
Descend a hill in the same gear you woulduse to climb up the hill to avoid excessivebrake application and brake overheating. Donot descend in neutral; instead, disengageoverdrive or manually shift to a lower gear.When descending a steep hill, avoid suddenhard braking as you could lose control. Thefront wheels have to be turning in order tosteer the vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, thereforeapply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump” thebrakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING: If you are driving inslippery conditions that require tire chainsor cables, then it is critical that you drivecautiously. Keep speeds down, allow forlonger stopping distances and avoidaggressive steering to reduce the chancesof a loss of vehicle control which can leadto serious injury or death. If the rear endof your vehicle slides while cornering, steerin the direction of the slide until you regaincontrol of your vehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causedriveline damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WDvehicles in snow and ice but can skid likeany other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving onsnowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheelin the direction of the slide until you regaincontrol.
Avoid sudden applications of power andquick changes of direction on snow and ice.Apply the accelerator slowly and steadilywhen starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although anAWD vehicle may accelerate better than atwo-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, itwon’t stop any faster, because as in othervehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels.Do not become overconfident as to roadconditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distancebetween you and other vehicles for stopping.Drive slower than usual and consider usingone of the lower gears. In emergencystopping situations, apply the brake steadily.Since your vehicle is equipped with a fourwheel (ABS), do not “pump” the brakes. SeeHints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes(page 188).
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E143949

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note: Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out. Have thesystem checked by an authorized dealer. Ifyour vehicle has continuous vibration orshudder in the steering wheel while braking,have it checked by an authorized dealer.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear and does not contribute tobrake noise. See Cleaning the Wheels(page 310).
Note:Depending on applicable laws andregulations in the country for which yourvehicle was originally built, your brake lampsmay flash during heavy braking. Followingthis, your hazard lights may also flash whenyour vehicle comes to a stop.
See Warning Lamps andIndicators (page 101).
Wet brakes result in reduced brakingefficiency. Gently press the brake pedal afew times when driving from a car wash orstanding water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal becomesstuck or entrapped, apply steady and firmpressure to the brake pedal to slow thevehicle and reduce engine power. If youexperience this condition, apply the brakesand bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Movethe transmission to park (P), switch theengine off and apply the parking brake.Inspect the accelerator pedal for anyinterference. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you rapidly brakeby measuring the rate at which you press thebrake pedal. It provides maximum brakingefficiency as long as you press the pedal. Itcan also reduce stopping distances in criticalsituations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
If it illuminates when you aredriving, this indicates amalfunction. Your vehiclecontinues to have normal braking withoutthe anti-lock brake system function. Haveyour vehicle checked as soon as possible.
It also momentarily illuminates when youswitch the ignition on to confirm the lamp isfunctional. If it does not illuminate when youswitch the ignition on, or begins to flash atany time, have the system checked by anauthorized dealer.
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BrakesE270480

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 stabilitycontrol system. In addition, installing anystereo loudspeakers may interfere withand adversely affect the electronic stabilitycontrol system. Install any aftermarketstereo loudspeaker as far as possible fromthe front center console, the tunnel, andthe front seats in order to minimize the riskof interfering with the electronic stabilitycontrol sensors. Reducing theeffectiveness of the electronic stabilitycontrol system could lead to an increasedrisk of loss of vehicle control, vehiclerollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING: Remember that evenadvanced technology cannot defy the lawsof physics. It’s always possible to losecontrol of a vehicle due to inappropriatedriver input for the conditions. Aggressivedriving on any road condition can causeyou to lose control of your vehicleincreasing the risk of personal injury orproperty damage. Activation of theelectronic stability control system is anindication that at least some of the tireshave exceeded their ability to grip theroad; this could reduce the operator’sability to control the vehicle potentiallyresulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehiclerollover, personal injury and death. If yourelectronic stability control 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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Stability Control

