2023 LINCOLN AVIATOR coolant level

Vehicle Range Display
Displays the approximate range your vehicle
can travel with the energy currently onboard.
Estimates vary based on the energy used
when driving.
Changes in driving pattern can cause the
values to not only decrease but also increase
or stay constant for periods of time.
The amount of energy being used when
driving is affected by:
• Mild or aggressive acceleration or
braking.
• Vehicle speed.
• Use of accessories, such as climate
control.
• Ambient temperature and other weather
conditions.
• Driving in a city or on a highway.
• Driving on flat or hilly roads.
• Towing.Note:It is normal for vehicle range estimates
to vary due to changes in average energy
usage. This is why you typically see different
range estimates each time you fill up the fuel
tank or fully charge the battery.
Note:Electric range is lower in cold
temperatures due to reduced energy
capacity in the high voltage battery. Set a
departure time and cabin temperature to
maintain battery temperature for best range
and performance. See Electric Vehicle
Information (page 546).
Gasoline Distance to Empty
Indicates the approximate distance your
vehicle can travel on the fuel remaining in
the tank.
Electric Range
Indicates the approximate distance your
vehicle can travel on electric power only with
the engine off.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
WARNING: Do not remove the
coolant reservoir cap when the engine is
on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10
minutes for the cooling system to cool
down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap with
a thick cloth to prevent the possibility of
scalding and slowly remove the cap.
Failure to follow this instruction could result
in personal injury.
Indicates the engine coolant temperature.
At normal operating temperature, the level
indicator is in the normal range. If the engine
coolant temperature exceeds the normal
range, stop your vehicle as soon as safely
possible, switch off the engine and let the
engine cool.
130
Instrument Cluster

Blind Spot Monitor
E151262
Illuminates when you switch this
feature off or in conjunction with a
message. See Blind Spot
Information System (page 326).
Brake System Warning Lamp
WARNING: Driving your vehicle with
the warning lamp on is dangerous. A
significant decrease in braking
performance may occur. It may take you
longer to stop your vehicle. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Driving extended distances with the
parking brake engaged can cause brake
failure and the risk of personal injury.
Note:Indicators vary depending on region.
This lamp is a dual function lamp and
illuminates when:• You apply the parking brake with the
ignition on.
• Your vehicle has a brake fault or low
brake fluid level, regardless of parking
brake position.
E270480
If the lamp illuminates when you
are moving, you may have the
parking brake applied. Make sure
the parking brake is off. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as
possible if the lamp continues to
illuminate.
Cruise Control
E71340
Illuminates when you switch this
feature on.
Direction Indicator
Illuminates when you switch on the
left-hand or right-hand direction
indicator or the hazard flasher. If
the indicators stay on or flash faster, check
for a burned out bulb. See Changing a Bulb
(page 420).
Distance Alert
E281485
Flashes when your vehicle is
rapidly approaching another
vehicle or a pedestrian within your
driving path. See Pre-Collision Assist (page
337).
Door Ajar
Illuminates when the ignition is on
and any door is not completely
closed.
Electric Park Brake
E270480
Illuminates or flashes when the
electric parking brake has a system
error. See Electric Parking Brake
(page 272).
Engine or Motor Coolant Temperature
Illuminates when your vehicle
coolant temperature is high. Stop
your vehicle as soon as it is safe
to do so. Allow the engine to cool. See
Engine Coolant Check (page 404).
132
Instrument Cluster

Action Message
The brake fluid level is low. Have the system checked immediately. See Brake Fluid Check
(page 409). Brake Fluid Level Low
The brake system needs servicing. Stop the vehicle in a safe place. Have the system checked
as soon as possible. Check Brake System
The engine coolant temperature is excessively high. Have the system checked immediately. Engine Coolant Over Temperature
The washer fluid is low and needs to be refilled. Washer Fluid Level Low
Indicates that your vehicle is still in Transport mode. This may not allow some features to
properly operate. Have the system checked as soon as possible. Transport Mode Contact Dealer
Indicates that your vehicle is still in Factory mode. This may not allow some features to
properly operate. Have the system checked as soon as possible. Factory Mode Contact Dealer
Informs the driver that the powertrain needs service due to a powertrain concern. Have the
system checked as soon as possible. See Manual
The engine has reduced power to help reduce high engine temperature. Power Reduced to Lower Engine Temp
The brake system has reduced stopping power. Brake Applied Power Reduced
The motor electronics are overheating. Stop your vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off
your vehicle and let it cool. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, have the system
checked as soon as possible. Motor Coolant Over Temperature
EV functionality is disabled and the engine is running to maintain oil quality. See Plug-In
Hybrid Vehicle Operation (page 219). Engine ON Due to Low Use Normal Operation
155
Information Displays

