Mercury Milan (2011 year). Manual

Excessive wheel spin is controlled in two ways, which may work
separately or in tandem; engine traction control and brake traction
control. Engine traction control works to limit drive-wheel spin by
momentarily reducing engine power. Brake traction control works to limit
wheel spin by momentarily applying the brakes to the wheel that is
slipping. Traction control is most active at low speeds.

During TCS events, the stability control light in the instrument cluster
will flash.

If TCS is activated excessively in a short period of time, the braking
portion of the system may become temporarily disabled to allow the
brakes to cool down. In this situation, TCS will use only engine power
reduction or transfer to help control the wheels from over-spinning.
When the brakes have cooled down, the system will regain all features.
Anti-lock braking and electronic stability control (ESC) will continue to
function during the cool-down period.

The engine traction control and brake traction control systems may be
deactivated in certain situations. See the Switching off AdvanceTrac

威

section below.

Electronic stability control (ESC)

Electronic stability control (ESC) may enhance your vehicle’s directional
stability during adverse maneuvers, for example when cornering severely
or avoiding objects in the roadway. ESC operates by applying brakes to
one or more of the wheels individually and, if necessary, reducing engine
power if the system detects that the vehicle is about to skid or slide
laterally.

During ESC events, the stability control light in the instrument cluster
will flash.

Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate ESC, which include but
are not limited to:
• Taking a turn too fast
• Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
• Driving over a patch of ice or other slippery surfaces
• Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
• Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice

versa

• Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa

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Switching off traction control

If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine
power, switching off certain features of the AdvanceTrac

威 system may be

beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This will restore full
engine power and will enhance momentum through the obstacle.

To turn off the traction control
system, press the stability control
switch. Full features of the
AdvanceTrac

威 system can be

restored by pressing the switch again or by turning off and restarting the
engine.

When the traction control system is
off, the stability control off light will
illuminate steadily. Pressing the
stability control switch again will
turn off the stability control off
light.

In R (Reverse), ABS and the engine and brake traction control features
will continue to function; however, ESC is disabled.

AdvanceTrac

威 Features

Control
switch
functions

Stability

control

light

Stability

control off

light

ESC

Traction

control

Default at
start-up

Illuminated

during bulb

check

Illuminated

during bulb

check

Enabled

Control switch
pressed
momentarily

Not

illuminated

Illuminated

solid

Enabled

Disabled

Control switch
pressed again
after
deactivation

Not

illuminated

Not

illuminated

Enabled

OFF

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STEERING

Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power steering (EPS) system.
There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.

If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort. Under extreme usage conditions, the steering effort may
increase. This occurs to prevent overheating and permanent damage to
your steering system. If this should occur, you will neither lose the ability
to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause permanent damage.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the system to cool and
steering assist will return to normal.

The EPS system has diagnostic checks that continuously monitor the
EPS system to ensure proper operation. When a system error is
detected, the following message SERVICE POWER STEERING, SERVICE
POWER STEERING NOW or POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT may
display in the message center, refer to the Message center in the Driver
Controls chapter for more information.

WARNING: The EPS system has diagnostics checks that
continuously monitor the EPS system to ensure proper operation

of the electronic system. When an electronic error is detected, the
message POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT will be displayed in the
message center. If this happens, stop the vehicle in a safe place, and
turn off the engine. After at least 10 seconds, reset the system by
restarting the engine, and watch the message center for POWER
STEERING ASSIST FAULT. If the message returns, or returns while
driving, take the vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. With the
message displayed, the steering assist is turned off, making the vehicle
harder to steer.

WARNING: If the message SERVICE POWER STEERING is
displayed in the message center, the EPS system has detected a

problem with the system function. On the next key cycle the message
SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW will be displayed and steering
assist will be removed until the steering system is serviced. Have your
vehicle taken to the nearest dealer as soon as possible.

If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear

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• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.

Speed sensitive steering

The steering in your vehicle is speed sensitive. At lower speeds the assist
is increased to improve maneuverability.

If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes while
driving at a constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system
checked by your authorized dealer.

BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK

This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the on position unless the brake pedal is pressed.

If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the on position and the brake pedal pressed, it is possible that a fuse has
blown or the vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating properly. Refer to
Fuses and relays in the Roadside Emergencies chapter.

If the fuse is not blown and the brake lamps are working properly, the
following procedure will allow you to move the gearshift lever from P
(Park):

1. Apply the parking brake, turn the
ignition key to the off position, and
remove the key.

2. Using a screwdriver (or similar
tool), carefully pry off and remove
the chrome trim ring (1) from the
shifter base.

3. Open the storage compartment
lid and carefully pry the trim panel
(2) up from rear attachments on the
storage compartment and disconnect it from the console to expose the
inside of the gearshift.

