brakes LINCOLN MKZ 2011 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: LINCOLN, Model Year: 2011, Model line: MKZ, Model: LINCOLN MKZ 2011Pages: 345, PDF Size: 2.43 MB
Page 233 of 345

possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
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 turnaround 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 will 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
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.
Driving
233
2011 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 234 of 345

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.
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 the vehicle
slides while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you
regain control of the vehicle.
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.
Driving
234
2011 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 235 of 345

DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
Driving
235
2011 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 301 of 345

BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the MIN and
MAX lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking 6–speed automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Checking automatic transmission fluid at normal operating
temperature (140°F-158°F [60°C-70°C])
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]) until the engine coolant gauge
indicates normal operating temperature. If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until the coolant gauge indicates
normal operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage (approximately
10–15 seconds in each position).
4. Move the gearshift lever to P (Park) and leave the engine running.
Maintenance and Specifications
301
2011 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 305 of 345

•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contain contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add MotorcraftGas Stabilizer or
equivalent meeting Ford material specification ESE-M99C112-A to the
vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage periods exceed
30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label. The vehicle should
then be operated at idle speed to circulate the additive throughout the
fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure
battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset
memory features.
Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Maintenance and Specifications
305
2011 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 339 of 345

A
Accessory delay ..........................75
AdvanceTrac ..............................209
Air cleaner filter ...............303, 306
Air conditioning ....................44, 47
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................142, 151, 154
and child safety seats ............144
description ..............142, 151, 154
disposal ....................................157
driver airbag ....142, 144, 152, 155
indicator light .........150, 153, 156
operation .........142, 144, 152, 155
passenger airbag ....142, 144, 152,
155
side airbag ...............................151
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................229
Ambient mood/lighting ...............58
AM/FM .........................................28
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................283
Anti-lock brake system (see
Brakes) ..............................207–208
Anti-theft system ..............108, 112
arming the system ..................112
disarming a triggered
system .....................................113
Audio system (see Radio) .........28
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................215
fluid, adding ............................301
fluid, checking ........................301
fluid, refill capacities ..............307
fluid, specification ..................307
Selectshift (SST) ....................216Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....35
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........307
B
Battery .......................................281
acid, treating emergencies .....281
jumping a disabled battery ....253
maintenance-free ....................281
replacement, specifications ...306
servicing ..................................281
Belt-Minder.............................137
Blind Spot Information
System .......................................223
Blind spot mirror ......................222
Booster seats .............................171
Brakes ........................................207
anti-lock ...........................207–208
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................208
fluid, checking and adding ....301
fluid, refill capacities ..............307
fluid, specifications .................307
lubricant specifications ..........307
parking ....................................208
shift interlock ..........................213
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................59
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....307
Car2UHome Automation
System .........................................83
CD ................................................28
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................245
Index
339
2011 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 342 of 345

I
Ignition ...............................202, 310
Illuminated visor mirror .............70
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................162
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................299
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................269
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................55
J
Jack ............................................245
positioning ...............................245
storage .....................................245
Jump-starting your vehicle ......253
K
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................95
keypad .....................................107
locking and unlocking doors ..108
programming entry code .......107
Keys .....................................89, 110
positions of the ignition .........202
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................53
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................59
daytime running light ...............54
fog lamps ...................................54
headlamps .................................52headlamps, flash to pass ..........54
instrument panel, dimming .....55
interior lamps .....................57, 60
replacing bulbs .........................61
LATCH anchors .........................166
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........208
Load limits .................................194
Locks
autolock .....................................95
childproof ..................................99
doors ..........................................95
Lubricant specifications ...........307
Lug nuts ....................................251
Lumbar support, seats .............118
M
Message center .....................18–19
english/metric button ...............23
system check button ................23
warning messages .....................23
Mirrors ...................................76–77
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................76
heated ..................................47, 77
programmable memory ..........103
side view mirrors (power) .......77
Moon roof ....................................81
Motorcraftparts ..............273, 306
MyKey ..........................................90
N
Navigation system .......................43
Index
342
2011 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)