Lincoln 2016 MKX Owner's Manual page 315

How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, the engine
coolant temperature gauge moves to the red
(hot) area and:
A high engine temperature
message appears in the
information display.
The service engine soon indicator
appears in the information display.
If the engine reaches a preset
over-temperature condition, the engine
automatically switches to alternating cylinder
operation. Each disabled cylinder acts as an
air pump and cools the engine.
If this occurs, your vehicle still operates.
However:
• The engine power becomes limited.
• The air conditioning system becomes
disabled.
Continued operation increases the engine
temperature and the engine completely
shuts down, causing steering and braking
effort to increase.
MKX (CD9) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, ASO/OGC Review
Maintenance
Once the engine temperature cools, the
engine can be re-started. Take your vehicle
to an authorized dealer as soon as possible
to minimize engine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNINGS
Fail-safe mode is for use during
emergencies only. Operate your
vehicle in fail-safe mode only as long as
necessary to bring your vehicle to rest in a
safe location and seek immediate repairs.
When in fail-safe mode, your vehicle will have
limited power, will not be able to maintain
high-speed operation, and may completely
shut down without warning, potentially losing
engine power, power steering assist, and
power brake assist, which may increase the
possibility of a crash resulting in serious
injury.
Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap while the engine is running or hot.
312
Your vehicle has limited engine power when
in the fail-safe mode. Drive your vehicle with
caution. Your vehicle does not maintain
high-speed operation and the engine
operates poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable of
automatically shutting down to prevent
engine damage. In this situation:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely
possible and switch off the engine.
2. Tow your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period
for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and add if low.
5. Re-start the engine and drive your vehicle
to an authorized dealer.
Note: Driving your vehicle without repair
increases the chance of engine damage.
See an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.