PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Cruise control lets you maintain a set speed
without keeping your foot on the accelerator
pedal. You can use cruise control when your
vehicle speed is greater than 20 mph
(30 km/h).
USING CRUISE CONTROL WARNINGS
Do not use cruise control on winding
roads, in heavy traffic or when the road
surface is slippery. This could result in loss
of vehicle control, serious injury or death. When you are going downhill, your
vehicle speed may increase above the
set speed. The system will not apply the
brakes but a warning displays. When you are going downhill while
using cruise control, your battery
charging system and engine work together
to help maintain your set speed. Engine
noise may increase or decrease under these
conditions. Note:
Cruise control will disengage if the
vehicle speed decreases more than 10 mph
(16 km/h)
below the set speed while driving
uphill. The cruise controls are on the steering
wheel.
Switching Cruise Control On
Note:
Using cruise control with ECO Cruise
switched on may change the operation of
the system. 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 Cruise is included in EcoSelect which
is turned on or off using the ECO button on
the center console.
For additional information, refer to EcoSelect.
See
Hybrid Vehicle Operation (page 168).
Press and release
ON. The indicator displays in the
instrument cluster.
Setting the Cruise Speed
1. Drive to desired speed.
2. Press and release
SET+.
3. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
The indicator changes color in the instrument
cluster.
Changing the Set Speed
Note: If you accelerate by pressing the
accelerator pedal, the set speed will not
change. When you release the accelerator
pedal, your vehicle returns to the speed that
you previously set.
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•
Press and hold RES+ or SET-. Release
the control when you reach the desired
speed. The set speed changes in
approximately 5 mph/10 km/h increments.
• Press the RES+ or SET- button to change
the set speed in increments of
approximately 1 mph or 2 km/h.
• Hold the RES+ or SET- button to change
the set speed in increments of
approximately 5 mph or 10 km/h.
The system may apply the brakes to slow
the vehicle to the new set speed. The set
speed displays continuously in the
information display when the system is
active.
Canceling the Set Speed
Press and release
CNCL or tap the brake
pedal. The set speed does not erase.
Resuming the Set Speed
Press and release RES+. Your vehicle speed
returns to the previously set speed and gap
setting. The set speed displays continuously
in the information display when the system
is active. Note:
Only use resume if you are aware of
the set speed and intend to return to it.
Automatic Cancellation
Automatic cancellation occurs if:
• The tires lose traction.
• The engine speed is too low.
• You apply the parking brake.
Note: If the engine speed drops too low, the
information display indicates low engine
speed. Shift to a lower gear (manual
transmission only) to avoid automatic
cancellation.
Hilly Condition Usage
Note: An audible alarm will sound and the
system will shut down if it is applying brakes
for an extended period of time. This allows
the brakes to cool down. The system will
function normally again when the brakes
have cooled down. You should select a lower gear position
when the system is active in situations such
as prolonged downhill driving on steep
grades, for example in mountainous areas.
The system needs additional engine braking
in these situations to reduce the load on the
vehicle
’s regular brake system to prevent
them from overheating.
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control Off
Press and release
OFF when the system is
in stand by mode or switch the ignition off.
Note: You erase the set speed when you
switch the system off.
Detection Issues WARNING
On rare occasions, detection issues
can occur due to the road
infrastructures, for example bridges, tunnels
and safety barriers. In these cases, the
system may brake late or unexpectedly. At
all times, you are responsible for controlling
your vehicle, supervising the system and
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BLIND SPOT INFORMATION
SYSTEM
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 Blind Spot Information System is
designed to aid you in detecting vehicles
that may have entered the blind spot zone
(A). The detection area is on both sides of
your vehicle, extending rearward from the
exterior mirrors to approximately 13 ft (4 m)
beyond the bumper. The system is designed
to alert you if certain vehicles enter the blind
spot zone while driving.
Note: The Blind Spot Information System
does not prevent contact with other vehicles
or objects; nor detect parked vehicles,
people, animals or infrastructure (fences,
guardrails, trees). It’ s only designed to alert
you to vehicles in the blind spot zones.
Note: When a vehicle passes quickly through
the blind spot zone, typically fewer than two
seconds, the system does not trigger.
