tow LINCOLN MKZ 2008 Owners Manual

Seating and Safety Restraints 102
Seating 102
Safety restraints 111
Airbags 125
Child restraints 140
Tires, Wheels and Loading 152
Tire information 152
Tire inflation 154
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 167
Vehicle loading 172
Trailer towing 177
Recreational towing 177
Driving 179
Starting 179
Brakes 184
Traction Control™/AdvanceTrac
186
Transmission operation 188
Roadside Emergencies 199
Getting roadside assistance 199
Hazard flasher switch 200
Fuel pump shut-off switch 201
Fuses and relays 201
Changing tires 208
Lug nut torque 213
Jump starting 214
Wrecker towing 219
Customer Assistance 220
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 226
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 227
Cleaning 228
Table of Contents
2
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury to yourself or others? In
this guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments
highlighted by the warning triangle symbol. These comments should be
read and observed.
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed frequently in order to give the
moving parts a chance to break in.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since these
additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter for more information on oil usage.
SPECIAL NOTICES
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered by
your vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, refer to theWarranty
Guidethat is provided to you along with yourOwner’s Guide.
Special instructions
For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic
controls.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
5

•Station overload: When you pass a broadcast tower, a stronger signal
may overtake a weaker one and play while the weak station frequency
is displayed.
CD/CD player care:
Do:
•Handle discs by their edges only. Never touch the playing surface.
•Inspect discs before playing. Clean only with an approved CD cleaner
and wipe from the center out.
Don’t:
•Expose discs to direct sunlight or heat sources for extended periods
of time.
•Clean using a circular motion.
CD units are designed to play commercially pressed 4.75 in (12 cm)
audio compact discs only. Due to technical incompatibility, certain
recordable and re-recordable compact discs may not function
correctly when used in Ford CD players. Dirty, warped or damaged
CDs, irregular shaped CDs, CDs with a scratch protection film
attached, and CDs with homemade paper (adhesive) labels should
not be inserted into the CD player. The label may peel and cause
the CD to become jammed. It is recommended that homemade CDs
be identified with permanent felt tip marker rather than adhesive
labels. Ballpoint pens may damage CDs. Please contact your
authorized dealer for further information.
Audio system warranty and service:Refer to theWarranty Guide
for audio system warranty information. If service is necessary, see your
dealer or qualified technician.
Satellite radio information (if equipped)
Satellite radio channels:SIRIUS broadcasts a variety of music, news,
sports, weather, traffic and entertainment satellite radio channels. For
more information and a complete list of SIRIUS satellite radio channels,
visit www.sirius.com in the United States, www.sirius-canada.ca in
Canada, or call SIRIUS at 1–888–539–7474.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
26

Satellite radio reception factors:To receive the satellite signal, your
vehicle has been equipped with a satellite radio antenna located on the
roof of your vehicle. The vehicle roof provides the best location for an
unobstructed, open view of the sky, a requirement of a satellite radio
system. Like AM/FM, there are several factors that can affect satellite
radio reception performance:
•Antenna Obstructions: For optimal reception performance, keep the
antenna clear of snow and ice build-up and keep luggage and other
material as far away from the antenna as possible.
•Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, bridges, tunnels, freeway
overpasses, parking garages, dense tree foliage and thunderstorms can
interfere with your reception.
•Station overload: When you pass a ground based broadcast repeating
tower, a stronger signal may overtake a weaker one and result in an
audio mute.
Unlike AM/FM audible static, you will hear an audio mute when there is
a satellite radio signal interference. Your radio display may display NO
SIGNAL to indicate the interference.
SIRIUS satellite radio service:SIRIUS Satellite Radio is a subscription
based satellite radio service that broadcasts music, sports, news and
entertainment programming. A service fee is required in order to receive
SIRIUS service. Vehicles that are equipped with a factory installed
SIRIUS Satellite Radio system include:
•Hardware and limited subscription term, which begins on the date of
sale or lease of the vehicle.
•Online media player providing access to all 65 SIRIUS music channels
over the internet (U.S. customers only).
For information on extended subscription terms, contact SIRIUS at
1–888–539–7474.
Note:SIRIUS reserves the unrestricted right to change, rearrange, add
or delete programming including canceling, moving or adding particular
channels, and its prices, at any time, with or without notice to you. Ford
Motor Company shall not be responsible for any such programming
changes.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
27

Radio Display Condition Action Required
NO TEXT Song title information
not available.Song title information
not available at this
time on this channel.
The system is working
properly.
NO TEXT Category information
not available.Category information
not available at this
time on this channel.
The system is working
properly.
NO SIGNAL Loss of signal from
the SIRIUS satellite or
SIRIUS tower to the
vehicle antenna.You are in a location
that is blocking the
SIRIUS signal (i.e.,
tunnel, under an
overpass, dense foliage,
etc). The system is
working properly. When
you move into an open
area, the signal should
return.
UPDATING _ XX Update of channel
programming in
progress. The XX
number indicates the
% complete.No action required. The
process should take no
longer than one
minute.
CALL SIRIUS
1–888–539–7474Satellite service has
been deactivated by
SIRIUS Satellite
Radio.Call SIRIUS at
1–888–539–7474 to
re-activate or resolve
subscription issues.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
29