AUTO-START-STOP - EXCLUDING:
PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC
VEHICLE (PHEV)
The system helps reduce fuel consumption
by automatically stopping and restarting the
engine when your vehicle has stopped. The
engine restarts automatically when you
release the brake pedal.
In some situations, your vehicle may restart
automatically, for example:
• To maintain interior comfort.
• To recharge the battery.
Note:Power assist steering turns off when
the engine is off.
Note:If your vehicle is flex fuel capable,
Auto-Start-Stop will be inhibited for a short
time after a refuel event while the system is
verifying the fuel type being used.
WARNING: Apply the parking brake,
shift into park (P), switch the ignition off
and remove the key before you leave your
vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in personal injury or death.
WARNING: Apply the parking brake,
shift into park (P), switch the ignition off
and remove the key before you open the
hood or have any service or repair work
completed. If you do not switch the ignition
off, the engine could restart at any time.
Failure to follow this instruction could result
in personal injury or death.
WARNING: The system may require
the engine to automatically restart when
the auto-start-stop indicator illuminates
green or flashes amber. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in personal
injury.
The Auto-Start-Stop system status is
available at a glance within the information
display. See Information Displays (page
136).
Enabling Auto-Start-Stop
The system automatically enables every time
you start your vehicle if:
• Your vehicle exceeds an initial speed of
3 mph (5 km/h) after you have initially
started your vehicle.
• You have stopped your vehicle.
• Your foot is on the brake pedal.
• The driver door is closed.
• The interior compartment has cooled or
warmed to an acceptable level.
• The front windshield defroster is off.
• You have not turned the steering wheel
rapidly or you do not have it at a sharp
angle.
• The vehicle is not on a steep road grade.
• The battery is within optimal operating
conditions (battery state of charge and
temperature in range).
• The engine coolant is near operating
temperature.
• Elevation is below about 12,000 ft
(3,650 m).
• Ambient temperature is moderate.
215
Unique Driving Characteristics

REDUCED ENGINE PERFORMANCE
WARNING: If you continue to drive
your vehicle when the engine is
overheating, the engine could stop without
warning. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge
needle moves to the upper limit position, the
engine is overheating. See Gauges (page
128).
You must only drive your vehicle for a short
distance if the engine overheats. The
distance you can travel depends on ambient
temperature, vehicle load and terrain. The
engine continues to operate with limited
power for a short period of time.
If the engine temperature continues to rise,
the fuel supply to the engine reduces. The
air conditioning switches off and the engine
cooling fan operates continually.1. Gradually reduce your speed and stop
your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.
2. Immediately switch the engine off to
prevent severe engine damage.
3. Wait for the engine to cool down.
4. Check the coolant level. See Engine
Coolant Check (page 404).
5. Have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible.
COLD WEATHER PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of some
components and systems can be affected at
temperatures below approximately -13°F
(-25°C).
BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for
approximately 300 mi (480 km). During this
time, your vehicle may exhibit some unusual
driving characteristics.
DRIVING ECONOMICALLY
The following helps to improve fuel
consumption:
• Drive smoothly, accelerate gently and
anticipate the road ahead to avoid heavy
braking.
• Regularly check your tire pressures and
make sure that they are inflated to the
correct pressure.
• Follow the recommended maintenance
schedule and carry out the
recommended checks.
• Plan your journey and check the traffic
before you set off. It is more efficient to
combine errands into a single trip
whenever possible.
• Avoid idling the engine in cold weather
or for extended periods. Start the engine
only when you are ready to set off.
• Do not carry unnecessary weight in your
vehicle as extra weight wastes fuel.
361
Driving Hints

Brake fluid reservoir. See Brake Fluid Check (page 409). D
Engine compartment fuse box. See Fuses (page 382). E
Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 404). F
Air filter assembly. See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 402). G
Washer fluid reservoir. See Washer Fluid Check (page 417). H
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
E250320E250320
Minimum. A
Nominal. B
Maximum. C
ENGINE OIL CHECK
1. Make sure that your vehicle is on level
ground.
2. Check the oil before starting the engine
or switch the engine off and wait 10
minutes for the oil to drain into the oil
pan.
3. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a
clean, lint-free cloth.
4. Reinstall the dipstick and make sure it is
fully seated. Remove it again to check
the oil level.
5. If the oil level is between the maximum
and minimum marks, the oil level is
acceptable. Do not add oil.6. If the oil level is at the minimum mark,
immediately add oil.
7. Reinstall the dipstick. Make sure it is fully
seated.
Note:The oil consumption of new engines
reaches its normal level after approximately
3,000 mi (5,000 km).
Adding Engine Oil
WARNING: Do not remove the filler
cap when the engine is running.
WARNING: Do not add engine oil
when the engine is hot. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in personal
injury.
401
Maintenance

ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
WARNING: Do not remove the
coolant reservoir cap when the engine is
on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10
minutes for the cooling system to cool
down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap with
a thick cloth to prevent the possibility of
scalding and slowly remove the cap.
Failure to follow this instruction could result
in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not put coolant in the
windshield washer reservoir. If sprayed on
the windshield, coolant could make it
difficult to see through the windshield.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
personal injury, make sure the engine is
cool before unscrewing the coolant
pressure relief cap. The cooling system is
under pressure. Steam and hot liquid can
come out forcefully when you loosen the
cap slightly.When the engine is cold, check the
concentration and level of the coolant at the
intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance
information. See Scheduled Maintenance
(page 579).
Note:Make sure that the coolant level is
between the MIN and the MAX marks on
the coolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. The
level may extend beyond the MAX mark.
Maintain coolant concentration within 48%
to 50%, which equates to a freeze point
between -29°F (-34°C) and -35°F (-37°C).
Coolant concentration should be checked
using a refractometer. We do not recommend
the use of hydrometers or coolant test strips
for measuring coolant concentration.Adding Coolant
WARNING: Do not add coolant
further than the MAX mark.
WARNING: Do not add coolant when
the vehicle is on or the cooling system is
hot. Failure to follow this instruction could
result in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not remove the
coolant reservoir cap when the engine is
on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10
minutes for the cooling system to cool
down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap with
a thick cloth to prevent the possibility of
scalding and slowly remove the cap.
Failure to follow this instruction could result
in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not put coolant in the
windshield washer reservoir. If sprayed on
the windshield, coolant could make it
difficult to see through the windshield.
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling
system sealants, or non-specified additives
as they can cause damage to the engine
cooling or heating systems. Resulting
component damage may not be covered by
the vehicle Warranty.
404
Maintenance

Note:Automotive fluids are not
interchangeable.
It is very important to use prediluted coolant
approved to the correct specification in order
to avoid plugging the small passageways in
the engine cooling system. See Capacities
and Specifications (page 460). Do not mix
different colors or types of coolant in your
vehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or using
an incorrect coolant may harm the engine or
cooling system components and may not be
covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note:If prediluted coolant is not available,
use the approved concentrated coolant
diluting it to 50/50 with distilled water. See
Capacities and Specifications (page 460).
Using water that has not been deionised
may contribute to deposit formation,
corrosion and plugging of the small cooling
system passageways.
Note: Coolants marketed for all makes and
models may not be approved to our
specifications and may cause damage to
the cooling system. Resulting component
damage may not be covered by the vehicle
Warranty.If the coolant level is at or below the
minimum mark, add prediluted coolant
immediately.
To top up the coolant level do the following:
1. Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure
escapes as you unscrew the cap.
2. Add prediluted coolant approved to the
correct specification. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 460).
3. Add enough prediluted coolant to reach
the correct level.
4. Replace the coolant reservoir cap. Turn
the cap clockwise until it contacts the
hard stop.
5. Check the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir the next few times you drive
your vehicle. If necessary, add enough
prediluted engine coolant to bring the
coolant level to the correct level.
If you have to add more than 1.1 qt (1 L) of
engine coolant per month, have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible. Operating an
engine with a low level of coolant can result
in engine overheating and possible engine
damage.In case of emergency, you can add a large
amount of water without engine coolant in
order to reach a vehicle service location. In
this instance, qualified personnel:
1. Must drain the cooling system.
2. Chemically clean the coolant system.
3. Refill with engine coolant as soon as
possible.
Water alone, without engine coolant, can
cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
Do not use the following as a coolant
substitute:
• Alcohol.
• Methanol.
• Brine.
• Any coolant mixed with alcohol or
methanol antifreeze.
Alcohol and other liquids can cause engine
damage from overheating or freezing.
Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to
the coolant. These can be harmful and
compromise the corrosion protection of the
coolant.
405
Maintenance