
TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING: Do not exceed theGVWR or the GAWR specified on thecertification label.
WARNING: Towing trailers beyondthe maximum recommended grosstrailer weight exceeds the limit of yourvehicle and could result in enginedamage, transmission damage,structural damage, loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover and personalinjury.
Note:There may be electrical itemssuch as fuses or relays that can affecttrailer towing operation. See Fuses(page 277).
The load capacity of your vehicle isdesignated by weight not volume. Youmay not necessarily be able to use allavailable space when loading yourvehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places extra load on theengine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires,and suspension. Inspect thesecomponents before, during and aftertowing.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer movementaffects the vehicle when driving:
•Load the heaviest items closest tothe trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest items in the centerof the left and right side trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items above thetrailer axles or just slightly forwardtoward the trailer tongue. Do notallow the final trailer tongue weightto go above or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight.
•Select a ball mount with the correctrise or drop. When both the loadedvehicle and trailer are connected, thetrailer frame should be level, orslightly angled down toward thevehicle, when viewed from the side.
When driving with a trailer or payload, aslight takeoff vibration or shudder maybe present due to the increased payloadweight. Additional information regardingproper trailer loading and setting yourvehicle up for towing is located in theLoad Carrying chapter. See Load Limit(page 248).
You can also find information in the RV& Trailer Towing Guide available at yourauthorized dealer, or online.
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Towing

Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up toget the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip. Whenturning, make wider turns so the trailerwheels clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly afteryou have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thetransmission in park (P) to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speed controlmay turn off automatically when you aretowing on long, steep grades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•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 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.
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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.
Avoid driving too fast during the first 1,000 mi(1,600 km). Vary your speed frequently andchange up through the gears early. Do notlabor the engine.
Do not tow during the first 1,000 mi(1,600 km).
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.
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Driving Hints

Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing your vehicle fromstorage, check coolant fluid level.Confirm that there are no cooling systemleaks and that fluid is at therecommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keepconnections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30days without recharging the battery, werecommend that you disconnect thebattery cables to maintain battery chargefor quick starting.
Note:It is necessary to reset memoryfeatures if battery cables are disconnected.
Brakes
•Make sure the brakes and parking brakerelease fully.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, levers andpins under your vehicle are covered withgrease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m) every15 days to lubricate working parts andprevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out ofstorage, do the following:
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt orgrease film build-up on window surfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for anydeterioration.
•Check under the hood for any foreignmaterial that may have collected duringstorage such as mice or squirrel nests.
•Check the exhaust for any foreignmaterial that may have collected duringstorage.
•Check tire pressures and set tire inflationper the Tire Label.
•Check brake pedal operation. Drive yourvehicle 15 ft (4.5 m) back and forth toremove rust build-up.
•Check fluid levels (including coolant, oiland gas) to make sure there are no leaks,and fluids are at recommended levels.
•If you remove the battery, clean thebattery cable ends and check fordamage.
Contact an authorized dealer if you have anyconcerns or issues.
BODY STYLING KITS
The distance between the underside of yourvehicle and the ground is less than that ofother models. Drive with extreme care toavoid damage to your vehicle.
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Vehicle Care