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4. Locate the brake-shift interlock
lever on the driver’s side of the
shifter assembly.

5. Apply the brake pedal. Using a
screwdriver (or similar tool), press
and hold the brake-shift interlock
lever while pulling the gearshift
lever out of the P (Park) position
and into the N (Neutral) position.

6. Install the trim panel (2) and
chrome ring (1) in reverse order.

7. Apply brake pedal, start the vehicle, and release the parking brake.

See your authorized dealer as soon as possible if this procedure
is used.

WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brake lamps are working.

WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off

position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be

working properly. See your authorized dealer.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION

Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed automatic
transmission equipped with a 2.5L I4 engine (if equipped)

Your vehicle has been designed to improve fuel economy by reducing
fuel usage while coasting or decelerating. When you take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to slow down, the torque
converter clutch locks up and aggressively shuts off fuel flow to the
engine while decelerating. This fuel economy benefit may be perceived
as a light to medium braking sensation when removing your foot from
the accelerator pedal.

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P (Park)

This position locks the transmission
and prevents the front wheels from
turning.

To put your vehicle in gear:
• Press the brake pedal
• Move the gearshift lever into the

desired gear

To put your vehicle in P (Park):
• Come to a complete stop
• Move the gearshift lever and

securely latch it in P (Park)

WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off

position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

R (Reverse)

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

N (Neutral)

With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.

D (Drive)

The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.

L (Low)

This position:
• Provides increased engine braking during downhill/mountain driving.
• Provides extended shift scheduling, allowing both upshifts and

downshifts, at a higher overall RPM to provide optimum engine
braking.

• Is not intended for use under extended or normal driving conditions

and results in lower fuel economy.

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Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed automatic
transmission equipped with a 3.0L V6 Duratec

姞 engine

(if equipped)

P (Park)

This position locks the transmission
and prevents the front wheels from
turning.

To put your vehicle in gear:
• Press the brake pedal
• Move the gearshift lever into the

desired gear

To put your vehicle in P (Park):
• Come to a complete stop
• Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)

WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Switch the ignition off and

remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

R (Reverse)

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

N (Neutral)

With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.

D (Drive) with Overdrive

The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.

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Understanding your SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST)
gearshift lever

This vehicle may be equipped with a
SelectShift Automatic™
transmission (SST) gearshift lever.
SST is an automatic transmission
with the ability for the driver to
change gears up or down (without a
clutch) as desired. By moving the
gearshift lever to the M position,
and using the gearshift lever toggle
switch, you now have control of
selecting the gear you desire.
• To manually downshift the transmission with the gearshift lever in M

(Manual), press (–) on the gearshift lever.

• To manually upshift the transmission with the gearshift lever in M

(Manual), press (+) on the gearshift lever.

Initially when moving the lever to the manual mode (M), the instrument
cluster will show the current selected gear and the SST light will
illuminate.

In order to prevent the engine from running at too low an RPM, which
may cause it to stall, the SST will still automatically make some
downshifts if it has determined that you have not downshifted in time.

Although the SST will make some downshifts for you, it will still allow
you to downshift at any time as long as the SST determines that the
engine will not be damaged from over-revving.

The SST will not automatically upshift, even if the engine is approaching
the RPM limit. It must be shifted manually by pressing (+) on the
gearshift lever toggle switch.

Engine damage may occur if excessive engine revving is held
without shifting.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.

Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.

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MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)

Using the clutch

Manual transmission vehicles have a starter interlock that prevents
cranking the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully pressed.

To start the vehicle:

1. Make sure the parking brake is fully set.

2. Press the clutch pedal to the
floor, then put the gearshift lever in
the neutral position.

3. Start the engine.

4. Press the brake pedal and move
the gearshift lever to the desired
gear; 1 (First) or R (Reverse).

5. Release the parking brake, then slowly release the clutch pedal while
slowly pressing on the accelerator.

During each shift, the clutch pedal must be fully pressed to the floor.
Make sure the floor mat is properly positioned so it doesn’t interfere with
the full extension of the clutch pedal.

Failure to fully press the clutch pedal to the floor may cause
increased shift efforts, prematurely wear transmission
components or damage the transmission.

Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal or use the
clutch pedal to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a
hill. These actions will severely reduce the life of the clutch and
could nullify a clutch warranty claim.

Recommended shift speeds

Do not downshift into 1 (First) when your vehicle is moving
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h). This may damage the clutch and/or
transmission.

