towing LINCOLN MKZ 2014 User Guide

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR or
the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the
maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the
limit of your vehicle and could
result in engine damage,
transmission damage, structural
damage, loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover and personal
injury.
Note: There may be electrical
items such as fuses or relays that
can affect trailer towing operation.
See Fuses (page 255).
Weight, not volume designates
your vehicle's load capacity. You
cannot necessarily use all
available space when loading a
vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an
additional load on your vehicle's
engine, transmission, axle, brakes,
tires and suspension. Inspect
these components periodically
during, and after, any towing
operation. Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer
movement affects the vehicle
when driving:
• Load the heaviest items closest
to the trailer floor.
• Load the heaviest items in the center of the left and right side
trailer tires.
• Load the heaviest items above the trailer axles or just slightly
forward toward the trailer
tongue. Do not allow the final
trailer tongue weight to go
above or below 10-15% of the
loaded trailer weight.
• Select a tow bar with the correct rise or drop. When both
the loaded vehicle and trailer
are connected, the trailer frame
should be level, or slightly
angled down toward the
vehicle, when viewed from the
side.
When driving with a trailer or
payload, a slight takeoff vibration
or shudder may be present due to
the increased payload weight.
Additional information regarding
proper trailer loading and setting
your vehicle up for towing is
located in the Load Carrying
chapter. See Load Limit (page
224). You can also find the
information in the RV & Trailer
Towing Guide, available at an
authorized dealer.
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Towing

RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note:Do not exceed the trailer
weight for your vehicle
configuration listed in the chart
below.
Note: Be sure to take into
consideration trailer frontal area.
Do not exceed 20 feet
2 (1.86
meters2).
Note: For high altitude operation,
reduce the gross combined weight
by 2% per 1000 feet (300 meters)
starting at the 1000 foot (300
meter) elevation point. Note:
Certain states require
electric trailer brakes for trailers
over a specified weight. Be sure to
check state regulations for this
specified weight. The maximum
trailer weights listed may be limited
to this specified weight, as the
vehicle’s electrical system may not
include the wiring connector
needed to activate electric trailer
brakes.
Your vehicle may tow a Class I
trailer provided the maximum
trailer weight is less than or equal
to the maximum trailer weight
listed for your vehicle
configuration on the following
charts.
Maximum Trailer Weight - lb
(kg)*Powertrain
1000 (454)
2.0L GTDI
1000 (454)
3.7L TiVCT
*Calculated with SAE J2807 method.
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Towing

ESSENTIAL TOWING
CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe
towing:
• Do not tow a trailer until you driveyour vehicle at least 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers).
• Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
• See the instructions included with towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment
specifications.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See
your scheduled maintenance
information.
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions the rental agency gives
you.
You can find information on load
specification terms found on the tire
label and Safety Compliance label as
well as instructions on calculating
your vehicle's load in the Load
Carrying chapter. See Load Limit
(page 224).
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle
load when calculating the total
vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps
onto the bumper or attaches to the
axle. Distribute the trailer load so 10-15%
of the total trailer weight is on the
tongue.
Safety Chains
Note:
Never attach safety chains to
the bumper.
Always connect the safety chains to
the hook retainers of your vehicle
hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross
them under the trailer tongue and
allow enough slack for turning tight
corners. Do not allow the chains to
drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING
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.
Electric brakes and manual,
automatic or surge-type trailer brakes
are safe if you install them properly
and adjust them to the
manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and
federal regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's
braking system operation is at the
gross vehicle weight rating, not the
gross combined weight rating.
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Towing

Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp
wiring to the vehicle's tail lamp
wiring; this may damage the electrical
system resulting in fire. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible
for assistance in proper trailer tow
wiring installation. Additional
electrical equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most
towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and
hazard lights are working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing
up to get the feel of your
vehicle-trailer combination before
starting on a trip. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels clear
curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
• Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500
miles (800 kilometers).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug
nuts thoroughly after you have
traveled 50 miles (80 kilometers).
• When stopped in congested or heavy traffic during hot weather,
place the gearshift in position P to
aid engine and transmission
cooling and to help A/C
performance. • Turn off the speed control with
heavy loads or in hilly terrain. The
speed control may turn off
automatically when you are towing
on long, steep grades.
• Shift to a lower gear when driving down a long or steep hill. Do not
apply the brakes continuously, as
they may overheat and become
less effective.
• If your transmission is equipped with a Grade Assist or Tow/Haul
feature, use this feature when
towing. This provides engine
braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached. Anticipate
stops and brake gradually.
• Avoid parking on a grade. However, if you must park on a grade:
• Turn the steering wheel to pointyour vehicle tires away from
traffic flow.
• Set your vehicle parking brake.
• Place the automatic transmission in position P.
• Place wheel chocks in front and back of the trailer wheels.
(Chocks not included with
vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat
or Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note: Disconnect the wiring to the
trailer before backing the trailer into
the water.
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Towing