If the rear end of the vehicle is hit ordamaged, the radar sensing zone may bealtered causing missed or false collisionwarnings. See your authorized dealer to haveyour collision warning radar checked forproper coverage and operation.
False Alerts
Note:When towing a trailer, the sensors maydetect the trailer thus causing a false alert.It may be desirable to turn the Blind SpotInformation System off if the false alertsbecome annoying.
There may be certain instances when thereis a false alert by the Cross Traffic Alertsystem that illuminates the alert indicatorwith no vehicle in the coverage zone. Someamount of false alerts are normal; they aretemporary and self-correct.
System Errors
If Cross Traffic Alert senses a problem withthe left or right sensor a message will appearin the information display. See InformationMessages (page 112).
Switching the System Off and On
You can temporarily switch Cross Traffic Alertoff in the information display. SeeInformation Messages (page 112). When youswitch Cross Traffic Alert off, you will notreceive alerts and the information displaywill display a system off message.
Note:The Cross Traffic Alert switches onwhenever the ignition is switched on andready to provide appropriate alerts whenthe transmission is in reverse (R). CrossTraffic Alert will not remember the lastselected on or off setting.
You can also have Cross Traffic Alertswitched off permanently at an authorizeddealer. Once switched off permanently, thesystem can only be switched back on at anauthorized dealer.
STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING: The electric powersteering system has diagnostic checks thatcontinuously monitor the system. If a faultis detected, a message displays in theinformation display. Stop your vehicle assoon as it is safe to do so. Switch theignition off. After at least 10 seconds,switch the ignition on and watch theinformation display for a steering systemwarning message. If a steering systemwarning message returns, have the systemchecked by an authorized dealer.
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 mayresult in loss of steering control.
Your vehicle has an electric power steeringsystem. There is no fluid reservoir. Nomaintenance is required.
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Driving Aids

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.
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.
COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM (If
Equipped)
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: This system is designedto be a supplementary driving aid. It is notintended to replace the driver’s attention,and judgment, or the need to apply thebrakes. This system does NOT activate thebrakes automatically. Failure to press thebrake pedal to activate the brakes mayresult in a collision.
WARNING: The collision warningsystem with brake support cannot helpprevent all collisions. Do not rely on thissystem to replace driver judgment and theneed to maintain distance and speed.
Note:The system does not detect, warn orrespond to potential collisions with vehiclesto the rear or sides of the vehicle.
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Driving Aids

System Limitations
WARNING: The collision warningsystem’s brake support can only helpreduce the speed at which a collisionoccurs if the driver applies the vehicle’sbrakes. The brake pedal must be pressedjust like any typical braking situation.
Due to the nature of radar technology, theremay be certain instances where vehicles donot provide a collision warning. Theseinclude:
•Stationary vehicles or vehicles movingbelow 6 mph (10 km/h).
•Pedestrians or objects in the roadway.
•Oncoming vehicles in the same lane.
•Severe weather conditions (see blockedsensor section).
•Debris build-up on the grille near theheadlamps (see blocked sensor section).
•Small distance to vehicle ahead.
•Steering wheel and pedal movementsare large (very active driving style).
If the front end of the vehicle is hit ordamaged, the radar sensing zone may bealtered causing missed or false collisionwarnings. See your authorized dealer to haveyour collision warning radar checked forproper coverage and operation.
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.
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Driving Aids

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.
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 369).
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 112). If either conditionpersists for multiple key cycles, see anauthorized dealer.
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Driving Aids

•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 in park(P).
4. Place wheel chocks in front and back ofthe trailer wheels. Chocks are notincluded with your 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.
Any time the rear axle submerges in water,replace the rear axle lubricant. 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
If your vehicle becomes inoperable (withoutaccess to wheel dollies or vehicle transporttrailer), it can be flat-towed (all wheels on theground, regardless of the powertrain andtransmission configuration) under thefollowing conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward for towingin a forward direction.
•Shift into neutral (N). If you cannot shiftthe transmission into neutral (N), you mayneed to override it. See Transmission(page 175).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
WARNING: If your vehicle has asteering wheel lock make sure the ignitionis in the accessory or on position whenbeing towed.
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Towing