LINCOLN MKZ 2014 Owners Manual

Note:Excessive tire slippage can
cause driveline 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 (ABS), do
not “pump” the brakes. See Hints on
Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes
(page 180). for more information on
the operation of the anti-lock brake
system (ABS). 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
lowering 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 off-highway
usage.
178
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note: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. Have the
system checked by an authorized
dealer. If your vehicle has continuous
vibration or shudder in the steering
wheel while braking, have it checked
by an authorized dealer.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on
the wheels, even under normal driving
conditions. Some dust is inevitable as
the brakes wear and does not
contribute to brake noise. See
Cleaning the Alloy Wheels (page 293).
E144522
See Warning Lamps and
Indicators (page 96).
Wet brakes result in reduced braking
efficiency. Gently press the brake
pedal a few times when driving from
a car wash or standing water to dry
the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal
becomes stuck or entrapped, apply
steady and firm pressure to the brake
pedal to slow the vehicle and reduce
engine power. If you experience this
condition, apply the brakes and bring
your vehicle to a safe stop. Move the
transmission selector lever to position P,
switch the engine off and apply the
parking brake. Inspect the accelerator
pedal for any interference. If none are
found and the condition persists, have
your vehicle towed to the nearest
authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brake
rapidly by measuring the rate at which
you press the brake pedal. It provides
maximum braking efficiency as long
as you press the pedal, and can
reduce stopping distances in critical
situations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain
steering control during emergency
stops by keeping the brakes from
locking.
This lamp momentarily
illuminates when you turn
the ignition on. If the light
does not illuminate during start up,
remains on or flashes, the system may
be disabled. Have the system checked
by an authorized dealer.
E144522
If the system is disabled,
normal braking is still
effective. If the brake
warning lamp illuminates when you
release the parking brake, have the
system checked by an authorized
dealer.
179
Brakes

HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
Note:When the system is operating,
the brake pedal will pulse and may
travel further. Maintain pressure on the
brake pedal. You may also hear a noise
from the system. This is normal.
The anti-lock braking system will not
eliminate the risks when:
• you drive too closely to the vehicle in front of you
• your vehicle is hydroplaning
• you take corners too fast
• the road surface is poor.
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
The electric parking brake replaces
the conventional handbrake. The
operating switch is located on the
instrument panel to the left of the
steering wheel.
WARNING
Always set the parking brake and
leave your vehicle with the
transmission selector lever in position
P.
Note: When you apply the electric
parking brake in certain conditions, for
example on a steep hill, the electric
parking brake may reapply the brakes
within three to ten minutes.
Note: You may notice various noises
when you apply and release the electric
parking brake. This is normal and no
cause for concern.
Applying the electric parking
brake
WARNING
If the brake system warning lamp
does not illuminate or flashes,
there could be a problem with your
electric parking brake. Have the
system checked by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Note: The brake system warning lamp
will illuminate for ten seconds if you
have turned the ignition off after the
electric parking brake has been applied,
or the electric parking brake has been
applied after the ignition has been
turned off.
Note: The electric parking brake will
not automatically apply. You must
apply the electric parking brake using
the electric parking brake switch.
E169085
Pull the switch to apply the electric
parking brake.
The brake system warning lamp will
illuminate to confirm that the electric
parking brake has been applied. See
Information Displays (page 101).
180
Brakes

Applying the electric parking
brake when the vehicle is
moving
WARNINGS
Applying the electric parking
brake while moving will result in
use of the anti-lock braking system.
Do not use the electric parking brake
system when the vehicle is moving
unless the normal brake system is
unable to stop the vehicle.
With the exception of emergency
conditions (for example, the
brake pedal does not work or is
blocked), do not apply the electric
parking brake while the vehicle is
moving. On bends, or poor road
surfaces or weather conditions,
emergency braking can cause the
vehicle to skid out of control or off the
road.
If you apply the electric parking brake
when your vehicle is moving, the brake
system warning lamp will illuminate
and a warning chime will sound. See
Information Displays (page 101).
If your vehicle speed is above 4 mph
(6 km/h), the braking force is applied
as long as the switch is applied.
Release or press the switch or press
the accelerator pedal to stop the
braking force.
Releasing the electric parking
brake
E169086
You can release the electric parking
brake either manually by pressing the
bottom of the switch or automatically.
Manual release
WARNING
If the brake system warning light
remains illuminated or flashes
after you have released the parking
brake, there could be a problem with
you braking system. Have the system
checked by an authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
You can manually release the electric
parking brake by turning the ignition
on, pressing the brake pedal and then
pressing the electric parking brake
switch down.
When the electric parking brake is
released, the brake system warning
lamp will turn off.
181
Brakes

