2018 LINCOLN MKC engine overheat

Start climbing a steep slope or hill in a lowgear rather than downshifting to a low gearfrom a high gear after you have started yourclimb. This reduces strain on the engine andthe possibility of stalling.
If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turnaround. Turning could cause the vehicle toroll over. Instead, reverse back to a safelocation.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power will cause thetires to slip, spin or lose traction, and youcould lose control of your vehicle.
To avoid brake overheating, come down ahill in the same gear you used to go up thehill. Do not come down in neutral. Move thetransmission selector lever to a lower gear.When descending a steep hill, avoid suddenhard braking to keep the front wheels rollingand to maintain your vehicle's steering.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. Apply thebrakes steadily. Do not pump the brakepedal.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING
If you are driving in slippery conditionsthat require tire chains or cables, thenit is critical that you drive cautiously. Keepspeeds down, allow for longer stoppingdistances and avoid aggressive steering toreduce the chances of a loss of vehiclecontrol which can lead to serious injury ordeath. If the rear end of your vehicle slideswhile cornering, steer in the direction of theslide until you regain control of your vehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causetransmission damage.
In snow and ice, all-wheel drive vehicles haveadvantages over two-wheel drive vehiclesbut can still skid. When driving on snowy oricy roads, should you start to slide, turn thesteering wheel in the direction of the slideuntil you regain control.
On snow and ice, avoid suddenly applyingpower and avoid quick change of direction.Apply the accelerator slowly and steadilywhen starting from a stop.
Avoid sudden braking. An all-wheel drivevehicle may accelerate better than atwo-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice.However, an all-wheel drive vehicle will notstop any faster, as braking occurs at all fourwheels. Do not become overconfident toroad conditions.
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E143949

Make sure that you allow sufficient distancebetween your vehicle and other vehicles forstopping. On ice and snow, you should drivemore slowly than usual, and consider usingone of the lower gears. In emergencystopping situations, steadily apply the brake.Your vehicle has a four wheel anti-lock brakesystem, do not pump the brake pedal. SeeHints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes(page 187).
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud or Snow
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud orsnow, shift between forward and reversegears, and, in a steady pattern, stop betweenshifts. Press lightly on the accelerator witheach shift. Rocking your vehicle this way maydislodge your vehicle.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature,damage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for more thana minute, damage to the transmission andtires may occur or the engine may overheat.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems onyour vehicle provides predictableperformance whether your vehicle is loadedor empty. For this reason, we recommendthat you do not make modifications to yourvehicle (lift kits or stabilizer bars) or usereplacement parts not equivalent to theoriginal factory equipment.
We recommend that you use caution whenyour vehicle has either a high load or device(ladder or luggage racks). Modifications toyour vehicle that raise the center of gravitymay cause your vehicle to tip if you shouldlose vehicle control.
Failure to maintain your vehicle correctly mayvoid the warranty, increase your repair cost,reduce vehicle performance and operationalcapabilities, and adversely affect you andyour passenger's safety. We recommend thatyou frequently inspect your vehicle's chassiscomponents if your vehicle is subject tooff-road use.
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

When you override the system, thegreen indicator light illuminatesand the vehicle graphic does notappear in the information display.
The system resumes operation when yourelease the accelerator pedal. The vehiclespeed decreases to the set speed, or a lowerspeed if following a slower vehicle.
Changing the Set Speed
•Press SET+ or SET- to change the setspeed in small increments.
•Press the accelerator or brake pedal untilyou reach the desired speed. Press SET+or SET-.
•Press and hold SET+ or SET- to changethe set speed in large increments.Release the control when you reach thedesired speed.
The system may apply the brakes to slowthe vehicle to the new set speed. The setspeed displays continuously in theinformation display when the system isactive.
Canceling the Set Speed
Press CNCL or tap the brake pedal. The setspeed does not erase.
Resuming the Set Speed
Note:Only use resume if you are aware ofthe set speed and intend to return to it.
Press RES. Your vehicle speed returns tothe previously set speed and gap setting. The set speed displays continuously in theinformation display when the system isactive.
Automatic Cancellation
Note:If the engine speed drops too low, anaudible warning sounds and a messageappears in the information display.Automatic braking releases.
The system does not operate below 12 mph(20 km/h).
Automatic cancellation can also occur if:
•The tires lose traction.
•The engine speed is too low.
•You apply the parking brake.
Hilly Condition Usage
Note:An audible alarm sounds and thesystem shuts down if it applies brakes for anextended period of time. This allows thebrakes to cool. The system functionsnormally again after the brakes cool.
Select a lower gear when the system isactive in situations such as prolongeddownhill driving on steep grades, forexample in mountainous areas. The systemneeds additional engine braking in thesesituations to reduce the load on the vehicle’sregular brake system to prevent it fromoverheating.
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control Off
Note:You erase the set speed and gapsetting when you switch the system off.
Press OFF when the system is in standbymode, or switch the ignition off.
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Cruise ControlE144529

Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up toget the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip. Whenturning, make wider turns so the trailerwheels clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly afteryou have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thetransmission in park (P) to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speed controlmay turn off automatically when you aretowing on long, steep grades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy and transmissioncooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping with atrailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the transmission in park (P).
4. Place wheel chocks in front and back ofthe trailer wheels. Chocks are notincluded with your vehicle.
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level to riseabove the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higher than6 in (15 cm) above the bottom edge ofthe rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions, andreliability.
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Towing

Note:During normal vehicle operation, theengine coolant may change color fromorange to pink or light red. As long as theengine coolant is clear and uncontaminated,this color change does not indicate theengine coolant has degraded nor does itrequire the engine coolant to be drained,the system to be flushed, or the enginecoolant to be replaced.
When the engine is cold, check theconcentration and level of the engine coolantat the intervals listed in the scheduledmaintenance information. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 481).
Note:Make sure that the level is betweenthe MIN and MAX marks on the coolantreservoir.
Note:Coolant expands when it is hot. Thelevel may extend beyond the MAX mark.
Note:If the level is at the MIN mark, belowthe MIN mark, or empty, add coolantimmediately. See Adding Engine Coolantin this chapter.
The coolant concentration should bemaintained within 48% to 50%, whichequates to a freeze point between -30°F(-34°C) and -34°F (-37°C).
Note:For best results, coolant concentrationshould be tested with a refractometer suchas Robinair® Coolant and BatteryRefractometer 75240. We do notrecommend the use of hydrometers orcoolant test strips for measuring coolantconcentrations.
Adding Engine Coolant
•Do not mix different colors or types ofcoolant in your vehicle. Make sure thecorrect coolant is used. Mixing of enginecoolants may harm your engine’s coolingsystem. The use of an improper coolantmay harm engine and cooling systemcomponents and may void the warranty.Use prediluted engine coolant meetingthe Ford specification. See Capacitiesand Specifications (page 344).
•In case of emergency, a large amount ofwater without engine coolant may beadded in order to reach a vehicle servicelocation. In this instance, the coolingsystem must be drained, chemicallycleaned with Motorcraft Premium CoolingSystem Flush, and refilled with enginecoolant as soon as possible. Water alone(without engine coolant) can causeengine damage from corrosion,overheating or freezing.
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Maintenance

•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine orany engine coolants mixed with alcoholor methanol antifreeze (coolant). Alcoholand other liquids can cause enginedamage from overheating or freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additivesto the coolant. These can be harmful andcompromise the corrosion protection ofthe engine coolant.
Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure willescape as you unscrew the cap.
Add prediluted engine coolant meeting theFord specification. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 344).
Whenever coolant has been added, thecoolant level in the coolant reservoir shouldbe checked the next few times you drive thevehicle. If necessary, add enough predilutedengine coolant to bring the coolant level tothe proper level.
Recycled Engine Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycledengine coolant since a Ford-approvedrecycling process is not yet available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed ofin an appropriate manner. Follow yourcommunity’s regulations and standards forrecycling and disposing of automotive fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Fordauthorized dealer increase the coolantconcentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60% willprovide improved freeze point protection.Engine coolant concentrations above60% will decrease the overheatprotection characteristics of the enginecoolant and may cause engine damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Fordauthorized dealer decrease the coolantconcentration to 40%.
•A coolant concentration of 40% willprovide improved overheat protection.Engine coolant concentrations below40% will decrease the freeze andcorrosion protection characteristics ofthe engine coolant and may causeengine damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extremeclimates should use prediluted enginecoolant for optimum cooling system andengine protection.
What You Should Know About Fail-SafeCooling
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, thisfeature allows the vehicle to be driventemporarily before incremental componentdamage is incurred. The “fail-safe” distancedepends on ambient temperatures, vehicleload and terrain.
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Maintenance