Note:Reconnect the wiring to the
trailer after removing the trailer from
the water.
When backing down a ramp during
boat launching or retrieval:
• Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
• Do not allow waves to break higher than 6 inches (15 centimeters)
above the bottom edge of the rear
bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow
water to enter vehicle components:
• Causing internal damage to the components.
• Affecting driveability, emissions, and reliability.
Any time the rear axle submerges in
water, replace the rear axle lubricant.
Water may contaminate the rear axle
lubricant, which is not a normal
maintenance inspection item unless
there is a possibility of a leak or other
axle repair is required.TRANSPORTING THE
VEHICLE
E143886
If you need to have your vehicle
towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member of a
roadside assistance program, your
roadside assistance service provider.
We recommend the use of a wheel lift
and dollies or flatbed equipment to
tow your vehicle. Do not tow with a
slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has
not approved a slingbelt towing
procedure. Vehicle damage may occur
if towed incorrectly, or by any other
means.
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Towing

Ford Motor Company produces a
towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck
operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing
procedures for your vehicle.
It is acceptable to have your
front-wheel drive vehicle towed from
the front if using proper wheel lift
equipment to raise the front wheels
off the ground. When towing in this
manner, the rear wheels can remain
on the ground.
Front-wheel drive vehicles must have
the front wheels placed on a tow dolly
when towing your vehicle from the
rear using wheel lift equipment. This
prevents damage to the transmission.
Towing an all-wheel drive vehicle
requires that all wheels be off the
ground, such as using a wheel lift and
dollies or flatbed equipment. This
prevents damage to the transmission,
all-wheel drive system and vehicle.TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
You can flat-tow (all wheels on the
ground, regardless of the
powertrain/transmission
configuration) your disabled vehicle
(without access to wheel dollies,
car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport
vehicle) under the following
conditions:
• Your vehicle is facing forward soyou tow it in a forward direction.
• You place the transmission in position N. If you cannot place the
transmission in position N, you
may need to override it. See
Transmission (page 167).
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 kilometers).
Recreational Towing
Note: Put your climate control system
in recirculated air mode to prevent
exhaust fumes from entering the
vehicle. See Climate Control (page
128).
Follow these guidelines if you have a
need for recreational (RV) towing. An
example of recreational towing would
be towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome. These guidelines are to
make sure you do not damage the
transmission during towing.
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Towing

Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L
Engine
Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles
CANNOT be flat-towed (all wheels
on the ground) as vehicle or
transmission damage may occur. You
must place the front wheels on a
two-wheel tow dolly. If you are using
a tow dolly, follow the instructions
specified by the equipment provider.
All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles
CANNOT be flat-towed (all wheels
on the ground), as vehicle or
transmission damage may occur. It is
recommended to tow your vehicle
with all four (4) wheels off the ground
such as when using a car-hauling
trailer. Otherwise, you cannot tow your
vehicle.
Vehicles Equipped with a 3.7L
Engine
You can tow your vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground using the
Neutral Tow feature, or with all four
wheels off the ground using a vehicle
transport trailer. If you are using a
vehicle transport trailer, follow the
instruction specified by the equipment
provider.
If you tow your vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground:
• Tow only in the forward direction.
• Release the parking brake.
Neutral Tow
Enter Neutral Tow mode by doing the
following:1. Put the ignition in accessory mode
by pressing the engine START
button without pressing the brake
pedal.
2. Select Neutral Tow under the Vehicle Settings menu in the
information display. See General
Information (page 101).
3. Press and hold the OK button to start the neutral tow process.
4. Press the brake pedal and select N on the push-button
transmission.
5. Turn the ignition off by pressing the engine START button without
pressing the brake pedal.
If the process is completes
successfully:
• the N on the push-button transmission blinks slowly
• Neutral Tow Engaged turn
ignition off for towing appears
in the information display.
Note: If the parking brake is applied,
Neutral Tow remove park brake for
towing appears in the information
display.
Note: Do not exceed 65 mph (105
km/h).
Note: Start the engine and allow it to
run for five minutes at the beginning of
each day and every six hours (or fewer).
Shut the engine off and verify that
Neutral tow engaged appears in the
display before continuing to tow.
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Towing

