coolant temperature LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID 2012 Owners Manual

Question Answer
Why does it take a long time
before the engine shuts down?There are several reasons the
engine stays on for an extended
amount of time when it is first
started. One common reason is to
ensure that the emissions
components are warm enough to
minimize tailpipe emissions. As the
climate gets cooler, this
“engine-ON” time is extended.
Why does my engine never shut
down above 47 mph (75 km/h)?The engine is required to turn on
above this speed to protect the
transmission hardware.
Why does my engine stay ON
when it’s extremely cold outside?In order to ensure that the climate
control system can begin heating
the cabin and/or defrosting the
windshield as soon as a driver
requests it, the engine coolant
temperature has to be kept
sufficiently hot. Keeping the
engine on is required to maintain
the correct minimum temperature.
Why does my engine rev up so
high sometimes when I accelerate?Your vehicle’s engine and
transmission are designed to
deliver the power you need at the
most efficient engine speed. This
may be higher than expected
during heavy accelerations, and
may fluctuate during steady state
driving. These are characteristics
of the Atkinson engine cycle and
the eCVT transmission technology
that help maximize your hybrid’s
fuel economy.
Introduction
10
2012 MKZ Hybrid(hkz)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Service Engine SoonEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check Fuel CapLow Tire Pressure
Warning
Introduction
17
2012 MKZ Hybrid(hkz)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

malfunction with the charging system. Contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical system or a
related component.
Engine oil pressure (RTT):
Illuminates when the oil pressure
falls below the normal range. The
message center displays LOW OIL
PRESSURE when the engine oil level is low. Check the oil level and add
oil if needed. If the warning light or message stays on, even though the
oil level is correct, do not start the engine and contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible. This indicates a problem with the engine or a
related component. Refer toEngine oilin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
High engine or high motor
electronic coolant temperature
(RTT):Illuminates when the engine
coolant or motor electronics coolant temperature is high. The message
center displays HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE / HIGH MOTOR
TEMPERATURE when the engine coolant or motor electronics are
overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the
engine, and let it cool. Check the coolant and coolant level. If the light
and message stays on or continues to turn on after the vehicle warms
up, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Continuing to
drive with an overheated engine can cause serious engine damage. This
indicates a problem with the engine or a related component. Refer to
Engine coolant and motor/electronics coolantin theMaintenance
and Specificationschapter.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
AdvanceTrac:Illuminates when
AdvanceTracis active. If the light
remains on, contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible. Refer to
theDrivingchapter for more
information.
Instrument Cluster
22
2012 MKZ Hybrid(hkz)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Engine coolant temperature
gauge:Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating
temperature, the level indicator will
be blue and will be in the normal
range (between “H” and “C”). If the
engine coolant temperature exceeds
the normal range, the level indicator
will change to red to indicate that
the engine is overheating. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible,
switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
Empower instrument cluster level only:The
indicator next to the
gauge will illuminate in green or white to indicate the following:
•
Indicator white: This indicates that the hybrid system is not
warm enough to allow operation in electric vehicle mode only. The
gasoline engine will run continuously when the indicator is white.
Note:During silent key start mode, the
indicator will be white,
but the gasoline engine will not run. This is a result of the vehicle
computer allowing the engine to be cooler during the silent key start
period. This is normal operation and does not indicate a problem with
your vehicle. After the first engine start, the
indicator will turn
green when the gasoline engine is warm enough to turn off.
•
Indicator green: This indicates that the hybrid system is warm
enough to allow operation in electric vehicle mode.
If the vehicle operates in electric mode long enough, it is possible that
the gasoline engine may need to run to keep the system warm. In this
case, the
indicator will revert back to white.
High-voltage battery information
gauge:The fill level indicates the
amount of energy stored in the
high-voltage battery as a percent of
total energy capacity. The level will
increase and decrease as the battery
charges and discharges during
normal operation, but the hybrid
system will attempt to control the
level to approximately the middle of
the gauge under most driving
conditions.
Instrument Cluster
28
2012 MKZ Hybrid(hkz)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM— Displayed when the brake system needs
servicing. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
STOP SAFELY NOW— Displayed when the stop safety hazard warning
lamp is illuminated. This indicates a hybrid component fault/failure that
will cause the vehicle to shut down, fail to start or enter into limited
operating mode.
Note:If the vehicle is still running, it may soon shut down without
further warning and should be stopped safely. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE— Displayed when the engine
coolant is overheating. Engine coolant temperature warning lamp will
illuminate indicating coolant temperature is high. Stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible, turn off the engine and let it cool. Check the
coolant level. Refer toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING:When the engine and radiator are hot, scalding
coolant and steam may shoot out under pressure and cause
serious injury. Do not remove the cooling system cap when the engine
and radiator are hot.
HIGH MOTOR TEMPERATURE— Displayed when the motor
electronics are overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
turn off the engine and let it cool. Refer toEngine coolant and
motor/electronics coolantin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM— Displayed when the electrical system
is not maintaining proper voltage. If you are operating electrical
accessories when the engine is idling at a low speed, turn off as many of
the electrical loads as soon as possible. If the warning stays on or comes
on when the engine is operating at normal speeds, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT— The power steering system
has disabled power steering assist due to a system error, service is
required.
SERVICE POWER STEERING— The power steering system has
detected a condition that requires service.
Instrument Cluster
46
2012 MKZ Hybrid(hkz)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

