Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore
apply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump
” the
brakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice WARNING
If you are driving in slippery conditions
that require tire chains or cables, then
it is critical that you drive cautiously. Keep
speeds down, allow for longer stopping
distances and avoid aggressive steering to
reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle
control which can lead to serious injury or
death. If the rear end of your vehicle slides
while cornering, steer in the direction of the
slide until you regain control of your vehicle. Note:
Your vehicle may have original
equipment tires designed to optimize the
performance of your vehicle in dry or wet
summer road conditions. If your vehicle is
equipped with such tires, we recommend
using a dedicated set (all 4 tires) of winter
tires in snow and ice conditions. Do not mix
winter tires and performance tires between
axles or degraded traction and handling
characteristics could result. Note:
Excessive tire slippage can cause
driveline damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over
two-wheel drive (2WD) vehicles in snow and
ice but can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on
snowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheel
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control.
185
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
Direction of travel.
A
Steering wheel rotation.
B
Avoid sudden applications of power and
quick changes of direction on snow and ice.
Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily
when starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an
AWD vehicle may accelerate better than a
two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it
won ’t stop any faster, because as in other
vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels.
Do not become overconfident as to road
conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance
between you and other vehicles for stopping.
Drive slower than usual and consider using
one of the lower gears. In emergency
stopping situations, apply the brake steadily.
Since your vehicle is equipped with a four
wheel (ABS), do not “pump ” the brakes. See
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes
(page 188). Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on
your vehicle have been designed and tested
to provide predictable performance whether
loaded or empty and durable load carrying
capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do
not make modifications such as adding or
removing parts (such as lowering kits or
stabilizer bars) or by using replacement parts
not equivalent to the original factory
equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the
center of gravity can make it more likely the
vehicle will rollover as a result of a loss of
control. Ford Motor Company recommends
that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such
as ladder or luggage racks).
186
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing All-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)E223901
A
B
GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a
metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or
continuous squeal sound is present, the
brake linings may be worn-out. Have the
system checked by an authorized dealer. If
your vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
have it checked by an authorized dealer.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels, even under normal driving
conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the
brakes wear and does not contribute to
brake noise. See Cleaning the Alloy Wheels
(page 327).
Note: Depending on applicable laws and
regulations in the country for which your
vehicle was originally built, your brake lamps
may flash during heavy braking. Following
this, your hazard lights may also flash when
your vehicle comes to a stop. See
Warning Lamps and
Indicators (page 103). Wet brakes result in reduced braking
efficiency. Gently press the brake pedal a
few times when driving from a car wash or
standing water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal becomes
stuck or entrapped, apply steady and firm
pressure to the brake pedal to slow the
vehicle and reduce engine power. If you
experience this condition, apply the brakes
and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Move
the transmission to park (P), switch the
engine off and apply the parking brake.
Inspect the accelerator pedal for any
interference. If none are found and the
condition persists, have your vehicle towed
to the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brake rapidly
by measuring the rate at which you press the
brake pedal. It provides maximum braking
efficiency as long as you press the pedal,
and can reduce stopping distances in critical
situations. Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steering
control during emergency stops by keeping
the brakes from locking. This lamp momentarily illuminates
when you turn the ignition on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the system
may be disabled. Have the system checked
by an authorized dealer. If the anti-lock brake
system is disabled, normal braking is still
effective. If the brake warning lamp
illuminates when you release the
parking brake, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-
LOCK BRAKES
Note: When the system is operating, the
brake pedal may pulse and may travel
further. Maintain pressure on the brake
pedal. You may also hear a noise from the
system. This is normal.
188
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing BrakesE144522 E144522
The anti-lock braking system will not
eliminate the risks when:
•
You drive too closely to the vehicle in
front of you.
• Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
• You take corners too fast.
• The road surface is poor.
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE WARNING
Always set the parking brake and leave
your vehicle with the transmission in
park (P). Note:
When you apply the electric parking
brake in certain conditions, for example on
a steep hill, the electric parking brake may
reapply the brakes within three to ten
minutes. As a result, you may notice various
noises when you apply and release the
electric parking brake. This is normal and no
cause for concern. The electric parking brake replaces the
conventional handbrake. The operating
switch is on the instrument panel to the left
of the steering wheel.
Applying the electric parking brake WARNING
The brake system warning lamp will
flash when applying the electric
parking brake. If the brake system warning
lamp continues to flash there could be a
problem with your electric parking brake.
Have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible. Note:
The brake system warning lamp
illuminates for 10 seconds if you switch the
ignition off after you apply the electric
parking brake, or you apply the electric
parking brake after you switch the ignition
off.
Note: The electric parking brake will not
automatically apply. You must apply the
electric parking brake using the electric
parking brake switch. Pull the switch to apply the electric parking
brake.
