2019 LINCOLN MKC maintenance

If the service engine soon indicator remainson, have your vehicle serviced at the firstavailable opportunity. Although somemalfunctions detected by the OBD-II may nothave symptoms that are apparent, continueddriving with the service engine soon indicatoron can result in increased emissions, lowerfuel economy, reduced engine andtransmission smoothness and lead to morecostly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection andMaintenance (I/M) Testing
Some state and provincial and localgovernments may haveInspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs toinspect the emission control equipment onyour vehicle. Failure to pass this inspectioncould prevent you from getting a vehicleregistration.
If the service engine soon indicatoris on or the bulb does not work,your vehicle may need service.See On-Board Diagnostics.
Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test if theservice engine soon indicator is on or notworking properly (bulb is burned out), or ifthe OBD-II system has determined that someof the emission control systems have notbeen properly checked. In this case, thevehicle is not ready for I/M testing.
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission hasjust been serviced, or the battery hasrecently run down or been replaced, theOBD-II system may indicate that the vehicleis not ready for I/M testing. To determine ifthe vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn theignition key to the on position for 15 secondswithout cranking the engine. If the serviceengine soon indicator blinks eight times, itmeans that the vehicle is not ready for I/Mtesting; if the service engine soon indicatorstays on solid, it means that your vehicle isready for I/M testing.
The OBD-II system checks the emissioncontrol system during normal driving. Acomplete check may take several days.
If the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, youcan perform the following driving cycleconsisting of mixed city and highway driving:
1. 15 minutes of steady driving on anexpressway or highway followed by 20minutes of stop-and-go driving with atleast four 30-second idle periods.
2.Allow your vehicle to sit for at least eighthours with the ignition off. Then, start thevehicle and complete the above drivingcycle. The vehicle must warm up to itsnormal operating temperature. Oncestarted, do not turn off the vehicle untilthe above driving cycle is complete.
If the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing,you need to repeat the above driving cycle.
176
MKC (TME) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201802, Second-Printing
Engine Emission Control

USING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
Note:When a system malfunction is present,a warning message appears in theinformation display. See InformationMessages (page 113). This means the systemis not functioning correctly and onlyfront-wheel drive is available. Have yourvehicle checked by an authorized dealer.
Note:When the system overheats andswitches to front-wheel drive, a warningmessage appears in the information display.This may occur if you operate your vehiclein extreme high load conditions or withexcessive wheel spin (for example, deepsand). To resume all-wheel drive function,stop your vehicle in a safe location and turnoff the ignition. When the system cools,normal all-wheel drive function will return.The information display indicates, for aboutfive seconds, this return.
Note:When using the spare tire, a warningmessage may appear in the informationdisplay. This message turns off afterreinstalling the repaired or replaced roadtire and you switch on the ignition.
Note:Re-install the repaired tire or replacethe tire as soon as possible. Different tiresizes between the front and rear axles cancause system damage, or turn off theall-wheel drive.
This system anticipates wheel spin andtransfers power to the rear wheels beforethe spin occurs. Even when wheel spin is notoccurring, the system is continuouslyadjusting power distribution to the wheels,in an attempt to improve straight line andcornering, both on and off road.
The system automatically turns on every timeyou switch on the ignition.
The all-wheel drive system does not requiremaintenance.
The all-wheel drive system gives your vehiclesome limited off-road capabilities. Operatingyour vehicle in conditions other thanmoderate sand, snow, mud or rough roadscould subject it to excessive stress and heat.This could result in system damage. Yourvehicle warranty will not cover this damage.
The information display indicates the powerdistribution between the front and rearwheels. The more the area is filled the morepower is being distributed to that wheel.
Driving in Special Conditions With All-Wheel Drive
All-wheel drive vehicles are capable ofdriving on moderate sand, snow, mud andrough roads. All-wheel drive has operatingcharacteristics that are somewhat differentfrom two-wheel drive, both on and off thefreeway.
Note:It may be useful to switch the tractioncontrol off. This allows for more wheel spinand engine torque in certain off roadconditions or if your vehicle becomes stuck.
183
MKC (TME) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201802, Second-Printing
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E142669

