suspension LINCOLN MKZ 2019 Owners Manual

Direction of travel.A
Steering wheel rotation.B
Avoid sudden applications of power andquick changes of direction on snow and ice.Apply the accelerator slowly and steadilywhen starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although anAWD vehicle may accelerate better than atwo-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, itwon’t stop any faster, because as in othervehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels.Do not become overconfident as to roadconditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distancebetween you and other vehicles for stopping.Drive slower than usual and consider usingone of the lower gears. In emergencystopping situations, apply the brake steadily.Since your vehicle is equipped with a fourwheel (ABS), do not “pump” the brakes. SeeHints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes(page 193).
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems onyour vehicle have been designed and testedto provide predictable performance whetherloaded or empty and durable load carryingcapability. For this reason, Ford MotorCompany strongly recommends that you donot make modifications such as adding orremoving parts (such as lowering kits orstabilizer bars) or by using replacement partsnot equivalent to the original factoryequipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise thecenter of gravity can make it more likely thevehicle will rollover as a result of a loss ofcontrol. Ford Motor Company recommendsthat caution be used with any vehicleequipped with a high load or device (suchas ladder or luggage racks).
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E223901
A
B

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modificationsinvolving braking system, aftermarket roofracks, suspension, steering system, tireconstruction and wheel and tire size maychange the handling characteristics of yourvehicle and may adversely affect theperformance of the electronic stability controlsystem. In addition, installing any stereoloudspeakers may interfere with andadversely affect the electronic stabilitycontrol system. Install any aftermarket stereoloudspeaker as far as possible from the frontcenter console, the tunnel, and the frontseats in order to minimize the risk ofinterfering with the electronic stability controlsensors. Reducing the effectiveness of theelectronic stability control system could leadto an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING: Remember that evenadvanced technology cannot defy the lawsof physics. It’s always possible to lose controlof a vehicle due to inappropriate driver inputfor the conditions. Aggressive driving on anyroad condition can cause you to lose controlof your vehicle increasing the risk of personalinjury or property damage. Activation of theelectronic stability control system is anindication that at least some of the tires haveexceeded their ability to grip the road; thiscould reduce the operator’s ability to controlthe vehicle potentially resulting in a loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death. If your electronic stabilitycontrol system activates, SLOW DOWN.
The system automatically turns on each timeyou switch the ignition on.
If a fault occurs in either the stability controlor the traction control system, you mayexperience the following conditions:
•The stability and traction control lightilluminates steadily.
•The stability control and traction controlsystems do not enhance your vehicle'sability to maintain traction of the wheels.
If a driving condition activates either thestability control or the traction control systemyou may experience the following conditions:
•The stability and traction control lightflashes.
•Your vehicle slows down.
•Reduced engine power.
•A vibration in the brake pedal.
•The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
•If the driving condition is severe and yourfoot is not on the brake, the brake pedalmay move as the system applies higherbrake force.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle:
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Stability Control

Stability Control and Traction Control Features
Collision Warningwith Brake SupportTraction ControlSystemElectronic StabilityControlStability Control OffLightModeButton Functions
EnabledEnabledEnabledOn during bulb checkStability and tractioncontrol fully enabledDefault at start-up
EnabledDisabledEnabledOnTraction control offButton pressedmomentarily
DisabledEnabled with higherthreshold targetEnabled with higherthreshold targetOnSport mode (ifequipped)Button pressed twicerapidly
DisabledDisabledDisabledOnStability and tractioncontrol fully disabledButton pressed andheld more than fiveseconds
EnabledEnabledEnabledOffStability and tractioncontrol fully enabledButton pressed againafter deactivation
Note:Stability control fully off can only occurwhen you put the Active Suspension System(CCD) in sport mode. If you are not in sportmode or change from sport mode to anothermode, the stability control enables.
Note:Do not use Sport mode on publicroadways.
Your vehicle, if equipped with sport modeallows you to reduce normal stability andtraction control system intervention andprovide a more spirited driving experience.To enter sport mode, press the stabilitycontrol button twice rapidly. A messageappears in the information display that thesystem is now in sport mode.
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Stability Control

