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.
205
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, First Printing
Stability Control
The indicator, current gap settingand set speed appear in theinformation display.
Setting the Adaptive Cruise Speed
Note:When adaptive cruise control is active,the speedometer may vary slightly from theset speed displayed in the informationdisplay.
1. Drive to desired speed.
2. Press SET-.
3. A green indicator light, the current gapsetting and your set speed appear in theinformation display.
4.Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
5.A vehicle image illuminates if the systemdetects a vehicle in front of you.
Setting the Adaptive Cruise SpeedWhen Your Vehicle is Stationary
1. Follow a vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Keep the brake pedal fully pressed.
3. Press RES+.
4. The set speed adjusts to 20 mph(30 km/h).
5. A green indicator light, the current gapsetting and your set speed appear in theinformation display.
Following a Vehicle
WARNINGS
When following a vehicle, your vehicledoes not always decelerate quicklyenough to avoid a crash without driverintervention. Always apply the brakes whennecessary. Failing to do so may result in acrash, serious injury or death.
Adaptive cruise control only warns ofvehicles detected by the radar sensor.In some cases there may be no warning ora delayed warning. You should always applythe brakes when necessary. Failure to do somay result in a crash, serious injury or death.
Note:When you are following a vehicle andyou switch on a direction indicator, adaptivecruise control may provide a small temporaryacceleration to help you pass.
Note:The brakes may emit noise whenapplied by the system.
224
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, First Printing
Cruise ControlE144529 E164805 E164805
Adaptive Cruise Control Gap Settings
Dynamic behaviorGraphic display, barsindicated betweenvehicles
Sport.1
Normal.2
Normal.3
Comfort.4
Each time you switch the system on, itselects the last chosen gap setting.
Overriding the Set Speed
WARNING
If you override the system by pressingthe accelerator pedal, it does notautomatically apply the brakes to maintain agap from any vehicle ahead.
When you press the accelerator pedal, youoverride the set speed and gap distance.
When you override the system, thegreen indicator light illuminatesand the vehicle image does notappear in the information display.
The system resumes operation when yourelease the accelerator pedal. The vehiclespeed decreases to the set speed, or a lowerspeed if following a slower vehicle.
Changing the Set Speed
•Press RES+ or SET- to change the setspeed in small increments.
•Press the accelerator or brake pedal untilyou reach the desired speed. Press RES+or SET-.
•Press and hold RES+ or SET- to changethe set speed in large increments.Release the control when you reach thedesired speed.
The system may apply the brakes to slowthe vehicle to the new set speed. The setspeed displays continuously in theinformation display when the system isactive.
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
Note:If the engine speed drops too low, anaudible warning sounds and a messageappears in the information display.Automatic braking releases.
Automatic cancellation can also occur if:
•The tires lose traction.
•You apply the parking brake.
226
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, First Printing
Cruise ControlE144529
Switching to Normal Cruise Control
WARNING
Normal cruise control will not brakewhen your vehicle is approachingslower vehicles. Always be aware of whichmode you have selected and apply thebrakes when necessary.
You can change from adaptive cruise controlto normal cruise control through theinformation display.
The cruise control indicator lightreplaces the adaptive cruisecontrol indicator light if you selectnormal cruise control. The gap setting doesnot display, and the system does not respondto lead vehicles. Automatic braking remainsactive to maintain set speed.
230
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, First Printing
Cruise ControlE71340
Note:A high crown in the road or highcrosswinds may also make the steeringseem to wander or pull.
Adaptive Learning
The electronic power steering systemadaptive learning helps correct roadirregularities and improves overall handlingand steering feel. It communicates with thebrake system to help operate advancedstability control and accident avoidancesystems. Additionally, whenever the batteryis disconnected or a new battery installed,you must drive your vehicle a short distancebefore the system relearns the strategy andreactivates all systems.
PRE-COLLISION ASSIST (If Equipped)
WARNINGS
At all times, you are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle, supervisingthe system and intervening, if required.Failure to take care may result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, serious personalinjury or death.
WARNINGS
The system is designed to aid thedriver. It is not intended to replace yourattention and judgment. You are stillresponsible to drive with due care andattention.
The system does not detect vehiclesthat are driving in a different direction,pedestrians at night, cyclists or animals.Failure to take care may result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, serious personalinjury or death.
