Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel economy)
mph (km/h)Gear Upshift
ToFrom
15 mph (24 km/h)21
25 mph (40 km/h)32
40 mph (64 km/h)43
45 mph (72 km/h)54
50 mph (80 km/h)65
The instrument cluster will display yourcurrently selected gear.
The transmission will automatically upshift ifyour engine speed is too high or downshiftif your engine speed is too low.
Note:The system will stay in manual controluntil you make another shift button selection.For example, drive (D).
Brake-Shift Interlock Override
WARNING: Do not drive your vehicleuntil you verify that the stoplamps areworking.
WARNING: When doing this procedure,you need to take the transmission out of park(P) which means your vehicle can roll freely.To avoid unwanted vehicle movement,always fully apply the parking brake prior todoing this procedure. Use wheels chocks ifappropriate.
180
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201805, First-Printing
Transmission
WARNING: If the parking brake is fullyreleased, but the brake warning lampremains illuminated, the brakes may not beworking properly. Have your vehicle checkedas soon as possible.
Note:See your authorized dealer as soonas possible if this procedure is used.
Note:For some markets this feature isdisabled.
Note:This feature will only function if your12-volt battery has power. If vehicle batteryvoltage is not sufficient, an external 12-voltpower source (for example, jumper cables,battery charger or jump pack) may berequired to function the interlock overrideswitch.
Use the brake-shift interlock override tomove your transmission from the parkposition in the event of an electricalmalfunction. If your vehicle has a deadbattery, an external power source will berequired.
1. Apply the parking brake and turn yourignition off before performing thisprocedure.
2. Locate your brake-shift interlock accessslot. The slot is located near the centerconsole. The access slot does not havea label.
Note:Make sure that you correctly identifythe access hole as not to damage the mediahub.
3. Using a tool, press and hold the brakeshift interlock switch. The shift buttonson the instrument panel will flash whenyour vehicle is in override mode.
4. With the override switch still held, pressthe neutral button (N) to shift from park.
5. Release the override button.
6.Your vehicle will remain in Stay in Neutralmode for wrecker towing purposes orcan be shifted to the desired gear anddriven (if possible).
7. Release the parking brake.
181
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201805, First-Printing
TransmissionE240975
USING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) uses all four wheelsto power the vehicle. This increases traction,enabling you to drive over terrain and roadconditions that a conventional two-wheeldrive vehicle cannot. The AWD system isactive all the time and requires no input fromthe operator.
Note:Your vehicle may be equipped withDynamic Torque Vectoring. This feature usesall four wheels to power the vehicle andindependently controls the torque to eachrear wheel. In addition, the system has theability to over speed the outside rear wheelin a turn. This increases traction andhandling performance, allowing the vehicleto travel through road conditions and havepath following capability superior toconventional two-wheel drive and AWDvehicles. The Dynamic Torque Vectoringsystem is active all the time and requires noinput from the operator.
Note:Your AWD vehicle is not intended foroff-road use. The AWD feature gives yourvehicle some limited off-road capabilities inwhich driving surfaces are relatively level,obstruction-free and otherwise similar tonormal on-road driving conditions. Operatingyour vehicle under other than thoseconditions could subject the vehicle toexcessive stress which might result indamage which is not covered under yourwarranty.
Note:When an AWD system fault is present,the warning AWD Malfunction ServiceRequired displays in the information display.The AWD system is not functioning correctlyand defaulted to front-wheel drive. Whenthis warning displays, have your vehicleserviced at an authorized dealer.
Note: The AWD OFF message may alsoappear in the information display if the AWDsystem overheats and defaults to front-wheeldrive. This may occur if the vehicle isoperated in extreme conditions withexcessive wheel slip, such as deep sand. To resume normal AWD function as soon aspossible, stop the vehicle in a safe locationand stop the engine for at least 10 minutes. After the engine has been restarted and theAWD system has adequately cooled, theAWD OFF message will turn off and normalAWD function returns. If the engine is notstopped, the AWD OFF message turns offwhen the system cools and normal AWDfunction returns.
183
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201805, First-Printing
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
Operating AWD Vehicles With Spareor Mismatched Tires
WARNING: Only use replacement tiresand wheels that are the same size, loadindex, speed rating and type (such asP-metric versus LT-metric or all-seasonversus all-terrain) as those originally providedby Ford. The recommended tire and wheelsize may be found on either the SafetyCompliance Certification Label (affixed toeither the door hinge pillar, door-latch post,or the door edge that meets the door-latchpost, next to the driver’s seating position), orthe Tire Label which is located on the B-Pillaror edge of the driver’s door. If thisinformation is not found on these labels, thenyou should contact your authorized dealeras soon as possible. Use of any tire or wheelnot recommended by Ford can affect thesafety and performance of your vehicle,which could result in an increased risk of lossof vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death.
A spare tire of a different size other than thetire provided should never be used. TheAWD system may disable automatically andenter front-wheel drive only mode to protectdriveline components if a non-full sized tireis installed. This condition may display anAWD OFF message in the informationdisplay. If there is an AWD OFF message inthe information display from using a non-fullsized spare tire, this indicator should turn offafter reinstalling the repaired or replacednormal road tire and cycling the ignition offand on. It is recommended to reinstall therepaired or replaced road tire as soon aspossible.
Major dissimilar tire sizes between the frontand rear axles (for example, 17 inch lowprofile tires on the front axle and 22 inch highprofile tires on the rear axle) could cause theAWD system to stop functioning and defaultto front-wheel drive or damage the AWDsystem. However, the AWD system iscapable of tolerating any combination of newand worn tires of the same original tire size.For example, using 3 worn tread tires and 1new tread tire all of the same original tiresize, can be tolerated by the AWD system.