DRIVER ALERT (If Equipped)
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: You are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle at all times. Thesystem is designed to be an aid and doesnot relieve you of your responsibility to drivewith due care and attention. Failure to followthis instruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: The system may notfunction if the sensor is blocked.
WARNING: Take regular rest breaks ifyou feel tired. Do not wait for the system towarn you.
WARNING: Certain driving styles mayresult in the system warning you even if youare not feeling tired.
WARNING: In cold and severe weatherconditions the system may not function. Rain,snow and spray can all limit sensorperformance.
WARNING: The system will not operateif the sensor cannot track the road lanemarkings.
WARNING: If damage occurs in theimmediate area surrounding the sensor, haveyour vehicle checked as soon as possible.
WARNING: The system may notcorrectly operate if your vehicle is fitted witha suspension kit not approved by us.
Note:The system may not operate correctlyif you modify the ride height.
Note:Keep the windshield free fromobstructions. For example, bird droppings,insects, snow or ice.
Note:If the camera is blocked or if thewindshield is damaged, the system may notfunction.
Note:If enabled in the menu, the systemactivates at speeds above 40 mph (64 km/h).When below the activation speed, theinformation display informs the driver thatthe system is unavailable.
The system automatically monitors yourdriving behavior using various inputsincluding the front camera sensor.
If the system detects that your drivingalertness is reduced below a certainthreshold, the system alerts you using achime and a message in the informationdisplay.
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Driving AidsE249505

•Switching the ignition off and on.
•Stopping the vehicle and then openingand closing the driver’s door.
LANE KEEPING SYSTEM (If Equipped)
WARNING: You are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle at all times. Thesystem is designed to be an aid and doesnot relieve you of your responsibility to drivewith due care and attention. Failure to followthis instruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: Always drive with due careand attention when using and operating thecontrols and features on your vehicle.
WARNING: In cold and severe weatherconditions the system may not function. Rain,snow and spray can all limit sensorperformance.
WARNING: The system will not operateif the sensor cannot track the road lanemarkings.
WARNING: The sensor may incorrectlytrack lane markings as other structures orobjects. This can result in a false or missedwarning.
WARNING: Large contrasts in outsidelighting can limit sensor performance.
WARNING: The system may notoperate properly if the sensor is blocked.Keep the windshield free from obstruction.
WARNING: If damage occurs in theimmediate area surrounding the sensor, haveyour vehicle checked as soon as possible.
WARNING: The system may notcorrectly operate if your vehicle is fitted witha suspension kit not approved by us.
Note:The system works above 40 mph(64 km/h).
Note:The system works as long as thecamera can detect one lane marking.
Note:When aid mode is on and the systemdetects no steering activity for a short period,the system alerts you to put your hands onthe steering wheel. The system may detecta light grip or touch on the steering wheelas hands off driving.
Note:The system may not function if thecamera is blocked, or if the windshield isdamaged or dirty.
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Driving AidsE249505

Why does the vehicle not come back toward the middle of the lane, as expected, in the Aid or Aid + Alert mode?
High cross winds are present.
There is a large road crown.
Rough roads, grooves or shoulder drop-offs.
Heavy uneven loading of the vehicle or improper tire inflation pressure.
The tires have been changed, or the suspension has been modified.
BLIND SPOT INFORMATION
SYSTEM (If Equipped)
WARNING: Do not use the blind spotinformation system as a replacement forusing the interior and exterior mirrors orlooking over your shoulder before changinglanes. The blind spot information system isnot a replacement for careful driving.
WARNING: The system may notoperate properly during severe weatherconditions, for example snow, ice, heavy rainand spray. Always drive with due care andattention. Failure to take care may result ina crash.
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Driving AidsA
A
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Note:The system turns on each time youswitch the ignition on and you shift intoreverse (R). If you temporarily switch thesystem off, it turns on the next time youswitch the ignition on.
Note:The system may not correctly operatewhen towing a trailer. For vehicles with atrailer tow module and tow bar approved byus, the system turns off when you attach atrailer. For vehicles with an aftermarkettrailer tow module or tow bar, werecommend that you switch the system offwhen you attach a trailer.
To permanently switch the system off,contact an authorized dealer.
STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING: The electric power steeringsystem has diagnostic checks thatcontinuously monitor the system. If a fault isdetected, a message displays in theinformation display. Stop your vehicle assoon as it is safe to do so. Switch the ignitionoff. After at least 10 seconds, switch theignition on and watch the information displayfor a steering system warning message. If asteering system warning message returns,have the system checked by an authorizeddealer.
WARNING: If the system detects anerror, you may not feel a difference in thesteering, however a serious condition mayexist. Obtain immediate service from anauthorized dealer, failure to do so may resultin loss of steering control.
Your vehicle has an electric power steeringsystem. There is no fluid reservoir. Nomaintenance is required.
If your vehicle loses electrical power whileyou are driving, electric power steeringassistance is lost. The steering system stilloperates and you can steer your vehiclemanually. Manually steering your vehiclerequires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increasethe effort required for you to steer yourvehicle. This increased effort preventsoverheating and permanent damage to thesteering system. You do not lose the abilityto steer your vehicle manually. Typicalsteering and driving maneuvers allow thesystem to cool and return to normaloperation.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•Correct tire pressures.
•Uneven tire wear.
•Loose or worn suspension components.
•Loose or worn steering components.
•Improper vehicle alignment.
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Driving Aids

