2018 LINCOLN MKZ warning

When this occurs, your vehicle still operates,however:
•Engine power is limited.
•The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the enginetemperature, causing the engine tocompletely shut down. Your steering andbraking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, you canre-start the engine. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible to minimizeengine damage.
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 maintain
WARNINGS
high-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:If this is not possible, wait a shortperiod for the engine to cool.
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.
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Maintenance

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.
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
6F35/HF35 transmission (If Equipped)
Note:Transmission fluid should be checkedby an authorized dealer. If required, fluidshould be added by an authorized dealer.
The automatic transmission does not havea transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to your scheduled maintenanceinformation for scheduled intervals for fluidchecks and changes. Your transmission doesnot consume fluid. However, the fluid levelshould be checked if the transmission is notworking properly, (For example: if thetransmission slips or shifts slowly) or if younotice some sign of fluid leakage. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 509).
Do not use supplemental transmission fluidadditives, treatments or cleaning agents. Theuse of these materials may affecttransmission operation and result in damageto internal transmission components.
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Maintenance

6F50/6F55 Transmission (If Equipped)
WARNINGS
The dipstick cap and surroundingcomponents may be hot; gloves arerecommended.
Use gloves when moving the air filterassembly. Components will be hot.
Note:Automatic transmission fluid expandswhen warmed. To obtain an accurate fluidcheck, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up(approximately 20 miles [30 kilometers]). Ifyour vehicle has been operated for anextended period at high speeds, in city trafficduring hot weather or pulling a trailer, thevehicle should be turned off until normaloperating temperatures are reached to allowthe fluid to cool before checking. Dependingon vehicle use, cooling times could take upto 30 minutes or longer.
Refer to your scheduled maintenanceinformation for scheduled intervals for fluidchecks and changes. Your transmission doesnot consume fluid. However, the fluid levelshould be checked if the transmission is notworking properly. For example, if thetransmission slips or shifts slowly or if younotice some sign of fluid leakage.
1.Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 kilometers)or until it reaches normal operatingtemperature
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface andengage the parking brake.
3.With the parking brake engaged and yourfoot on the brake pedal, start the engineand move the gearshift lever through allof the gear ranges. Allow a minimum of10 seconds for each gear to engage.
4. Put the gearshift lever in P (Park) andleave the engine running.
Note:You will need to move the air filterassembly to access the transmissiondipstick.
5.Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean witha clean, dry lint free rag. If necessary,refer to Under hood overview in thischapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fullyseated in the filler tube by turning it tothe locked position.
7.Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluidlevel. The fluid should be in thedesignated areas for normal operatingtemperature.
Moving the Air Filter Assembly (Accessingthe Dipstick)
WARNING
Do not run engine with the air filterdisconnected.
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Maintenance

Adjusting Automatic Transmission FluidLevels
Before adding any fluid, make sure thecorrect type is used. The type of fluid usedis normally indicated on the dipstick and alsoin the Technical Specifications section in thischapter.
Note:An overfill condition of transmissionfluid may cause shift or engagementconcerns or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluidadditives, treatments or cleaning agents. Theuse of these materials may affecttransmission operation and result in damageto internal transmission components.Reinstall the air filter assembly. After the fluidlevel has been checked and adjusted asnecessary, do the following:
1. Shut the engine off.
2. Loosen the clamp holding the air filterassembly to the rubber hose.
3.Rotate the air filter assembly 90 degreesclockwise without disconnecting thesensor.
4.Seat the air filter assembly back into thegrommets by pushing down on the airfilter assembly.
5. Tighten the clamp.
6. Install and tighten two bolts that attachair filter assembly to the front of thevehicle.
7. Install the bolt cover (if equipped).
8. Reinstall the harness retaining clip intothe front of the air filter assembly.
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.
Only use brake fluid from a sealedcontainer. Contamination with dirt,water, petroleum products or other materialsmay result in brake system damage or failure.Failure to adhere to this warning could resultin the loss of vehicle control, seriouspersonal injury or death.
Do not allow the fluid to touch yourskin or eyes. If this happens, rinse theaffected areas immediately with plenty ofwater and contact your physician.
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WARNINGS
A fluid level between the MAX andMIN lines is within the normaloperating range and there is no need to addfluid. A fluid level not in the normal operatingrange could compromise the performanceof the system. Have your vehicle checkedimmediately.
To avoid fluid contamination, the reservoircap must remain in place and fully tight,unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets Ford specifications.See Capacities and Specifications (page373).
WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING
If you operate your vehicle intemperatures below 41.0°F (5°C), usewasher fluid with antifreeze protection.Failure to use washer fluid with antifreezeprotection in cold weather could result inimpaired windshield vision and increase therisk of injury or accident.
Note:The front and rear washer systemsare supplied from the same reservoir.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is low.Only use a washer fluid that meets Fordspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 373).
State or local regulations on volatile organiccompounds may restrict the use of methanol,a common windshield washer antifreezeadditive. Washer fluids containingnon-methanol antifreeze agents should beused only if they provide cold weatherprotection without damaging the vehicle’spaint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
FUEL FILTER
2.0L Engines and 3.0L Engines withFWD
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuelfilter that is integrated with the fuel tank.Regular maintenance or replacement is notneeded.
3.0L Engines with AWD
The fuel filter on your vehicle must bereplaced at the specified service interval.See Scheduled Maintenance (page 509).
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY
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.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery,excessive pressure on the end wallscould cause acid to flow through the ventcaps, resulting in personal injury and damageto the vehicle or battery. Lift the battery witha battery carrier or with your hands onopposite corners.
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Maintenance

