Page 241 of 561

The system is designed to detect vehicles
that may have entered the blind spot zone
(A). The detection area is on both sides of
your vehicle, extending rearward from the
exterior mirrors to approximately 13 ft (4 m)
beyond the rear bumper.
Note: The system does not prevent contact
with other vehicles. It is not designed to
detect parked vehicles, pedestrians, animals
or other infrastructures.
Using the Blind Spot Information
System
Vehicles with Automatic Transmission
The system turns on when all of the following
occur:
• You start your vehicle.
• You shift into drive (D).
• The vehicle speed is greater than
6 mph
(10 km/h).
Note: The system does not operate in park
(P) or reverse (R). Vehicles with Manual Transmission
The system turns on when all of the following
occur:
•
You start your vehicle.
• The vehicle speed is greater than
6 mph
(10 km/h).
Note: The system does not operate in
reverse (R).
System Lights and Messages When the system detects a vehicle, an alert
indicator illuminates in the exterior mirror on
the side the approaching vehicle is coming
from. If you turn the direction indicator on for
that side of your vehicle, the alert indicator
flashes.
Note:
The system may not alert you if a
vehicle quickly passes through the detection
zone.
Blocked Sensors The sensors are behind the rear bumper on
both sides of your vehicle.
Note:
Keep the sensors free from snow, ice
and large accumulations of dirt.
Note: Do not cover the sensors with bumper
stickers, repair compound or other objects.
238
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201905, Second-Printing Driving AidsE142442 E205199
Page 242 of 561

Note:
Blocked sensors could affect system
performance.
If the sensors are blocked, a message may
appear in the information display. See
Information Messages (page 115). The alert
indicators remain illuminated but the system
does not alert you.
System Errors
If the system detects a fault, a warning lamp
illuminates and a message displays.
See
Information Messages (page 115).
Switching the System Off and On
You can switch the system off using the
information display.
See General
Information (page 109). When you switch the
system off, a warning lamp illuminates and
a message displays. When you switch the
system on or off, the alert indicators flash
twice.
Note: The system remembers the last setting
when you start your vehicle. Note:
The system may not correctly operate
when towing a trailer. For vehicles with a
trailer tow module and tow bar approved by
us, the system turns off when you attach a
trailer. For vehicles with an aftermarket
trailer tow module or tow bar, we
recommend that you switch the system off
when 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
traffic alert system as a replacement for
using the interior and exterior mirrors or
looking over your shoulder before
reversing out of a parking space. The cross
traffic alert system is not a replacement for
careful driving. WARNING:
The system may not
operate properly during severe weather
conditions, for example snow, ice, heavy
rain and spray. Always drive with due care
and attention. Failure to take care may
result in a crash.
The system alerts you of vehicles
approaching from the sides behind your
vehicle when you shift into reverse (R).
Using Cross Traffic Alert
The system detects vehicles that approach
at a speed between
4 mph (6 km/h) and
37 mph (60 km/h). Coverage decreases when
the sensors are partially, mostly or fully
obstructed. Slowly reversing helps increase
the coverage area and effectiveness.
The system turns on when you start the
engine and you shift into reverse (R). The
system turns off when you shift out of reverse
(R).
239
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201905, Second-Printing Driving Aids
Page 243 of 561
The sensor on the left-hand side is only
partially obstructed and zone coverage on
the right-hand side is maximized.
240
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201905, Second-Printing Driving AidsE142440
Page 244 of 561
Zone coverage also decreases when parking
at narrow angles. The sensor on the left-hand
side is mostly obstructed and zone coverage
on that side is severely reduced.
241
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201905, Second-Printing Driving AidsE142441
Page 245 of 561

Cross Traffic Alert System Sensors
The sensors are behind the rear bumper on
both sides of your vehicle.
Note:
Keep the sensors free from snow, ice
and large accumulations of dirt.
Note: Do not cover the sensors with bumper
stickers, repair compound or other objects.
Note: Blocked sensors could affect system
performance.
If the sensors are blocked, a message may
appear in the information display when you
shift into reverse (R). Cross Traffic Alert System Limitations
The system may not correctly operate when
any of the following occur:
•
The sensors are blocked.
• Adjacently parked vehicles or objects are
obstructing the sensors.
• Vehicles approach at speeds less than
4 mph (6 km/h) or greater than 37 mph
(60 km/h).
• The vehicle speed is greater than 7 mph
(12 km/h)
.
• You reverse out of an angled parking
space.
Cross Traffic Alert Behavior When
Trailer is Attached
Note: The system may not correctly operate
when towing a trailer. For vehicles with an
approved trailer tow module and tow bar,
the system turns off when you attach a
trailer. For vehicles with an aftermarket
trailer tow module or tow bar, we
recommend that you switch the system off
when you attach a trailer. Cross traffic alert remains on when you
attach a trailer in vehicles that come with
blind spot information system with trailer tow
under the following conditions:
•
You connect a trailer.
• The trailer is a bike rack or cargo rack
with a maximum length of
3 ft (1 m).
• You set the trailer length to
3 ft (1 m) in
the information display.
See
Blind Spot Information System (page
237).
Switching the System On and Off
To switch the system on or off, adjust the
setting. Depending on your vehicle options,
the setting could be in the following:
• Information display.
See General
Information (page 109).
• Touchscreen.
See Settings (page 451).
Note: The system turns on every time you
switch the ignition on. To permanently switch
the system off, contact an authorized dealer.
242
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201905, Second-Printing Driving AidsE205199
Page 246 of 561

