Unique Driving Characteristics; Hybrid Electric Vehicle - Lincoln 2016 MKZ HYBRID Owner's Manual

HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE

This hybrid vehicle combines electric and
gasoline propulsion to provide performance
and efficiency. It requires no special fuels
and you never have to plug it in.
Note: You may notice higher engine speeds
upon start-up. This temporary condition is
normal and necessary to heat up the cabin
and minimize emissions.
Starting: Switch the ignition on
while your transmission is in park
E144692
(P). The green ready indicator light
will appear in the instrument cluster, letting
you know that the vehicle is ready for driving.
The engine may not start because this
vehicle is equipped with silent key start. This
fuel saving feature allows your vehicle to be
ready to drive without requiring the gas
engine to be running. This indicator will
remain on while the vehicle is on, whether
MKZ Hybrid (CC9) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing

Unique Driving Characteristics

the engine is running or not, to indicate the
vehicle is capable of movement (using its
electric motor, engine, or both). Typically, the
engine will not start unless the vehicle is
cold, you make a climate control change, or
you press the accelerator.
Driving: The gas engine automatically starts
and stops to provide power when needed
and to save fuel when not needed. While
coasting at low speeds, coming to a stop, or
standing, the gas engine normally shuts
down and the vehicle operates in
electric-only mode.
Conditions that may cause the engine to start
up or remain running include:
• Considerable vehicle acceleration.
• Vehicle speed above 85 mph (137 km/h).
However, the maximum speed for
electric–only operation may be lower
while driving in hot temperatures or on
hilly terrain.
• Ascending a hill.
• Charge level of high voltage battery is
low.
171
• Very high or low outside temperature (to
provide system cooling or heating).
• Engine not warm enough to provide
passenger requested cabin temperature.
Stopping: The gas engine may shut off to
conserve fuel as you come to a stop.
Restarting the vehicle is not required. Simply
step on the accelerator when you are ready
to drive.
Transmission Operation: Due to the
technologically advanced,
electronically-controlled continuously
variable transaxle, you will not feel shift
changes like those of a non-hybrid vehicle.
Note: Since engine speed is controlled by
the transmission, it may seem elevated at
times. This is normal hybrid operation and
helps deliver fuel efficiency and
performance.
Neutral: It is not recommended to idle the
vehicle in neutral (N) for an extended period
of time because this will discharge your high
voltage battery and decrease fuel economy.
The engine will not start, and cannot provide
power to the hybrid system in neutral (N).