The brake system warning lamp flashes for
about two seconds and then illuminates to
confirm that you have applied the electric
parking brake. See Information Displays
(page 108).
189
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing BrakesE228837
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involving braking
system, aftermarket roof racks,
suspension, steering system, tire
construction and wheel and tire size may
change the handling characteristics of your
vehicle and may adversely affect the
performance of the electronic stability control
system. In addition, installing any stereo
loudspeakers may interfere with and
adversely affect the electronic stability
control system. Install any aftermarket stereo
loudspeaker as far as possible from the front
center console, the tunnel, and the front
seats in order to minimize the risk of
interfering with the electronic stability control
sensors. Reducing the effectiveness of the
electronic stability control system could lead
to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. WARNINGS
Remember that even advanced
technology cannot defy the laws of
physics. It’ s always possible to lose control
of a vehicle due to inappropriate driver input
for the conditions. Aggressive driving on any
road condition can cause you to lose control
of your vehicle increasing the risk of personal
injury or property damage. Activation of the
electronic stability control system is an
indication that at least some of the tires have
exceeded their ability to grip the road; this
could reduce the operator’ s ability to control
the vehicle potentially resulting in a loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death. If your electronic stability
control system activates, SLOW DOWN. The system automatically turns on each time
you switch the ignition on.
If a fault occurs in either the stability control
or the traction control system, you may
experience the following conditions:•
The stability and traction control light
illuminates steadily.
• The stability control and traction control
systems do not enhance your vehicle's
ability to maintain traction of the wheels.
If a driving condition activates either the
stability control or the traction control system
you may experience the following conditions:
• The stability and traction control light
flashes.
• Your vehicle slows down.
• Reduced engine power.
• A vibration in the brake pedal.
• The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
• If the driving condition is severe and your
foot is not on the brake, the brake pedal
may move as the system applies higher
brake force.
The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle:
196
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Stability Control
Note:
You can also activate the Active Park
Assist system after you have already driven
partially or completely past a parking space.
To do so, press the Active Park button and
the system will inform you if you have
recently passed a suitable parking space.
When the system finds a suitable space, it
displays a message and a tone sounds. Stop
your vehicle and follow the instructions on
the screen. If your vehicle is moving very
slowly, you may need to pull forward a short
distance before the system is ready to park. Note:
You must observe that the selected
space remains clear of obstructions at all
times during the maneuver.
Note: You should drive your vehicle within
5 ft (1.5 m) and as parallel as possible to the
other vehicles while passing a parking
space.
Note: The system always offers the last
detected parking space (for example, if your
vehicle detects multiple spaces while you
are driving, it offers the last one).
Note: If driven above approximately 22 mph
(35 km/h), the system shows a message to
alert you to reduce your vehicle speed. Automatic Steering into Parking Space
Note:
If your vehicle speed exceeds
approximately
6 mph (10 km/h) or the
maneuver is interrupted (driver input), the
system switches off and you need to take
full control of your vehicle.
When you shift the transmission into reverse
(R), with your hands off the wheel (and
nothing obstructing its movement), your
vehicle steers itself into the space. The
system displays instructions to move your
vehicle back and forth in the space.
205
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Parking AidsE130107
When you think your vehicle is properly
parked, or you hear a solid tone from the
parking aid (accompanied by a display
message and a chime), bring your vehicle to
a complete stop.
When automatic steering is complete, the
system displays a message and a tone
sounds, indicating that the active park assist
process is finished. You are responsible for
checking the parking job and making any
necessary corrections before leaving your
vehicle.
Using Active Park Assist - Perpendicular
Parking Press the button located on the
center console near the gearshift
lever or the right side of the center
stack twice. The system displays a message and a
corresponding graphic to indicate it is
searching for a parking space. Use the
direction indicator to select searching either
to the left-hand side or right-hand side of
your vehicle.
Note:
If you do not make a selection the
system will default to the passenger's side.
206
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Parking AidsE130108 E146186
When the system finds a suitable space, it
displays a message and a tone sounds. Stop
your vehicle and follow the instructions on
the screen. If your vehicle is moving very
slowly, you may need to pull forward a short
distance before the system is ready to park.
Note:
You must observe that the selected
space remains clear of obstructions at all
times during the maneuver.
Note: You should drive your vehicle within
5 ft (1.5 m) and as perpendicular as possible
to the other vehicles while passing a parking
space. Note:
The system always offers the last
detected parking space (for example, if your
vehicle detects multiple spaces while you
are driving, it offers the last one).
Note: If driven above approximately 19 mph
(30 km/h)
, the system shows a message to
alert you to reduce your vehicle speed.
Automatic Steering into Parking Space
Note: If your vehicle speed exceeds
6 mph
(10 km/h) or the maneuver is interrupted
(driver input), the system switches off and
you need to take full control of your vehicle. 207
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing Parking AidsE186193 E186191