When the system is active, your vehicle willremain stationary on the slope for two tothree seconds after you release the brakepedal. This allows you time to move yourfoot from the brake to the accelerator pedal. The brakes release automatically when theengine has sufficient torque to prevent yourvehicle from rolling down the grade. This isan advantage when pulling away on a slope,for example from a car park ramp, trafficlights or when reversing uphill into a parkingspace.
The system will activate automatically on anyslope that will cause significant vehiclerollback. For vehicles with a manualtransmission, you can switch this feature offusing the information display. SeeInformation Displays (page 108). The systemwill remain on or off depending on how itwas last set.
Note:There is no warning lamp to indicatethe system is either on or off.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with AutoHold, Hill Start Assist will not be availablewhile Auto Hold is active.
Using Hill Start Assist
1. Bring your vehicle to a completestandstill. Keep the brake pedal pressedand select an uphill gear (for example,drive (D) or first (1) when facing uphill orreverse (R) when facing downhill).
2. If the sensors detect that your vehicle ison a slope, the system will activateautomatically.
3. When you remove your foot from thebrake pedal, your vehicle will remain onthe slope without rolling away for abouttwo or three seconds. This hold time willautomatically be extended if you are inthe process of driving off.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. Thebrakes will release automatically.
Switching the System On and Off
You can switch this feature on or off if yourvehicle is equipped with a manualtransmission and an information display. SeeGeneral Information (page 108). The systemremembers the last setting when you startyour vehicle.
If your vehicle is not equipped with a manualtransmission and an information display, youcannot turn the system on or off. When youswitch the ignition on, the systemautomatically turns on.
AUTO HOLD
WARNING: The system does notreplace the parking brake. When you leaveyour vehicle, always apply the parking brake.
WARNING: You must remain in yourvehicle when the system turns on. At alltimes, you are responsible for controllingyour vehicle, supervising the system andintervening, if required. Failure to take caremay result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, serious personal injury or death.
WARNING: The system will turn off ifa malfunction is apparent. Failure to takecare may result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, serious personal injury or death.
192
MKC (TME) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201802, Second-Printing
Brakes
Note:Auto Hold will remain on or offdepending upon the current setting whenyour vehicle is powered down.
When Auto Hold is off, your vehicle behavesthe same as a vehicle without Auto Hold.
There is an Auto Hold indicator lamp in theinstrument cluster that has two modes, activeand unavailable:
The Auto Hold (ACTIVE) indicatorlight illuminates in the informationdisplay when the system holdsyour vehicle stationary. When in active mode,press the brake pedal and the Auto Holdbutton to switch Auto Hold off.
The Auto Hold (UNAVAILABLE)indicator light illuminates in theinformation display when thesystem is on but unavailable to hold yourvehicle (for example, during Active ParkAssist, Stay in Neutral Mode, when youengage reverse gear or when you do notfasten your seatbelt or close the door).
Note:Make sure you switch off Auto Holdor use the Stay in Neutral mode before youenter a car wash. See AutomaticTransmission (page 177).
Using Auto Hold
1. Bring your vehicle to a stop by pressingthe brake pedal. After coming to a stop,the green Auto Hold (ACTIVE) indicatorlamp illuminates in the informationdisplay.
2.Release the brake pedal. The Auto Hold(ACTIVE) indicator light remainsilluminated in the information display andAuto Hold will hold your vehicle at a stop.
3. When you press the accelerator pedal,Auto Hold releases the brakes and youwill be able to drive off. Once you driveoff, the green Auto Hold (ACTIVE)indicator no longer illuminates in theinformation display.
Note:The Stop/Start system (if equipped)may stop the engine when you press thebrake pedal. If this occurs, it will restart onceyou press the accelerator pedal. Auto Holdstill holds your vehicle at a standstill with theengine off.
194
MKC (TME) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201802, Second-Printing
BrakesE197933 E197934
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 tractioncontrol light illuminates 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 traction
control 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 108).
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:
•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.
