2020 Lincoln MKZ Owner’s Manual

The 2020 Lincoln MKZ is a midsize luxury car that shows how committed Lincoln is to giving drivers a great experience. The MKZ stands out on the road with its unique design and elegant style. It has Lincoln’s signature grille and smooth lines. Inside the cabin, riders are treated to a luxurious space with high-quality materials and careful attention to every detail. The 2020 MKZ has roomy seats for up to five people, so it’s comfortable for both short trips and long ones. There are a few different engine options for the 2020 MKZ, such as a powerful V6 engine and a hybrid motor, so it can fit a lot of different tastes. The MKZ can handle a wide range of road conditions thanks to its available all-wheel drive, which improves handling and grip. There are also many high-tech and safety features on the MKZ, such as an easy-to-use entertainment system with touchscreens, smartphone connection with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. The 2020 Lincoln MKZ is a great choice for people who want a well-rounded, high-end midsize car that focuses on comfort and style.

Engine Emission Control

EMISSION LAW
Do not remove or alter the original equipment floor covering or insulation between it and the metal floor of the vehicle. The floor covering and insulation protect occupants of the vehicle from the engine and exhaust system heat and noise. On vehicles with no original equipment floor covering insulation, do not carry passengers in a manner that permits prolonged skin contact with the metal floor. Failure to follow these instructions may result in fire or personal injury. U.S. federal laws and certain state laws prohibit removing or rendering inoperative emission control system components. Similar federal or provincial laws may apply in Canada. We do not approve of any vehicle modification without first determining applicable laws. Tampering with emissions control systems including related sensors or the Diesel Exhaust Fluid system can result in reduced engine power and the illumination of the service engine soon light.

Tampering With a Noise Control System
Federal laws prohibit the following acts:

• Removal or rendering inoperative by any person other than for purposes of maintenance.
• Repair or replacement of any device or element of the design incorporated into a new vehicle for the purpose of noise control prior to its sale or delivery to the ultimate purchaser or while it is in use.
• The use of the vehicle after any person removes or renders inoperative any device or element of the design.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may presume to constitute tampering as follows:

• Removal of hood blanket, fender apron absorbers, fender apron barriers, underbody noise shields or acoustically absorptive material.
• Tampering or rendering inoperative the engine speed governor, to allow engine speed to exceed manufacturer specifications.

If the engine does not start, runs rough, experiences a decrease in engine performance, experiences excess fuel consumption or produces excessive exhaust smoke, check for the following:

• A plugged or disconnected air inlet system hose.
• A plugged engine air filter element.
• Water in the fuel filter and water separator.
• A clogged fuel filter.
• Contaminated fuel.
• Air in the fuel system, due to loose connections.
• An open or pinched sensor hose.
• Incorrect engine oil level.
• Incorrect fuel for climatic conditions.
• Incorrect engine oil viscosity for climactic conditions.

Note: Some vehicles have a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed.
Note: If these checks do not help you correct the concern, have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Noise Emissions Warranty, Prohibited Tampering Acts and Maintenance
On January 1, 1978, Federal regulation became effective governing the noise emission on trucks over 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The preceding statements concerning prohibited tampering acts and maintenance, and the noise warranty found in the Warranty Guide, are applicable to complete chassis cabs over 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) GVWR.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

WARNING: 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. The normal operating temperature of the exhaust system is very high. Never work around or attempt to repair any part of the exhaust system until it has cooled. Use special care when working around the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter heats up to a very high temperature after only a short period of engine operation and stays hot after the engine is switched off. 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. Your vehicle has various emission control components and a catalytic converter that enables it to comply with applicable exhaust emission standards.

To make sure that the catalytic converter and other emission control components continue to work properly:

• Do not crank the engine for more than 10 seconds at a time.
• Do not run the engine with a spark plug lead disconnected.
• Do not push-start or tow-start your vehicle. Use booster cables.
• Use only the specified fuel listed.
• Do not switch the ignition off when your vehicle is moving.
• Avoid running out of fuel.
• Have the items listed in scheduled maintenance information performed according to the specified schedule?

Note: Resulting component damage may not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.

The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance information are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its emissions system. If you use anything other than Lincoln, Motorcraft, or Lincoln-authorized parts for maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting emission control, such non-Lincoln parts should be equivalent to genuine Lincoln Motor Company parts in performance and durability. Illumination of the service engine soon indicator, charging system warning light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or loss of engine power could indicate that the emission control system is not working properly. An improperly operating or damaged exhaust system may allow exhaust to enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly operating exhaust system inspected and repaired immediately. Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the engine. This decal also lists engine displacement. Please consult your warranty information for complete details.

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle has a computer known as the onboard diagnostics system (OBD-II) that monitors the engine’s emission control system. The system protects the environment by making sure that your vehicle continues to meet government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists a service technician in properly servicing your vehicle. When the service engine indicator illuminates, the OBD-II system has detected a malfunction.

Temporary malfunctions may cause the service engine indicator to illuminate.

Examples are:

1. Your vehicle has run out of fuel—the engine may misfire or run poorly.
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel—the engine may misfire or run poorly.
3. The fuel fill inlet may not have closed properly.
4. Driving through deep water—the electrical system may be wet.

You can correct these temporary malfunctions by filling the fuel tank with good-quality fuel, properly closing the fuel fill inlet or letting the electrical system dry out. After three driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the service engine indicator should stay off the next time you start the engine. A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city and highway driving. No additional vehicle service is required. If the service engine soon indicator remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity. Although some malfunctions detected by the OBD-II may not have symptoms that are apparent, continued driving with the service engine soon indicator on can result in increased emissions, lower fuel economy, reduced engine and transmission smoothness and lead to more costly repairs.

