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.
260
MKZ Hybrid (CC9) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Towing
BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires forapproximately 300 mi (480 km). During thistime, your vehicle may exhibit some unusualdriving characteristics. The engine alsoneeds to break in. Avoid hard accelerationsand driving too fast for the first 1,000 mi(1,600 km). If possible, avoid carrying heavyloads up steep grades during the break-inperiod.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several thingssuch as how you drive, the conditions youdrive under and how you maintain yourvehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind thatmay improve your fuel economy:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down mayeliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimizestop-and-go driving (When runningerrands, go to the furthest destinationfirst and then work your way back home).
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds.
•Keep the tires properly inflated and useonly the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance.
There are also some things you may want toavoid doing because they reduce your fueleconomy:
•Avoid sudden or hard accelerations.
•Avoid revving the engine before turningoff the car.
•Avoid long idle periods.
•Do not warm up your vehicle on coldmornings.
•Reduce the use of air conditioning andheat.
•Avoid using speed control in hilly terrain.
•Do not rest your foot on the brake pedalwhile driving.
•Avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
•Avoid adding particular accessories toyour vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,rollbars/light bars, running boards, skiracks).
•Avoid driving with the wheels out ofalignment.
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.
262
MKZ Hybrid (CC9) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving Hints
Note: When you try to restart your vehicleafter a fuel shutoff, the vehicle makes surethat various systems are safe to restart. Once the vehicle determines the systemsare safe, then the vehicle allows you torestart.
Note:In the event that your vehicle does notrestart after your third attempt, contact aqualified technician.
The fuel pump shutoff stops the flow of fuelto the engine in the event of a moderate tosevere crash. Not every impact causes ashutoff.
Should your vehicle shut off after a crash,you may restart your vehicle.
1. Press START/STOP to switch off yourvehicle.
2.Press the brake pedal and START/STOPto switch on your vehicle.
3. Check the information display for theReady to Drive light as the gasolineengine may not start, but the electricmotor may be running. If you do not seethe Ready to Drive light, repeat Steps 1and 2 up to two more times.
JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE
WARNINGS
Batteries normally produce explosivegases which can cause personal injury.Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks orlighted substances to come near the battery.When working near the battery, always shieldyour face and protect your eyes. Alwaysprovide correct ventilation.
Keep batteries out of reach of children.Batteries contain sulfuric acid. Avoidcontact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shieldyour eyes when working near the battery toprotect against possible splashing of acidsolution. In case of acid contact with skin oreyes, flush immediately with water for aminimum of 15 minutes and get promptmedical attention. If acid is swallowed, call aphysician immediately.
Use only adequately sized cables withinsulated clamps.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Do not attempt to push-start your automatictransmission vehicle.
Note:Attempting to push-start a vehicle withan automatic transmission may causetransmission damage.
Note:Use only a 12-volt supply to start yourvehicle.
Note:Do not disconnect the battery of thedisabled vehicle as this could damage thevehicle electrical system.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hoodof the disabled vehicle, making sure the twovehicles do not touch.
Connecting the Jumper Cables
WARNINGS
Do not connect the end of the secondcable to the negative (-) terminal of thebattery to be jumped. A spark may cause anexplosion of the gases that surround thebattery.
266
MKZ Hybrid (CC9) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Roadside Emergencies
Note:Make sure you remove the cap fromthe positive prong on your vehicle beforeconnecting the cables.
1. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable tothe positive (+) terminal of the dischargedbattery.
2.Connect the other end of the positive (+)cable to the positive (+) terminal of thebooster vehicle battery.
3. Connect the negative (-) cable to thenegative (-) terminal of the boostervehicle battery.
4.Make the final connection of the negative(-) cable to an exposed metal part of thestalled vehicle's engine, away from thebattery and the fuel injection system, orconnect the negative (-) cable to a groundconnection point if available.
Jump Starting
1. Start the engine of the booster vehicleand rev the engine moderately, or pressthe accelerator gently to keep yourengine speed between 2000 and 3000RPM, as shown in your tachometer.
2. Start the disabled vehicle.
3. Check the instrument cluster for theReady to Drive light as the gasolineengine may not start, but the electricmotor may be running.
4. Once you start the disabled vehicle, runboth vehicles for an additional threeminutes before disconnecting the jumpercables.
Removing the Jumper Cables
Note:After you disconnect the jumpercables, let the disabled vehicle sit in Readyto Drive mode for several minutes to chargethe 12V battery. The disabled vehiclecharges the 12V battery even if the gasolineengine may be off. The 12V battery receivespower from the high-voltage battery instead.
Remove the jumper cables in the reverseorder that they were connected.
1. Remove the negative (-) jumper cablefrom the disabled vehicle.
268
MKZ Hybrid (CC9) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Roadside Emergencies4
1
3
2
E142665
2. Remove the jumper cable on thenegative (-) terminal of the boostervehicle battery.
3. Remove the jumper cable from thepositive (+) terminal of the booster vehiclebattery.
4. Remove the jumper cable from thepositive (+) terminal of the disabledvehicle battery.
COLLISION, DAMAGE OR FIRE
EVENT
Guidance for Ford Motor CompanyElectric and Hybrid-Electric VehiclesEquipped With High Voltage Batteries
(Vehicle Owner/Operator/General Public)Electric and Hybrid-Electric VehicleConsiderations
In the event of damage or fire involving anelectric vehicle or hybrid-electric vehicle:
•Always assume the high-voltage batteryand associated components areenergized and fully charged.
