2018 LINCOLN MKZ warning

Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, thereforeapply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump” thebrakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING
If you are driving in slippery conditionsthat require tire chains or cables, thenit is critical that you drive cautiously. Keepspeeds down, allow for longer stoppingdistances and avoid aggressive steering toreduce the chances of a loss of vehiclecontrol which can lead to serious injury ordeath. If the rear end of your vehicle slideswhile cornering, steer in the direction of theslide until you regain control of your vehicle.
Note:Your vehicle may have originalequipment tires designed to optimize theperformance of your vehicle in dry or wetsummer road conditions. If your vehicle isequipped with such tires, we recommendusing a dedicated set (all 4 tires) of wintertires in snow and ice conditions. Do not mixwinter tires and performance tires betweenaxles or degraded traction and handlingcharacteristics could result.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causedriveline damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages overtwo-wheel drive (2WD) vehicles in snow andice but can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving onsnowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheelin the direction of the slide until you regaincontrol.
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note: Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out. Have thesystem checked by an authorized dealer. Ifyour vehicle has continuous vibration orshudder in the steering wheel while braking,have it checked by an authorized dealer.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear and does not contribute tobrake noise. See Cleaning the Wheels(page 333).
Note:Depending on applicable laws andregulations in the country for which yourvehicle was originally built, your brake lampsmay flash during heavy braking. Followingthis, your hazard lights may also flash whenyour vehicle comes to a stop.
See Warning Lamps andIndicators (page 106).
Wet brakes result in reduced brakingefficiency. Gently press the brake pedal afew times when driving from a car wash orstanding water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal becomesstuck or entrapped, apply steady and firmpressure to the brake pedal to slow thevehicle and reduce engine power. If youexperience this condition, apply the brakesand bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Movethe transmission to park (P), switch theengine off and apply the parking brake. Inspect the accelerator pedal for anyinterference. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brake rapidlyby measuring the rate at which you press thebrake pedal. It provides maximum brakingefficiency as long as you press the pedal,and can reduce stopping distances in criticalsituations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
This lamp momentarily illuminateswhen you turn the ignition on. Ifthe light does not illuminate duringstart up, remains on or flashes, the systemmay be disabled. Have the system checkedby an authorized dealer. If the anti-lock brakesystem is disabled, normal braking is stilleffective.
If the brake warning lampilluminates when you release theparking brake, have the systemchecked by an authorized dealer.
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HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-
LOCK BRAKES
The anti-lock braking system does noteliminate the risks when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle infront of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•You take corners too fast.
•The road surface is poor.
Note: If the system activates, the brakepedal may pulse and may travel further. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. Youmay also hear a noise from the system. Thisis normal.
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
WARNING
Always set the parking brake and leaveyour vehicle with the transmission inpark (P).
Note:When you apply the electric parkingbrake in certain conditions, for example ona steep hill, the electric parking brake mayreapply the brakes within three to tenminutes. As a result, you may notice variousnoises when you apply and release theelectric parking brake. This is normal and nocause for concern.
The electric parking brake replaces theconventional handbrake. The operatingswitch is on the instrument panel to the leftof the steering wheel.
Applying the electric parking brake
WARNING
The brake system warning lamp willflash when applying the electricparking brake. If the brake system warninglamp continues to flash there could be aproblem with your electric parking brake.Have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
Note:The brake system warning lampilluminates for 10 seconds if you switch theignition off after you apply the electricparking brake, or you apply the electricparking brake after you switch the ignitionoff.
Note:The electric parking brake will notautomatically apply. You must apply theelectric parking brake using the electricparking brake switch.
Pull the switch to apply the electric parkingbrake.
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The brake system warning lamp flashes forabout two seconds and then illuminates toconfirm that you have applied the electricparking brake. See Information Displays(page 111).
Applying the electric parking brake
when the vehicle is moving
WARNINGS
Applying the electric parking brakewhile moving will result in theengagement of the anti-lock braking system.Do not use the electric parking brake systemwhen the vehicle is moving unless the normalbrake system is unable to stop the vehicle.
With the exception of emergencyconditions (for example, the brakepedal is broken or is blocked), do not applythe electric parking brake while the vehicleis moving. On bends, or poor road surfacesor weather conditions, emergency brakingcan cause the vehicle to skid out of controlor off the road.
WARNINGS
The brake system warning lamp willflash when applying the electricparking brake. If the brake system warninglamp continues to flash there could be aproblem with your electric parking brake.Have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
If you apply the electric parking brake whenyour vehicle is moving, the brake systemwarning lamp illuminates and a warning tonesounds. See Information Displays (page111).
