The New Lincoln MKZ Hybrid - Transmission Digest

The New Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

This month we will examine the Lincoln MKZ. Two years after I closed my shop to pursue my career full time in hybrid technical training, Alan Mullaly was named CEO of Ford. That was 2006. Under Mullaly’s leadership, Ford was kept out of bankruptcy court and improved its products, but did the much-improved Ford consider the working technician who has to fix their cars or do preventive maintenance?

The New Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

Tech to Tech

Author: Craig Van Batenburg
Subject Matter:  Late-Model Changes
Vehicle Application: Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Issue:  Serviceability

Tech to Tech

  • Author: Craig Van Batenburg
  • Subject Matter: Late-Model Changes
  • Vehicle Application: Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
  • Issue: Serviceability

Did Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mullaly do anything to improve the serviceability of his products?

This month we will examine the Lincoln MKZ. Two years after I closed my shop to pursue my career full time in hybrid technical training, Alan Mullaly was named CEO of Ford. That was 2006. Under Mullaly’s leadership, Ford was kept out of bankruptcy court and improved its products, but did the much-improved Ford consider the working technician who has to fix their cars or do preventive maintenance?

Short History Lesson

In model year (M/Y) 2006, the Lincoln Zephyr was introduced. Initially unveiled in concept form at the 2004 New York International Auto Show as a new entry-level luxury sedan, it was intended to appeal to a younger generation of luxury car buyers. Many of the design elements of the Zephyr concept made their way into the production model. Due to its poor reception in the marketplace, for M/Y 2007 (one year after its introduction), the Zephyr was refreshed and renamed to follow a new nomenclature developed by Lincoln that mimics the alphanumeric naming schemes used by other luxury automakers like Mercedes-Benz. The Zephyr was renamed the MKZ. The MKZ was the first of the “MK” series of Lincoln luxury vehicles, and has since been followed by the MKX crossover, MKS full-size sedan, MKT full-size crossover and a new smaller SUV, the MKC.

A hybrid version was launched in the U.S. market in September 2010 as a M/Y 2011. The MKZ hybrid was the first hybrid vehicle in the market priced the same as the standard gasoline-engine version. As you all know, a good product with poor marketing may sit on a dealership’s lot for a long time. Pricing the hybrid the same as the non-hybrid makes the mix about 20 percent hybrid nationally and in hybrid markets, more than 50 percent. The 2014 hybrid gets 38 mpg city and one less mpg on the highway at 37, as opposed to 22 city and 33 highway for the gas car. You will see these in your shop (if you haven’t already) as the MKZ has been Lincoln’s best-selling vehicle since 2008.

2014 MKZ Hybrid

The latest model is a much-improved car in many ways. It includes inflatable rear seatbelts, eight airbags, hill-start assist, active park assist, lane-keeping assist, blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, auto high beams, rain-sensing wipers, front parking aid, adaptive cruise control with collision mitigation, crash sensing system, emergency brake assist, SOS post-crash alert system, advance trac with electronic stability control, torque vectoring control, and traction control. Even with all these safety features, we still crash cars at an alarming rate. With a forward-facing camera and more inputs, the MKZ’s electric power steering Electronic Control Unit (ECU) will move the steering wheel and gently nudge you back into your lane if you wander out, making the car safer. What will an MKZ look like in 10 to 20 years? It is a fully loaded luxury car selling for about $36K and you can option this to more than $42K pretty quickly.

There is a brake coach that displays on the left side of the 10.1-inch gauge cluster and helps you optimize your use of the vehicle’s regenerative braking system. It also helps improve fuel economy and reduces wear on the brake pads.

The older MKZ had an updated Ford Escape hybrid system that was designed mostly by Volvo and its partners in Japan: Aisin, Sanyo, TDK and others. The current models feature an all-new version that is more American-made than before and has separate components to cut cost when it comes time for repairs. Specifically, the inverters are no longer located in the Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT), but are stand-alone parts, much like the Toyota hybrid system. Ford gets a bonus point for that move.

