2018 LINCOLN MKC maintenance

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)

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

ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle laws fortowing a trailer.
•See the instructions included with towingaccessories for the proper installationand adjustment specifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. See your scheduledmaintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency gives you.
You can find information on loadspecification terms found on the tire labeland Safety Compliance label as well asinstructions on calculating your vehicle's loadin the Load Carrying chapter. See Load Limit(page 237).
Remember to account for the trailer tongueweight as part of your vehicle load whencalculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of thetotal trailer weight is on the tongue.
Safety Chains
Note:Never attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the hookretainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross themunder the trailer tongue and allow enoughslack for turning tight corners. Do not allowthe chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulicbrake system directly to your vehicle'sbrake system. Your vehicle may not haveenough braking power and your chances ofhaving a collision greatly increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if you installthem properly and adjust them to themanufacturer's specifications. The trailerbrakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Separate functioning brake systems arerequired for safe control of towed vehiclesand trailers weighing more than 1500 lb(680 kg) when load.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiringto the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; thismay damage the electrical system resultingin fire. Contact your authorized dealer assoon as possible for assistance in propertrailer tow wiring installation. Additionalelectrical equipment may be required.
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Towing

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

BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires forapproximately 300 mi (480 km). During thistime, your vehicle may exhibit some unusualdriving characteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first 1,000 mi(1,600 km). Vary your speed frequently andchange up through the gears early. Do notlabor the engine.
Do not tow during the first 1,000 mi(1,600 km).
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Your fuel economy is affected by severalthings, such as how you drive, the conditionsyou drive under, and how you maintain yourvehicle.
You may improve your fuel economy bykeeping these things in mind:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds without stopping.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down mayeliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimizestop-and-go driving.
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds (traveling at55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15% less fuel thantraveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Keep the tires properly inflated and useonly the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance.
Avoid these actions; they reduce your fueleconomy:
•Sudden accelerations or hardaccelerations.
•Revving the engine before turning it off.
•Idle for periods longer than one minute.
•Warm up your vehicle on cold mornings.
•Use the air conditioner or front defroster.
•Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
•Rest your foot on the brake pedal whiledriving.
•Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow atrailer.
•Carry unnecessary weight (approximately1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb[180 kilogram] of weight carried).
•Driving with the wheels out of alignment.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing atrailer may reduce fuel economy at anyspeed.
•Adding certain accessories to yourvehicle (for example bug deflectors,rollbars, light bars, running boards, skiracks or luggage racks) may reduce fueleconomy.
•To maximize the fuel economy, drive withthe tonneau cover installed (if equipped).
•Using fuel blended with alcohol maylower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lowertemperatures during the first 5–10 mi(12–16 km) of driving.
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Driving Hints

GETTING THE SERVICES YOU
NEED
Warranty repairs to your vehicle must beperformed by an authorized dealer. Whileany authorized dealer handling your vehicleline provides warranty service, werecommend you return to your sellingauthorized dealer who wants to ensure yourcontinued satisfaction.
Please note that certain warranty repairsrequire special training and equipment, sonot all authorized dealers are authorized toperform all warranty repairs. This means that,depending on the warranty repair needed,you may have to take your vehicle to anotherauthorized dealer.
A reasonable time must be allowed toperform a repair after taking your vehicle tothe authorized dealer. Repairs are madeusing Lincoln or Motorcraft parts, orremanufactured or other parts that areauthorized by Lincoln.
Away From Home
If you are away from home when your vehicleneeds service, contact the Lincoln ClientRelationship Center or use the onlineresources listed below to find the nearestauthorized dealer.
In the United States:
Mailing address
Lincoln Motor CompanyClient Relationship CenterP.O. Box 6248Dearborn, MI 48126
Telephone
1-800-521-4140TDD for the hearing impaired:1-800-232-5952
Web Address
www.LincolnOwner.com
These are some of the items that can befound online:
•United States dealer locator by DealerName, City, State or ZIP Code.
•Owner Manuals.
•Maintenance Schedules.
•Recalls.
•Lincoln Extended Service Plans.
•Lincoln Original Accessories.
•Service specials and promotions.
In Canada:
Mailing address
Lincoln Client Relationship CentreLincoln Motor Company of Canada, LimitedP.O. Box 2000Oakville, Ontario L6K 1C8
Telephone
1-800-387-9333
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Customer Assistance

GENERAL INFORMATION
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to helpmaintain its roadworthiness and resale value.There is a large network of authorizeddealers that are there to help you with theirprofessional servicing expertise. We believethat their specially trained technicians arebest qualified to service your vehicle properlyand expertly. They are supported by a widerange of highly specialized tools developedspecifically for servicing your vehicle.
If your vehicle requires professional service,an authorized dealer can provide thenecessary parts and service. Check yourwarranty information to find out which partsand services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants,fluids and service parts conforming tospecifications. Motorcraft® parts aredesigned and built to provide the bestperformance in your vehicle.
Precautions
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught inmoving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the enginerunning in an enclosed space, unless youare sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burningmaterial (such as cigarettes) away fromthe battery and all fuel related parts.
Working with the Engine Off
1. Set the parking brake and shift to park(P).
2. Switch off the engine.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the Engine On
WARNING
To reduce the risk of vehicle damageand/or personal burn injuries, do notstart your engine with the air cleanerremoved and do not remove it while theengine is running.
1. Set the parking brake and shift to park(P).
2. Block the wheels.
OPENING AND CLOSING THE
HOOD
Opening the Hood
1.Inside your vehicle, pull the hood releasehandle located under the left-hand sideof the instrument panel.
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2. Go to the front of your vehicle andrelease the auxiliary latch.
3. Lift the hood until the lift cylinders holdit open.
4. To close the hood, lower the hood andapply closing force as it drops the last 8to 11 inches (20 to 30 centimeters).
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW
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