
stationary vehicle, a vehicle traveling in the
same direction as yours, or a pedestrian
within your driving path, the system is design
to provide three levels of functionality:
1. Alert
2. Brake Support
3. Active Braking
Alert
: When activated, a red warning light
flashes, an audible warning chime sounds
and a warning message shows in the
information display. Brake Support
: The brake support system
assists the driver in reducing the collision
speed by lightly applying the brakes. If the
risk of collision further increases after the
warning light illuminates, the brake support
prepares the brake system for rapid braking.
This may be apparent to the driver. The
system does not automatically activate the
brakes, but if you press the brake pedal, the
system may apply full force, even if the brake
pedal is lightly pressed.
Active Braking
: Active braking may activate
if the system determines that a collision is
imminent. The system may help the driver
reduce impact damage or avoid the crash
completely.
Note: If you perceive Pre-Collision Assist
alerts as being too frequent or disturbing,
then you can reduce the alert sensitivity,
though the manufacturer recommends using
the highest sensitivity setting where possible.
Setting lower sensitivity would lead to fewer
and later system warnings.
245
MKZ Hybrid (CC9) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Driving AidsE156130 E156131