
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involving brakingsystem, aftermarket roof racks,suspension, steering system, tireconstruction and wheel and tire size maychange the handling characteristics of yourvehicle and may adversely affect theperformance of the electronic stability controlsystem. In addition, installing any stereoloudspeakers may interfere with andadversely affect the electronic stabilitycontrol system. Install any aftermarket stereoloudspeaker as far as possible from the frontcenter console, the tunnel, and the frontseats in order to minimize the risk ofinterfering with the electronic stability controlsensors. Reducing the effectiveness of theelectronic stability control system could leadto an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNINGS
Remember that even advancedtechnology cannot defy the laws ofphysics. It’s always possible to lose controlof a vehicle due to inappropriate driver inputfor the conditions. Aggressive driving on anyroad condition can cause you to lose controlof your vehicle increasing the risk of personalinjury or property damage. Activation of theelectronic stability control system is anindication that at least some of the tires haveexceeded their ability to grip the road; thiscould reduce the operator’s ability to controlthe vehicle potentially resulting in a loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death. If your electronic stabilitycontrol system activates, SLOW DOWN.
The system automatically turns on each timeyou switch the ignition on.
If a fault occurs in either the stability controlor the traction control system, you mayexperience the following conditions:
•The stability and traction control lightilluminates steadily.
•The stability control and traction controlsystems do not enhance your vehicle'sability to maintain traction of the wheels.
If a driving condition activates either thestability control or the traction control systemyou may experience the following conditions:
•The stability and traction control lightflashes.
•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 yourfoot is not on the brake, the brake pedalmay move as the system applies higherbrake force.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle:
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Stability Control

Note:The system turns on each time youswitch the ignition on and you shift intoreverse (R). If you temporarily switch thesystem off, it turns on the next time youswitch the ignition on.
Note:The system may not correctly operatewhen towing a trailer. For vehicles with atrailer tow module and tow bar approved byus, the system turns off when you attach atrailer. For vehicles with an aftermarkettrailer tow module or tow bar, werecommend that you switch the system offwhen you attach a trailer.
To permanently switch the system off,contact an authorized dealer.
STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNINGS
The electric power steering system hasdiagnostic checks that continuouslymonitor the system. If a fault is detected, amessage displays in the information display.Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to doso. Switch the ignition off. After at least 10seconds, switch the ignition on and watchthe information display for a steering systemwarning message. If a steering systemwarning message returns, have the systemchecked by an authorized dealer.
If the system detects an error, you maynot feel a difference in the steering,however a serious condition may exist.Obtain immediate service from an authorizeddealer, failure to do so may result in loss ofsteering control.
Your vehicle has an electric power steeringsystem. There is no fluid reservoir. Nomaintenance is required.
If your vehicle loses electrical power whileyou are driving, electric power steeringassistance is lost. The steering system stilloperates and you can steer your vehiclemanually. Manually steering your vehiclerequires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increasethe effort required for you to steer yourvehicle. This increased effort preventsoverheating and permanent damage to thesteering system. You do not lose the abilityto steer your vehicle manually. Typicalsteering and driving maneuvers allow thesystem to cool and return to normaloperation.
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.
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Driving Aids

Note:A high crown in the road or highcrosswinds may also make the steeringseem to wander or pull.
Adaptive Learning
The electronic power steering systemadaptive learning helps correct roadirregularities and improves overall handlingand steering feel. It communicates with thebrake system to help operate advancedstability control and accident avoidancesystems. Additionally, whenever the batteryis disconnected or a new battery installed,you must drive your vehicle a short distancebefore the system relearns the strategy andreactivates all systems.
COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM (If
Equipped)
Principle Of Operation
WARNINGS
This system is an extra driving aid. Itdoes not replace your attention andjudgment, or the need to apply the brakes.This system does NOT automatically brakeyour vehicle. If you fail to press the brakepedal when necessary, you may collide withanother vehicle.
The collision warning system cannothelp prevent all collisions. Do not relyon this system to replace your judgment andthe need to maintain correct distance andspeed.
Note:The system does not detect, warn orrespond to potential collisions with vehiclesto the rear or sides of your vehicle.
Note:The collision warning system is activeat speeds above approximately 5 mph(8 km/h).
The system alerts you of certain collisionrisks. The system's sensor detects yourvehicle's rapid approach to other vehiclestraveling in the same direction as yourvehicle.
When your vehicle rapidly approachesanother vehicle, a red warning light flashesand a tone sounds.
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Driving AidsE156130 E156131

