
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.
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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:
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DRIVER ALERT (If Equipped)
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: You are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle at all times. Thesystem is designed to be an aid and doesnot relieve you of your responsibility to drivewith due care and attention. Failure to followthis instruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: The system may notfunction if the sensor is blocked.
WARNING: Take regular rest breaks ifyou feel tired. Do not wait for the system towarn you.
WARNING: Certain driving styles mayresult in the system warning you even if youare not feeling tired.
WARNING: In cold and severe weatherconditions the system may not function. Rain,snow and spray can all limit sensorperformance.
WARNING: The system will not operateif the sensor cannot track the road lanemarkings.
WARNING: If damage occurs in theimmediate area surrounding the sensor, haveyour vehicle checked as soon as possible.
WARNING: The system may notcorrectly operate if your vehicle is fitted witha suspension kit not approved by us.
Note:The system may not operate correctlyif you modify the ride height.
Note:Keep the windshield free fromobstructions. For example, bird droppings,insects, snow or ice.
Note:If the camera is blocked or if thewindshield is damaged, the system may notfunction.
Note:If enabled in the menu, the systemactivates at speeds above 40 mph (64 km/h).When below the activation speed, theinformation display informs the driver thatthe system is unavailable.
The system automatically monitors yourdriving behavior using various inputsincluding the front camera sensor.
If the system detects that your drivingalertness is reduced below a certainthreshold, the system alerts you using achime and a message in the informationdisplay.
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•Switching the ignition off and on.
•Stopping the vehicle and then openingand closing the driver’s door.
LANE KEEPING SYSTEM (If Equipped)
WARNING: You are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle at all times. Thesystem is designed to be an aid and doesnot relieve you of your responsibility to drivewith due care and attention. Failure to followthis instruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: Always drive with due careand attention when using and operating thecontrols and features on your vehicle.
WARNING: In cold and severe weatherconditions the system may not function. Rain,snow and spray can all limit sensorperformance.
WARNING: The system will not operateif the sensor cannot track the road lanemarkings.
WARNING: The sensor may incorrectlytrack lane markings as other structures orobjects. This can result in a false or missedwarning.
WARNING: The system may notoperate properly if the sensor is blocked.Keep the windshield free from obstruction.
WARNING: If damage occurs in theimmediate area surrounding the sensor, haveyour vehicle checked as soon as possible.
WARNING: The system may notcorrectly operate if your vehicle is fitted witha suspension kit not approved by us.
Note:The system works above 40 mph(64 km/h).
Note:The system works as long as thecamera can detect one lane marking.
Note:When you select aid or alert and aidmode and the system detects no steeringactivity for a short period, the system alertsyou to put your hands on the steering wheel.The system may detect a light grip or touchon the steering wheel as hands off driving.
Note:The system may not function if thecamera is blocked, or if the windshield isdamaged or dirty.
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Why does the vehicle not come back toward the middle of the lane, as expected, in the Aid or Aid + Alert mode?
High cross winds are present.
There is a large road crown.
Rough roads, grooves or shoulder drop-offs.
Heavy uneven loading of the vehicle or improper tire inflation pressure.
The tires have been changed, or the suspension has been modified.
BLIND SPOT INFORMATION
SYSTEM (If Equipped)
WARNING: Do not use the blind spotinformation system as a replacement forusing the interior and exterior mirrors orlooking over your shoulder before changinglanes. The blind spot information system isnot 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.
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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.
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Note:If something hits the front end of yourvehicle or damage occurs, the radar sensingzone may change. This could cause missedor false vehicle detections. Contact anauthorized dealer to have the radar checkedfor proper coverage and operation.
Note:If your vehicle detects excessive heatat the camera or a potential misalignmentcondition, a message may display in theinformation display indicating temporarysensor unavailability. This messagedeactivates automatically when operationalconditions are correct. For example, whenthe ambient temperature around the sensordecreases or the sensor automaticallyrecalibrates.
DRIVE CONTROL (If Equipped)
Lincoln Drive Control
Lincoln Drive Control delivers the Lincolndriving experience through a suite ofsophisticated electronic vehicle systems.These systems continuously monitor yourdriving inputs and the road conditions tooptimize ride comfort, steering, handling,
powertrain response and sound. You canpreset your preferences for these systemswithin the information display. Lincoln DriveControl will respond to your preferencesbased on what gear position you select. Thisprovides a single location to control multiplesystems performance settings.
Lincoln Drive Control consists of thefollowing systems:
•Adaptive suspension dynamically adjuststhe shock absorbers stiffness in real timeto match the road surface and driverinputs. This system continuously monitorsyour vehicle’s motion, suspensionposition, load, speed, road conditionsand steering to adjust the suspensiondamping for optimal vehicle control.
•Electronically power-assisted steeringadjusts steering effort and feel based onyour vehicle speed and your inputs.
•Active noise control utilizes your vehicleelectronics to enhance the acousticexperience.
•Electronic stability control and tractioncontrol maintain your vehicle control inadverse conditions or high performancedriving.
•Electronic throttle control enhances thepowertrain response to your inputs.
Using Lincoln Drive Control
You can configure which of the drive controlmodes are active when your vehicle is indrive (D) or sport (S). The configurationremains active until modified from the mainmenu on the information display.
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These systems have a range of modes whichyou can choose from in order to customizeyour ideal driving experience:
•Comfort – Provides a more relaxeddriving experience, maximizing comfort.Your steering effort decreases and thesuspension movement is more fluid.Comfort mode is ideal when you desireenhanced traveling comfort.
•Normal – Delivers a balancedcombination of comfortable, controlledride and confident handling. This modeprovides an engaging drive experienceand a direct connection to the roadwithout sacrificing any of the composuredemanded from a luxury vehicle.
•Sport – Provides a sportier drivingexperience. The suspension stiffens, withan emphasis on handling and control.The engine responds more directly toyour inputs and takes on a more powerfultone. Sport mode is ideal for use duringmore spirited driving.
You can change your vehicle's Drive Controlsettings from the menu on the displayscreen. See General Information (page 108).
Note:Not all settings may be available.
Note:Lincoln Drive Control has diagnosticchecks that continuously monitor the systemto ensure proper operation. Certain types ofsystem errors gray out the mode selectionswithin the information display, preventingyou from changing states when the gearposition is changed. Other types of errorsproduce a temporary message in theinformation display. See InformationMessages (page 113). If either conditionpersists for multiple key cycles, see anauthorized dealer.
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