Driving with a Trailer
Depending on the grade and the
weight of the trailer, your vehicle and
trailer may roll backwards slightly
when you start on a slope. To prevent
this from happening, do the following:
1. Pull the switch and hold it in thisposition.
2. Drive your vehicle, then release the switch when you notice that the
engine has developed sufficient
driving force.
Automatic release - drive away
release
Note: The driver's door must be closed
and the driver's safety belt must be
fastened before this feature will
operate.
Note: If the electric parking brake
warning lamp stays illuminated, the
electric parking brake will not
automatically release. You must
release the electric parking brake using
the electric parking brake switch.
Note: The engine must be running and
the accelerator pedal must be pressed
before the drive away release feature
will operate.
The brake system warning lamp will
go off to confirm that the electric
parking brake has been released. Note:
The electric parking brake drive
away release makes starting on a hill
easier. This feature will release the
parking brake automatically when the
vehicle has sufficient drive force to
move up the hill. To assure drive away
release when starting uphill, press the
accelerator pedal quickly.
Battery With No Charge
WARNING
You will not be able to apply or
release the electric parking brake
if the battery is low or has no charge.
If the battery is low or has no charge,
use jumper cables and a booster
battery.
HILL START ASSIST
WARNINGS
The system does not replace the
parking brake. When you leave
your vehicle, always apply the parking
brake and put the vehicle in position
P.
You must remain in your vehicle
once you have activated the
system.
During all times, you are
responsible for controlling your
vehicle, supervising the system and
intervening, if required.
If the engine is revved
excessively, or if a malfunction
is detected, the system will be
deactivated.
182
Brakes

The system makes it easier to pull
away when your vehicle is on a slope
without the need to use the parking
brake.
When the system is active, your
vehicle will remain stationary on the
slope for two to three seconds after
you release the brake pedal. This
allows you time to move your foot
from the brake to the accelerator
pedal. The brakes are released
automatically once the engine has
developed sufficient drive to prevent
your vehicle from rolling down the
slope. This is an advantage when
pulling away on a slope, (for example
from a car park ramp, traffic lights or
when reversing uphill into a parking
space).
The system will activate
automatically on any slope that will
cause significant vehicle rollback.
Using Hill Start Assist
1. Press the brake pedal to bring yourvehicle to a complete standstill.
Keep the brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that your vehicle is on a slope, the system
will activate automatically.
3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, your vehicle will
remain on the slope without rolling
away for approximately two or
three seconds. This hold time will
automatically be extended if you
are in the process of driving off.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. The brakes will release
automatically.
183
Brakes

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps
avoid drive wheel spin and loss of
traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the
system applies the brakes to
individual wheels and, when needed,
reduces engine power at the same
time. If the wheels spin when
accelerating on slippery or loose
surfaces, the system reduces engine
power in order to increase traction.
USING TRACTION
CONTROL
In certain situations (for example,
stuck in snow or mud), turning the
traction control off may be beneficial
as this allows the wheels to spin with
full engine power. Turn off the traction
control system through the
information display. See General
Information (page 101).
System Indicator Lights and
Messages
WARNING
If a failure has been detected
within the AdvanceTrac system,
the stability control light will
illuminate steadily. Verify that the
AdvanceTrac system was not
manually disabled through the
information display. If the stability
control light still illuminates steadily,
have the system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
Operating your vehicle with
AdvanceTrac disabled could lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
E138639
The stability control light
temporarily illuminates on
engine start-up and flashes
when a driving condition activates the
stability system.
The stability control off light
temporarily illuminates on
engine start-up and stays on
when you turn the traction control
system off.
When you turn the traction control
system off or on, a message appears
in the information display showing
system status.
184
Traction Control