Readiness for Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Testing
Some state and provincial and local governments may have Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs to inspect the emission control equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent you from getting a vehicle registration. If the service engine soon indicator is on or the bulb does not work, your vehicle may need service. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test if the service engine soon indicator is on or not working properly (bulb is burned out), or if the OBD-II system has determined that some of the emission control systems have not been properly checked. In this case, the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing.
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission has just been serviced, or the battery has recently run down or been replaced, the OBD-II system may indicate that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To determine if the vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn the ignition key to the on position for 15 seconds without cranking the engine. If the service engine soon indicator blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing; if the service engine soon indicator stays on solid, it means that your vehicle is ready for I/M testing. The OBD-II system checks the emission control system during normal driving. A complete check may take several days.

If the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, you can perform the following driving cycle consisting of mixed city and highway driving:

1. 15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway or highway followed by 20 minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle periods.
2. Allow your vehicle to sit for at least eight hours with the ignition off. Then, start the vehicle and complete the above driving cycle. The vehicle must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started, do not turn off the vehicle until the above driving cycle is complete.

If the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, you need to repeat the above driving cycle.

Transmission

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Always fully apply the parking brake and make sure you shift into park (P). Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or death. Do not apply the brake pedal and accelerator pedal simultaneously. Applying both pedals simultaneously for more than a few seconds will limit engine performance, which may result in difficulty maintaining speed in traffic and could lead to serious injury.

Note: You may not be able to shift out of park (P) unless the intelligent access key is inside your vehicle.

Push Button Shift Transmission
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic transmission. The shift buttons are located near the middle of the instrument panel. The gears are selected by pressing and releasing the PRNDS buttons. Every time a gear is selected, the selected button will light up.

Understanding the Positions of your Electronic Transmission
Note: Always come to a complete stop before putting your vehicle into and out of park (P).

Putting your vehicle in gear:

1. Fully press down the brake pedal.
2. Press and release the button on the instrument panel of the gear you want to select.
3. The gearshift button you select will illuminate and the selected gear will appear in the instrument cluster.
4. Release the brake pedal and your transmission will remain in the selected gear.

Note: If you attempt to leave your vehicle while it is in gear, the vehicle will automatically shift into park (P). Safety belt and door monitors determine your intent and make the shift for you. During this time, a message will appear in the information display screen prompting you to make the shift.

Note: To put your vehicle in gear with the door open, perform steps 1-4. See the Automatic Return to Park section in this chapter for more information on this feature.
Park (P) With the transmission in park (P), your vehicle locks the transmission and prevents the front wheels from turning. Always come to a complete stop before putting your vehicle into and out of park (P). An audible chime sounds once you select park (P). When the ignition is turned off, the vehicle will automatically shift into park (P). If the ignition is turned off while the vehicle is moving, it will first shift into neutral (N) until a slow enough speed is reached. The vehicle will then shift into park (P) automatically.

Automatic Return to Park
Note: This feature will not operate when your vehicle is in Stay in Neutral mode or neutral tow.

Your vehicle has a safety feature that will automatically shift your vehicle into the park (P) when any of the following conditions occur:

• You turn the ignition off
• You open the driver’s door with your safety belt unlatched
• Your safety belt is unlatched while the driver’s door is open

If you turn the ignition off while your vehicle is moving, your vehicle will first shift into neutral (N) until it slows down enough to shift into the park (P) automatically.
Note: If you have waited an extended period of time, (2-15 minutes) before starting your vehicle, unlatching your safety belt will cause this feature to activate, even with the driver’s door closed.
Note: This feature may not work properly if the door ajar switch is malfunctioning. If your door-ajar indicator does not illuminate when you open the driver’s door or the indicator illuminates with the driver’s door closed. See your authorized dealer.

Reverse (R)
With the transmission in reverse (R), your vehicle will move backward. Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of reverse (R).

Neutral (N)
With the transmission in neutral (N), you can start your vehicle and it is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.

Stay in Neutral mode
Stay in Neutral mode allows your vehicle to stay in neutral (N) when you exit the vehicle. Your vehicle must be stationary to enter this mode.

To enter Stay in Neutral mode:

1. Press the neutral (N) button on your shifter assembly.
2. A message will appear in your information display screen prompting you to press the neutral (N) button.
3. Press the neutral (N) button again to enter Stay in Neutral mode.

A message will appear in your information display screen when your vehicle has entered Stay in Neutral mode.

Note: During this mode, the neutral (N) button will flash continuously and your instrument cluster will display N as the selected gear.

Exiting Stay in Neutral mode
To disable Stay in Neutral mode select another gear. See the Putting the Vehicle in Gear for instructions on how to do this.

Entering a Carwash
Note: Always put your vehicle in Stay in Neutral mode when entering an automatic car wash. Failure to do this could result in vehicle damage not covered by warranty.

Drive (D)
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy.

Sport (S)
Putting the vehicle in sport (S):

• Provides additional engine braking and extends lower gear operation to enhance performance for uphill climbs, hilly terrain or mountainous areas. This will increase engine RPM during engine braking
• Provides additional lower gear operation through the automatic transmission shift strategy
• Provides gear selection more quickly and at higher engine speeds

SelectShift Automatic™ Transmission
Your SelectShift Automatic transmission gives you the ability to change gears manually.

Paddle Shifters
With your vehicle in drive (D), the paddle shifters provide temporary manual control. They allow you the ability to shift gears quickly, without taking your hands off the steering wheel. You can achieve extensive manual control by pressing the sport (S) button.

• Pull the right paddle (+) to upshift.
• Pull the left paddle (–) to downshift.

FAQ

Useful Link

2018 Lincoln MKX User Manual
2018 Lincoln MKT User Manual