warning LINCOLN AVIATOR 2023 Owners Manual

USING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
WARNING: Vehicles with a higher
center of gravity (utility and four-wheel
drive vehicles) handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity
(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,
excessive speed and abrupt steering in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously
increases the risk of losing control of your
vehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death.
WARNING: Do not become
overconfident in the ability of all-wheel
drive vehicles. Although an all-wheel drive
vehicle may accelerate better than a
two-wheel drive vehicle in low traction
situations, it won't stop any faster than
two-wheel drive vehicles. Always drive at
a safe speed.The intelligent AWD system continuously
monitors vehicle conditions and adjusts the
power distribution between the front and
rear wheels. It combines transparent
all-surface operation with highly capable
all-wheel drive.
The AWD system is always active and
requires no driver input. It is capable of
handling all road conditions including street
and highway driving as well as off-road and
winter driving. You can optimize more AWD
control by selecting different drive modes.
See Selecting a Drive Mode (page 343).
Note:A warning message displays in the
information display when an AWD system
fault is present. See Information Messages
(page 142). A AWD system fault causes the
AWD system to default to rear-wheel drive
only mode. When this warning message
displays, have your vehicle serviced.Note:A warning message displays in the
information display if the AWD system
overheats. See Information Messages
(page 142). This condition could occur if you
operate your vehicle in extreme conditions
with excessive wheel slip, such as deep
sand. To resume normal AWD function as
soon as possible, stop the vehicle in a safe
location and stop the engine for at least 10
minutes. After you restart the engine and the
AWD system adequately cools, the warning
message turns off and normal AWD function
returns.Operating All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Vehicles With Spare Tires
Do not use a different size spare tire other
than the tire provided. If the mini-spare tire
is installed, the AWD system will disable and
enter rear-wheel drive only mode to protect
driveline components. Some limited AWD
traction could be provided if the mini-spare
is installed on one of the front wheels. If you
are in driving conditions where limited AWD
traction is needed while the mini-spare is
installed, it is recommended the mini-spare
be installed on the front axle.
264
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