195
MKC (TME) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201802, Second-Printing
Traction ControlE138639 E130458
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modificationsinvolving braking system, aftermarket roofracks, 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.
WARNING: Remember that evenadvanced technology cannot defy the lawsof physics. 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:
196
MKC (TME) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201802, Second-Printing
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.
Roll Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent rollovers by detecting yourvehicle’s roll motion and the rate at which itchanges by applying the brakes to one ormore wheels individually.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto maintain traction of the wheels bydetecting and controlling wheel spin. SeeUsing Traction Control (page 195).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.
You cannot switch the stability control androll stability control systems off, but whenyou shift into reverse (R), the systemsdeactivate.
You can switch the traction control systemoff or on. See Using Traction Control (page195).
197
MKC (TME) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201802, Second-Printing
Stability ControlE72903A
AA
B
BB
B
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 systemby pressing the accelerator pedal, it doesnot automatically apply the brakes tomaintain a gap 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 graphic 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 SET+ or SET- to change the setspeed in small increments.
•Press the accelerator or brake pedal untilyou reach the desired speed. Press SET+or SET-.
•Press and hold SET+ 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.
The system does not operate below 12 mph(20 km/h).
Automatic cancellation can also occur if:
•The tires lose traction.
•The engine speed is too low.
•You apply the parking brake.
214
MKC (TME) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201802, Second-Printing
Cruise ControlE144529
Hilly Condition Usage
Note:An audible alarm sounds and thesystem shuts down if it applies brakes for anextended period of time. This allows thebrakes to cool. The system functionsnormally again after the brakes cool.
Select a lower gear when the system isactive in situations such as prolongeddownhill driving on steep grades, forexample in mountainous areas. The systemneeds additional engine braking in thesesituations to reduce the load on the vehicle’sregular brake system to prevent it fromoverheating.
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control Off
Note:You erase the set speed and gapsetting when you switch the system off.
Press OFF when the system is in standbymode, or switch the ignition off.
Detection Issues
WARNING: On rare occasions,detection issues can occur due to the roadinfrastructures, for example bridges, tunnelsand safety barriers. In these cases, thesystem may brake late or unexpectedly. Atall times, you are responsible for controllingyour vehicle, supervising the system andintervening, if required.
WARNING: If the system malfunctions,have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
The radar sensor has a limited field of view.It may not detect vehicles at all or detect avehicle later than expected in somesituations. The lead vehicle graphic does notilluminate if the system does not detect avehicle in front of you.
215
MKC (TME) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201802, Second-Printing
Cruise ControlE71621
Note:Blocked sensors could affect systemperformance.
If the sensors are blocked, a message mayappear in the information display. SeeInformation Messages (page 113). The alertindicators remain illuminated but the systemdoes not alert you.
System Errors
If the system detects a fault, a warning lampilluminates and a message displays. SeeInformation Messages (page 113).
Switching the System Off and On
You can switch the system off using theinformation display. See GeneralInformation (page 108). When you switch thesystem off, a warning lamp illuminates anda message displays. When you switch thesystem on or off, the alert indicators flashtwice.
Note:The system remembers the last settingwhen you start your vehicle.
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.
CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT (If Equipped)
WARNING: Do not use the cross trafficalert system as a replacement for using theinterior and exterior mirrors or looking overyour shoulder before reversing out of aparking space. The cross traffic alert systemis not a replacement for careful driving.
WARNING: The system may notoperate properly during severe weatherconditions, for example snow, ice, heavy rainand spray. Always drive with due care andattention. Failure to take care may result ina crash.
The system is designed to alert you ofvehicles approaching from the sides whenyou shift into reverse (R).
Using the Cross Traffic Alert System
The system is designed to detect vehiclesthat approach with a speed up to 37 mph(60 km/h). Coverage decreases when thesensors are partially, mostly or fullyobstructed. Slowly reversing helps increasethe coverage area and effectiveness.
The system turns on when you start theengine and you shift into reverse (R). Thesystem turns off when you shift out of reverse(R).
228
MKC (TME) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201802, Second-Printing
Driving Aids