Mercury Milan Hybrid (2010 year). Manual

STARTING

Positions of the ignition

1. Off— locks the gearshift lever
and allows key removal.

2. Accessory— allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the vehicle is not
running.

3. On— all electrical circuits
operational and warning lights will
illuminate. This is the position the key is in when you’re driving.
4. Start— starts the vehicle and electrical power systems.

Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the electronically-controlled
Continuously Variable Transaxle (eCVT). For more information on
starting the vehicle, refer to Starting the vehicle in this chapter.

WARNING: Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,

creating the risk of fire or other damage.

WARNING: Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the

engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

WARNING: Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in
other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open

the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding against
exhaust fumes in this chapter for more instructions.

WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you

smell exhaust fumes.

Important safety precautions
A computer system controls the engine’s idle revolutions per minute
(RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs higher than normal in

2010 Milan Hybrid (hmv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Driving

209

order to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, have the vehicle checked.

Before starting the vehicle:

1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For
more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and Safety Restraints chapter.

2. Make sure vehicle accessories are off.
• Make sure the parking brake is

set.

• Make sure the gearshift lever is in

P (Park).

3. Turn the key to 3 (on) without
turning the key to 4 (start).

2010 Milan Hybrid (hmv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Driving

210

Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. See Warning lights and
chimes in the Instrument Cluster chapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.

Starting the vehicle

1. Turn the key to 3 (on) without
turning the key to 4 (start). If there
is difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel until the
key turns freely. This condition may
occur when:
• the front wheels are turned
• a front wheel is against the curb
2. Turn the key to 4 (start), then release the key.

After releasing the key from the 4
(start) position, a vehicle symbol
(called the Ready Indicator Light)
will illuminate in the instrument
cluster to indicate the vehicle is
ready to drive. This light will remain on while the vehicle is on, whether
the engine is running or not, to indicate the vehicle is capable of
movement (using its electric motor, engine, or both). The vehicle’s
computer will determine if an engine start is required at key-on. The
engine will start if it is necessary for cabin heating or windshield defrost.
The engine will also be started when ambient temperatures are low.

Note: The vehicle may be turned off at any time by turning the key to
the off position.

3. Once the “Ready Indicator Light” is on, apply the brake, shift into gear
and drive.

Note: After the engine has started the first time, it may stop running to
conserve fuel after it is warmed-up and the battery is sufficiently
charged.

Note: If the vehicle does not start, put the gearshift lever into P (Park),
turn the ignition off, then attempt to start the vehicle again. If the
vehicle still does not start, it may require refueling, jump starting, or
service. For information on jump starting the vehicle, refer to the Jump
starting your vehicle section found in the Roadside Emergencies
chapter.

2010 Milan Hybrid (hmv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Driving

211

Guarding against exhaust fumes

Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.

WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you

smell exhaust fumes.

Important ventilating information

If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)

An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and allows the heater/defroster system to respond quickly. If your vehicle
is equipped with this system, your equipment includes a heater element
which is installed in your engine block and a wire harness which allows
the user to connect the system to a grounded 120 volt a/c electrical
source. The block heater system is most effective when outdoor
temperatures reach below 0°F (-18°C).

WARNING: Failure to follow engine block heater instructions
could result in property damage or physical injury.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged

(cheater) adapters.

Prior to using the engine block heater, follow these recommendations for
proper and safe operation:
• For your safety, use an outdoor extension cord that is product

certified by Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Canadian Standards
Association (CSA). Use only an extension cord that can be used
outdoors, in cold temperatures, and is clearly marked

⬙Suitable for Use

with Outdoor Appliances.

⬙ Never use an indoor extension cord

outdoors; it could result in an electric shock or fire hazard.

• Use a 16 gauge outdoor extension cord, minimum.
• Use as short an extension cord as possible.

2010 Milan Hybrid (hmv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Driving

212

• Do not use multiple extension cords. Instead, use one extension cord

which is long enough to reach from the engine block heater cord to
the outlet without stretching.

• Make certain that the extension cord is in excellent condition (not

patched or spliced). Store your extension cord indoors at
temperatures above 32°F (0°C). Outdoor conditions can deteriorate
extension cords over a period of time.

• To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater with

ungrounded electrical systems or two pronged (cheater) adapters.
Also ensure that the block heater, especially the cord, is in good
condition before use.

• Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug /engine

block heater cord plug connection is free and clear of water in order
to prevent possible shock or fire.

• Be sure that areas where the vehicle is parked are clean and clear of

all combustibles such as petroleum products, dust, rags, paper and
similar items.