If the mini-spare is installed, this condition is
indicated by a warning in the information
display.
The slip response system could activate if
the mini spare is installed on the front
wheels. If the mini spare was installed on the
rear wheels the slip response system will
fully disable. In situations where there is a
wintery mix or an off road situation, and you
need to use a mini spare, you must install
the mini spare in the front tire position and
move a full size tire to the rear tire position
for the slip response system to function.
Operating ALL-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Vehicles with Mismatched Tires
WARNING: Only use replacement
tires and wheels that are the same size,
load index, speed rating, and type as those
originally provided for your vehicle. The
recommended tire and wheel sizes can be
found on the Tire Label on the driver side
door frame or the edge of the driver door.
If this information is not found in those
locations, or for additional options, contact
your authorized dealer. Use of any tire or
wheel not recommended, could affect the
safety and performance of your vehicle,
which could result in an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death.
Major dissimilar tire sizes between the front
and rear axles (for example, 17 inch low
profile tires on the front axle and 22 inch high
profile tires on the rear axle) could cause the
AWD system to stop functioning and default
to rear-wheel drive or damage the AWD
system.
For optimum AWD Performance, it is
recommended to follow the tire rotation
maintenance schedule. To avoid potential
AWD malfunction or AWD system damage,
it is recommended to replace all four tires
rather than mixing significantly worn tires
with new tires. For example, using 3 worn
tread tires and 1 new tread tire all of the same
original tire size/brand, can be tolerated by
the AWD system as long as the worn tires
still have usable tread depth.How Your Vehicle Differs from Other
Vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from
some other vehicles. Your vehicle could be
higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain
without getting hung up or damaging
underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so
versatile also make it handle differently than
an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times,
especially in rough terrain. Since sudden
changes in terrain can result in abrupt
steering wheel motion, make sure you grip
the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage
from concealed objects such as rocks and
stumps.
265
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
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: If the parking brake is
fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not
be working properly. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
WARNING: Do not spin the wheels
at over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it
could be rocked out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
It could be beneficial to disengage Traction
Control while attempting to rock the vehicle.Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission could occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more than
a few minutes or damage to the transmission
and tires could occur or the engine could
overheat.
Emergency Maneuvers
• In an unavoidable emergency situation
where a sudden sharp turn must be
made, remember to avoid "over-driving"
your vehicle (i.e., turn the steering wheel
only as rapidly and as far as required to
avoid the emergency). Excessive steering
can result in less vehicle control, not
more. Additionally, smooth variations of
the accelerator and/or brake pedal
pressure should be utilized if changes in
vehicle speed are called for. Avoid abruptsteering, acceleration or braking which
could result in an increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and/or
personal injury. Use all available road
surface to return the vehicle to a safe
direction of travel.
• In the event of an emergency stop, avoid
skidding the tires and do not attempt any
sharp steering wheel movements.
• If the vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another (i.e., from concrete to
gravel) there is a change in the way the
vehicle responds to a maneuver
(steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift
to a lower gear and drive steadily through
the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly and
avoid spinning the wheels.
267
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in
a lower gear rather than downshifting to a
lower gear from a higher gear once the
ascent has started. This reduces strain on
the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turn around
because you might roll over. It is better to
back down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power can cause
the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting
in loss of vehicle control.Descend a hill in the same gear you would
use to climb up the hill to avoid excessive
brake application and brake overheating. Do
not descend in neutral; instead, disengage
overdrive or manually shift to a lower gear.
When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden
hard braking as you could lose control. The
front wheels have to be turning in order to
steer the vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore
apply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump” the
brakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING: If you are driving in
slippery conditions that require tire chains
or cables, then it is critical that you drive
cautiously. Keep speeds down, allow for
longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances
of a loss of vehicle control which can lead
to serious injury or death. If the rear end
of your vehicle slides while cornering, steer
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control of your vehicle.Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause
driveline damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD
vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like
any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on
snowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheel
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and
quick changes of direction on snow and ice.
Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily
when starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an
AWD vehicle could accelerate better than a
two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it
will not stop any faster, because as in other
vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels.
Do not become overconfident as to road
conditions.
269
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note: Occasional brake noise is normal. If
a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or
continuous squeal sound is present, the
brake linings may be worn. Have your
vehicle checked. If your vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the
steering wheel when braking, have your
vehicle checked.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels, even under normal driving
conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the
brakes wear and does not contribute to
brake noise. Wet brakes result in reduced
braking efficiency. Gently press the brake
pedal a few times when driving from a car
wash or standing water to dry the brakes.
See Cleaning the Wheels (page 427).
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal becomes
stuck or entrapped, apply steady and firm
pressure to the brake pedal to slow the
vehicle and reduce engine power. If you
experience this condition, apply the brakes
and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Move
the transmission to park (P), switch the
engine off and apply the parking brake.
Inspect the accelerator pedal for any
interference. If none are found and the
condition persists, have your vehicle
checked. If your vehicle has to be towed,
we recommend that you contact a
professional towing service.
Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency brake assist detects when you
brake heavily by measuring the rate at which
you press the brake pedal. It provides
maximum braking efficiency as long as you
press the pedal. Emergency brake assist
can reduce stopping distances in critical
situations.Note:Depending on applicable laws and
regulations in the country for which your
vehicle was originally built, your brake lamps
may flash during heavy braking. Following
this, your hazard lights may also flash when
your vehicle comes to a stop.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steering
control during emergency stops by keeping
the brakes from locking.
This lamp illuminates momentarily
when you switch the ignition on to
confirm the lamp is functional.
If the warning lamp does not illuminate
during start up, remains on or flashes, the
system may be disabled. Have the system
checked. If the anti-lock brake system is
disabled, normal braking is still operational.
See Warning Lamps and Indicators (page
131).
Note:Indicators vary depending on region.
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Brakes

