2018 Lincoln MKT User Manual

The 2018 Lincoln MKT is a full-size luxury crossover SUV that is stylish, comfortable, and useful in many ways. It shows that Lincoln is dedicated to providing a high-end driving experience in a roomy and stylish package. Lincoln’s signature grille and unique style on the outside of the MKT make it stand out in the luxury SUV market. Inside, there are high-quality materials and careful attention to detail that make the space luxurious and comfortable for guests. The 2018 MKT is great for families and people who like having a lot of room inside because it has three rows of seats that can fit up to seven people. A powerful V6 engine is standard on most 2018 MKTs. This engine gives the car great speed on the highway and in the city. All-wheel drive makes it more stable and improves grip, so it can be used on a variety of roads. The MKT also comes with a lot of high-tech features, such as an infotainment system with an easy-to-use touchscreen, smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a number of driving assistance features that make the car safer and easier to use. The 2018 Lincoln MKT is a great choice for people who want a roomy, high-end SUV that focuses on comfort and style.

Starting and Stopping the Engine

GENERAL INFORMATION
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk of fire or other damage. Do not park, idle or drive your vehicle on dry grass or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine compartment and exhaust system, creating the risk of fire. Do not start the engine in a closed garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door before you start the engine. Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of harmful and potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment. If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your vehicle inspected immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. If you disconnect the battery, your vehicle may exhibit some unusual driving characteristics for approximately 5 mi (8 km) after you reconnect it. This is because the engine management system must realign itself with the engine. You can disregard any unusual driving characteristics during this period. The powertrain control system meets all Canadian interference-causing equipment standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field or radio noise. When you start the engine, avoid pressing the accelerator pedal before and during operation. Only use the accelerator pedal when you have difficulty starting the engine.

KEYLESS STARTING
Note: The keyless starting system may not function if the key is close to metal objects or electronic devices such as cellular phones.
Note: A valid key must be located inside your vehicle to switch the ignition on and start the engine.

Ignition Modes
The keyless starting system has three modes:

Off: Turns the ignition off.

• Without applying the brake pedal, press and release the button once when the ignition is in the on mode, or when the engine is running but the vehicle is not moving.

On: All electrical circuits are operational and the warning lamps and indicators illuminate.

• Without applying the brake pedal, press and release the button once.

Note: You may have to press the push button ignition switch twice to switch the ignition on.
Start: Starts the engine.

• Press the brake pedal, and then press the button for any length of time. An indicator light on the button illuminates when then ignition is on and when the engine starts.

STARTING A GASOLINE ENGINE
When you start the engine, the idle speed increases. This helps to warm up the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have your vehicle checked by an authorized dealer.

Note: You can crank the engine for a total of 60 seconds without the engine starting before the starting system temporarily disables. The 60 seconds does not have to be all at once. For example, if you crank the engine three times for 20 seconds each time, without the engine starting, you reach the 60-second time limit. A message appears in the information display alerting you that you exceeded the cranking time. You cannot attempt to start the engine for at least 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, you are limited to a 15-second engine cranking time. You need to wait 60 minutes before you can crank the engine for 60 seconds again.

Before starting your vehicle, check the following:

• Make sure all occupants have fastened their safety belts.
• Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
• Make sure the parking brake is on.
• Make sure the transmission is in park (P).

Note: Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
Note: You must have your intelligent access key in your vehicle to shift the transmission out of the park (P).

1. Fully depress the brake pedal.
2. Press the push-button ignition switch.

The system does not function if:

• The passive key frequencies are jammed.
• The key battery has no charge.

If you are unable to start your vehicle, do the following:

1. 1. Open the floor console storage compartment lid.
   2. Insert the passive key into the backup slot.
   3. With the passive key in this position, you can use the push-button ignition switch to switch the ignition on and start your vehicle.

Fast Restart
The fast restart feature allows you to restart your vehicle within 20 seconds of switching it off, even if it does not detect a valid passive key. Within 20 seconds of switching the engine off, press the brake pedal and press the push button ignition switch. After 20 seconds, you can no longer start your vehicle if it does not detect a valid passive key. Once your vehicle starts, it remains running until you press the push button ignition switch, even if your vehicle does not detect a valid passive key. If you open and close a door while your vehicle is running, the system searches for a valid passive key. You cannot start your vehicle if the system does not detect a valid passive key within 20 seconds.