Cross Traffic Alert Indicator
When the system detects an
approaching vehicle, a tone
sounds, a warning lamp illuminates
in the relevant exterior mirror and arrows
appear in the information display to show
which side the approaching vehicle is coming
from. Note:
If arrows do not display, a message
appears in the information display.
If the system malfunctions, a warning lamp
illuminates in the instrument cluster and a
message appears in the information display.
Have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible. Note:
In exceptional conditions, the system
could alert you, even when there is nothing
in the detection zone, for example a vehicle
passing further away from your vehicle.
Cross Traffic Alert Information Messages Action
Message
Displays instead of indication arrows when the system detects a vehicle. Check for approaching
traffic.
Cross Traffic Alert
Indicates blocked cross traffic alert system sensors. Clean the sensors. If the message\
continues
to appear, have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Cross Traffic Not Available Sensor
Blocked See Manual
The system has malfunctioned. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Cross Traffic System Fault
Displays if you attach a trailer to your vehicle.
Cross Traffic Alert Deactivated Trailer
Attached
243
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201905, Second-Printing Driving AidsE268294
Page 247 of 561

STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING: The electric power
steering system has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system. If a fault
is detected, a message displays in the
information display. Stop your vehicle as
soon as it is safe to do so. Switch the
ignition off. After at least 10 seconds,
switch the ignition on and watch the
information display for a steering system
warning message. If a steering system
warning message returns, have the system
checked as soon as possible. WARNING:
If the system detects an
error, you may not feel a difference in the
steering, however a serious condition may
exist. Have your vehicle checked as soon
as possible. Failure to do so may result in
loss of steering control.
Your vehicle has an electric power steering
system, there is no fluid reservoir, no
maintenance is required. If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving, electric power steering
assistance is lost. The steering system still
operates and you can steer your vehicle
manually. Manually steering your vehicle
requires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increase
the effort required for you to steer your
vehicle, this increased effort prevents
overheating and permanent damage to the
steering system. You do not lose the ability
to steer your vehicle manually. Typical
steering and driving maneuvers allow the
system to cool and return to normal
operation.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•
Correct tire pressures.
• Uneven tire wear.
• Loose or worn suspension components.
• Loose or worn steering components.
• Improper vehicle alignment. Note:
A high crown in the road or high
crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander or pull.
Adaptive Learning
(If Equipped)
The electronic power steering system
adaptive learning helps correct road
irregularities and improves overall handling
and steering feel. It communicates with the
brake system to help operate advanced
stability control and accident avoidance
systems. Additionally, whenever the battery
is disconnected or a new battery installed,
you must drive your vehicle a short distance
before the system relearns the strategy and
reactivates all systems.
244
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201905, Second-Printing Driving Aids
Page 248 of 561

PRE-COLLISION ASSIST
WARNING: You are responsible for
controlling your vehicle at all times. The
system is designed to be an aid and does
not relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle, personal
injury or death. WARNING:
The system does not
detect vehicles that are driving in a
different direction, pedestrians at night,
cyclists or animals. Failure to take care may
result in the loss of control of your vehicle,
serious personal injury or death. WARNING:
The system does not
operate during hard acceleration or
steering. Failure to take care may lead to
a crash or personal injury. WARNING:
The system may fail or
operate with reduced function during cold
and severe weather conditions. Snow, ice,
rain, spray and fog can adversely affect the
system. Keep the front camera and radar
free of snow and ice. Failure to take care
may result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, serious personal injury or death. WARNING:
In situations where the
vehicle camera has limited detection
capability, this may reduce system
performance. These situations include but
are not limited to direct or low sunlight,
vehicles at night without tail lights,
unconventional vehicle types, pedestrians
with complex backgrounds, running
pedestrians, partly obscured pedestrians,
or pedestrians that the system cannot
distinguish from a group. Failure to take
care may result in the loss of control of
your vehicle, serious personal injury or
death. WARNING:
The system cannot help
prevent all crashes. Do not rely on this
system to replace driver judgment and the
need to maintain a safe distance and
speed.
Using the Pre-Collision Assist System
The Pre-Collision Assist system is active at
speeds above approximately 3 mph (5 km/h)
and pedestrian detection is active at speeds
up to
50 mph (80 km/h). If your vehicle is rapidly approaching another
stationary vehicle, a vehicle traveling in the
same direction as yours, or a pedestrian
within your driving path, the system is
designed to provide three levels of
functionality:
1. Alert
2. Brake Support
3. Active Braking
245
MKZ (CC9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201905, Second-Printing Driving AidsE156130