Exit Neutral Tow mode, make sure the
ignition is on (engine can be on or off),
press the brake pedal and select P on
the push-button transmission.
If the process is completed
successfully, Neutral Tow
disengaged appears in the
information display and both the
instrument cluster and push-button
transmission display P.
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Towing

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles Sold In The U.S.:
Getting Roadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have a
vehicle concern Ford Motor Company
offers a complimentary roadside
assistance program. This program is
separate from the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. The service is
available:
• 24-hours, seven days a week.
• for the coverage period listed onthe Roadside Assistance Card
included in your Owner's Manual
portfolio.
Roadside assistance will cover:
• a flat tire change with a good spare (except vehicles that have been
supplied with a tire inflation kit).
• battery jump start.
• lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer's
responsibility).
• fuel delivery — Independent Service Contractors, if not
prohibited by state, local or
municipal law shall deliver up to
2.0 gallons (7.5L) of gasoline or
5.0 gallons (18.9L) of diesel fuel
to a disabled vehicle. Fuel delivery
service is limited to two no-charge
occurrences within a 12-month
period. • winch out — available within 100
feet (30.5 meters) of a paved or
county maintained road, no
recoveries.
• towing — Ford and Lincoln eligible vehicles towed to an authorized
dealer within 35 miles (56 km) of
the disablement location or to the
nearest authorized dealer. If a
member requests to be towed to
an authorized dealer more than 35
miles (56 km) from the
disablement location, the member
shall be responsible for any
mileage costs in excess of 35 miles
(56 km).
Trailers shall be covered up to $200
if the disabled eligible vehicle requires
service at the nearest authorized
dealer. If the trailer is disabled, but the
towing vehicle is operational, the
trailer does not qualify for any
roadside services.
Vehicles Sold In The U.S. :
Using Roadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistance
identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. This card
is found in the owner's information
portfolio in the glove compartment.
U.S. Lincoln vehicle customers who
require Roadside Assistance, call
1-800-521-4140.
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Roadside Emergencies

If you need to arrange roadside
assistance for yourself, Ford Motor
Company will reimburse a reasonable
amount for towing to the nearest
dealership within 35 miles (56 km).
To obtain reimbursement information,
U.S. Lincoln vehicle customers call
1-800-521-4140. Customers will be
asked to submit their original receipts.
Vehicles Sold In Canada :
Getting Roadside Assistance
Canadian customers who require
roadside assistance, call
1-800-665-2006.
Vehicles Sold In Canada : Using
Roadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistance
identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In Canada,
the card is found in the Warranty
Guide in the glove box.
Canadian Roadside coverage and
benefits may differ from the U.S.
coverage. Please refer to your
Warranty Guide or visit our website at
www.ford.ca for information on
Canadian services and benefits.
Canadian customers who need to
obtain roadside information, call
1-800-665-2006 or visit our website
at www.ford.ca.
HAZARD WARNING
FLASHERS
Note:If used when the vehicle is not
running, the battery will lose charge.
There may be insufficient power to
restart your vehicle.
The hazard warning button
is located on the instrument
panel. Use it when your
vehicle is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
• Press the button to turn on the hazard warning function, and the
front and rear direction indicators
will flash.
• Press the button again to turn them off.
FUEL SHUTOFF
WARNING
Failure to inspect and, if
necessary, repair fuel leaks after
a collision may increase the risk of fire
and serious injury. Ford Motor
Company recommends that the fuel
system be inspected by an authorized
dealer after any collision.
In the event of a moderate to severe
collision, this vehicle is equipped with
a fuel pump shut-off feature that
stops the flow of fuel to the engine.
Not every impact will cause a shut-off.
Should your vehicle shut off after a
collision, you may restart your vehicle
by doing the following:
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Roadside Emergencies