Failure to Start
If you cannot start the engine after three attempts, wait 10 seconds and follow this procedure:

1. Fully depress the brake pedal.
2. Shift into the park (P).
3. Fully press the accelerator pedal and hold it there.
4. Start the engine.

Automatic Engine Shutdown
For vehicles with a keyless ignition, this feature automatically shuts down the engine if it has been idling for an extended period. The ignition also turns off to save battery power. Before your vehicle shuts down, a message appears in the information display showing a timer counting down. If you do not intervene within 30 seconds, your vehicle shuts down. Another message appears in the information display to inform you that your vehicle has shut down to save fuel. Start your vehicle as normal.

Automatic Engine Shutdown Override
Note: You cannot permanently switch off the automatic shutdown. When you switch it off temporarily, it turns on at the next ignition cycle.

You can stop the shutdown, or reset the timer, at any point before the 30-second countdown has expired by doing any of the following:

• Interacting with your vehicle, for example, pressing the brake or accelerator pedal. You can temporarily switch off the shutdown feature any time the ignition is on using the information display.
• The feature only remains off for the current ignition cycle.
• During the 30-second countdown, the system prompts you to press OK or RESET to temporarily switch the feature off for the current ignition cycle only.

Stopping the Engine When Your Vehicle is Stationary

1. Shift into the park (P).
2. Press the push-button ignition switch.
3. Apply the parking brake.

Note: The ignition, all electrical circuits, and all warning lamps and indicators will be turned off.
Note: If the engine is idling for 30 minutes, the ignition and engine automatically shut down.

Stopping the Engine When Your Vehicle is Moving
Switching off the engine when the vehicle is still moving will result in a loss of brake and steering assistance. The steering will not lock, but higher effort will be required. When the ignition is switched off, some electrical circuits, including airbags, warning lamps, and indicators may also be off. If the ignition was turned off accidentally, you can shift into neutral (N) and restart the engine.

1. Shift into neutral and use the brakes to bring your vehicle to a safe stop.
2. When your vehicle has stopped, shift into park (P).
3. Press and hold the push button ignition switch, or press it three times within two seconds.
4. Apply the parking brake.

Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your vehicle checked by your authorized dealer immediately. Do not drive your vehicle if you smell exhaust fumes. Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.

Important Ventilating Information
If you stop your vehicle and then leave the engine idling for long periods, we recommend that you do one of the following:

• Open the windows at least 1 in (3 cm).
• Set your climate control to outside air.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Failure to follow engine block heater instructions could result in property damage or serious personal injury. Do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged adapters. There is a risk of electrical shock. Do not fully close the hood, or allow it to drop under its own weight when using the engine block heater. This could damage the power cable and may cause an electrical short resulting in fire, injury, and property damage.

Note: The heater is most effective when outdoor temperatures are below 0°F (-18°C). The heater acts as a starting aid by warming the engine coolant. This allows the climate control system to respond quickly. The equipment includes a heater element (installed in the engine block) and a wire harness. You can connect the system to a grounded 120-volt AC electrical source.

We recommend that you do the following for a safe and correct operation:

• Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord that is product-certified by the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA). This extension cord must be suitable for use outdoors, in cold temperatures, and be clearly marked Suitable for Use with Outdoor Appliances. Do not use an indoor extension cord outdoors. This could result in an electric shock or become a fire hazard.
• Use as short an extension cord as possible.
• Do not use multiple extension cords.
• Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug and heater cord plug connections are free and clear of water. This could cause an electric shock or fire.
• Make sure your vehicle is parked in a clean area, clear of combustibles.
• Make sure the heater, heater cord, and extension cord are firmly connected.
• Check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system has been operating for approximately 30 minutes.
• Make sure the system is unplugged and properly stowed before starting and driving your vehicle. Make sure the protective cover seals the prongs of the block heater cord plug when not in use.
• Make sure the heater system is checked for proper operation before winter.