Driving In Special Conditions With All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
AWD vehicles are equipped for driving onsand, snow, mud and rough roads and haveoperating characteristics that are somewhatdifferent from conventional vehicles, both onand off the highway.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sandunder high outside temperatures, use a lowgear when possible. Lower gear operationwill maximize the engine and transmissioncooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/Cmay cycle on and off to protect overheatingof the engine.
Basic operating principles in specialconditions
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds whichcan affect the normal steeringcharacteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremely careful when driving onpavement made slippery by loose sand,water, gravel, snow or ice.
185
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201805, First-Printing
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
If Your Vehicle Goes Off the Edge of thePavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of thepavement, slow down, but avoid severebrake application, ease the vehicle backonto the pavement only after reducingyour speed. Do not turn the steeringwheel too sharply while returning to theroad surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron orshoulder of the road and slow downgradually before returning to thepavement. You may lose control if youdo not slow down or if you turn thesteering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike smallobjects, such as highway reflectors, withminor damage to your vehicle rather thanattempt a sudden return to the pavementwhich could cause the vehicle to slidesideways out of control or rollover.Remember, your safety and the safety ofothers should be your primary concern.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
WARNING: Always set the parkingbrake fully and make sure you shift thegearshift lever to park (P). Switch the ignitionoff and remove the key whenever you leaveyour vehicle.
WARNING: If the parking brake is fullyreleased, but the brake warning lampremains illuminated, the brakes may not beworking properly. Have your vehicle checkedas soon as possible.
WARNING: Do not spin the wheels atover 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires may fail andinjure a passenger or bystander.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature ordamage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more thana few minutes or damage to the transmissionand tires may occur or the engine mayoverheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow itmay be rocked out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts, in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
If your vehicle is equipped withAdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, itmay be beneficial to disengage theAdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™system while attempting to rock the vehicle.
Emergency Maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situationwhere a sudden sharp turn must bemade, remember to avoid "over-driving"your vehicle (that is, turn the steeringwheel only as rapidly and as far asrequired to avoid the emergency).Excessive steering will result in lessvehicle control, not more. Additionally,smooth variations of the acceleratorand/or brake pedal pressure should beutilized if changes in vehicle speed arecalled for. Avoid abrupt steering,
186
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201805, First-Printing
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, thereforeapply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump” thebrakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING: If you are driving in slipperyconditions that require tire chains or cables,then it is critical that you drive cautiously.Keep speeds down, allow for longer stoppingdistances and avoid aggressive steering toreduce the chances of a loss of vehiclecontrol which can lead to serious injury ordeath. If the rear end of your vehicle slideswhile cornering, steer in the direction of theslide until you regain control of your vehicle.
Note:Your vehicle may have originalequipment tires designed to optimize theperformance of your vehicle in dry or wetsummer road conditions. If your vehicle isequipped with such tires, we recommendusing a dedicated set (all 4 tires) of wintertires in snow and ice conditions. Do not mixwinter tires and performance tires betweenaxles or degraded traction and handlingcharacteristics could result.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causedriveline damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages overtwo-wheel drive (2WD) vehicles in snow andice but can skid like any 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.
189
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201805, First-Printing
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
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 326).
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 105).
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 brake rapidlyby measuring the rate at which you press thebrake pedal. It provides maximum brakingefficiency as long as you press the pedal,and can reduce stopping distances in criticalsituations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
This lamp momentarily illuminateswhen you switch the ignition on. Ifthe light does not illuminate duringstart up, remains on or flashes, the systemmay be disabled. Have the system checkedby an authorized dealer. If the anti-lock brakesystem is disabled, normal braking is stilleffective.
If the brake warning lampilluminates when you release theparking brake, have the systemchecked by an authorized dealer. It alsoilluminates momentarily when you switch theignition on to confirm the lamp is functional.If it does not illuminate when you switch theignition on or begins to flash at any time,have the system checked by an authorizeddealer.
192
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201805, First-Printing
BrakesE138644 E138644
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-
LOCK BRAKES
The anti-lock braking system does noteliminate the risks when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle infront of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•You take corners too fast.
•The road surface is poor.
Note: If the system activates, the brakepedal may pulse and may travel further. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. Youmay also hear a noise from the system. Thisis normal.
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
WARNING: Always fully apply theparking brake and make sure you shift intopark (P). Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury or death.
WARNING: If you drive extendeddistances with the parking brake applied,you could cause damage to the brakesystem.
WARNING: The electric parking brakedoes not operate if the vehicle battery isrunning out of charge.
Your vehicle has an electric parking brake.You operate it with a switch instead of alever. The switch is on the center console orto the left-hand side of the steering wheel,on the lower part of the instrument panel.
Note:The electric parking brake makesnoises during operation. This is normal.
Applying the Electric Parking Brake
Pull the switch upward.
The red warning lamp flashesduring operation and illuminateswhen the parking brake is applied.
Note:It remains illuminated for a shortperiod of time after you switch the ignitionoff.
If it continues to flash or does not illuminate,the system has malfunctioned. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
Note:You can apply the electric parkingbrake when the ignition is off.
Note:The electric parking brake couldautomatically apply when you shift into park(P). See Transmission (page 177).
Applying the Electric Parking Brake in anEmergency
Note:Do not apply the electric parking brakewhen your vehicle is moving, except in anemergency. If you repeatedly use the electricparking brake to slow or stop your vehicle,you could cause damage to the brakesystem.
You can use the electric parking brake toslow or stop your vehicle in an emergency.
193
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201805, First-Printing
BrakesE267156 E270480