brakes LINCOLN MKX 2008 Owners Manual

Seating and Safety Restraints 130
Seating 130
Safety restraints 141
Airbags 157
Child restraints 172
Tires, Wheels and Loading 184
Tire information 186
Tire inflation 188
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 201
Vehicle loading 205
Trailer towing 211
Recreational towing 215
Driving 217
Starting 217
Brakes 222
Traction Control™/AdvanceTrac224
Transmission operation 228
Roadside Emergencies 240
Getting roadside assistance 240
Hazard flasher switch 242
Fuel pump shut-off switch 242
Fuses and relays 243
Changing tires 250
Lug nut torque 256
Jump starting 257
Wrecker towing 262
Customer Assistance 264
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 271
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 271
Cleaning 272
Table of Contents
2
2008 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)

Setting speed control
The controls for using your speed
control are located on the steering
wheel for your convenience.
1. Press the ON control and release
it.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed.
3. Press the SET + control and
release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
5. The indicator
light on the
instrument cluster will turn on.
Note:
•Vehicle speed may vary momentarily when driving up and down a
steep hill.
•If the vehicle speed increases above the set speed on a downhill, you
may want to apply the brakes to reduce the speed.
•If the vehicle speed decreases more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below
your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage.
Disengaging speed control
To disengage the speed control:
•Depress the brake pedal.
Disengaging the speed control will not erase previous set speed.
2008 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
84

All safety restraints in the vehicle are combination lap and shoulder
belts. All of the passenger combination lap and shoulder belts have two
types of locking modes described below:
Vehicle sensitive mode
This is the normal retractor mode, which allows free shoulder belt length
adjustment to your movements and locking in response to vehicle
movement. For example, if the driver brakes suddenly or turns a corner
sharply, or the vehicle receives an impact of approximately 5 mph
(8 km/h) or more, the combination safety belts will lock to help reduce
forward movement of the driver and passengers.
Automatic locking mode
How to use the automatic locking mode
•Buckle the combination lap and
shoulder belt.
•Grasp the shoulder portion and
pull downward until the entire
belt is pulled out.
•Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking
sound. This indicates the safety belt is now in the automatic locking
mode.
2008 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
147

GCW (Gross Combined Weight)– is the weight of the loaded vehicle
(GVW) plus the weight of the fully loaded trailer.
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)– is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and the loaded trailer – including all cargo and
passengers – that the vehicle can handle without risking damage.
(Important: The towing vehicles’ braking system is rated for operation at
GVWR, not at GCWR. Separate functional brakes should be used for safe
control of towed vehicles and for trailers where the GCW of the towing
vehicle plus the trailer exceed the GVWR of the towing vehicle.The
GCW must never exceed the GCWR.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight– is the highest possible weight of a
fully loaded trailer the vehicle can tow. It assumes a vehicle with only
mandatory options, no cargo (internal or external), a tongue load of
10–15% (conventional trailer), and driver only (150 lb. [68 kg]).Consult
your authorized dealer (or theRV and Trailer Towing Guide
provided by your authorized dealer) for more detailed
information.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities
than the original tires because they may lower the vehicle’s
GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit
than the original tires do not increase the GVWR and GAWR
limitations.
Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in
serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
Steps for determining the correct load limit:
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
2008 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
209

1,400 - (2 x 220) - (9 x 100) = 1,400 - 440 - 900 = 60 lb. Now you
have the load capacity to transport the cement and your friend home.
In metric units, the calculation would be: 635 kg - (2 x 99 kg) -
(9x45kg)=635-198-405=32kg.
The above calculations also assume that the loads are positioned in your
vehicle in a manner that does not overload the Front or the Rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating specified for your vehicle on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label found on the edge of the driver’s door.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with your vehicle may require the use of a trailer tow
option package.
Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to
maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment
while towing.
When towing maximum loads under high outside temperatures and on
steep grades, the A/C system may cycle on and off to protect the engine
from overheating. This may result in a temporary increase of interior
temperatures.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
•Stay within your vehicle’s load limits.
•Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer toPreparing to
towin this chapter.
•Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer toDriving
while you towin this chapter.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the
severe duty schedule in the scheduled maintenance guide.
•Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
1,000 miles (1600 km).
•Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification label. For load specification terms found on the label, refer
toVehicle loadingin this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue
load of your loaded vehicle when figuring the total weight.
2008 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
211

Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle’s bumper or attach to the
axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10%–15% of the
total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the hook retainers on the
hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the chains under the
trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Be sure your trailer conforms to all applicable local and Federal
Regulations regarding trailer braking. If your trailer is equipped with
electronically controlled brakes you will need to have an electronic brake
controller with associated wiring installed to your vehicle by an
authorized dealer.
Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working.
Do not splice into the vehicle lamp wiring for trailer lamps. Your
vehicle uses an advanced electronic module to control and
monitor your vehicle lamps. Splicing into the wiring or attaching
wiring to the vehicle bulb. may DISABLE the rear vehicle lamps
or cause them not to function properly. Your lamp outage feature
may also be disabled or provide incorrect information.
See your authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper
instructions and equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.
2008 MKX(mkx)
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
213

Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly
conditions, at GCWR, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so
equipped. Refer to theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for
the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle
lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 1,000 miles (1600 km) of a
new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done
at no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) with no full throttle starts.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle for personal travel (such as behind a motor home or a
truck).
In case of roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to
Wrecker towingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle.
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles:
Tow your Front Wheel Drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground
or with the front wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly. If you are
using a tow dolly follow the instructions specified by the equipment
provider.
2008 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
215

Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater system may consume anywhere between 400 watts or 1000 watts
of energy per hour. Your factory installed block heater system does not
have a thermostat; however, maximum temperature is attained after
approximately 3 hours of operation. Block heater operation longer than 3
hours will not improve system performance and will unnecessarily use
additional electricity.
Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Refer toBrake system warning
lightin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the
brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However,
the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
P!
BRAKE
2008 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
222

ABS warning lamp
The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately by an authorized dealer.
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, press the parking
brake pedal down until the pedal
stops.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
ABS
P!
BRAKE
P!
BRAKE
2008 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
223

Push the parking brake pedal
downward again to release the
parking brake. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the
brakes to wear out quickly and
reduce fuel economy.
Note:If the vehicle is driven with
the parking brake applied, a chime
will sound.
ADVANCETRACWITH ROLL STABILITY CONTROL™ (RSC)
STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM
The AdvanceTracwith RSC system provides stability enhancement
features such as Roll Stability Control™ (RSC), Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) and Traction Control (TCS) for certain driving situations.
The system includes an AdvanceTracwith RSC on/off button, and a
“sliding car” icon in the instrument cluster.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) will work with the regular brakes in
order to prevent wheel lock during a braking event. This feature will also
help provide better steerability during braking.
During AdvanceTracwith RSC operation you may experience the
following:
•A rumble, grunting, or grinding noise after startup and when driving
off
•A slight deceleration of the vehicle
•The AdvanceTracwith RSC indicator light will flash when the system
is activated.
•If your foot is on the brake pedal, you will feel a vibration in the
pedal.
Traction Control
Traction Control helps your vehicle maintain traction, when driving on
slippery and/or hilly road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel
spin. Excessive wheel spin is controlled by momentarily reducing engine
power and/or applying the anti-lock brakes.
If your vehicle should become stuck in deep snow or mud, try switching
the AdvanceTracwith RSC system off by pressing the AdvanceTrac
with RSC button momentarily. This will allow your wheels to spin and
your tires to “dig” for traction. If your vehicle seems to lose engine
power while driving in deep sand or very deep snow, switching off the
2008 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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