2018 LINCOLN MKZ maintenance

Alcohol and other liquids can cause enginedamage from overheating or freezing.
Do not add extra inhibitors or additives tothe coolant. These can be harmful andcompromise the corrosion protection of thecoolant.
Recycled Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycledcoolant as an approved recycling process isnot yet available.
Dispose of used engine coolant in anappropriate manner. Follow yourcommunity's regulations and standards forrecycling and disposing of automotive fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to increase thecoolant concentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60% providesimproved freeze point protection. Coolant concentrations above 60%decrease the overheat protectioncharacteristics of the coolant and maycause engine damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It may be necessary to decrease thecoolant concentration to 40%.
•A coolant concentration of 40% providesimproved overheat protection. Coolantconcentrations below 40% decrease thefreeze and corrosion protectioncharacteristics of the coolant and maycause engine damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extremeclimates should use prediluted coolant foroptimum cooling system and engineprotection.
Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarilydrive your vehicle before any incrementalcomponent damage occurs. The fail-safedistance depends on ambient temperature,vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, the coolanttemperature gauge moves toward the redzone:
A warning lamp illuminates and amessage may appear in theinformation display.
If the engine reaches a presetover-temperature condition, the engineautomatically switches to alternating cylinderoperation. Each disabled cylinder acts as anair pump and cools the engine.
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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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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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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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1. Shut the engine off.
2. Clean the area around the clamp thatconnects the air filter assembly to therubber hose (A).
3. Remove the bolt cover (if equipped).
4.Remove two bolts that attach the air filterassembly to the front of the vehicle (B).
5. Loosen the clamp holding the air filterassembly to the rubber hose (A).
6. Remove the harness retaining clip bypulling up (C). Do not disconnect thesensor (D).
7.Without disconnecting the sensor (D), pullthe air filter assembly up to disconnectthe air filter assembly from the seatedgrommets located underneath the airfilter assembly.
8.Rotate the air filter assembly 90 degreescounterclockwise and reinstall into therubber hose.
9. Tighten the clamp (A).
10. The transmission fluid level indicatorcan now be accessed.
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Checking the fluid level
Low fluid level
If the fluid level is below the MIN range ofthe dipstick, add fluid to reach the hash marklevel.
Note:If the fluid level is below the MIN level,do not drive the vehicle. An underfillcondition may cause shift or engagementconcerns or possible damage.
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked atnormal operating temperature 180°F-200°F(82°C-93°C) on a level surface. The normaloperating temperature can be reached afterapproximately 20 miles (30 kilometers) ofdriving.
The transmission fluid level should betargeted within the cross-hatch area if atnormal operating temperature 180°F-200°F(82°C-93°C).
High fluid level
If the fluid level is above the MAX range ofthe dipstick, remove fluid to reach thehashmark level.
Note:Fluid level above the MAX level maycause shift or engagement concerns orpossible damage. High fluid levels can becaused by an overheating condition. If yourvehicle has been operated for an extendedperiod at high speeds, in city traffic duringhot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicleshould be turned off until normal operatingtemperatures are reached. Depending onvehicle use, cooling times could take up to30 minutes or longer.
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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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