TIRE SEALANT AND INFLATOR KIT
(If Equipped)
Note:The temporary mobility kit (TMK)contains enough sealant compound for onetire repair. See your authorized dealer forreplacement sealant bottles after the TMKis used. Only use the kit supplied with yourvehicle.
Note:The kit may be used as an aircompressor for tire inflation maintenance byturning the selector switch to the Air position.
Your TMK is located under the load floor inthe trunk. The TMK consists of an aircompressor to re-inflate the tire with a bottleof sealing compound that seals puncturescaused by most nails or similar objects. Thiskit provides a temporary tire repair allowingyou to drive your vehicle up to 120 mi(200 km) at a maximum speed of 50 mph(80 km/h) to reach a tire service location.
Air compressor (inside)A
Selector switchB
On and off buttonC
Air pressure gaugeD
Sealant bottleE
Dual purpose hose: air and repairF
Tire valve connectorG
Accessory power plugH
Casing/housingI
Bike/raft/sports ball adaptersJ
Pressure release valveK
General Information
WARNING: Failure to follow theseguidelines could result in an increased riskof loss of vehicle control, injury or death.
Note:Do not use the kit if a tire has becomeseverely damaged. Only punctures locatedwithin the tire tread can be sealed with thekit.
Do not attempt to repair punctures largerthan ¼ inch (6 millimeters) or damage to thetire's sidewall. The tire may not seal.
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Loss of air pressure may adversely affect tireperformance. For this reason:
Note:Do not drive the vehicle above 50 mph(80 km/h).
Note:Do not drive further than 120 mi(200 km). Drive only to the closest authorizedLincoln dealer or tire repair shop to haveyour tire inspected.
•Drive carefully and avoid abrupt steeringmaneuvers.
•Periodically monitor tire inflation pressurein the affected tire; if the tire is losingpressure, have the vehicle towed.
•Read the information in the Tips for Useof the Kit section to make sure safeoperation of the kit and your vehicle.
Tips for Use of your TMK
To ensure safe operation of the TMK:
•Read all instructions and cautions fully.
•Do not remove any foreign objects, suchas nails or screws, from the tire.
•Before operating the kit, make sure yourvehicle is safely off the road and awayfrom moving traffic. Turn on the hazardlights.
•Always set the parking brake to ensurethe vehicle doesn't move unexpectedly.
•When using the kit, leave the enginerunning (only if the vehicle is outdoors orin a well-ventilated area) so thecompressor does not drain the vehicle'sbattery.
•Do not allow the compressor to operatecontinuously for more than 15 minutes.This helps prevent the compressor fromoverheating.
•Never leave the kit unattended duringoperation.
•Sealant compound contains latex. Thosewith latex sensitivities should useappropriate precautions to avoid anallergic reaction.
•Keep the kit away from children.
•Only use the kit when the ambienttemperature is between -22°F (-30°C) and158°F (70°C).
•Only use the sealing compound beforethe use-by date. The use-by date is on alabel on the sealant bottle and can beseen through the rectangular viewingwindow on the bottom of the compressorhousing. Check the use-by date regularlyand replace the bottle when the fluid hasexpired.
•Do not store the kit unsecured inside thepassenger compartment of the vehicleas it may cause injury during a suddenstop or crash. Always store the kit in itsoriginal location.
•After sealant use, the tire pressuremonitoring system sensor and valve stemon the wheel must be replaced by anauthorized Lincoln dealer.
•Operating the kit could cause anelectrical disturbance in radio, CD, andDVD player operation.
* When inflation only is required fora tire or other objects, the selectormust be in the Air position.
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What to do when a Tire Is Punctured
A tire puncture within the tire's tread areacan be repaired in two stages with the kit:
•In the first stage, the tire is reinflated witha sealing compound and air. After the tirehas been inflated, you need to drive thevehicle about 3.7 mi (6 km) to distributethe sealant in the tire.
•In the second stage, you need to checkthe tire pressure and adjust, if necessary,to the vehicle's specified tire inflationpressure.
First Stage: Reinflating the Tire withSealing Compound and Air
WARNING: Do not stand directlybeside the tire while the compressor isoperating. This could cause personal injuryif the tire bursts.
Note:If the tire does not inflate to therecommended tire pressure within 15minutes, stop and call roadside assistance.
WARNING: Watch the sidewall of thetire when inflating. If any cracks, bumps orsimilar damage appears, switch thecompressor off and let the air out by meansof the pressure relief valve. Do not continuedriving with this tire. This could cause lossof vehicle control.
WARNING: Do not run the enginewhen operating the air compressor unlessthe vehicle is outdoors or in a well-ventilatedarea.
Preparation: Park the vehicle in a safe, leveland secure area, away from moving traffic.
Turn the hazard lights on. Apply the parkingbrake and turn the engine off. Inspect theflat tire for visible damage.
Sealant compound contains latex. Useappropriate precautions to avoid any allergicreactions.
Do not remove any foreign object that haspierced the tire. If a puncture is located inthe tire sidewall, stop and call roadsideassistance.
1.Remove the valve cap from the tire valve.
2. Unwrap the dual purpose hose (blacktube) from the back of the compressorhousing.
3. Fasten the hose to the tire valve byturning the connector clockwise. Tightenthe connection securely.
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4. Plug the power cable into the 12-voltpower point in the vehicle.
5.Remove the warning sticker found on thecasing/housing and place it on the centerof the steering wheel.
6. Start the vehicle and leave the enginerunning so the compressor does notdrain the vehicle’s battery.
7. Turn dial (A) clockwise to the sealantposition. Turn the kit on by pressing theon/off button (B).
8.Inflate the tire to the pressure shown onthe tire label located on the edge ofdriver’s door or the door jamb area. Forthe first 45-60 seconds when the sealantis being pumped into the tire, the airpressure gauge may indicate a pressurehigher than the label pressure.This isnormal and should be no reason forconcern. The pressure gauge readingindicates the tire inflation pressure afterabout 60 seconds of operation duringthe tire repair process. The final tirepressure should be checked with thecompressor turned OFF in order to getan accurate pressure reading.
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