LINCOLN AVIATOR 2023 Owners Manual

• Selectable drive modes: Certain
selectable drive modes may cause the
engine to run. See What Is Drive Mode
Control (page 343).
• Live in Drive: Use of the paddle shifters
while in drive (D) may cause the engine
to run. See Automatic Transmission
(page 259).
Stopping
The gas engine may shut off to conserve fuel
as you come to a stop. Restarting your
vehicle is not required. Simply step on the
accelerator when you are ready to drive.
Transmission Operation
The engine and electric motor together
propel the vehicle through the automatic
transmission. This is normal hybrid operating
and helps deliver fuel efficiency and
performance.
Battery
Your hybrid is equipped with a high voltage
battery. A cool battery maintains battery life
and provides the best possible performance.
The high voltage battery is cooled by the
vehicle's air conditioning system. When the
air conditioning system is on, you may notice
a slight increase in air temperature coming
from the climate control vents while the
battery is cooling. You may also notice cool
air flowing from the vents when the air
conditioning or blower is off.
Braking
Your hybrid is equipped with standard
hydraulic braking and regenerative braking.
Regenerative braking is performed by your
transmission and it captures brake energy
and stores it in the high voltage battery.You may also notice during extending
downhill driving that your engine continues
to run instead of shutting off. During this
engine braking, the engine stays on, but it is
not using any fuel. You may also hear a slight
whine or whistle when operating your
vehicle. This is the normal operation of the
electric motor in the hybrid system.
Driving to Optimize Fuel Economy
Note:Having your engine running is not
always an indication of inefficiency. In some
cases, it is actually more efficient than
driving in electric mode.
Your fuel economy should improve
throughout your hybrid's break-in period. As
with any vehicle, your driving habits and
accessory usage can significantly impact
your fuel economy. For best results, keep
these tips in mind:
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Unique Driving Characteristics

• Keep the tires properly inflated and only
use the recommended size.
• Aggressive driving increases the amount
of energy required to move your vehicle.
In general, you can achieve better fuel
economy with mild to moderate
acceleration and deceleration. Moderate
braking is particularly important since it
allows you to maximize the energy
captured by the regenerative braking
system.
Additional Tips:
• Do not carry extra loads.
• Be mindful of adding external
accessories that may increase
aerodynamic drag.
• Observe posted speed limits.
• Perform all scheduled maintenance.
• There is no need to wait for your engine
to warm up. The vehicle is ready to drive
immediately after starting.PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE
OPERATION
Regularly plug in your vehicle to get optimal
electric-only range capability from the high
voltage battery. Charging your vehicle adds
electrical energy. This energy propels the
vehicle.
Estimated electric-only driving range shows
in blue next to the gasoline range on the
information display.
The system maximizes the use of
electric-only operation in normal drive mode.
System conditions could require the engine
to operate, however, the system uses the
available electric range whenever possible.
In Pure EV drive mode, your vehicle only
uses electric power unless you enable the
engine, or system conditions require the
engine to operate.Preserve EV drive mode saves the electric
range for later use. If you select this mode
and the battery is at full or near full charge,
it uses some electric-only range to discharge
the battery. This allows the regenerative
braking system to fully operate. If the battery
charge is low when selecting Preserve EV
mode, the engine charges the high voltage
battery to a minimum level. This provides
additional electric driving range. When the
battery charges to this level, Preserve EV
saves the electric range for later use.
Other drive modes appropriately make use
of electric power to help deliver the selected
drive mode experience. It could use available
electric-only range, if needed. See What Is
Drive Mode Control (page 343).
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Unique Driving Characteristics

When the electric-only range reaches zero,
the powertrain system switches to hybrid
operation. This means the energy you gain
from plugging in and charging your vehicle
is now gone. Both the gasoline engine and
electric motor power your vehicle and
maximize fuel economy during hybrid
operation. Hybrid operation provides some
electric-only driving as the powertrain system
maintains the high voltage battery charge
level within functional limits.Low Engine Use
The low engine use mode properly lubricates
the engine at sufficient temperature and
activates when you drive your vehicle with
limited engine operation. When in low engine
use mode, your vehicle runs the engine as
necessary. When low engine use mode
begins, a message appears in the information
display. If low engine use mode does not
complete before you switch your vehicle off,
it continues the next time you start your
vehicle and the message reappears. See
Information Messages (page 142).Pure EV mode is not available during low
engine use mode.
Note:Cold temperatures affect the engine
warm up time and the low engine use mode
could operate more frequently.
Note:An oil change is not required but gives
you the option of not running a low engine
use cycle. Resetting the oil life monitoring
system suspends the low engine use mode.
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Unique Driving Characteristics