• Be sure that the engine block heater, heater cord and extension cord

are solidly connected. A poor connection can cause the cord to
become very hot and may result in an electrical shock or fire. Be sure
to check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system
has been operating for approximately a half hour.

• Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall

tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order.

How to use the engine block heater

Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.

Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater will use .4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. Your
factory installed block heater system does not have a thermostat;
however, maximum temperature is attained after approximately three
hours of operation. Block heater operation longer than three hours will
not improve system performance and will unnecessarily use additional
electricity.

Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.

BRAKES

Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out

2010 Milan Hybrid (hmv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Driving

213

and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.

Refer to Brake system warning
light in the Instrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.

Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)

Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake application and compensates for this
tendency. Noise from the ABS pump motor and brake pedal pulsation
may be observed during ABS braking; any pulsation or mechanical noise
you may feel or hear is normal. In addition, the ABS performs a
self-check after you start the engine and begin to drive away. A brief
mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal.

ABS warning lamp

The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.

Even when the ABS is disabled and
the ABS light is on, normal braking
is still effective. If your BRAKE
warning lamp illuminates with the
parking brake released, have your
brake system serviced immediately.

Using ABS

When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
full steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces.
However, the ABS does not decrease stopping distance and does not
decrease the time necessary to apply the brakes.

BRAKE

ABS

BRAKE

2010 Milan Hybrid (hmv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Driving

214

Regenerative Braking System (RBS)

Your vehicle uses a feature known as regenerative braking. This is used
to simulate the engine braking of an internal combustion engine and
assist the standard brake system while recovering some of the energy of
motion and storing it in the battery to improve fuel economy. The
standard brake system is designed to fully stop the car if regenerative
braking is not available. During regenerative braking, the motor is spun
as a generator to create electrical current. This recharges the high
voltage battery and slows the vehicle. In effect, once the accelerator
pedal is released, the motor changes from an energy user to an energy
producer.

When the accelerator pedal is released or the brake pedal is applied, the
brake controller automatically detects the amount of deceleration
requested and optimizes how much of the deceleration will be produced
by regenerative braking. The remaining portion is generated by standard
friction braking. When the battery is almost fully charged, the amount of
regenerative braking is limited to avoid overcharging, and the requested
deceleration is produced by standard friction braking alone.

Regenerative braking does not take the place of the standard friction
brakes; it only assists them. Regenerative braking has also been designed
to interact with the anti-lock brake system (ABS). Regenerative braking
is disabled when the ABS is activated or the battery is fully charged.

Parking brake

To set the parking brake (1), pull
the parking brake handle up as far
as possible.

The BRAKE warning lamp will
illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake
is released.

To release, press and hold the button (2), pull the handle up slightly,
then push the handle down.

BRAKE

2010 Milan Hybrid (hmv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Driving

215

WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic

transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).

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 as soon as possible.

ADVANCETRAC

姞 STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM

WARNING: Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire

construction and/or wheel/tire size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance
of the AdvanceTrac

威 system. In addition, installing any stereo

loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the AdvanceTrac

威

system. Install any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as far as possible
from the front center console, the tunnel, and the front seats in order
to minimize the risk of interfering with the AdvanceTrac

威 sensors.

Reducing the effectiveness of the AdvanceTrac

威 system could lead to

an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.

WARNING: Remember that even advanced technology cannot
defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a

vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your
vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the AdvanceTrac

威 system is an indication that at least

some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this
could reduce the operator’s ability to control the vehicle potentially
resulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death. If your AdvanceTrac

威 system activates, SLOW DOWN.

WARNING: If a failure has been detected within the
AdvanceTrac

威 system, the ⬙sliding car⬙ icon

will illuminate

steadily, and you may hear a chime. If equipped with a message center,
the vehicle will also indicate a failure with the Brake system, have the
system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.

2010 Milan Hybrid (hmv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Driving

216

Your vehicle is equipped with the AdvanceTrac

威 system. The

AdvanceTrac

威 system provides the following stability enhancement

features for certain driving situations:
• Traction Control (TCS), which functions to help avoid drive-wheel

spin and loss of traction.

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which functions to help avoid skids

or lateral slides

The AdvanceTrac

威 system automatically enables each time the engine is

started. All features of the AdvanceTrac

威 system (TCS and ESC) are

active and monitor the vehicle from start-up. However, the system will
only intervene if the driving situation requires it.