WARNINGS
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.
Battery posts, terminals and relatedaccessories contain lead and leadcompounds. Wash hands after handling.
For vehicles with Auto-Start-Stop thebattery requirement is different. Youmust replace the battery with one of exactlythe same specification.
Your vehicle is fitted with a Motorcraftmaintenance-free battery which normallydoes not require additional water.
When a battery replacement is required, youmust use a recommended replacementbattery that matches the electricalrequirements of the vehicle.
Note:If your vehicle has a battery cover,after cleaning or replacing the battery, makesure you reinstall it.
Note:See an authorized dealer for batteryaccess, testing, or replacement.
To make sure the battery managementsystem works correctly, do not connect anelectrical device ground connection directlyto the battery negative post. This can causeinaccurate measurements of the batterycondition and potential incorrect systemoperation.
Note:If you add electrical accessories orcomponents to the vehicle, it may adverselyaffect battery performance and durability.This may also affect the performance ofother electrical systems in the vehicle.
If you see any corrosion on the battery orterminals, remove the cables from theterminals and clean with a wire brush. Youcan neutralize the acid with a solution ofbaking soda and water.
Because your vehicle’s engine iselectronically-controlled by a computer,some engine control settings are maintainedby power from the battery. Some enginecomputer settings, like the idle trim and fueltrim strategy, optimize the driveability andperformance of the engine. The clock andradio station presets are also maintained inmemory by power from the low-voltagebattery. These settings are erased when atechnician disconnects and connects thelow-voltage battery.
To restore the settings, do the following:
Note:Until you switch the ignition to the onposition, you will receive a message in yourinformation display stating that your vehicleis not in park.
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
3. Switch off all accessories.
4. Press the brake pedal and start yourvehicle.
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Maintenance

CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER
WARNING
Do not start the engine with the air filterremoved. This can cause damage notcovered by the vehicle Warranty and canresult in serious injury.
Only use the specified replacement air filter.See Capacities and Specifications (page373).
Change the air filter element at the correctinterval. See Scheduled Maintenance (page509).
When changing the engine air filter, do notallow debris or foreign material to enter theair induction system. The engine andturbocharger are susceptible to damage fromeven small particles.
Note:Failure to use the correct air filterelement may result in severe enginedamage. Resulting component damage maynot be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
1. Release the clamps that secure the airfilter cover to the housing.
2. Carefully lift the air filter housing cover.
3.Remove the air filter element from the airfilter housing.
4. Wipe any dirt or debris from the air filterhousing and cover to make sure no dirtgets in the engine and that you have agood seal.
5.Install a new air filter element. Be carefulnot to crimp the filter element edgesbetween the air filter housing and cover. This could cause filter damage and allowunfiltered air to enter the engine if it isnot properly seated.
6. Install the air filter housing cover.
7. Engage the clips to secure the air filterhousing cover to the air filter housing.
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When washing:
•Take care when using a power washerto clean the engine. The high-pressurefluid could penetrate the sealed partsand cause damage.
•Do not spray a hot engine with cold waterto avoid cracking the engine block orother engine components.
•Spray Motorcraft Engine Shampoo andDegreaser on all parts that requirecleaning and pressure rinse clean. InCanada, use Motorcraft Engine Shampoo.
•Never wash or rinse the engine while itis hot or running; water in the runningengine may cause internal damage.
•Never wash or rinse any ignition coil,spark plug wire or spark plug well, or thearea in and around these locations.
•Cover the battery, power distribution box,and air filter assembly to prevent waterdamage when cleaning the engine.
CLEANING THE WINDOWS AND
WIPER BLADES
Car wash chemicals and environmentalfallout can result in windshield and wiperblade contamination. Dirty windshield andwipers will result in poor windshield wiperoperation. Keep the windshield and wiperblades clean to maintain windshield wiperperformance.
To clean the windshield and wiper blades:
•Clean the windshield with a non-abrasiveglass cleaner. When cleaning the interiorof the windshield, avoid getting any glasscleaner on the instrument panel or doorpanels. Wipe any glass cleaner off thesesurfaces immediately.
•For windshields contaminated with treesap, chemicals, wax or bugs, clean theentire windshield using steel wool (nogreater than 0000 grade) in a circularmotion and rinse with water.
•Clean the wiper blades with isopropylrubbing alcohol or windshield washerconcentrate.
Note: Do not use razor blades or othersharp objects to clean or remove decals fromthe inside of the heated rear window. Thevehicle warranty does not cover damagecaused to the heated rear window grid lines.
CLEANING THE INTERIOR
WARNINGS
Do not use cleaning solvents, bleachor dye on the vehicle’s safety belts, asthese actions may weaken the belt webbing.
On vehicles equipped withseat-mounted airbags, do not usechemical solvents or strong detergents. Suchproducts could contaminate the side airbagsystem and affect performance of the sideairbag in a collision.
Note:Follow the same procedure forcleaning leather seats when cleaning leatherinterior. See Cleaning Leather Seats (page332).
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Vehicle Care