DRIVE CONTROL (If Equipped)
LINCOLN DRIVE CONTROL
Lincoln Drive Control delivers the Lincolndriving experience through a suite ofsophisticated electronic vehicle systems.These systems continuously monitor yourdriving inputs and the road conditions tooptimize ride comfort, steering, handling,powertrain response and sound. You canpreset your preferences for these systemswithin the information display. Lincoln DriveControl will respond to your preferencesbased on what gear position you select. Thisprovides a single location to control multiplesystems performance settings.
Lincoln Drive Control consists of thefollowing systems:
•Continuously controlled dampingdynamically adjusts the shock absorbersstiffness in real time to match the roadsurface and driver inputs. This systemcontinuously monitors your vehicle’smotion (roll, pitch, bounce), suspensionposition, load, speed, road conditions,and steering to adjust the suspensiondamping for optimal vehicle control.
•Electronically power-assisted steeringadjusts steering effort and feel based onyour vehicle speed and your inputs.
•Active noise control utilizes your vehicleelectronics to enhance the acousticexperience.
•Electronic stability control and tractioncontrol maintain your vehicle control inadverse conditions or high performancedriving.
•Electronic throttle control enhances thepowertrain response to your inputs.
Using Lincoln Drive Control
You can configure which of the Drive Controlmodes are active when your vehicle is indrive (D) or in sport (S). The configurationremains active until modified from the mainmenu on the information display.
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Driving Aids

These systems have a range of modes whichyou can choose from in order to customizeyour ideal driving experience:
•Comfort – Provides a more relaxeddriving experience, maximizing comfort.Your steering effort decreases and thesuspension movement is more fluid.Comfort mode is ideal when you desireenhanced traveling comfort.
•Normal – Delivers a balancedcombination of comfortable, controlledride and confident handling. This modeprovides an engaging drive experienceand a direct connection to the roadwithout sacrificing any of the composuredemanded from a luxury vehicle.
•Sport – Provides a sportier drivingexperience. The suspension stiffens, withan emphasis on handling and control.The engine responds more directly toyour inputs and takes on a more powerfultone. Sport mode is ideal for use duringmore spirited driving.
You can change your vehicle's Drive Controlsettings from the menu on the displayscreen. See General Information (page 109).
Note:Not all settings may be available.
Note:Lincoln Drive Control has diagnosticchecks that continuously monitor the systemto ensure proper operation. Certain types ofsystem errors will gray out the modeselections within the information display,preventing you from changing states whenthe gear position is changed. Other types oferrors produce a temporary message in theinformation display. See InformationMessages (page 114). If either conditionpersists for multiple key cycles, have yourvehicle checked by an authorized dealer.
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Driving Aids

Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime yousubmerge the rear axle in water. Water maycontaminate the rear axle lubricant, which isnot a normal maintenance inspection itemunless there is a possibility of a leak or otheraxle repair is required.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR
WHEELS
Emergency Towing
WARNING
If your vehicle has a steering wheellock make sure the ignition is in theaccessory or on position when being towed.
If your vehicle becomes inoperable (withoutaccess to wheel dollies, car-hauling trailer,or flatbed transport vehicle), it can beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground,regardless of the powertrain andtransmission configuration) under thefollowing conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward for towingin a forward direction.
•You place the vehicle in Stay in Neutralmode. See Placing Your Vehicle in Stayin Neutral Mode. In addition, make sureto read the brake-shift interlock overrideprocedure. See Automatic Transmission(page 175).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
Placing Your Vehicle in Stay in NeutralMode
1. Press the N button on the shifterassembly.
2. When Press N again to Enter Stay inNeutral Mode appears in the informationdisplay, press the N button again.
Note:The message Stay in Neutral ModeEngaged appears in the information displaywhen you successfully complete theprocedure.
Note:Keeping the vehicle in Stay in Neutralmode eventually causes your vehicle batteryto lose charge. Exit the mode as soon assafely possible.
Recreational Towing
Note:Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering the vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 133).
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational (RV) towing. An example ofrecreational towing would be towing yourvehicle behind a motorhome. We designedthese guidelines to prevent damage to yourtransmission.
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Towing

•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fueleconomy as compared to driving on hillyterrain.
•Transmissions give their best fueleconomy when operated in the top cruisegear and with steady pressure on the gaspedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped)is less fuel efficient than two-wheel-driveoperation.
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deepwater as you may lose control of yourvehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water, checkthe depth. Never drive through water that ishigher than the bottom of the front rockerarea of your vehicle.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle. Your brake performance and traction maybe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Check that the horn works.
•Check that the exterior lights work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check that thesteering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS
WARNINGS
Use a floor mat designed to fit thefootwell of your vehicle that does notobstruct the pedal area. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss of controlof your vehicle, personal injury or death.
Pedals that cannot move freely cancause loss of vehicle control andincrease the risk of serious personal injury.
Secure the floor mat to both retentiondevices so that it cannot slip out ofposition and interfere with the pedals. Failureto follow this instruction could result in theloss of control of your vehicle, personal injuryor death.
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Driving HintsE259345

Protected ComponentsFuse RatingFuse Number
Powertrain control ignition start power - run.5A 2F39
Electronic power assist steering run/start.10A 2F40
Extended power module run/start.10A 2F41
Adaptive cruise control.10A 2F42Blind spot information system.Heads-up display.Rear video camera.(vehicles with stop/start)
Not used (spare).(vehicles without stop/start)
Not used.—F43
Heated rear window relay coil.5A 2F44Heated wiper park.Electronic transmission pump run/stop feed (vehiclesequipped with stop/start).
Transmission range control module run/start.5A 2F45
Heated rear window relay.40A 1F46Heated wiper park.
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Fuses