The AdvanceTrac

威 system includes

an AdvanceTrac

威 “OFF” control

switch on the center of the
instrument panel, a “sliding car”
icon

and a “sliding car off”

icon

in the instrument cluster.

Both the “sliding car” icon

and the “sliding car off” icon

in the

instrument cluster will illuminate temporarily during start-up as part of a
normal system self-check. The “sliding car” icon

may illuminate

(flash) during certain driving situation which cause the AdvanceTrac

威

system to operate. If the “sliding car” icon

illuminates steadily, have

the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately. If equipped
with a message center, the vehicle will also indicate a failure with the
AdvanceTrac

威 system.

When AdvanceTrac

威 performs a normal system self-check, some drivers

may notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a rumble, grunting, or
grinding noise after startup and when driving off.

When an event occurs that activates AdvanceTrac

威 you may experience

the following:
• A slight deceleration of the vehicle
• The “sliding car”

indicator light will flash.

• If your foot is on the brake pedal, a vibration in the pedal

• If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the

brake pedal may move as the systems applies higher brake forces. You
may also hear a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during
this severe condition.

• The brake pedal may feel stiffer than usual.

2010 Milan Hybrid (hmv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Driving

217

Traction Control (TCS)

Traction Control is a driver aid feature that helps your vehicle maintain
traction of the wheels, typically when driving on slippery and/or hilly
road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel spin.

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 Traction Control events the “sliding car” icon

in the

instrument cluster will flash.

If the Traction Control system 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, Traction
Control 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 ESC will continue
to function during the cool-down period.

The Engine Traction Control and Brake Traction Control system 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 Electronic Stability Control events the “sliding car” icon

in the

instrument cluster will flash.

2010 Milan Hybrid (hmv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Driving

218

Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the Electronic Stability
Control system, 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
• Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer to Trailer

towing in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter).

Switching Off AdvanceTrac

威

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 switch off the AdvanceTrac

威

system press the AdvanceTrac

威

⬙Off⬙ control switch. Full features of
the AdvanceTrac

威 system can be

restored by pressing the
AdvanceTrac

威 ⬙Off⬙ control switch

again or by turning off and restarting the engine.

When the AdvanceTrac

威 system is

off, the “sliding car off” icon

will

illuminate steadily. Pressing the
AdvanceTrac

威 ⬙Off⬙ control switch

again will turn off the “sliding car
off” icon.

In R (Reverse), ABS and the Engine and Brake Traction Control features
will continue to function; however, ESC is disabled.

OFF

2010 Milan Hybrid (hmv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Driving

219

AdvanceTrac

威 Features

Control
switch
functions

“Sliding

car”

icon

“Sliding car

off”

icon

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

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.

2010 Milan Hybrid (hmv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Driving

220

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
heavier 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
• 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 brake pedal is depressed.

2010 Milan Hybrid (hmv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Driving

221

If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the on position and the brake pedal depressed, 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, perform the following procedure:

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. Using a screwdriver or similar
tool, carefully pry out the small
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock
(BTSI) cover cap located to the
right of the gearshift lever.

3. Depress the brake pedal and then
start the vehicle.

4. Insert a screwdriver or similar
tool straight down into the access
hole and press downward while
pulling the gearshift lever out of the
P (Park) position and into the N
(Neutral) position.

5. Remove tool and reinstall BTSI
cover cap.

6. Release the parking brake and
drive normally.

WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps 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 as soon as possible.

2010 Milan Hybrid (hmv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Driving

222

ELECTRONICALLY-CONTROLLED CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (eCVT) OPERATION

Understanding the gearshift positions of the eCVT

P (Park)

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

To put your vehicle in gear:
• Start the engine
• Release the parking brake
• Depress 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

2010 Milan Hybrid (hmv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Driving

223

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 is free to roll; hold
the brake pedal down while in this position. Because of the unique
nature of the hybrid vehicle, the engine will not start in the N (Neutral)
position.

The vehicle does not charge the high voltage battery in the N
(Neutral) position. Do not idle the vehicle in N (Neutral) for
extended periods as this will discharge your high voltage battery.

D (Drive)

The normal driving position for the best fuel economy.

L (Low)
• Provides maximum engine braking.
• The transmission may be shifted into L (Low) at any vehicle speed.

WARNING: When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of
the parking brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make

sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). Turn off the
ignition whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle
unattended while it is running. If you do not take these precautions,
your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.

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.

2010 Milan Hybrid (hmv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Driving

224

Mercury Milan Hybrid (2010 year). Manual - part 14