Using the Engine Block Heater
Make sure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. Clean them with a dry cloth if necessary. The heater uses 0.4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. The system does not have a thermostat. It achieves maximum temperature after approximately three hours of operation. Using the heater longer than three hours does not improve system performance and unnecessarily uses electricity.

Fuel and Refueling

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire. The fuel system may be under pressure. If you hear a hissing sound near the fuel filler inlet, do not refuel until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may spray out, which could cause serious personal injury. Fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or mishandled. Fuel may contain benzene, which is a cancer-causing agent. When refueling always shut the engine off and never allow sparks or open flames near the fuel tank filler valve. Never smoke or use a cell phone while refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain conditions. Avoid inhaling excess fumes.

Follow these guidelines when refueling:

• Extinguish all smoking materials and any open flames before refueling your vehicle.
• Always switch the engine off before refueling.
• Automotive fuels can be harmful or fatal if swallowed. Fuel is highly toxic and if swallowed can cause death or permanent injury. If fuel is swallowed immediately call a physician, even if no symptoms are immediately apparent. The toxic effects of fuel may not be apparent for hours.
• Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling fuel vapor can lead to eye and respiratory tract irritation. In severe cases, excessive or prolonged breathing of fuel vapor can cause serious illness and permanent injury.
• Avoid getting fuel in your eyes. If you splash fuel in your eyes, immediately remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15 minutes, and seek medical attention. Failure to seek proper medical attention could lead to permanent injury.
• Fuels can be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If you splash fuel on your skin, clothing or both, promptly remove contaminated clothing and thoroughly wash your skin with soap and water. Repeated or prolonged skin contact causes skin irritation.
• Be particularly careful if you are taking Antabuse or other forms of Disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing fuel vapors could cause an adverse reaction, serious personal injury or sickness. Immediately call a physician if you experience any adverse reactions.

FUEL QUALITY

Choosing the Right Fuel
Your vehicle is designed to operate on regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum pump (R+M)/2-octane rating of 87. Some fuel stations, particularly those in high-altitude areas, offer fuels posted as regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating below 87. We do not recommend these fuels. For the best overall vehicle and engine performance, premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The performance gained by using premium fuel is most noticeable in hot weather as well as other conditions, for example when towing a trailer.  Do not use any fuel other than those recommended because they could lead to engine damage that will not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.

Note: Use of any fuel other than those recommended can impair the emission control system and cause a loss of vehicle performance.

Do not use:

• Diesel fuel.
• Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
• Fuel containing more than 15% ethanol or E85 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic-based additives, including manganese-based compounds.
• Fuels containing the octane booster additive, methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Leaded fuel (using leaded fuel is prohibited by law).

The use of fuels with metallic compounds such as methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (commonly known as MMT), which is a manganese-based fuel additive, will impair engine performance and affect the emission control system. Do not be concerned if the engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the engine knocks heavily while using fuel with the recommended octane rating, contact an authorized dealer to prevent any engine damage.

FUEL FILLER FUNNEL LOCATION
The fuel filler funnel is in the spare wheel storage tray.

RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Running out of fuel can cause damage not covered by the vehicle Warranty.

If your vehicle runs out of fuel:

• Add a minimum of 1.3 gal (5 L) of fuel to restart the engine.
• You may need to switch the ignition from off to on several times after refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to the engine. When restarting, cranking time takes a few seconds longer than normal.

Note: If your vehicle is on a steep slope, more fuel may be required.

Filling a Portable Fuel Container
The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can produce static electricity. This can cause a fire if you are filling an ungrounded fuel container. Use the following guidelines to avoid electrostatic charge build-up, which can produce a spark, when filling an ungrounded fuel container:

• Only use an approved fuel container to transfer fuel to your vehicle. Place the container on the ground when filling it.
• Do not fill a fuel container when it is inside your vehicle (including the cargo area).
• Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container when filling it.
• Do not use a device that holds the fuel pump nozzle lever in the fill position.

FAQ

Useful Link

2019 Lincoln MKT Owner’s Manual
2018 Lincoln MKC User Manual