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 197).
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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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 your preferred speed.
Press the accelerator or brake pedal untilyou reach your preferred speed. Press eitherbutton.
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.
Note:The system remembers the set speed.
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.
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control Off
For vehicles without Speed Limiter,press and release the button whenthe system is in standby mode orswitch the ignition off.
For vehicles with Speed Limiter,press and release the button whenthe system is in standby mode orswitch the ignition off.
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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 116). 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 116).
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
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 110).
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 116). If either conditionpersists for multiple key cycles, see anauthorized dealer.
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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: 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
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime yousubmerge the rear axle in water. 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
WARNING: If your vehicle has asteering wheel lock make sure the ignitionis in the accessory or on position when beingtowed.
You can flat-tow (all wheels on the ground,regardless of the powertrain/transmissionconfiguration) your disabled vehicle (withoutaccess to wheel dollies, car-hauling trailer,or flatbed transport vehicle) under thefollowing conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward so you towit in a forward direction.
•You place the transmission in neutral (N).If you cannot place the transmission inneutral (N), you may need to override thegear shifter. See AutomaticTransmission (page 177).
•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 the vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 136).
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational (RV) towing. An example ofrecreational towing would be towing yourvehicle behind a motorhome. Theseguidelines are to make sure you do notdamage the transmission during towing.
Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L Engine
Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles CANNOTbe flat-towed (all wheels on the ground) asvehicle or transmission damage may occur.You must place the front wheels on atwo-wheel tow dolly. If you are using a towdolly, follow the instructions specified by theequipment provider.
All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles CANNOT beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground), asvehicle or transmission damage may occur.It is recommended to tow your vehicle withall four (4) wheels off the ground such aswhen using a car-hauling trailer. Otherwise,you cannot tow your vehicle.
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Towing