System Lights, Messages and AudibleAlerts
When the system detects a vehicle, anindicator illuminates in the exterior mirror onthe side the approaching vehicle is comingfrom. A tone sounds and a message appearsin the information display.
Note:In exceptional conditions, the systemcould alert you even when there is nothingin the detection zone, for example a vehiclepassing in the distance.
Blocked Sensors
The sensors are behind the rear bumper onboth sides of your vehicle.
Note:Keep the sensors free from snow, iceand large accumulations of dirt.
Note:Do not cover the sensors with bumperstickers, repair compound or other objects.
Note:Blocked sensors could affect systemperformance.
If the sensors are blocked, a message mayappear in the information display when youshift into reverse (R). See InformationMessages (page 123).
System Limitations
The system may not correctly operate whenany of the following occur:
•The sensors are blocked.
•Adjacently parked vehicles or objects areobstructing the sensors.
•Vehicles approach at speeds greaterthan 37 mph (60 km/h).
•The vehicle speed is greater than 7 mph(12 km/h).
•You reverse out of an angled parkingspace.
System Errors
If the system detects a fault a messagedisplays. See Information Messages (page123).
Switching the System Off and On
You can temporarily switch the system offusing the information display. SeeInformation Messages (page 123). When youswitch system off, a message displays. SeeInformation Messages (page 123).
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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
If your vehicle is rapidly approaching anotherstationary vehicle, a vehicle traveling in thesame direction as yours, or a pedestrianwithin your driving path, the system isdesigned to provide three levels offunctionality:
1. Alert
2. Brake Support
3. Active Braking
Alert: When activated, a red warning lightflashes, an audible warning chime soundsand a warning message shows in theinformation display.
Brake Support: Assists the driver in reducingcollision speed by preparing the brakesystem for rapid braking. Brake support doesnot automatically activate the brakes, but ifthe brake pedal is pressed even lightly bythe driver, brake support could addadditional braking up to full force.
Active Braking: Active braking may activateif the system determines that a collision isimminent. The system may help the driverreduce impact damage or avoid the crashcompletely.
Note:If you perceive Pre-Collision Assistalerts as being too frequent or disturbing,then you can reduce the alert sensitivity,though the manufacturer recommends usingthe highest sensitivity setting where possible.Setting lower sensitivity would lead to fewerand later system warnings.
Adjusting the Pre-Collision Assist Settings
You can adjust the Pre-Collision Assistsettings by using the information displaycontrol. See General Information (page 112).
If required, you can switch active braking offusing the information display control. SeeGeneral Information (page 112).
Note:Active braking automatically turns onevery time you switch the ignition on.
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Blocked SensorsIf a message regarding a blocked sensor orcamera appears in the information display,the radar signals or camera images areobstructed. The radar sensor is locatedbehind a fascia cover near the driver side ofthe lower grille. With an obstructed radar,the Pre-Collision Assist system does notfunction and cannot detect a vehicle ahead.With the front camera obstructed, thePre-Collision Assist system does not respondto pedestrians or stationary vehicles and thesystem performance on moving vehiclesreduces. The following table lists possiblecauses and actions for when this messagedisplays.
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ActionCause
Clean the grille surface in front of the radar or remove the objectcausing the obstruction.The surface of the radar in the grille is dirty or obstructed in someway.
Wait a short time. It may take several minutes for the radar to detectthat there is no obstruction.The surface of the radar in the grille is clean but the message remainsin the display.
The Pre-Collision Assist system is temporarily disabled. Pre-CollisionAssist should automatically reactivate a short time after the weatherconditions improve.Heavy rain, spray, snow, or fog is interfering with the radar signals.
The Pre-Collision Assist system is temporarily disabled. Pre-CollisionAssist should automatically reactivate a short time after the weatherconditions improve.
Swirling water, or snow or ice on the surface of the road may interferewith the radar signals.
Contact an authorized dealer to have the radar checked for propercoverage and operation.Radar is out of alignment due to a front end impact.
Clean the outside of the windshield in front of the camera.The windshield in front of the camera is dirty or obstructed in someway.
Wait a short time. It may take several minutes for the camera to detectthat there is no obstruction.The windshield in front of the camera is clean but the message remainsin the display.
Note:Proper system operation requires aclear view of the road by the camera. Haveany windshield damage in the area of thecamera's field of view repaired.
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Note:If something hits the front end of yourvehicle or damage occurs, the radar sensingzone may change. This could cause missedor false vehicle detections. Contact anauthorized dealer to have the radar checkedfor proper coverage and operation.
Note:If your vehicle detects excessive heatat the camera or a potential misalignmentcondition, a message may display in theinformation display indicating temporarysensor unavailability. This messagedeactivates automatically when operationalconditions are correct. For example, whenthe ambient temperature around the sensordecreases or the sensor automaticallyrecalibrates.
DRIVE CONTROL
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 and handling.
You can preset your preferences for thesesystems within the information display.Lincoln Drive Control will respond to yourpreferences based on what gear positionyou select. This provides a single location tocontrol multiple systems performancesettings.
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.
•Electronic stability control and tractioncontrol maintain your vehicle control inadverse conditions or high performancedriving.
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.Sport mode is ideal for use during morespirited driving.
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Using Lincoln Drive Control
You can configure which of the Drive Controlmodes are active when your vehicle is indrive (D). The configuration remains activeuntil modified from the main menu on theinformation display.
You can change your vehicle's Drive Controlsettings from the main menu on theinformation display. See GeneralInformation (page 112).
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 will produce a temporary messagethat states Drive Control Malfunction. If eithercondition persists for multiple key cycles,have your vehicle checked by an authorizeddealer.
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING
Never tow a trailer with an MKZHybrid. This powertrain is notdesigned to tow.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR
WHEELS
Emergency Towing
In the event your vehicle becomes disabled(without access to wheel dollies, car-haulingtrailer, or flatbed transport vehicle), it can beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground,regardless of the powertrain/transmissionconfiguration) under the following conditions:
•The vehicle is facing forward so that it istowed in a forward direction.
•Place the transmission in position N. Ifyou cannot move the transmission intoN, you must override it and enable stayin neutral mode. Failing to do so mayresult in damage to the transmission. SeeTransmission (page 194).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
Recreational Towing
Note: Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering your vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 143).
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational (RV) towing. An example ofrecreational towing would be towing yourvehicle behind a motorhome. Theseguidelines are designed to ensure that yourtransmission is not damaged.
Your vehicle can be towed with all fourwheels on the ground using the Neutral Towfeature, or with all four wheels off the groundusing a vehicle transport trailer. If you areusing a vehicle transport trailer, follow theinstruction specified by the equipmentprovider.
Neutral Tow
If you tow your vehicle with all four wheelson the ground:
•Tow only in the forward direction.
•Release the parking brake.
•Place the vehicle in Neutral Tow modeby doing the following:
•Put the ignition in accessory mode(ignition on, engine off ). See KeylessStarting (page 168).
•Select the neutral tow option in theinformation display.
•When prompted by the informationdisplay, press the brake pedal andselect Neutral on the transmission.Make sure the parking brake is off. Ifdone successfully, a confirmationmessage appears in the display.
•Shut the ignition off. See KeylessStarting (page 168). If the process iscompleted successfully, the N on thetransmission slowly blinks and aconfirmation message appears in thedisplay.
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Towing