E270480
This lamp illuminates momentarily
when you switch the ignition on to
confirm the lamp is functional. If it
does not illuminate when you
switch the ignition on, or if it begins
to flash at any time except the time
during applying or releasing the parking
brake, have the system checked.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-
LOCK BRAKES
The anti-lock brake system does not
eliminate the risks when:
• You drive too closely to the vehicle in
front of you.
• Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
• You take corners too fast.
• The road surface is poor.
Note: If the system activates, the brake
pedal could pulse and may travel further.
Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You
may also hear a noise from the system. This
is normal.
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
WARNING: Apply the parking brake
and shift into park (P) before leaving your
vehicle.
WARNING: If you drive extended
distances with the parking brake applied,
you could cause damage to the brake
system.
WARNING: The electric parking
brake does not operate if the vehicle
battery has run out of charge.
Your vehicle has an electric parking brake.
You operate it with a switch instead of a
lever. The switch is on the center console or
to the left-hand side of the steering wheel,
on the lower part of the instrument panel.
Note:The electric parking brake makes
noises during operation. This is normal.
Applying the Electric Parking Brake
E267156Pull the switch up.
E270480
The red warning lamp flashes
during operation and illuminates
when the parking brake is applied.
Note:It remains illuminated for a short
period of time after you switch the ignition
off.
If it continues to flash or does not illuminate,
the system has malfunctioned. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Note:You can apply the electric parking
brake when the ignition is off.
Note:If you shift your vehicle into park (P)
on a slope and the transmission cannot
securely hold the vehicle, the electric parking
brake automatically applies. See
Transmission (page 259).
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Brakes

Applying the Electric Parking Brake in an
Emergency
Note:Do not apply the electric parking brake
when your vehicle is moving, except in an
emergency. If you repeatedly use the electric
parking brake to slow or stop your vehicle,
you could cause damage to the brake
system.
You can use the electric parking brake to
slow or stop your vehicle in an emergency.
E267156Pull the switch up and hold it.
E270480
The red warning lamp illuminates,
a tone sounds and the stoplamps
turn on.
The electric parking brake continues to slow
your vehicle down unless you release the
switch.
Manually Releasing the Electric Parking
Brake
Switch the ignition on.Press and hold the brake pedal.
E267156Push the switch down.
E270480
The red warning lamp turns off.
If it remains illuminated or flashes, the system
has malfunctioned. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
Pulling Away on a Hill When Towing a
Trailer
Press and hold the brake pedal.
E267156Pull the switch up and hold it.
Shift into gear.
Press the accelerator pedal until the engine
has developed sufficient torque to prevent
your vehicle from rolling down the hill.
E267156Release the switch and pull away
in a normal manner.
Automatically Releasing the Electric
Parking Brake
Close the driver door.
Shift into gear.
Press the accelerator pedal and pull away in
a normal manner.
E270480
The red warning lamp turns off.
If it remains illuminated or flashes, the electric
parking brake has not released. Manually
release the parking brake.
Releasing the Electric Parking Brake if
the Vehicle Battery is Running Out of
Charge
Connect a booster battery to the vehicle
battery to release the electric parking brake
if the vehicle battery is running out of charge.
See Jump Starting the Vehicle (page 366).
273
Brakes

HILL START ASSIST
WARNING: The system does not
replace the parking brake. When you leave
your vehicle, always apply the parking
brake.
WARNING: You must remain in your
vehicle when the system turns on. At all
times, you are responsible for controlling
your vehicle, supervising the system and
intervening, if required. Failure to take care
may result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, serious personal injury or death.
WARNING: The system will turn off
if a malfunction is apparent or if you rev
the engine excessively. Failure to take care
may result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, serious personal injury or death.
The system makes it easier to pull away
when your vehicle is on a slope without the
need to use the parking brake.When the system is active, your vehicle
remains stationary on the slope for two to
three seconds after you release the brake
pedal. This allows time to move your foot
from the brake to the accelerator pedal. The
system releases the brakes automatically
once the engine has developed sufficient
torque to prevent your vehicle from rolling
down the slope. This is an advantage when
pulling away on a slope, for example from a
car park ramp, traffic lights or when reversing
uphill into a parking space.
The system activates on any slope that
causes your vehicle to roll.
Note:There is no warning light to indicate
the system is either on or off.
Using Hill Start Assist
1. Press the brake pedal to bring your
vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep the
brake pedal pressed and shift into first
gear when facing uphill or reverse (R)
when facing downhill.
2. If the sensors detect that your vehicle is
on a slope, the system activates
automatically.3. When you remove your foot from the
brake pedal, your vehicle remains on the
slope without rolling away for about two
to three seconds. This hold time
automatically extends if you are in the
process of driving off.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. The
system releases the brakes automatically.
Note:When you remove your foot from the
brake pedal and press the pedal again when
the system is active, you will experience
significantly reduced brake pedal travel. This
is normal.
Switching the System On and Off
Vehicles with Manual Transmission
You can switch this feature on or off in the
information display. The system remembers
the last setting when you start your vehicle.
Vehicles with Automatic Transmission
You cannot turn the system on or off. When
you switch the ignition on, the system
automatically turns on.
274
Brakes