Note:If something hits the front end of yourvehicle or damage occurs, the radar sensingzone may change. This could cause missedor false vehicle detections. Contact anauthorized dealer to have the radar checkedfor proper coverage and operation.
Note:If your vehicle detects excessive heatat the camera or a potential misalignmentcondition, a message may display in theinformation display indicating temporarysensor unavailability. This messagedeactivates automatically when operationalconditions return to normal. For example,when the ambient temperature around thesensor decreases or the sensorautomatically recalibrates successfully.
DRIVE CONTROL (If Equipped)
Lincoln Drive Control
Lincoln Drive Control delivers the Lincolndriving experience through a suite ofsophisticated electronic vehicle systems.These systems continuously monitor yourdriving inputs and the road conditions tooptimize ride comfort, steering, handling,
powertrain response and sound. You canpreset your preferences for these systemswithin the information display. Lincoln DriveControl will respond to your preferencesbased on what gear position you select. Thisprovides a single location to control multiplesystems performance settings.
Lincoln Drive Control consists of thefollowing systems:
•Adaptive suspension dynamically adjuststhe shock absorbers stiffness in real timeto match the road surface and driverinputs. This system continuously monitorsyour vehicle’s motion, suspensionposition, load, speed, road conditionsand steering to adjust the suspensiondamping for optimal vehicle control.
•Electronically power-assisted steeringadjusts steering effort and feel based onyour vehicle speed and your inputs.
•Active noise control utilizes your vehicleelectronics to enhance the acousticexperience.
•Electronic stability control and tractioncontrol maintain your vehicle control inadverse conditions or high performancedriving.
•Electronic throttle control enhances thepowertrain response to your inputs.
Using Lincoln Drive Control
You can configure which of the drive controlmodes are active when your vehicle is indrive (D) or sport (S). The configurationremains active until modified from the mainmenu on the information display.
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Driving Aids

These systems have a range of modes whichyou can choose from in order to customizeyour ideal driving experience:
•Comfort – Provides a more relaxeddriving experience, maximizing comfort.Your steering effort decreases and thesuspension movement is more fluid.Comfort mode is ideal when you desireenhanced traveling comfort.
•Normal – Delivers a balancedcombination of comfortable, controlledride and confident handling. This modeprovides an engaging drive experienceand a direct connection to the roadwithout sacrificing any of the composuredemanded from a luxury vehicle.
•Sport – Provides a sportier drivingexperience. The suspension stiffens, withan emphasis on handling and control.The engine responds more directly toyour inputs and takes on a more powerfultone. Sport mode is ideal for use duringmore spirited driving.
You can change your vehicle's Drive Controlsettings from the menu on the displayscreen. See General Information (page 110).
Note:Not all settings may be available.
Note:Lincoln Drive Control has diagnosticchecks that continuously monitor the systemto ensure proper operation. Certain types ofsystem errors gray out the mode selectionswithin the information display, preventingyou from changing states when the gearposition is changed. Other types of errorsproduce a temporary message in theinformation display. See InformationMessages (page 116). If either conditionpersists for multiple key cycles, see anauthorized dealer.
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Driving Aids

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING: Do not exceed theGVWR or the GAWR specified on thecertification label.
WARNING: Towing trailers beyondthe maximum recommended grosstrailer weight exceeds the limit of yourvehicle and could result in enginedamage, transmission damage,structural damage, loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover and personalinjury.
Note:There may be electrical itemssuch as fuses or relays that can affecttrailer towing operation. See Fuses(page 277).
The load capacity of your vehicle isdesignated by weight not volume. Youmay not necessarily be able to use allavailable space when loading yourvehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places extra load on theengine, transmission, axle, brakes, tires,and suspension. Inspect thesecomponents before, during and aftertowing.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer movementaffects the vehicle when driving:
•Load the heaviest items closest tothe trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest items in the centerof the left and right side trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items above thetrailer axles or just slightly forwardtoward the trailer tongue. Do notallow the final trailer tongue weightto go above or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight.
•Select a ball mount with the correctrise or drop. When both the loadedvehicle and trailer are connected, thetrailer frame should be level, orslightly angled down toward thevehicle, when viewed from the side.
When driving with a trailer or payload, aslight takeoff vibration or shudder maybe present due to the increased payloadweight. Additional information regardingproper trailer loading and setting yourvehicle up for towing is located in theLoad Carrying chapter. See Load Limit(page 248).
You can also find information in the RV& Trailer Towing Guide available at yourauthorized dealer, or online.
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Towing