Using the System
The Blind Spot Information System turns on
when you start the engine and you drive your
vehicle forward above
5 mph (8 km/h). For automatic transmissions, the Blind Spot
Information System remains on while the
transmission is in drive (D). If shifted into
reverse (R) or park (P) the Blind Spot
Information System turns off. Once shifted
back into drive (D), the Blind Spot Information
System turns back on when you drive your
vehicle above
5 mph (8 km/h).
For manual transmissions, the Blind Spot
Information System is on for all gears except
the reverse (R).
Note: The Blind Spot Information System
does not function in reverse (R) or park (P).
System Lights and Messages 237
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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).
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GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
GAWR is the maximum allowable weight
that a single axle (front or rear) can carry.
These numbers are on the Safety
Compliance Certification label. The label
is located on the door hinge pillar,
door-latch post, or the door edge that
meets the door-latch post, next to the
driver seating position.
The total load on each axle must never
exceed its Gross Axle Weight Rating.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
GVWR is the maximum allowable weight
of the fully loaded vehicle. This includes
all options, equipment, passengers and
cargo. It appears on the Safety
Compliance Certification label. The label
is located on the door hinge pillar,
door-latch post, or the door edge that
meets the door-latch post, next to the
driver seating position.
The gross vehicle weight must never
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
Safety Compliance Certification Label
Example:
WARNING
Exceeding the Safety Compliance
Certification label vehicle weight
rating limits could result in substandard
vehicle handling or performance, engine,
transmission and/or structural damage,
serious damage to the vehicle, loss of
control and personal injury. Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight
Maximum loaded trailer weight is the
highest possible weight of a fully loaded
trailer the vehicle can tow. Consult an
authorized dealer (or the RV and Trailer
Towing Guide available at an authorized
dealer) for more detailed information.
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight
Rating)
GCWR is the maximum allowable weight
of the vehicle and the loaded trailer,
including all cargo and passengers, that
the vehicle can handle without risking
damage. (Important: The towing
vehicle
’s braking system is rated for
operation at Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating, not at Gross Combined Weight
Rating.) Separate functional brakes
should be used for safe control of towed
vehicles and for trailers where the Gross
Combined Weight of the towing vehicle
plus the trailer exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating of the towing vehicle.
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING
Never tow a trailer with an MKZ
Hybrid. This powertrain is not
designed to tow. 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.
• Place the transmission in position N. If
you cannot move the transmission into
N
, you must override it and enable stay
in neutral mode. Failing to do so may
result in damage to the transmission. See
Transmission
(page 190). •
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 your vehicle.
See
Climate Control (page 138).
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 the neutral tow option 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, a confirmation
message 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 a
confirmation message appears in the
display.
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•
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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BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for
approximately 300 miles (480 kilometers).
During this time, your vehicle may exhibit
some unusual driving characteristics. The
engine also needs to break in. Avoid hard
accelerations and driving too fast for the first
1000 miles (1600 kilometers). If possible,
avoid carrying heavy loads up steep grades
during the break-in period.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several things
such as how you drive, the conditions you
drive under and how you maintain your
vehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind that
may improve your fuel economy:
•
Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,
moderate fashion.
• Drive at steady speeds.
• Anticipate stops; slowing down may
eliminate the need to stop. •
Combine errands and minimize
stop-and-go driving (When running
errands, go to the furthest destination
first and then work your way back home).
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
• Drive at reasonable speeds.
• Keep the tires properly inflated and use
only the recommended size.
• Use the recommended engine oil.
• Perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance.
There are also some things you may want to
avoid doing because they reduce your fuel
economy:
• Avoid sudden or hard accelerations.
• Avoid revving the engine before turning
off the car.
• Avoid long idle periods.
• Do not warm up your vehicle on cold
mornings.
• Reduce the use of air conditioning and
heat.
• Avoid using speed control in hilly terrain. •
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal
while driving.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
• Avoid adding particular accessories to
your vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,
rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski
racks).
• Avoid driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deep
water as you may lose control of your
vehicle. Note:
Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water, check
the depth. Never drive through water that is
higher than the bottom of the front rocker
area of your vehicle.
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