If your vehicle speed is above 4 mph(6 km/h), the braking force is applied as longas you apply the switch. Release or pressthe switch, or press the accelerator pedal tostop the braking force.
Releasing the electric parking brake
Release the electric parking brake eithermanually by pressing the bottom of theswitch or automatically.
Manual release
WARNING
The brake system warning lamp willflash when applying the electricparking brake. If the brake system warninglamp continues to flash there could be aproblem with your electric parking brake.Have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
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You can manually release the electric parkingbrake by:
1. Switching the ignition on.
2. Pressing the brake pedal.
3. Pressing the electric parking brakeswitch.
When you release the electric parking brake,the brake system warning lamp turns off.
Driving with a Trailer
Depending on the grade and the weight ofthe trailer, your vehicle and trailer may rollbackwards slightly when you start on a slope.
To prevent this from happening, do thefollowing:
1.Pull the switch and hold it in this position.
2. Drive your vehicle, then release theswitch when you notice that the enginehas developed sufficient driving force.
Automatic release - drive away release
Your vehicle automatically releases theparking brake if:
•The driver door is closed.
•The vehicle is accelerated.
•There are no faults detected in theparking brake system.
Note:If the electric parking brake warninglamp stays illuminated, the electric parkingbrake will not automatically release. Youmust release the electric parking brake usingthe electric parking brake switch.
The brake system warning lamp will go offto confirm that you have released the electricparking brake.
Note:The electric parking brake drive awayrelease makes starting on a hill easier. Thisfeature releases the parking brakeautomatically when the vehicle has sufficientdrive force to move up the hill. To assuredrive away release when starting uphill,press the accelerator pedal quickly.
Battery With No Charge
WARNING
You will not be able to apply or releasethe electric parking brake if the batteryis low or has no charge.
If the battery is low or has no charge, usejumper cables and a booster battery.
AUTO HOLD
WARNINGS
The system does not replace theparking brake. When you leave yourvehicle, always apply the parking brake.
You must remain in your vehicle whenthe system turns on. At all times, youare responsible for controlling your vehicle,supervising the system and intervening, ifrequired. Failure to take care may result inthe loss of control of your vehicle, seriouspersonal injury or death.
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Brakes

WARNINGS
The system will turn off if a malfunctionis apparent. Failure to take care mayresult in the loss of control of your vehicle,serious personal injury or death.
Auto Hold uses your vehicle's brakes to holdyour vehicle at a stop once your vehicle hasreached a standstill condition. For example,Auto Hold can assist you while stopping attraffic lights or while in traffic jams by holdingthe brake pressure for you once you bringyour vehicle to a stop.
Switch Auto Hold off during vehicle or trailertowing.
Note:In case of a malfunction in the systemwhile Auto Hold actively holds the vehicle(for example, low power supply), a messageappears in the information display askingyou to press the brake pedal. If you see thismessage, press the brake pedalimmediately.
Note:Auto Hold only activates if the systemrecognizes it is applying enough brakepressure. On a steep hill or incline, you mayneed to make sure the brake pedal ispressed sufficiently to activate the Auto Holdsystem.
Note:In some cases, Auto Hold might handover to the parking brake. When the parkingbrake automatically applies, the red brakelamp appears. This is normal. When youpress the accelerator pedal, the drive awayrelease feature automatically releases theparking brake.
Note:Auto Hold works on all road gradesand in reverse (R).
Press the Auto Hold button to switch thesystem on and off. The Auto Hold indicatorlight illuminates in the Auto Hold buttonwhen the system is on.
Note:You can only switch Auto Hold on ifyou close the door and fasten your seatbelt.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid drivewheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the systemapplies the brakes to individual wheels and,when needed, reduces engine power at thesame time. If the wheels spin whenaccelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,the system reduces engine power in orderto increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING
The stability and traction control lightilluminates steadily if the systemdetects a failure. Make sure you did notmanually disable the traction control systemusing the information display controls or theswitch. If the stability control and tractioncontrol light is still illuminating steadily, havethe system serviced by an authorized dealerimmediately. Operating your vehicle with thetraction control disabled could lead to anincreased risk of loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
The system automatically turns on each timeyou switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,switching traction control off may bebeneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
Note:When you switch traction control off,stability control remains fully active.
Switching the System Off
When you switch the system off or on, amessage appears in the information displayshowing system status.
You can switch the system off by either usingthe information display controls or the switch.
Using the Information Display Controls
You can switch this feature off or on in theinformation display. See General Information(page 111).
Using a Switch (If Equipped)
Use the traction control switch on theinstrument panel to switch the system off oron.
System Indicator Lights and Messages
The stability and traction controllight:
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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