•Exposed electrical components, wires,and high-voltage batteries presentpotential high-voltage shock hazards.
•Venting high-voltage battery vapors arepotentially toxic and flammable.
•Physical damage to the vehicle orhigh-voltage battery may result inimmediate or delayed release of toxic,flammable gases and fire.
Vehicle information and general safetypractices:
•Know the make and model of yourvehicle.
•Review the owner’s manual and becomefamiliar with your vehicle’s safetyinformation and recommended safetypractices.
•Do not attempt to repair damagedelectric and hybrid-electric vehiclesyourself.
Contact an authorized dealer.
269
MKZ Hybrid (CC9) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Roadside Emergencies
WARNINGS
Do not add coolant further than theMAX mark.
Your vehicle has two separate coolingsystems. One for cooling the engine and aseparate system for cooling the invertersystem controller that is specific to the hybridoperating system. The two systems operatesimilarly, with the inverter system controllercooling system generally operating at a lowertemperature and pressure.
When the engine is cold, check theconcentration and level of the coolant at theintervals listed in the scheduled maintenanceinformation. See Scheduled Maintenance(page 489).
Note:Make sure that the coolant level isbetween the MIN and the MAX marks onthe coolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. Thelevel may extend beyond the MAX mark.
Maintain coolant concentration within 48%to 50%, which equates to a freeze pointbetween -30°F (-34°C) and -34°F (-37°C).Coolant concentration should be checkedusing a refractometer. We do not recommendthe use of hydrometers or coolant test stripsfor measuring coolant concentration.
Adding Coolant
WARNINGS
Do not add engine coolant when theengine is hot. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injury.
Never remove the coolant reservoircap when the engine is running or hot.
Note: Automotive fluids are notinterchangeable. Do not use coolant orwindshield washer fluid outside of itsspecified function and vehicle location.
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, coolingsystem sealants, or non-specified additivesas they can cause damage to the enginecooling or heating systems. Resultingcomponent damage may not be covered bythe vehicle Warranty.
It is very important to use prediluted coolantapproved to the correct specification in orderto avoid plugging the small passageways inthe engine cooling system. See Capacitiesand Specifications (page 362). Do not mixdifferent colors or types of coolant in yourvehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or usingan incorrect coolant may harm the engine orcooling system components and may not becovered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note:If prediluted coolant is not available,use the approved concentrated coolantdiluting it to 50/50 with distilled water. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page 358).Using water that has not been deionizedmay contribute to deposit formation,corrosion and plugging of the small coolingsystem passageways.
Note: Coolants marketed for all makes andmodels may not be approved to Fordspecifications and may cause damage tothe cooling system. Resulting componentdamage may not be covered by the vehicleWarranty.
305
MKZ Hybrid (CC9) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Maintenance
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, your 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 when the engine is running or hot.
Your vehicle has limited engine power whenin the fail-safe mode, drive your vehicle withcaution. Your vehicle does not maintainhigh-speed operation and the engine mayoperate poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable ofautomatically shutting down to preventengine damage. In this situation:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and switch the engine off.
2. If you are a member of a roadsideassistance program, we recommend thatyou contact your roadside assistanceservice provider.
3.If this is not possible, wait a short periodfor the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level. If the coolantlevel is at or below the minimum mark,add prediluted coolant immediately.
5.When the engine temperature cools, youcan re-start the engine. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible to minimizeengine damage.
Note:Driving your vehicle without repairincreases the chance of engine damage.
Engine Coolant TemperatureManagement (If Equipped)
WARNING
To reduce the risk of crash and injury,be prepared that the vehicle speedmay reduce and the vehicle may not be ableto accelerate with full power until the coolanttemperature reduces.
If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, theengine may temporarily reach a highertemperature during severe operatingconditions, for example ascending a long orsteep grade in high ambient temperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolanttemperature gauge moves toward the redzone and a message may appear in theinformation display.
308
MKZ Hybrid (CC9) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Maintenance
You may notice a reduction in vehicle speedcaused by reduced engine power in orderto manage the engine coolant temperature. Your vehicle may enter this mode if certainhigh-temperature and high-load conditionstake place. The amount of speed reductiondepends on vehicle loading, grade andambient temperature. If this occurs, there isno need to pull off the road. You cancontinue to drive your vehicle.
The air conditioning may automatically turnon and off during severe operatingconditions to protect the engine fromoverheating. When the coolant temperaturedecreases to the normal operatingtemperature, the air conditioning turns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge moves fullyinto the red zone, or if the coolanttemperature warning or service engine soonmessages appear in your information display,do the following:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and shift the transmission intopark (P).
2. Leave the engine running until thecoolant temperature gauge needlereturns to the normal position. If thetemperature does not drop after severalminutes, follow the remaining steps.
3. Switch the engine off and wait for it tocool. Check the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
5. If the coolant level is normal, restart theengine and continue.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
Note:Transmission fluid should be checkedby an authorized dealer. If required, fluidshould be added by an authorized dealer.
Have an authorized dealer check and changethe transmission fluid at the correct serviceinterval. See Maintenance (page 300). Yourtransmission does not consume fluid.However, the fluid level should be checkedif the transmission is not working properly,(i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly)or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluidadditives, treatments or cleaning agents. Theuse of these materials may affecttransmission operation and result in damageto internal transmission components.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
WARNINGS
Do not use any fluid other than therecommended brake fluid as this willreduce brake efficiency. Use of incorrect fluidcould result in the loss of vehicle control,serious personal injury or death.
309
MKZ Hybrid (CC9) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Maintenance