2018 LINCOLN MKZ traction control

acceleration or braking which could resultin an increased risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover and/or personalinjury. Use all available road surface toreturn the vehicle to a safe direction oftravel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoidskidding the tires and do not attempt anysharp steering wheel movements.
•If the vehicle goes from one type ofsurface to another (that is, from concreteto gravel) there will be a change in theway the vehicle responds to a maneuver(steering, acceleration or braking). Again,avoid these abrupt inputs.
Sand
Most of the time traction control improvestire traction by managing wheel slip throughBrake, Engine, and AWD calibrations.However, during low speed driving, disablingtraction control in deep sand can help keepthe wheels moving to maintain vehiclemomentum.
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shiftto a lower gear and drive steadily throughthe terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly andavoid spinning the wheels.
Do not drive your vehicle in deep sand foran extended period of time. This could causethe AWD system to overheat and default tofront-wheel drive. If this occurs, an AWD OFFmessage displays in the information display.To resume normal AWD function as soon aspossible, stop the vehicle in a safe locationand stop the engine for at least 10 minutes.After the engine has been restarted and theAWD system has adequately cooled, theAWD OFF message turns off and normalAWD function returns. In the event theengine is not stopped, the AWD OFFmessage turns off when the system coolsand normal AWD function returns.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sandunder high outside temperatures, use L (Low)gear when possible. L (Low) gear operationwill maximize the engine and transmissioncooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/Cmay cycle on and off to protect overheatingof the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehiclemomentum can work against you and causethe vehicle to become stuck to the point thatassistance may be required from anothervehicle. Remember, you may be able to backout the way you came if you proceed withcaution.
Mud and Water
If you must drive through high water, driveslowly. Traction or brake capability may belimited.
When driving through water, determine thedepth; avoid water higher than the bottomof the wheel rims (for cars) or the bottom ofthe hubs (for trucks) (if possible) and proceedslowly. If the ignition system gets wet, thevehicle may stall.
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

Once through water, always try the brakes.Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle aseffectively as dry brakes. Drying can beimproved by moving your vehicle slowlywhile applying light pressure on the brakepedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud. Even AWD vehicles can lose tractionin slick mud. As when you are driving oversand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoidspinning your wheels. If the vehicle doesslide, steer in the direction of the slide untilyou regain control of the vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residuestuck to rotating driveshafts and tires. Excessmud stuck on tires and rotating driveshaftscauses an imbalance that could damagedrive components.
Note:Driving through deep water maydamage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water,have the power transfer unit (PTU) or rearaxle serviced by an authorized dealer.
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Note:Avoid driving crosswise or turning onsteep slopes or hills. A danger lies in losingtraction, slipping sideways and possiblyrolling over. Whenever driving on a hill,determine beforehand the route you will use.Do not drive over the crest of a hill withoutseeing what conditions are on the other side.Do not drive in reverse over a hill withoutthe aid of an observer.
Although natural obstacles may make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or down ahill or steep incline, you should always try todrive straight up or straight down.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start ina lower gear rather than downshifting to alower gear from a higher gear once theascent has started. This reduces strain onthe engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turnaroundbecause you might roll over. It is better toback down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power will cause thetires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting inloss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you woulduse to climb up the hill to avoid excessivebrake application and brake overheating. Donot descend in neutral; instead, disengageoverdrive or manually shift to a lower gear.When descending a steep hill, avoid suddenhard braking as you could lose control. Thefront wheels have to be turning in order tosteer the vehicle.
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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)

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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•Temporarily illuminates on enginestart-up.
•Flashes when a driving conditionactivates either of the systems.
•Illuminates if a problem occurs in eitherof the systems.
The stability and traction controloff light temporarily illuminates onengine start-up and stays on whenyou switch the traction control system off.
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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

Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent skids or lateral slides by applyingbrakes to one or more of the wheelsindividually and, if necessary, reducingengine power.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto maintain traction of the wheels bydetecting and controlling wheel spin. SeeUsing Traction Control (page 201).
Vehicle without stability controlskidding off its intended route.A
Vehicle with stability controlmaintaining control on a slipperysurface.
B
USING STABILITY CONTROL
The system automatically turns on each timeyou switch the ignition on.
The electronic stability control portion of thesystem disables when the transmission is inreverse (R) or, on some models, if you pressand hold the stability control button for morethan five seconds when you apply the brakesand the vehicle is at a stop.
You can switch the traction control systemoff or on independently.
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AA
B
BB
B

Stability Control and Traction Control Features
Collision Warningwith Brake SupportTraction ControlSystemElectronic StabilityControlStability Control OffLightModeButton Functions
EnabledEnabledEnabledOn during bulb checkStability and tractioncontrol fully enabledDefault at start-up
EnabledDisabledEnabledOnTraction control offButton pressedmomentarily
DisabledEnabled with higherthreshold targetEnabled with higherthreshold targetOnSport mode (ifequipped)Button pressed twicerapidly
DisabledDisabledDisabledOnStability and tractioncontrol fully disabledButton pressed andheld more than fiveseconds
EnabledEnabledEnabledOffStability and tractioncontrol fully enabledButton pressed againafter deactivation
Note:Stability control fully off can only occurwhen you put the Active Suspension System(CCD) in sport mode. If you are not in sportmode or change from sport mode to anothermode, the stability control enables.
Note:Do not use Sport mode on publicroadways.
Your vehicle, if equipped with sport modeallows you to reduce normal stability andtraction control system intervention andprovide a more spirited driving experience.To enter sport mode, press the stabilitycontrol button twice rapidly. A messageappears in the information display that thesystem is now in sport mode.
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Stability Control