
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.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto maintain traction of the wheels bydetecting and controlling wheel spin. SeeUsing Traction Control (page 202).
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.
The electronic stability control portion of thesystem disables when the transmission is inreverse (R) or, on some models, if you pressand hold the stability control button for morethan five seconds when you apply the brakesand the vehicle is at a stop.
You can switch the traction control systemoff or on independently.
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When you press the accelerator pedal, youoverride the set speed and gap distance.
Use the accelerator pedal normallyto intentionally exceed the setspeed limit.
When you override the system, the greenindicator light illuminates and the vehicleimage does not appear in the informationdisplay.
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 and release to increase theset speed in small increments.
Press and release to decrease theset speed in small increments.
Press and hold either button to change theset speed in large increments. Release thebutton when you reach the desired 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 and release the button or tapthe brake pedal.
The set speed does not erase.
Resuming the Set Speed
Press and release the button.
Your vehicle speed returns to the previouslyset speed and gap setting. The set speeddisplays continuously in the informationdisplay when the system is active.
Note:Only use resume if you are aware ofthe set speed and intend to return to it.
Automatic Cancellation
Automatic cancellation can also occur when:
•The tires lose traction.
•You apply the parking brake.
Park Brake Application
Automatic parking brake application andcancellation occurs if:
•You unbuckle the seatbelt and open thedoor after you stop the vehicle.
•You hold the vehicle at a stopcontinuously for more than three minutes.
Hilly Condition Usage
You should select a lower gear when thesystem is active in situations such asprolonged downhill driving on steep grades,for example in mountainous areas. Thesystem needs additional engine braking inthese situations to reduce the load on thevehicle’s regular brake system to prevent itfrom overheating.
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.
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Note:Blocked sensors could affect systemperformance.
If the sensors are blocked, a message mayappear in the information display. SeeInformation Messages (page 121). 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 121).
Switching the System Off and On
You can switch the system off using theinformation display. See GeneralInformation (page 110). 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).
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Driving Aids

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
GAWR is the maximum allowable weightthat a single axle (front or rear) can carry.These numbers are on the SafetyCompliance Certification label. The labelis located on the door hinge pillar,door-latch post, or the door edge thatmeets the door-latch post, next to thedriver seating position.
The total load on each axle must neverexceed its Gross Axle Weight Rating.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
GVWR is the maximum allowable weightof the fully loaded vehicle. This includesall options, equipment, passengers andcargo. It appears on the Safety
Compliance Certification label. The labelis located on the door hinge pillar,door-latch post, or the door edge thatmeets the door-latch post, next to thedriver seating position.
The gross vehicle weight must neverexceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
Safety Compliance Certification LabelExample:
WARNING: Exceeding the SafetyCompliance Certification label vehicleweight rating limits could result insubstandard vehicle handling orperformance, engine, transmissionand/or structural damage, seriousdamage to the vehicle, loss of controland personal injury.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight
Maximum loaded trailer weight is thehighest possible weight of a fully loadedtrailer the vehicle can tow. Consult anauthorized dealer (or the RV and TrailerTowing Guide available at an authorizeddealer) for more detailed information.
GCWR (Gross Combined WeightRating)
GCWR is the maximum allowable weightof the vehicle and the loaded trailer,including all cargo and passengers, thatthe vehicle can handle without riskingdamage. (Important: The towingvehicle’s braking system is rated foroperation at Gross Vehicle WeightRating, not at Gross Combined Weight
Rating.) Separate functional brakesshould be used for safe control of towedvehicles and for trailers where the GrossCombined Weight of the towing vehicleplus the trailer exceed the Gross VehicleWeight Rating of the towing vehicle.
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING: Never tow a trailer withan MKZ Hybrid. This powertrain is notdesigned to tow.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR
WHEELS
Emergency Towing
In the event your vehicle becomes disabled(without access to wheel dollies, car-haulingtrailer, or flatbed transport vehicle), it can beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground,regardless of the powertrain/transmissionconfiguration) under the following conditions:
•The vehicle is facing forward so that it istowed in a forward direction.
•Place the transmission in position N. Ifyou cannot move the transmission intoN, you must override it and enable stayin neutral mode. Failing to do so mayresult in damage to the transmission. SeeTransmission (page 191).
•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 your vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 141).
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational (RV) towing. An example ofrecreational towing would be towing yourvehicle behind a motorhome. Theseguidelines are designed to ensure that yourtransmission is not damaged.
Your vehicle can be towed with all fourwheels on the ground using the Stay inNeutral mode feature, or with all four wheelsoff the ground using a vehicle transporttrailer. If you are using a vehicle transporttrailer, follow the instruction specified by theequipment provider.
If you tow your vehicle with all four wheelson the ground:
•Tow only in the forward direction.
•Release the parking brake.
•Place the vehicle in Stay in Neutral mode.See Automatic Transmission (page 191).
•Do not exceed 65 mph (105 km/h).
Note:If the parking brake is applied, amessage appears in the information display.
Note:Start the engine and allow it to run fora few minutes at the beginning of each day,and every six hours or fewer. With the enginerunning and your foot on the brake, shift intodrive (D) and then into reverse (R) beforeshifting back into neutral (N). BEFORECONTINUING TO TOW, YOU MUSTRE-ENABLE STAY IN NEUTRAL MODE.
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Towing

BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires forapproximately 300 mi (480 km). During thistime, your vehicle may exhibit some unusualdriving characteristics. The engine alsoneeds to break in. Avoid hard accelerationsand driving too fast for the first 1,000 mi(1,600 km). If possible, avoid carrying heavyloads up steep grades during the break-inperiod.
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.
Before driving through standing water, checkthe depth. Never drive through water that ishigher than the bottom of the front rockerarea of your vehicle.
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Driving Hints

This program is separate from the NewVehicle Limited Warranty, beginning fromthe original warranty start date and lasts thelife of the vehicle for the original owner.Subsequent owners receive coverage thatis concurrent with the 6 years or 70,000 mi(110,000 km), whichever occurs first,powertrain warranty coverage period.
If you purchased your vehicle in Canada andrequire roadside assistance, please call1-800-387-9333.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: UsingRoadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistanceidentification card and place it in your walletfor quick reference.
In Canada, this card is found in the WarrantyGuide in the glove compartment of yourvehicle.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: RoadsideAssistance Program Coverage
The service is available 24 hours a day,seven days a week.
Canadian roadside coverage and benefitsmay differ from the U.S. coverage.
For complete program coverage detailsreview your warranty guide, contact yourdealer, call us in Canada at 1-800-387-9333,or visit our website atwww.lincolncanada.com.
HAZARD FLASHERS
Note:The hazard flashers operate when theignition is in any position, or if the key is notin the ignition. If used when the vehicle is notrunning, the battery loses charge. As a result,there may be insufficient power to restartyour vehicle.
The flasher control is on theinstrument panel. Use your hazardflashers when your vehicle iscreating a safety hazard for other motorists.
•Press the flasher control and all front andrear direction indicators flash.
•Press the button again to switch them off.
FUEL SHUTOFF
WARNING: If your vehicle has beeninvolved in a crash, have the fuel systemchecked. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in fire, personal injury or death.
Note: When you try to restart your vehicleafter a fuel shutoff, the vehicle makes surethat various systems are safe to restart. Once the vehicle determines the systemsare safe, then the vehicle allows you torestart.
Note:In the event that your vehicle does notrestart after your third attempt, contact aqualified technician.
The fuel pump shutoff stops the flow of fuelto the engine in the event of a moderate tosevere crash. Not every impact causes ashutoff.
Should your vehicle shut off after a crash,you may restart your vehicle.
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Roadside Emergencies

1. Press START/STOP to switch off yourvehicle.
2.Press the brake pedal and START/STOPto switch on your vehicle.
3. Check the information display for theReady to Drive light as the gasolineengine may not start, but the electricmotor may be running. If you do not seethe Ready to Drive light, repeat Steps 1and 2 up to two more times.
JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE
WARNING: Batteries normally produceexplosive gases which can cause personalinjury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparksor lighted substances to come near thebattery. When working near the battery,always shield your face and protect youreyes. Always provide correct ventilation.
WARNING: Keep batteries out of reachof children. Batteries contain sulfuric acid.Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.Shield your eyes when working near thebattery to protect against possible splashingof acid solution. In case of acid contact withskin or eyes, flush immediately with waterfor a minimum of 15 minutes and get promptmedical attention. If acid is swallowed, call aphysician immediately.
WARNING: Use only adequately sizedcables with insulated clamps.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Do not attempt to push-start your automatictransmission vehicle.
Note:Attempting to push-start a vehicle withan automatic transmission may causetransmission damage.
Note:Use only a 12-volt supply to start yourvehicle.
Note:Do not disconnect the battery of thedisabled vehicle as this could damage thevehicle electrical system.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hoodof the disabled vehicle, making sure the twovehicles do not touch.
Connecting the Jumper Cables
WARNING: Do not connect the end ofthe second cable to the negative (-) terminalof the battery to be jumped. A spark maycause an explosion of the gases thatsurround the battery.
WARNING: Do not use fuel lines,engine valve covers, windshield wiper arms,the intake manifold, or hood latch as groundpoints.
Note:Your vehicle has two battery prongsthat are accessible from under the hood,even though the actual battery is located inthe trunk. You can jump start your vehiclethe same way conventional vehicles can beusing these prongs.
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Roadside Emergencies