2020 Lincoln MKZ Owners Manual - Auto hold

Auto hold

WARNING:  The system does not replace the parking brake. When you leave your vehicle, always apply the parking brake.    WARNING:  You must remain in your vehicle when the system turns on. At all times, you are responsible for controlling your vehicle, supervising the system and intervening, if required. Failure to take care may result in the loss of control of your vehicle, serious personal injury or death.    WARNING:  The system will turn off if a malfunction is apparent. Failure to take care may result in the loss of control of your vehicle, serious personal injury or death.

Auto Hold uses your vehicle's brakes to hold your vehicle at a stop once your vehicle has reached a standstill condition. For example, Auto Hold can assist you while stopping at traffic lights or while in traffic jams by holding the brake pressure for you once you bring your vehicle to a stop.

Switch Auto Hold off during vehicle or trailer towing.

Note:   In case of a malfunction in the system while Auto Hold actively holds the vehicle (for example, low power supply), a message appears in the information display asking you to press the brake pedal. If you see this message, press the brake pedal immediately.

Note:   Auto Hold only activates if the system recognizes it is applying enough brake pressure. On a steep hill or incline, you may need to make sure the brake pedal is pressed sufficiently to activate the Auto Hold system.

Note:   In some cases, Auto Hold might hand over to the parking brake. When the parking brake applies, the red brake lamp appears. This is normal. When you press the accelerator pedal, the drive away release feature releases the parking brake.

Note:   Auto Hold works on all road grades.

Press the Auto Hold button to switch the system on and off. The Auto Hold indicator light illuminates in the Auto Hold button when the system is on.

Note:   You can only switch Auto Hold on if you close the door and fasten your seatbelt.

Note:   Auto Hold remembers the last on or off setting when you start your vehicle.

Note:   When in reverse (R), Auto Hold does not function.

When Auto Hold is off, your vehicle behaves the same as a vehicle without Auto Hold.

There is an Auto Hold indicator lamp in the instrument cluster that has two modes, active and unavailable:

The Auto Hold (ACTIVE) indicator light illuminates in the information display when the system holds your vehicle stationary. When in active mode, press the brake pedal and the Auto Hold button to switch Auto Hold off.

The Auto Hold (UNAVAILABLE) indicator light illuminates in the information display when the system is on but unavailable to hold your vehicle (for example, during Active Park Assist, Stay in Neutral Mode, or when you do not fasten your seatbelt or close the door).

Note:   Make sure you switch off Auto Hold or use the Stay in Neutral mode before you enter a car wash.   See   Automatic Transmission. 

USING AUTO HOLD

1. Bring your vehicle to a stop by pressing the brake pedal. After coming to a stop, the green Auto Hold (ACTIVE) indicator lamp illuminates in the information display.

1. Release the brake pedal. The Auto Hold (ACTIVE) indicator light remains illuminated in the information display and Auto Hold will hold your vehicle at a stop.

1. When you press the accelerator pedal, Auto Hold releases the brakes and you will be able to drive off. Once you drive off, the green Auto Hold (ACTIVE) indicator no longer illuminates in the information display.

Note:   The Stop/Start system (if equipped) may stop the engine when you press the brake pedal. If this occurs, it will restart once you press the accelerator pedal. Auto Hold still holds your vehicle at a standstill with the engine off.