power steering LINCOLN MKS 2009 User Guide

•Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice
versa
•Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
•Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer toTrailer
towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter).
The Electronic Stability Control system may be deactivated in certain
situations. See theSwitching Off AdvanceTrac
section below.
Switching Off AdvanceTrac

If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine
power, switching off certain features of the AdvanceTrac
system may be
beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This will restore full
engine power and will enhance momentum through the obstacle. To
switch off the AdvanceTrac
system press the AdvanceTrac
Off
button. Full features of the AdvanceTrac
system can be restored by
pressing the AdvanceTrac
Offbutton again or by switching off and
restarting the engine.
If you switch off the AdvanceTrac
system the AdvanceTrac “Off” button
will illuminate and the sliding caricon
will illuminate steadily.
Pressing the AdvanceTrac
Offbutton again will turn off the lighted
button and thesliding caricon
.
In R (Reverse), ABS and the Engine and Brake Traction Control features
will continue to function; however, ESC is disabled.
AdvanceTrac
with RSC Features
Button functions“Sliding car”
icon
ESCTraction
Control
Default at start-upIlluminated
during bulb
checkEnabled Enabled
Button pressed
momentarilyIlluminated solid Enabled Disabled
Button pressed
again after
deactivationNot illuminated Enabled Enabled
STEERING
To help prevent damage to the power steering system, never hold the
steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it stops) for more than
a few seconds when the engine is running.
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It is also important to maintain a proper power steering fluid level in the
power steering fluid reservoir:
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level.
SeePower steering fluidin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter.
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the maximum
level, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir. SeePower
steering fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is off), you
can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the on position unless the brake pedal is applied. If you cannot move
the gear lever out of P (Park) when the ignition is on and the brake
pedal applied, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brake
lamps are not operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin the
Roadside Emergencieschapter.
WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps are working.
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Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Switch the ignition off and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
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 will 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 abrupt steering, 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 will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
AWD Systems (if equipped)
AWD uses all four wheels to power the vehicle. This increases traction,
enabling you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a
conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
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
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Driving on snow and ice
Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause transmission 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 may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Since
your vehicle is equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS),
do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter
for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will rollover as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder or luggage racks).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-highway usage.
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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Battery
5. Power distribution box
6. Air filter assembly
7. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
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•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (if equipped)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The coolant temperature warning
light
will illuminate.
•The service engine soon
indicator will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
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for 15 seconds without cranking the engine. If theService engine
soon
indicator blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing; if theService engine soon
indicator stays on
solid, it means that the vehicle is ready for I/M testing.
The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system
during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:
15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by
20 minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle
periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the service
interval schedules.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir. Refer toMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter for the proper
fluid type.
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Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Engine coolant11.1 quarts
(10.5L)Motorcraft Premium Gold
Engine Coolant with
bittering agent
(yellow-colored)
4
VC-7-B /
WSS-M97B51-A1
Power steering fluidBetween MAX
and MIN on
reservoirMotorcraft
MERCON
VATFXT-5-QM /
MERCON
V
Windshield washer fluidTop- off fluid
as neededMotorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A /
WSB-M8B16-A2
Fuel tank20.0 gallons
(75.7L) FWD
——
19.0 gallons
(71.9L)
(AWD)
1Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount may vary during fluid changes.2Automatic transmissions that require MERCON
V should only use MERCON
V fluid. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid
other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.3Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.4Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.5See your authorized dealer for fluid level checking or filling.
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recommendations ...................162
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................172
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............274
instrument panel ....................275
interior .....................................276
plastic parts ............................274
washing ....................................272
waxing .....................................273
wheels ......................................273
wiper blades ............................275
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......32, 35
Clock ............................................16
Clock adjust
AM/FM/CD/MP3 ........................16
Console
overhead ....................................54
Controls
power seat ...............................123
steering column ........................72
Coolant
checking and adding ..............288
refill capacities ................292, 311
specifications ..........................311
Cooled Seats ..............................125
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................60
Cupholder(s) .............................129
Customer Assistance ................239
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................268
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............269
Getting roadside assistance ...239
Getting the service you
need .........................................264Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................269
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................267
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................45
Defrost
rear window ..............................32
rear window and rearview
mirrors .......................................35
windshield ...........................32, 35
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................307
engine oil .................................283
Doors
central unlocking ......................96
Driving under special
conditions ..........................233, 236
sand .........................................234
snow and ice ...........................237
through water .................235, 238
E
Electronic message center .........78
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................256
running out of fuel .........256, 298
Emission control system ..........303
Engine ........................................313
cleaning ...................................274
coolant .....................................288
fail-safe cooling .......................293
idle speed control ...................286
lubrication specifications .......311
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Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................133
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................245
Power door locks ........................94
Power mirrors .............................59
Power point .................................55
Power steering ..........................221
fluid, checking and adding ....306
fluid, refill capacity ................311
fluid, specifications .................311
Power Windows ...........................56
Push button start system .........211
R
Radio ............................................16
6-CD in dash .............................16
Rear-view camera system .........230
Recommendations for
attaching safety restraints for
children ......................................162
Relays ........................................241
Remote entry system .......102–103
illuminated entry ............108, 110
locking/unlocking
doors ................................104–105
opening the trunk ...................105
panic alarm .............................105
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................108
replacing the batteries ...........106
Roadside assistance ..................239
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................131, 135–139Safety Canopy ...................153, 155
Safety defects, reporting ..270–271
Safety restraints ........131, 135–139
Belt-Minder
...........................140
extension assembly ................139
for adults .........................136–138
for children .............................159
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................133
warning light and chime ........140
Safety restraints - LATCH
anchors ......................................168
Safety seats for children ..........164
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................314
Satellite Radio (if equipped) .....16
Satellite Radio Information ........28
Seats ..........................................120
child safety seats ....................164
climate control ............32, 35, 126
Cooled .....................................125
easy access/easyout feature ..128
front seats ...............................125
heated ......................................130
Heated and Cooled .................125
memory seat ...................106, 128
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................113
Servicing your vehicle ..............279
Setting the clock .........................16
Spare tire (see Changing the
Tire) ...........................................251
Spark plugs, specifications ......310,
313
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................311
Speed control ..............................60
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