In(panel) or(panel/floor) modes:
•Move temperature control to full cold.
•Select A/C and
(recirculated air). Use recirculated air with A/C
to provide colder airflow.
•Set highest fan speed initially, then adjust to maintain comfort.
•To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
R
The rear defroster control is located on the climate control panel and
works to clear the rear window of fog and thin ice.
The ignition must be in the 3 (RUN) position to operate the rear window
defroster.
The rear defroster turns off automatically after 10 minutes or when the
ignition is turned to the 1 (LOCK) position. To manually turn off the
defroster before 10 minutes have passed, push the control again.
Do not use razor blades or other sharp objects to clean the inside
of the rear window or to remove decals from the inside of the
rear window. This may cause damage to the heated grid lines and
will not be covered by your warranty.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
36

3. Turn the ignition switch to RUN and then back to LOCK.
4. Turn the headlamp switch to the autolamp position. The headlamps
will turn on.
5. Wait the desired amount of time for the exit delay you want (up to
three minutes), then turn the headlamp switch to
. The headlamps
will turn off.
Fog lamp control
With the ignition on, the fog lamps
can be turned on when the
headlamp control is pulled toward
you and is in any of the following
positions:
•Parking lamps
•Low beams
•Autolamps (when active)
The fog lamps will not operate when
the high beams are active.
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)
Turns on the front turn lamps.
To activate:
•the ignition must be in the ON position,
•the headlamp control is in the OFF, autolamps or parking lamp
position and
•the transmission must be out of the Park position.
Always remember to turn on your headlamps at dusk or during
inclement weather. The Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) system
does not activate the tail lamps and generally may not provide
adequate lighting during these conditions. Failure to activate your
headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
38

High beams
Push the lever toward the
instrument panel to activate. Pull
the lever towards you to deactivate.
Flash to pass
Pull toward you slightly to activate
and release to deactivate.
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL
Use to adjust the brightness of the
instrument panel and all applicable
switches in the vehicle during
headlamp and parking lamp
operation.
Move the control to the full upright
position, past detent, to turn on the
interior lamps.
At dusk and dawn, the brightness
are illuminated to higher than
normal intensity to enhance contrast and visibility. The system
automatically “dims down” as ambient light reaches the dash-mounted
sensor. The interior control lights dim progressively in four steps until
they reach nighttime operating levels. Certain displays like the message
center and the climate control unit do not change with the dimmer
control till the dash-mounted sensor senses full night conditions.
O
F
F
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
39

MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
Windshield wiper:Rotate the end
of the control away from you to
increase the speed of the wipers;
rotate towards you to decrease the
speed of the wipers.
Speed dependent wipers:When the wiper control is set on the
intermittent settings, the speed of the wipers will automatically adjust
with the vehicle speed. The faster your vehicle is travelling the faster the
wipers will go.
Windshield washer:Push the end
of the stalk:
•briefly: causes a single swipe of
the wipers without washer fluid.
•a quick push and hold: the wipers
will swipe three times with
washer fluid.
•a long push and hold: the wipers
and washer fluid will be activated
for up to ten seconds.
Courtesy wipe feature:One extra wipe will happen a few seconds
after washing the front window to clear any water that is dripping down
from the top of the windshield caused by the washing.
Note:Do not operate the washer when the washer reservoir is empty.
This may cause the washer pump to overheat. Check the washer fluid
level frequently. Do not operate the wipers when the windshield is dry.
This may scratch the glass, damage the wiper blades and cause the wiper
motor to burn out. Before operating the wiper on a dry windshield,
always use the windshield washer. In freezing weather, be sure the wiper
blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers.
Windshield wiper features (if equipped with Autolamp feature)
The exterior lamps will turn on with the ignition on, headlamp control in
the Autolamp position and the windshield wipers are turned on (for a
fixed period of time).
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
52

TILT/TELESCOPE STEERING WHEEL
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull the lever down to unlock the
steering column.
2. While the lever is in the down
position, move the steering wheel
up or down and in or out until you
find the desired position.
3. While holding the steering wheel
in place, pull the lever up to its
original position to lock the steering
column.
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.
ILLUMINATED VISOR MIRROR
Lift the mirror cover to turn on the
visor mirror lamps.
Slide on rod feature
Rotate the visor towards the side
window and extend it rearward for
additional sunlight coverage.
Note:To stow the visor back into
the headliner, visor must be
retracted before moving it back
towards the windshield.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
53