HYBRID VEHICLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answer Question
The high voltage battery is electrically isolated from the rest of the
vehicle when the ignition is off. When you switch the ignition on, the
high voltage contacts inside the battery are closed. This makes the
electricity available to the motor and generator and allows your vehicle
to proceed. The clicks are the sound of these contacts as they close
and open during start up and shut down. What are the series of clicks from the cargo area when I switch the
ignition on?
The vehicle's computer determines if an engine start is required at
key-on. Silent key starts the engine if it is necessary for cabin heating,
windshield defrost, or if the outside temperature is low. Why does the engine sometimes start at key-on?
There are several reasons the engine stays on for an extended amount
of time when you first start it. One common reason is to make sure
that the emission's components are warm enough to minimize tailpipe
emissions. As the climate gets cooler, this engine-on time is extended. Why does it take a long time before the engine shuts down?
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Unique Driving Characteristics

Answer Question
In order to make sure that the climate control system can begin heating
the cabin or defrosting the windshield as soon as you request it, the
engine coolant temperature has to be kept sufficiently hot. Keeping
the engine on is required to maintain the correct coolant temperature. Why does my engine stay on when it is extremely cold outside?
Your hybrid vehicle can use E15 fuel (15% ethanol, 85% gasoline), but
you could notice slightly reduced fuel economy because ethanol
contains less energy per gallon than gasoline. Your hybrid vehicle is
not designed to use E85 (85% ethanol). Can I put E15 or E85 in my vehicle, and how will it affect my fuel
economy?
The high voltage battery system is designed to last the life of the
vehicle and requires no maintenance. How long will my high voltage battery last? Does it need maintenance?
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Unique Driving Characteristics

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not overfill the fuel
tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray
and fire.
WARNING: The fuel system may be
under pressure. If you hear a hissing sound
near the fuel filler inlet, do not refuel until
the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may spray
out, which could cause serious personal
injury.
WARNING: Fuels can cause serious
injury or death if misused or mishandled.
WARNING: Fuel may contain
benzene, which is a cancer-causing agent.
WARNING: When refueling always
shut the engine off and never allow sparks
or open flames near the fuel tank filler
valve. Never smoke or use a cell phone
while refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely
hazardous under certain conditions. Avoid
inhaling excess fumes.
Follow these guidelines when refueling:
• Extinguish all smoking materials and any
open flames before refueling your
vehicle.
• Always switch the engine off before
refueling.
• Automotive fuels can be harmful or fatal
if swallowed. Fuel is highly toxic and if
swallowed can cause death or permanent
injury. If fuel is swallowed immediately
call a physician, even if no symptoms are
immediately apparent. The toxic effects
of fuel may not be apparent for hours.• Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling fuel
vapor can lead to eye and respiratory
tract irritation. In severe cases, excessive
or prolonged breathing of fuel vapor can
cause serious illness and permanent
injury.
• Avoid getting fuel in your eyes. If you
splash fuel in your eyes, immediately
remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with
water for 15 minutes and seek medical
attention. Failure to seek proper medical
attention could lead to permanent injury.
• Fuels can be harmful if absorbed through
the skin. If you splash fuel on your skin,
clothing or both, promptly remove
contaminated clothing and thoroughly
wash your skin with soap and water.
Repeated or prolonged skin contact
causes skin irritation.
• Be particularly careful if you are taking
Antabuse or other forms of Disulfiram for
the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing
fuel vapors could cause an adverse
reaction, serious personal injury or
sickness. Immediately call a physician if
you experience any adverse reactions.
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Fuel and Refueling

FUEL QUALITY
Choosing the Right Fuel
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Your vehicle is designed to operate on
regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
Some fuel stations, particularly those in high
altitude areas, offer fuels posted as regular
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
below 87. The use of these fuels could result
in engine damage that is not covered by the
vehicle warranty.For best overall vehicle and engine
performance, premium fuel with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The
performance gained by using premium fuel
is most noticeable in hot weather as well as
other conditions, for example when towing
a trailer. See Towing (page 354).
Do not be concerned if the engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the
engine knocks heavily while using fuel with
the recommended octane rating, contact an
authorized dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
We recommend Top Tier detergent
gasolines, where available to help minimize
engine deposits and maintain optimal vehicle
and engine performance. For additional
information, refer to www.toptiergas.com.
Note:Use of any fuel for which the vehicle
was not designed can impair the emission
control system, cause loss of vehicle
performance, and cause damage to the
engine which may not be covered by the
vehicle Warranty.Do not use:
• Diesel fuel.
• Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
• Fuel containing more than 15% ethanol
or E85 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic-based additives,
including manganese-based compounds.
• Fuels containing the octane booster
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Leaded fuel; using leaded fuel is
prohibited by law.
The use of fuels with metallic compounds
such as methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (commonly known as MMT), which
is a manganese-based fuel additives impair
engine performance and affect the emission
control system.
FUEL FILLER FUNNEL LOCATION
The fuel filler funnel is in the spare wheel
storage tray.
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Fuel and Refueling

RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Running out of fuel can cause damage not
covered by the vehicle Warranty.
If your vehicle runs out of fuel:
• Add a minimum of 1.3 gal (5 L) of fuel to
restart the engine.
• You may need to switch the ignition from
off to on several times after refueling to
allow the fuel system to pump the fuel
from the tank to the engine. When
restarting, cranking time takes a few
seconds longer than normal.
Note:If your vehicle is on a steep slope,
more fuel may be required.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
WARNING: Flow of fuel through a
fuel pump nozzle can produce static
electricity. This can cause a fire if you are
filling an ungrounded fuel container.Use the following guidelines to avoid
electrostatic charge build-up, which can
produce a spark, when filling an ungrounded
fuel container:
• Only use an approved fuel container to
transfer fuel to your vehicle. Place the
container on the ground when filling it.
• Do not fill a fuel container when it is
inside your vehicle (including the cargo
area).
• Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact
with the fuel container when filling it.
• Do not use a device that holds the fuel
pump nozzle lever in the fill position.
Adding Fuel From a Portable Fuel
Container
WARNING: Do not insert the nozzle
of a fuel container or an aftermarket funnel
into the fuel filler neck. This may damage
the fuel system filler neck or its seal and
cause fuel to run onto the ground.
WARNING: Do not try to pry open or
push open the capless fuel system with
foreign objects. This could damage the fuel
system and its seal and cause injury to you
or others.
WARNING: Do not dispose of fuel in
the household refuse or the public sewage
system. Use an authorized waste disposal
facility.
When refueling the vehicle fuel tank from a
fuel container, use the fuel filler funnel
included with your vehicle. See Fuel Filler
Funnel Location (page 224).
Note:Do not use aftermarket funnels as they
may not work with the capless fuel system
and can damage it.
When refueling the vehicle fuel tank from a
fuel container, do the following:
1. Fully open the fuel filler door.
2. Fully insert the fuel filler funnel into the
fuel filler inlet.
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Fuel and Refueling

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3. Add fuel to your vehicle from the fuel
container.
4. Remove the fuel filler funnel.
5. Fully close the fuel filler door.
6. Clean the fuel filler funnel and place it
back in your vehicle or correctly dispose
of it.
Note:Extra funnels can be purchased from
an authorized dealer if you choose to
dispose of the funnel.
REFUELING - EXCLUDING: HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (HEV)
Refueling System Overview
68E267248
B
C
A
Fuel filler door. A
Fuel tank filler valve. B
Fuel tank filler pipe. C
Your vehicle does not have a fuel tank filler
cap.
1
Left-hand side. To open the fuel
filler door, press the center rear
edge of the fuel filler door and
then release. A
Right-hand side. To open the fuel
filler door, press the center rear
edge of the fuel filler door and
then release. B
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Fuel and Refueling

Left-hand side. Pull the rear of the
fuel filler door to open it. C
Right-hand side. Pull the rear of the
fuel filler door to open it. D
Refueling Your Vehicle
WARNING: When refueling always
shut the engine off and never allow sparks
or open flames near the fuel tank filler
valve. Never smoke or use a cell phone
while refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely
hazardous under certain conditions. Avoid
inhaling excess fumes.
WARNING: The fuel system may be
under pressure. If you hear a hissing sound
near the fuel filler inlet, do not refuel until
the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may spray
out, which could cause serious personal
injury.
WARNING: Do not pry open the fuel
tank filler valve. This could damage the fuel
system. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in fire, personal injury or death.
WARNING: Do not remove the fuel
pump nozzle from its fully inserted position
when refueling.
WARNING: Stop refueling when the
fuel pump nozzle automatically shuts off
for the first time. Failure to follow this will
fill the expansion space in the fuel tank and
could lead to fuel overflowing.
WARNING: Do not overfill the fuel
tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray
and fire.
WARNING: Wait at least five seconds
before removing the fuel pump nozzle to
allow any residual fuel to drain into the fuel
tank.
WARNING: Read and follow all the
instructions on the pump island.
1. Fully open the fuel filler door.
2. Select the correct fuel pump nozzle for
your vehicle.
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Fuel and Refueling