
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Cruise control lets you maintain a set speedwithout keeping your foot on the acceleratorpedal. You can use cruise control when yourvehicle speed is greater than 20 mph(30 km/h).
USING CRUISE CONTROL (If Equipped)
WARNINGS
Do not use cruise control on windingroads, in heavy traffic or when the roadsurface is slippery. This could result in lossof vehicle control, serious injury or death.
When you are going downhill, yourvehicle speed could increase abovethe set speed. The system does not applythe brakes.
Note:Cruise control disengages if thevehicle speed decreases more than 10 mph(16 km/h) below the set speed when drivinguphill.
Note: When you are going downhill whileusing cruise control, the battery chargingsystem and engine work together to helpmaintain the set speed. Engine noise mayincrease or decrease under these conditions.
The cruise controls are on the steeringwheel.
Switching Cruise Control On
Press ON.
The indicator appears in theinformation display.
Setting the Cruise Speed
1. Drive to desired speed.
2. Press SET+ or SET-.
3.Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Note:The indicator changes color.
Changing the Set Speed
Note: If you accelerate by pressing theaccelerator pedal, the set speed will notchange. When you release the acceleratorpedal, your vehicle returns to the speed thatyou previously set.
•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-. Releasethe control when you reach the desiredspeed.
Canceling the Set Speed
Press CNCL or tap the brake pedal. The setspeed does not erase.
226
MKZ Hybrid (CC9) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Cruise ControlE145976 E71340

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
Automatic cancellation can also occur if:
•The tires lose traction.
•You apply the parking brake.
Park Brake Application
Automatic parking brake application andcancellation occurs if:
•You unbuckle the seatbelt and open thedoor after you stop the vehicle.
•You hold the vehicle at a stopcontinuously for more than three minutes.
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.
Detection Issues
WARNINGS
On rare occasions, detection issuescan occur due to the roadinfrastructures, for example bridges, tunnelsand safety barriers. In these cases, thesystem may brake late or unexpectedly. Atall times, you are responsible for controllingyour vehicle, supervising the system andintervening, if required.
If the system malfunctions, have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
The radar sensor has a limited field of view.It may not detect vehicles at all or detect avehicle later than expected in somesituations. The lead vehicle graphic does notilluminate if the system does not detect avehicle in front of you.
231
MKZ Hybrid (CC9) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Cruise Control

CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT (If Equipped)
WARNINGS
Do not use the cross traffic alert systemas a replacement for using the interiorand exterior mirrors or looking over yourshoulder before reversing out of a parkingspace. The cross traffic alert system is not areplacement for careful driving.
WARNINGS
The system may not operate properlyduring severe weather conditions, forexample snow, ice, heavy rain and spray.Always drive with due care and attention.Failure to take care may result in a crash.
The system is designed to alert you ofvehicles approaching from the sides whenyou shift into reverse (R).
Using the Cross Traffic Alert System
The system is designed to detect vehiclesthat approach with a speed up to 37 mph(60 km/h). Coverage decreases when thesensors are partially, mostly or fullyobstructed. Slowly reversing helps increasethe coverage area and effectiveness.
The system turns on when you start theengine and you shift into reverse (R). Thesystem turns off when you shift out of reverse(R).
244
MKZ Hybrid (CC9) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Driving Aids

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
GAWR is the maximum allowable weightthat a single axle (front or rear) can carry.These numbers are on the SafetyCompliance Certification label. The labelis located on the door hinge pillar,door-latch post, or the door edge thatmeets the door-latch post, next to thedriver seating position.
The total load on each axle must neverexceed its Gross Axle Weight Rating.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
GVWR is the maximum allowable weightof the fully loaded vehicle. This includesall options, equipment, passengers andcargo. It appears on the SafetyCompliance Certification label. The labelis located on the door hinge pillar,door-latch post, or the door edge thatmeets the door-latch post, next to thedriver seating position.
The gross vehicle weight must neverexceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
Safety Compliance Certification LabelExample:
WARNING
Exceeding the Safety ComplianceCertification label vehicle weightrating limits could result in substandardvehicle handling or performance, engine,transmission and/or structural damage,serious damage to the vehicle, loss ofcontrol and personal injury.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight
Maximum loaded trailer weight is thehighest possible weight of a fully loadedtrailer the vehicle can tow. Consult anauthorized dealer (or the RV and TrailerTowing Guide available at an authorizeddealer) for more detailed information.
GCWR (Gross Combined WeightRating)
GCWR is the maximum allowable weightof the vehicle and the loaded trailer,including all cargo and passengers, thatthe vehicle can handle without riskingdamage. (Important: The towingvehicle’s braking system is rated foroperation at Gross Vehicle WeightRating, not at Gross Combined WeightRating.) Separate functional brakesshould be used for safe control of towedvehicles and for trailers where the GrossCombined Weight of the towing vehicleplus the trailer exceed the Gross VehicleWeight Rating of the towing vehicle.
257
MKZ Hybrid (CC9) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Load CarryingE198828

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

•Do not exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).
•Start the engine and allow it to run forone minute at the beginning of each day.With the engine running and your footon the brake, shift into position D andthen into position R before shifting backinto position N.
261
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