3. Once the “Ready Indicator Light” is on, release the parking brake,
apply the brake, shift into gear and drive.
Note:After the engine has started the first time, it may stop running to
conserve fuel after it is warmed-up and the battery is sufficiently
charged.
Note:If the vehicle does not start, put the gearshift lever into P (Park),
turn the ignition off, wait 10 seconds, then attempt to start the vehicle
again. If the vehicle still does not start, it may require refueling, jump
starting, or service. For information on jump starting the vehicle, refer to
Jump startingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating or
air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Failure to follow engine block heater instructions
could result in property damage or physical injury.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged
(cheater) adapters.
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and allows the heater/defroster system to respond quickly. If your vehicle
is equipped with this system, your equipment includes a heater element
which is installed in your engine block and a wire harness which allows
the user to connect the system to a grounded 120 volt A/C electrical
source. The block heater system is most effective when outdoor
temperatures reach below 0°F (-18°C).
Driving
224
2012 MKZ Hybrid(hkz)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

ENGINE COOLANT AND MOTOR/ELECTRONICS COOLANT
Your vehicle is equipped with two separate coolant systems. One is for
engine cooling and the other is for various electric motors and other
components that are specific to the hybrid operating systems.
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of
engine coolant should be checked at
the intervals listed inscheduled
maintenance information. The
coolant concentration should be
maintained at 50/50 coolant and
distilled water. For best results,
coolant concentration should be
tested with a refractometer such as
Rotunda tool 300-ROB75240E
available from your dealer. Ford
does not recommend the use of
hydrometers or coolant test strips
for measuring coolant
concentration.The level of coolant
should be maintained at the FULL COLD level or within the COLD FILL
RANGE in the coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per
the instructions in theAdding engine coolantsection. When the engine
is cold, check the level of engine coolant in the reservoir.
Checking motor/electronics (M/E) coolant
The M/E coolant reservoir is located
at the rear of the engine
compartment. Refer to the following
engine coolant sections for all
information, instructions and
warnings related to cooling systems.
The two systems use the same
coolant and operate similarly, with
the Motor and Electronics system
generally operating at a lower
temperature and pressure. The fluid
levels in both reservoirs need to be maintained. When the engine is cold,
check the level of M/E coolant in the reservoir. The coolant should be at
the FULL COLD level as shown on the side of the coolant reservoir.
Maintenance and Specifications
296
2012 MKZ Hybrid(hkz)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined previously in theAdding
engine coolantsection.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
•NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
•
A coolant concentration of 60% will provide improved freeze
point protection. Increased engine coolant concentrations above
60% will decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the
engine coolant and may cause engine damage.
•If available, refer to the chart on the coolant container to
ensure the coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide
adequate freeze protection at the temperatures in which you
drive in the winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
•NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion/freeze protection characteristics of the
engine coolant and may cause engine damage.
•If available, refer to the chart on the coolant container to
ensure the coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide
adequate protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with
the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed.
Maintenance and Specifications
300
2012 MKZ Hybrid(hkz)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•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 a quality gas stabilizer
product 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.
Low voltage (underhood) battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, disconnect the negative terminal of the low voltage
(underhood) battery to prevent its charge from becoming depleted.
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.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under vehicle are
covered with grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
Maintenance and Specifications
314
2012 MKZ Hybrid(hkz)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Edge/MKX AWD only – vehicles operating off-road in sand during high
ambient temperatures must replace the AWD PTU (All-wheel drive
Power Transfer Unit) lube every 20,000 miles (32,000 km).
Engine air filter & cabin air filter replacement:Engine air filter and
cabin air filter life is dependent on exposure to dusty and dirty
conditions. Vehicles operated in these conditions will require frequent
inspection and replacement of the engine air filter and cabin air filter.
ENGINE COOLANT CHANGE RECORD
Initial change 6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
After initial change Every 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Engine coolant change log
DEALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:
D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:
D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:
Scheduled Maintenance
343
2012 MKZ Hybrid(hkz)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)