Make sure that you allow sufficient distancebetween your vehicle and other vehicles forstopping. On ice and snow, you should drivemore slowly than usual, and consider usingone of the lower gears. In emergencystopping situations, steadily apply the brake.Your vehicle has a four wheel anti-lock brakesystem, do not pump the brake pedal. SeeHints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes(page 189).
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud or Snow
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud orsnow, shift between forward and reversegears, and, in a steady pattern, stop betweenshifts. Press lightly on the accelerator witheach shift. Rocking your vehicle this way maydislodge your vehicle.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature,damage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for more thana minute, damage to the transmission andtires may occur or the engine may overheat.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems onyour vehicle provides predictableperformance whether your vehicle is loadedor empty. For this reason, we recommendthat you do not make modifications to yourvehicle (lift kits or stabilizer bars) or usereplacement parts not equivalent to theoriginal factory equipment.
We recommend that you use caution whenyour vehicle has either a high load or device(ladder or luggage racks). Modifications toyour vehicle that raise the center of gravitymay cause your vehicle to tip if you shouldlose vehicle control.
Failure to maintain your vehicle correctly mayvoid the warranty, increase your repair cost,reduce vehicle performance and operationalcapabilities, and adversely affect you andyour passenger's safety. We recommend thatyou frequently inspect your vehicle's chassiscomponents if your vehicle is subject tooff-road use.
187
MKC (TME) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201802, Second-Printing
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

Note:The system turns on each time youswitch the ignition on and you shift intoreverse (R). If you temporarily switch thesystem off, it turns on the next time youswitch the ignition on.
Note:The system may not correctly operatewhen towing a trailer. For vehicles with atrailer tow module and tow bar approved byus, the system turns off when you attach atrailer. For vehicles with an aftermarkettrailer tow module or tow bar, werecommend that you switch the system offwhen you attach a trailer.
To permanently switch the system off,contact an authorized dealer.
STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING: The electric power steeringsystem has diagnostic checks thatcontinuously monitor the system. If a fault isdetected, a message displays in theinformation display. Stop your vehicle assoon as it is safe to do so. Switch the ignitionoff. After at least 10 seconds, switch theignition on and watch the information displayfor a steering system warning message. If asteering system warning message returns,have the system checked by an authorizeddealer.
WARNING: If the system detects anerror, you may not feel a difference in thesteering, however a serious condition mayexist. Obtain immediate service from anauthorized dealer, failure to do so may resultin loss of steering control.
Your vehicle has an electric power steeringsystem. There is no fluid reservoir. Nomaintenance is required.
If your vehicle loses electrical power whileyou are driving, electric power steeringassistance is lost. The steering system stilloperates and you can steer your vehiclemanually. Manually steering your vehiclerequires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increasethe effort required for you to steer yourvehicle. This increased effort preventsoverheating and permanent damage to thesteering system. You do not lose the abilityto steer your vehicle manually. Typicalsteering and driving maneuvers allow thesystem to cool and return to normaloperation.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•Correct tire pressures.
•Uneven tire wear.
•Loose or worn suspension components.
•Loose or worn steering components.
•Improper vehicle alignment.
232
MKC (TME) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201802, Second-Printing
Driving Aids

ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle laws fortowing a trailer.
•See the instructions included with towingaccessories for the proper installationand adjustment specifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. See your scheduledmaintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency gives you.
You can find information on loadspecification terms found on the tire labeland Safety Compliance label as well asinstructions on calculating your vehicle's loadin the Load Carrying chapter. See Load Limit(page 240).
Remember to account for the trailer tongueweight as part of your vehicle load whencalculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of thetotal trailer weight is on the tongue.
Safety Chains
Note:Never attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the hookretainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross themunder the trailer tongue and allow enoughslack for turning tight corners. Do not allowthe chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING: Do not connect a trailer'shydraulic brake system directly to yourvehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may nothave enough braking power and yourchances of having a collision greatlyincrease.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if you installthem properly and adjust them to themanufacturer's specifications. The trailerbrakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Separate functioning brake systems arerequired for safe control of towed vehiclesand trailers weighing more than 1500 lb(680 kg) when load.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect any trailerlamp wiring to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring;this may damage the electrical systemresulting in fire. Contact your authorizeddealer as soon as possible for assistance inproper trailer tow wiring installation.Additional electrical equipment may berequired.
248
MKC (TME) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201802, Second-Printing
Towing

Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime yousubmerge the rear axle in water. Water maycontaminate the rear axle lubricant, which isnot a normal maintenance inspection itemunless there is a possibility of a leak or otheraxle repair is required.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR
WHEELS
Emergency Towing
WARNING: If your vehicle has asteering wheel lock make sure the ignitionis in the accessory or on position when beingtowed.
If your vehicle becomes inoperable (withoutaccess to wheel dollies, car-hauling trailer,or flatbed transport vehicle), it can beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground,regardless of the powertrain andtransmission configuration) under thefollowing conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward for towingin a forward direction.
•You place your vehicle in Stay in Neutralmode. See Automatic Transmission(page 177).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
Recreational Towing
Note:Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering the vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 132).
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational (RV) towing. An example ofrecreational towing would be towing yourvehicle behind a motorhome. We designedthese guidelines to prevent damage to yourtransmission.
Front-wheel drive vehicles CANNOT beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground) asvehicle or transmission damage may occur.You must place the front wheels on atwo-wheel tow dolly. If you are using a towdolly, follow the instructions specified by theequipment provider.
All-wheel drive vehicles CANNOT beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground), asvehicle or transmission damage may occur.It is recommended to tow your vehicle withall four (4) wheels off the ground such aswhen using a car-hauling trailer. Otherwise,you cannot recreational tow your vehicle.
250
MKC (TME) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201802, Second-Printing
Towing

BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires forapproximately 300 mi (480 km). During thistime, your vehicle may exhibit some unusualdriving characteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first 1,000 mi(1,600 km). Vary your speed frequently andchange up through the gears early. Do notlabor the engine.
Do not tow during the first 1,000 mi(1,600 km).
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several thingssuch as how you drive, the conditions youdrive under and how you maintain yourvehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind thatmay improve your fuel economy:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down mayeliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimizestop-and-go driving (When runningerrands, go to the furthest destinationfirst and then work your way back home).
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds.
•Keep the tires properly inflated and useonly the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance.
There are also some things you may want toavoid doing because they reduce your fueleconomy:
•Avoid sudden or hard accelerations.
•Avoid revving the engine before turningoff the car.
•Avoid long idle periods.
•Do not warm up your vehicle on coldmornings.
•Reduce the use of air conditioning andheat.
•Avoid using speed control in hilly terrain.
•Do not rest your foot on the brake pedalwhile driving.
•Avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
•Avoid adding particular accessories toyour vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,rollbars/light bars, running boards, skiracks).
•Avoid driving with the wheels out ofalignment.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING: Do not drive throughflowing or deep water as you may losecontrol of your vehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
251
MKC (TME) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201802, Second-Printing
Driving Hints

GETTING THE SERVICES YOU
NEED
Warranty repairs to your vehicle must beperformed by an authorized dealer. Whileany authorized dealer handling your vehicleline provides warranty service, werecommend you return to your sellingauthorized dealer who wants to ensure yourcontinued satisfaction.
Please note that certain warranty repairsrequire special training and equipment, sonot all authorized dealers are authorized toperform all warranty repairs. This means that,depending on the warranty repair needed,you may have to take your vehicle to anotherauthorized dealer.
A reasonable time must be allowed toperform a repair after taking your vehicle tothe authorized dealer. Repairs are madeusing Lincoln or Motorcraft parts, orremanufactured or other parts that areauthorized by Lincoln.
Away From Home
If you are away from home when your vehicleneeds service, contact the Lincoln ClientRelationship Center or use the onlineresources listed below to find the nearestauthorized dealer.
In the United States:
Mailing address
Lincoln Motor CompanyClient Relationship CenterP.O. Box 6248Dearborn, MI 48126
Telephone
1-800-521-4140TDD for the hearing impaired:1-800-232-5952
Web Address
www.LincolnOwner.com
These are some of the items that can befound online:
•United States dealer locator by DealerName, City, State or ZIP Code.
•Owner Manuals.
•Maintenance Schedules.
•Recalls.
•Lincoln Extended Service Plans.
•Lincoln Original Accessories.
•Service specials and promotions.
In Canada:
Mailing address
Lincoln Client Relationship CentreLincoln Motor Company of Canada, LimitedP.O. Box 2000Oakville, Ontario L6K 1C8
Telephone
1-800-387-9333
260
MKC (TME) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201802, Second-Printing
Customer Assistance