How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, the enginecoolant temperature gauge will move to thered (hot) area and:
A high engine temperaturemessage will appear in theinformation display.
The service engine soon indicatorwill light.
If the engine reaches a presetover-temperature condition, the engine willautomatically switch to alternating cylinderoperation. Each disabled cylinder acts as anair pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate.However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will bedisabled.
Continued operation will increase the enginetemperature and the engine will completelyshut down, causing steering and brakingeffort to increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, theengine can be re-started. Take your vehicleto an authorized dealer as soon as possibleto minimize engine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNINGS
Fail-safe mode is for use duringemergencies only. Operate yourvehicle in fail-safe mode only as long asnecessary to bring your vehicle to rest in asafe location and seek immediate repairs.When in fail-safe mode, the vehicle will havelimited power, will not be able to maintainhigh-speed operation, and may completelyshut down without warning, potentially losingengine power, power steering assist, andpower brake assist, which may increase thepossibility of a crash resulting in seriousinjury.
Never remove the coolant reservoircap while the engine is running or hot.
You have limited engine power when in thefail-safe mode, so drive your vehicle withcaution. Your vehicle will not be able tomaintain high-speed operation and theengine will run rough. Remember that theengine is capable of completely shuttingdown automatically to prevent enginedamage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and switch the engine off.
2. Arrange for your vehicle to be taken toan authorized dealer.
3.If this is not possible, wait a short periodfor the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish iflow.
5.Re-start the engine and take your vehicleto an authorized dealer.
Note:Driving your vehicle without repairingthe engine problem increases the chance ofengine damage. Take your vehicle to anauthorized dealer as soon as possible.
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Maintenance

Your vehicle is equipped with the IntelligentOil-Life Monitor system, which displays amessage in the information display at theproper oil change interval. This interval maybe up to one year or 10,000 mi (16,000 km).
When the oil change message appears inthe information display, it is time for an oilchange. Make sure you perform the oilchange within two weeks or 500 mi (800 km)of the message appearing. Make sure youreset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor aftereach oil change. See Oil Change IndicatorReset (page 290).
If your information display resets prematurelyor becomes inoperative, you should performthe oil change interval at six months or5,000 mi (8,000 km) from your last oilchange. Never exceed one year or 10,000 mi(16,000 km) between oil change intervals.
Your vehicle is very sophisticated and builtwith multiple, complex, performance systems.Every manufacturer develops these systemsusing different specifications andperformance features. That is why it isimportant to rely upon your dealership toproperly diagnose and repair your vehicle.
Ford Motor Company has recommendedmaintenance intervals for various parts andcomponent systems based upon engineeringtesting. Ford Motor Company relies upon thistesting to determine the most appropriatemileage for replacement of oils and fluids toprotect your vehicle at the lowest overall costto you and recommends againstmaintenance schedules that deviate fromthe scheduled maintenance information.
We strongly recommend the use of onlygenuine Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorizedre-manufactured replacement partsengineered for your vehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and the Ford WorkshopManual list the recommended additives andchemicals for your vehicle. We do notrecommend using chemicals or additives notapproved by us as part of your vehicle’snormal maintenance. Please consult yourwarranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normaloperating characteristic and, by itself, doesnot necessarily indicate a concern or that thefluid needs to be changed. However, aqualified expert, such as the factory-trainedtechnicians at your dealership, shouldinspect discolored fluids that also show signsof overheating or foreign materialcontamination immediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle’s oils andfluids at the specified intervals or inconjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viableway to change fluid for many vehiclesub-systems during scheduled maintenance.It is critical that systems are flushed only withnew fluid that is the same as that requiredto fill and operate the system or using aFord-approved flushing chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basicmaintenance checks and inspections everymonth or at six-month intervals.
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Scheduled Maintenance