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Upshift according to the following chart:

Upshifts when accelerating

(recommended for best fuel economy)

Shift from:

1 - 2

15 mph (24 km/h)

2 - 3

25 mph (40 km/h)

3 - 4

40 mph (64 km/h)

4 - 5

45 mph (72 km/h)

5 - 6

50 mph (80 km/h)

Reverse

1. Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift into
R (Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transmission.
2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor to disengage clutch.
3. Move the gearshift lever into the neutral position and wait at least
three seconds before shifting into R (Reverse).

4. Shift into R (Reverse) by pushing
the gearshift knob down, then
moving the lever fully to the left,
then forward.

Note: The gearshift lever can only be moved to R (Reverse) by pushing
the knob down before shifting to reverse. This is a lockout feature which
protects the transmission from accidentally engaging R (Reverse) when
intending to select 1 (First).
If R (Reverse) is not fully engaged, press the clutch pedal down and
return the gearshift to the neutral position. Release the clutch pedal for
a moment, then press it down and shift to R (Reverse) again.

Parking your vehicle

1. Apply the brake and shift into the neutral position.
2. Fully apply the parking brake, hold the clutch pedal down, then shift
into 1 (First).

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3. Turn the ignition off.

WARNING: Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move
unexpectedly and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the

parking brake fully.

Removing the key

Turn the ignition to the off position, and remove the key.

REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)

The Reverse Sensing System (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of
obstacles near the rear bumper when the R (Reverse) is selected and the
vehicle is moving at speeds less than 3 mph (5 km/h). The system is not
effective at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may not detect certain
angular or moving objects.

WARNING: To help avoid personal injury, please read and
understand the limitations of the reverse sensing system as

contained in this section. Reverse sensing is only an aid for some
(generally large and fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat
surface at “parking speeds”. Inclement weather may also affect the
function of the RSS; this may include reduced performance or a false
activation.

WARNING: To help avoid personal injury, always use caution
when in R (Reverse) and when using the RSS.

WARNING: This system is not designed to prevent contact with
small or moving objects. The system is designed to provide a

warning to assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to
avoid damaging the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller
objects, particularly those close to the ground.

WARNING: Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches,
bike or surfboard racks and any device that may block the

normal detection zone of the RSS system may create false beeps.

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The RSS detects obstacles up to six
feet (two meters) from the rear
bumper with a decreased coverage
area at the outer corners of the
bumper, (refer to the figures for
approximate zone coverage areas).
As you move closer to the obstacle,
the rate of the tone increases. When
the obstacle is less than 10 inches
(25.0 cm) away, the tone will sound
continuously. If the RSS detects a
stationary or receding object further
than 10 inches (25.0 cm) from the
side of the vehicle, the tone will
sound for only three seconds. Once
the system detects an object
approaching, the tone will sound
again.

While receiving a warning the radio volume will be reduced to a
predetermined level. After the warning goes away, the radio will return
to the previous value.

The RSS automatically turns on when the gearshift lever is placed in R
(Reverse) and the ignition is on. A control in the message center allows
the driver to disable the system. Refer to Message center in the
Instrument Cluster chapter for more information.

Keep the RSS sensors (located on the rear bumper/fascia) free
from snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt (do not clean the
sensors with sharp objects). If the sensors are covered, it will
affect the accuracy of the RSS.

If your vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving
it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms.

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REARVIEW CAMERA SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)

The rearview camera system,
located on the trunk, provides a
video image which appears in the
rear view mirror or on the
navigation screen (if equipped), of
the area behind the vehicle. It adds
assistance to the driver while
reversing or reverse parking the
vehicle.

To use the camera system, place the transmission in R (Reverse); an
image will display in the rear view mirror or on the navigation screen (if
equipped). The area displayed on the screen may vary according to the
vehicle orientation and/or road condition.
• (1) Rear bumper
• (2) Red zone
• (3) Yellow zone
• (4) Green zone
Always use caution while backing.

Objects in the red zone are closest
to your vehicle and objects in the
green zone are further away. Objects
are getting closer to your vehicle as
they move from the green zone to the yellow or red zones.

Use the side mirrors and rear view mirror to get better coverage on both
sides and rear of the vehicle.

Image delay if displayed through the rear view mirror:

When shifting out of R (Reverse) and into any other gear, the image in
the rear view mirror will remain on for a few seconds before it shuts off
to assist in parking or trailer hookup.

Image delay if displayed through the navigation screen:

After shifting out of R (Reverse) and into any gear other than P (Park),
the image in the navigation screen will remain until the vehicle speed
reaches 5 mph (8 km/h), only if the rear camera delay feature is on, or
until any navigation radio button is pressed.