The system does not operate duringhard acceleration or steering. Failureto take care may lead to a crash or personalinjury.
The system may fail or operate withreduced function during cold andsevere weather conditions. Snow, ice, rain,spray and fog can adversely affect thesystem. Keep the front camera and radar freeof snow and ice. Failure to take care mayresult in the loss of control of your vehicle,serious personal injury or death.
WARNINGS
In situations where the vehicle camerahas limited detection capability, thismay reduce system performance. Thesesituations include but are not limited to director low sunlight, vehicles at night without taillights, unconventional vehicle types,pedestrians with complex backgrounds,running pedestrians, partly obscuredpedestrians, or pedestrians that the systemcannot distinguish from a group. Failure totake care may result in the loss of control ofyour vehicle, serious personal injury or death.
The system cannot help prevent allcrashes. Do not rely on this system toreplace driver judgment and the need tomaintain a safe distance and speed.
Using the Pre-Collision Assist System
The system is active at speeds aboveapproximately 3 mph (5 km/h) and pedestriandetection is active at speeds up to 50 mph(80 km/h).
245
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, First Printing
Driving Aids
If your vehicle is rapidly approaching anotherstationary vehicle, a vehicle traveling in thesame direction as yours, or a pedestrianwithin your driving path, the system isdesigned to provide three levels offunctionality:
1. Alert
2. Brake Support
3. Active Braking
Alert: When activated, a red warning lightflashes, an audible warning chime soundsand a warning message shows in theinformation display.
Brake Support: Assists the driver in reducingcollision speed by preparing the brakesystem for rapid braking. Brake support doesnot automatically activate the brakes, but ifthe brake pedal is pressed even lightly bythe driver, brake support could addadditional braking up to full force.
Active Braking: Active braking may activateif the system determines that a collision isimminent. The system may help the driverreduce impact damage or avoid the crashcompletely.
Note:If you perceive Pre-Collision Assistalerts as being too frequent or disturbing,then you can reduce the alert sensitivity,though the manufacturer recommends usingthe highest sensitivity setting where possible.Setting lower sensitivity would lead to fewerand later system warnings.
Adjusting the Pre-Collision Assist Settings
You can adjust the Pre-Collision Assistsettings by using the information displaycontrol. See General Information (page 111).
If required, you can switch active braking offusing the information display control. SeeGeneral Information (page 111).
Note:Active braking automatically turns onevery time you switch the ignition on.
246
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, First Printing
Driving AidsE156130 E156131
TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR or theGAWR specified on the certificationlabel.
Towing trailers beyond themaximum recommended grosstrailer weight exceeds the limit of yourvehicle and could result in enginedamage, transmission damage,structural damage, loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover and personalinjury.
Note:There may be electrical itemssuch as fuses or relays that can affect
trailer towing operation. See Fuses(page 282).
The load capacity of your vehicle isdesignated by weight not volume. Youmay not necessarily be able to use allavailable space when loading yourvehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places extra load on theengine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires,and suspension. Inspect thesecomponents before, during and aftertowing.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer movementaffects the vehicle when driving:
•Load the heaviest items closest tothe trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest items in the centerof the left and right side trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items above thetrailer axles or just slightly forwardtoward the trailer tongue. Do notallow the final trailer tongue weightto go above or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight.
•Select a ball mount with the correctrise or drop. When both the loadedvehicle and trailer are connected, thetrailer frame should be level, orslightly angled down toward thevehicle, when viewed from the side.
When driving with a trailer or payload, aslight takeoff vibration or shudder maybe present due to the increased payloadweight. Additional information regardingproper trailer loading and setting yourvehicle up for towing is located in theLoad Carrying chapter. See Load Limit(page 251).
You can also find information in the RV& Trailer Towing Guide available at yourauthorized dealer, or online.
256
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, First Printing
Towing
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up toget the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip. Whenturning, make wider turns so the trailerwheels clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly afteryou have traveled 50 miles (80kilometers).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in position P to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speed controlmay turn off automatically when you aretowing on long, steep grades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy and transmissioncooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping with atrailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic transmission inposition P.
4. Place wheel chocks in front and back ofthe trailer wheels. (Chocks not includedwith vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level to riseabove the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higher than6 in (15 cm) above the bottom edge ofthe rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions, andreliability.
260
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201706, First Printing
Towing