
If the service engine soon indicator remainson, have your vehicle serviced at the firstavailable opportunity. Although somemalfunctions detected by the OBD-II may nothave symptoms that are apparent, continueddriving with the service engine soon indicatoron can result in increased emissions, lowerfuel economy, reduced engine andtransmission smoothness and lead to morecostly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection andMaintenance (I/M) Testing
Some state and provincial and localgovernments may haveInspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs toinspect the emission control equipment onyour vehicle. Failure to pass this inspectioncould prevent you from getting a vehicleregistration.
If the service engine soon indicatoris on or the bulb does not work,your vehicle may need service.See On-Board Diagnostics.
Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test if theservice engine soon indicator is on or notworking properly (bulb is burned out), or ifthe OBD-II system has determined that someof the emission control systems have notbeen properly checked. In this case, thevehicle is not ready for I/M testing.
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission hasjust been serviced, or the battery hasrecently run down or been replaced, theOBD-II system may indicate that the vehicleis not ready for I/M testing. To determine ifthe vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn theignition key to the on position for 15 secondswithout cranking the engine. If the serviceengine soon indicator blinks eight times, itmeans that the vehicle is not ready for I/Mtesting; if the service engine soon indicatorstays on solid, it means that your vehicle isready for I/M testing.
The OBD-II system checks the emissioncontrol system during normal driving. Acomplete check may take several days.
If the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, youcan perform the following driving cycleconsisting of mixed city and highway driving:
1. 15 minutes of steady driving on anexpressway or highway followed by 20minutes of stop-and-go driving with atleast four 30-second idle periods.
2.Allow your vehicle to sit for at least eighthours with the ignition off. Then, start thevehicle and complete the above drivingcycle. The vehicle must warm up to itsnormal operating temperature. Oncestarted, do not turn off the vehicle untilthe above driving cycle is complete.
If the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing,you need to repeat the above driving cycle.
176
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201805, First-Printing
Engine Emission Control

Note:If you attempt to leave your vehiclewhile it is in gear, the vehicle willautomatically shift into park (P). Safety beltand door monitors determine your intent andmake the shift for you. During this time, amessage will appear in the informationdisplay screen prompting you to make theshift. See Information Messages (page 116).
Note:To put your vehicle in gear with thedoor open, perform steps 1-4. See theAutomatic Return to Park section in thischapter for more information on this feature.
Park (P)
With the transmission in park (P), your vehiclelocks the transmission and prevents the frontwheels from turning. Always come to acomplete stop before putting your vehicleinto and out of park (P). An audible chimesounds once you select park (P).
When the ignition is turned off, the vehiclewill automatically shift into park (P). If theignition is turned off while the vehicle ismoving, it will first shift into neutral (N) untila slow enough speed is reached. The vehiclewill then shift into park (P) automatically.
Automatic Return to Park
Note:This feature will not operate when yourvehicle is in Stay in Neutral mode or neutraltow.
Your vehicle has a safety feature that willautomatically shift your vehicle into park (P)when any of the following conditions occur:
•You turn the ignition off
•You open the driver's door with yoursafety belt unlatched
•Your safety belt is unlatched while thedriver's door is open
If you turn the ignition off while your vehicleis moving, your vehicle will first shift intoneutral (N) until it slows down enough to shiftinto park (P) automatically.
Note:If you have waited an extended periodof time, (2-15 minutes) before starting yourvehicle, unlatching your safety belt will causethis feature to activate, even with the driver'sdoor closed.
Note:This feature may not work properly ifthe door ajar switch is malfunctioning. If yourdoor ajar indicator does not illuminate whenyou open the driver’s door or the indicatorilluminates with the driver’s door closed. Seeyour authorized dealer.
Reverse (R)
With the transmission in reverse (R), yourvehicle will move backward. Always cometo a complete stop before shifting into andout of reverse (R).
Neutral (N)
With the transmission in neutral (N), you canstart your vehicle and it is free to roll. Holdthe brake pedal down while in this position.
Stay in Neutral mode
Stay in Neutral mode allows your vehicle tostay in neutral (N) when you exit the vehicle.Your vehicle must be stationary to enter thismode.
To enter Stay in Neutral mode:
1. Press the neutral (N) button on yourshifter assembly.
178
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

All-Wheel Drive Messages
Action / DescriptionAWD Messages
Displays when the system automatically disables to protect itself. Thismay be caused by operating the vehicle with the compact tire installed,if the system is overheating or if there is an issue with another vehiclesystem preventing AWD operation. The system resumes normaloperation and clears this message after cycling the ignition on andoff and driving a short distance with the road tire re-installed, afterthe system is allowed to cool or after the other vehicle system issuesare resolved.
AWD OFF
Displays in conjunction with the powertrain malfunction or reducedpower light when the system is not operating properly. If the messagestays on or continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer assoon as possible.
AWD Malfunction Service Required
184
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)

acceleration or braking which could resultin an increased risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover and/or personalinjury. Use all available road surface toreturn the vehicle to a safe direction oftravel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoidskidding the tires and do not attempt anysharp steering wheel movements.
•If the vehicle goes from one type ofsurface to another (that is, from concreteto gravel) there will be a change in theway the vehicle responds to a maneuver(steering, acceleration or braking). Again,avoid these abrupt inputs.
Sand
Most of the time traction control improvestire traction by managing wheel slip throughBrake, Engine, and AWD calibrations.However, during low speed driving, disablingtraction control in deep sand can help keepthe wheels moving to maintain vehiclemomentum.
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shiftto a lower gear and drive steadily throughthe terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly andavoid spinning the wheels.
Do not drive your vehicle in deep sand foran extended period of time. This could causethe AWD system to overheat and default tofront-wheel drive. If this occurs, an AWD OFFmessage displays in the information display.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 turns off and normalAWD function returns. In the event theengine is not stopped, the AWD OFFmessage turns off when the system coolsand normal AWD function returns.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sandunder high outside temperatures, use L (Low)gear when possible. L (Low) gear operationwill maximize the engine and transmissioncooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/Cmay cycle on and off to protect overheatingof the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehiclemomentum can work against you and causethe vehicle to become stuck to the point thatassistance may be required from anothervehicle. Remember, you may be able to backout the way you came if you proceed withcaution.
Mud and Water
If you must drive through high water, driveslowly. Traction or brake capability may belimited.
When driving through water, determine thedepth; avoid water higher than the bottomof the wheel rims (for cars) or the bottom ofthe hubs (for trucks) (if possible) and proceedslowly. If the ignition system gets wet, thevehicle may stall.
187
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