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Note: The default setting for the rear camera delay is off. Press the
“Settings” button found on the navigation screen to set the rear camera
delay feature to on or off. Refer to the Navigation System supplement
for more information.

The camera lens for the camera is located on the trunk. Keep the lens
clean so that the video image remains clear and undistorted. Clean the
lens with a soft, lint-free cloth and non-abrasive cleaner.

Note: If the camera system image is not clear or seems distorted, it may
be covered with water droplets, snow, mud or any other substance. If
this occurs, clean the camera lens before using the rear view camera
system.

WARNING: The camera system is a reverse aid supplement
device that still requires the driver to use it in conjunction with

the rear view mirror and the side mirrors for maximum coverage.

WARNING: Objects that are close to either corner of the
bumper or under the bumper, might not be seen on the screen

due to the limited coverage of the camera system.

WARNING: Back up as slow as possible since higher speeds
might limit your reaction time to stop the vehicle.

WARNING: Do not use the camera system with the trunk open.

If the back end of the vehicle is hit or damaged, then check with your
authorized dealer to have your rear view camera checked for proper
coverage and operation.

Night time and dark area use

At night time or in dark areas, the camera system relies on the reverse
lamp lighting to produce an image. Therefore it is necessary that both
reverse lamps are operating in order to get a clear image in the dark. If
either of the lamps are not operating, stop using the camera system, at
least in the dark, until the lamp(s) are replaced and functioning.

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Servicing
• If the image comes on while the vehicle is not in R (Reverse), have

the system inspected by your authorized dealer.

• If the image is not clear, then check if there is anything covering the

lens such as dirt, mud, ice, snow, etc. If the image is still not clear
after cleaning, have your system inspected by your authorized dealer.

BLIND SPOT MIRRORS (IF EQUIPPED)

Blind spot mirrors have an integrated convex spotter mirror built into
the upper outboard corner of the outside mirrors. They are designed to
assist the driver by increasing visibility along the side of the vehicle. For
more information on your side view mirrors, refer to Exterior mirrors in
the Driver Controls chapter.

Driving with blind spot mirrors

Before a lane change, check the
main mirror first, then check the
blind spot mirror. If no vehicles are
present in the blind spot mirror and
the traffic in the adjacent lane is at
a safe distance, signal that you are
going to change lanes. Glance over
your shoulder to verify traffic is
clear, and carefully change lanes.

When the approaching vehicle is at
a distance, its image is small and
near the inboard edge of the main
mirror. As the vehicle approaches,
the image becomes larger and
begins to move outboard across the
main mirror (1). As the vehicle
approaches its image will transition
from the main mirror and begin to
appear in the blind spot mirror (2).
As the vehicle leaves the blind spot
mirror it will transition to the driver’s peripheral field of view (3).

WARNING: Objects in the blind spot mirror are closer than they
appear.

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BLIND SPOT INFORMATION SYSTEM (BLIS

姞) WITH CROSS

TRAFFIC ALERT (CTA) (IF EQUIPPED)

The BLIS

威 is a convenience feature

that aids the driver in assessing
whether a vehicle is within an area
on either side of the vehicle
extending rearward from the outside
mirrors to approximately 10 feet
(three meters) beyond the bumper.
This area is referred to as the blind
zone. The BLIS

威 will alert the driver

to the presence of motorized
vehicles in these areas while driving
on roads and freeways.

The system is not designed to
prevent contact with other vehicles
or objects. The system is designed
to provide a warning to assist the
driver in detecting vehicles in the blind zones. The system will not detect
infrastructure, pedestrians, or cyclists.

WARNING: To help avoid injuries, NEVER use the BLIS

威 as a

replacement for using the side and rear view mirrors and looking

over your shoulder before changing lanes. BLIS

威 is not a replacement

for careful driving and only an assist.

The BLIS

威 has an yellow indicator

(also referred to as the alert)
located in the left and right exterior
mirrors. When the vehicle is started,
the BLIS

威 automatically illuminates

both indicators for several seconds
indicating the system is operating.
The first time you place the
transmission in D (Drive) after starting the engine and drive forward at a
speed greater than 3 mph (5 km/h) the BLIS

威 becomes active.

Afterwards, the BLIS remains active for all speeds including 0 mph
(0 km/h). BLIS

威 is also active if the transmission is placed in N

(Neutral). If the transmission is shifted out of D (Drive) or N (Neutral)
the system will enter the CTA mode (see CTA operation below). Once
shifted back in to D (Drive) the BLIS

威 mode will activate once driven

above 3 mph (5 km/h).

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Mercury Milan (2011 year). Manual - part 14