AUTO HOLD
WARNING: The system does not
replace the parking brake. When you leave
your vehicle, always apply the parking
brake.
WARNING: You must remain in your
vehicle when the system turns on. At all
times, you are responsible for controlling
your vehicle, supervising the system and
intervening, if required. Failure to take care
may result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, serious personal injury or death.
WARNING: The system turns off if
there is a malfunction or if you excessively
rev the engine.
The system is designed to apply the brakes
to hold your vehicle at a standstill after you
stop your vehicle and release the brake
pedal. This could be beneficial in certain
situations, for example when waiting on a hill
or in traffic.
Switching Auto Hold On and Off
E287975
Press the button in the instrument
panel to access the Auto Hold
feature on the touchscreen.
Note:You can only switch the system on
after you close the driver door and start the
engine.
Note:The system remembers the last setting
when you start your vehicle.
Make sure you switch the system off before
towing with your vehicle or before using an
automatic car wash.
Using Auto Hold
1. Use the brakes to bring your vehicle to
a complete stop. The auto hold active
indicator illuminates in the information
display.
2. Release the brake pedal. The system
holds your vehicle at a standstill. The
auto hold active indicator remains
illuminated in the information display.Note:The system only activates if you apply
enough brake pressure. If your vehicle is on
a steep slope, you need to press the brake
pedal harder before the system activates.
Note:Under certain conditions, the system
could apply the electric parking brake. The
brake system warning lamp illuminates. The
electric parking brake releases when you
press the accelerator pedal. See Electric
Parking Brake (page 272).
Note:If auto-start-stop turns off the engine,
auto hold remains active.
Note:The system turns off if you shift into
reverse (R) and press the brake pedal.
3. Pull away in the normal manner. The
system releases the brakes and the auto
hold active indicator turns off.
Auto Hold Indicator
E197933
The auto hold indicator illuminates
in the information display when the
system is on and is either active or
unavailable.
275
Brakes

WHAT IS REVERSE BRAKING
ASSIST
E205199E205199
Reverse braking assist is designed to reduce
impact damage or assist in avoiding a
collision while in reverse (R). Using sensors
on the rear of the vehicle, it can detect a
possible collision and apply the brakes. If full
braking occurs, the system attempts to stop
the vehicle a safe distance from the obstacle.
HOW DOES REVERSE BRAKING
ASSIST WORK
Reverse braking assist functions when in
reverse (R) and traveling at a speed of
1–7 mph (2–12 km/h).If the system detects an obstacle behind your
vehicle, it provides a warning through the
rear parking aid or cross traffic alert system.
REVERSE BRAKING ASSIST
PRECAUTIONS
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: To help avoid personal
injury, always use caution when in reverse
(R) and when using the sensing system.
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.
WARNING: Traffic control systems,
fluorescent lamps, inclement weather, air
brakes, external motors and fans may
affect the correct operation of the sensing
system. This may cause reduced
performance or false alerts.
WARNING: Some situations and
objects prevent hazard detection. For
example low or direct sunlight, inclement
weather, unconventional vehicle types, and
pedestrians. Apply the brakes when
necessary. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death.
277
Reverse Braking Assist (If Equipped)