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involving
braking system, aftermarket roof
racks, suspension, steering system,
tire construction and wheel and tire
size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may
adversely affect the performance of
the AdvanceTrac system. In addition,
installing any stereo loudspeakers
may interfere with and adversely
affect the AdvanceTrac system.
Install any aftermarket stereo
loudspeaker as far as possible from
the front center console, the tunnel,
and the front seats in order to
minimize the risk of interfering with
the AdvanceTrac sensors. Reducing
the effectiveness of the AdvanceTrac
system could lead to an increased risk
of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death.
Remember that even advanced
technology cannot defy the laws
of physics. It’s always possible to lose
control of a vehicle due to
inappropriate driver input for the
conditions. Aggressive driving on any
road condition can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the
risk of personal injury or property
damage. Activation of the
AdvanceTrac system is an indication
that at least some of the tires have
exceeded their ability to grip the road;
WARNINGS
this could reduce the operator’s ability
to control the vehicle potentially
resulting in a loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and
death. If your AdvanceTrac system
activates, SLOW DOWN.
The AdvanceTrac Control system
helps you keep control of your vehicle
when on a slippery surface. The
electronic stability control portion of
the system helps avoid skids and
lateral slides. The traction control
system helps avoid drive wheel spin
and loss of traction. See Using
Traction Control (page 184).
E72903
A
AA
B
BB
B
Vehicle without
AdvanceTrac skidding off its
intended route.
A
Vehicle with AdvanceTrac
maintaining control on a
slippery surface.
B
185
Stability Control

USING STABILITY
CONTROL
AdvanceTrac®
The system automatically activates
when you start your vehicle. The
AdvanceTrac system cannot be
completely turned off, but the
electronic stability control system is
disabled when the transmission
selector lever is in position R. You can
turn off the traction control portion of
the system independently. See Using
Traction Control (page 184).
186
Stability Control

PARKING AID (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNINGS
To help avoid personal injury,
please read and understand the
limitations of the system as contained
in this section. Sensing is only an aid
for some (generally large and fixed)
objects when moving in reverse on a
flat surface at parking speeds. Traffic
control systems, inclement weather,
air brakes, and external motors and
fans may also affect the function of
the sensing system; this may include
reduced performance or a false
activation.
To help avoid personal injury,
always use caution when in R
(Reverse) and when using the sensing
system.
This system is not designed to
prevent contact with small or
moving objects. The system is
designed to provide a warning to
assist the driver in detecting large
stationary objects to avoid damaging
the vehicle. The system may not
detect smaller objects, particularly
those close to the ground.
Certain add-on devices such as
large trailer hitches, bike or
surfboard racks and any device that
may block the normal detection zone
of the system, may create false beeps.
Note: Keep the sensors, located on the
bumper or fascia, free from snow, ice
and large accumulations of dirt. If the
sensors are covered, the system’s
accuracy can be affected. Do not clean
the sensors with sharp objects.
Note: If your vehicle sustains damage
to the bumper or fascia, leaving it
misaligned or bent, the sensing zone
may be altered causing inaccurate
measurement of obstacles or false
alarms.
Note: If your vehicle is equipped with
MyKey®, it is possible to prevent
turning the sensing system off. See
MyKey™ (page 57).
The sensing system warns the driver
of obstacles within a certain range of
the bumper area. The system turns on
automatically whenever the ignition
is switched on.
When receiving a detection warning,
the radio volume is reduced to a
predetermined level. After the warning
goes away, the radio volume returns
to the previous level.
The system can be switched off
through the information display menu
or from the pop-up message that
appears once the transmission is
shifted into R. See General
Information (page 101).
If a fault is present in the system, a
warning message appears in the
information display and does not
allow the driver to switch the faulted
system on. See Information
Messages (page 106).
187
Parking Aids