The MKZ hybrid uses Ford Motor Co.’s new 2.0-litre, Late Intake Valve Closing (LIVC) four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain with lithium-ion batteries with a power-split eCVT. This “power split” allows the electric and gas engines to work together or separately to maximize efficiency. It’s the same powerplant used in the Fusion hybrid, and generates 188 combined horsepower and 129 lb.-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The MKZ rides on the same platform as the 2013 Ford Fusion with an identical 112.2-inch wheelbase; however, the MKZ is 2.4 inches longer, 0.1 inches taller, and a half-inch wider than the Fusion. The 2014 MKZ is available in three different powertrains: 2.0-litre EcoBoost, 3.7-litre AWD and the 2.0-litre hybrid. You will not see a hybrid label on the outside of the car; look for 2.0H on the trunk lid.

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

The first hybridized Lincoln was the M/Y 2011 MKZ, which was based on the Ford Fusion hybrid introduced the year before. Ford’s Fusion hybrid was an award-winning entry. The MKZ hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter LIVC four-cylinder gasoline engine, sometimes mistakenly called an Atkinson-cycle. The transmission has two electric motors and combined, the two power plants develop 191 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 135 lb-ft of torque at 2,250 rpm. It achieves the same impressive EPA fuel-economy ratings of 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Ford, as of late, has been confusing the public with incorrect mpg ratings. This makes it tough to tune up a car when the customer asks you why it can’t get the mileage it was reported to achieve.

The Lincoln’s dash mimics the Fusion’s customizable instrument cluster, with its plants growing leaves as a reward for economical driving—although the Lincoln version additionally sprouts up to five lilies. Each flower is progressively harder to bloom and they remain in the display until the fuel-economy monitor is reset. Oh, such fun! One of my colleagues drove my rental Fusion HEV like he does his muscle car and all he had were sticks showing on the screen. It does take some easy driving to get the numbers, but they are obtainable.

The 2011 MKZ hybrid came standard with an array of luxury features including genuine wood and leather trim and lots of safety features.

The Road Test

As with the standard MKZ, the hybrid’s road manners are acceptable. Considering its low-rolling resistance tires, the hybrid offers a surprising amount of feedback through the steering wheel. The regenerative brakes feel as natural as the non-hybrid MKZ’s braking system. The transitions between full-electric, hybrid and gas-only driving are seamless. The hybrid drives like the standard MKZ. It gave up 72 hp to the V6 model, but the hybrid’s acceleration is more than adequate. The MKZ hybrid’s solid-build quality (based on the Escape hybrid powertrain) and excellent fuel economy make it a great car your customers will like and keep for some time. That means they will expect you to service it and keep it running well.

Money

The fact that Lincoln did charge the same $35,180 for the base MKZ hybrid as it does for the base V6 MKZ was a surprise, because it was the first company to do so, and it is still their practice today. Options for the MKZ hybrid included a THX 5.1-channel surround-sound system and navigation, which were bundled with other odds and ends for $3,595 extra. If you wanted it all–every available option, such as navigation, sunroof, adaptive headlamps, ambient interior lighting, blind-spot monitors, a rearview camera, rain-sensing wipers, chrome-clad wheels and more—a fully loaded MKZ hybrid would set you back about $41,000. That’s a lot of car for the money.

Working on the 2011 Model

Servicing a Ford hybrid requires specialized training, safety equipment and a great scan tool. Most of you know about making the car safe to work on before dealing with the high-voltage system. One of the first steps is to remove the orange safety plug. It seems simple enough—just release the split rear seat-backs and the service plug is looking at you, but where are the release handles for the rear seat-backs? There aren’t any handles, only small pegs you can barely see under the rear speakers in the trunk. Use a strong flashlight and remove the rear fiber panel to see the hidden latch pins upon close inspection. After that, it gets easy.

The Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) is easy to service, as is most everything else. One area I think is worth servicing more frequently is the eCVT fluid. The electric motors are cooled by the ATF, which can become slightly abrasive over time, so fresh fluid every few years or 60,000 miles (could be less) is our recommended procedure. Motor windings can be affected by contaminated fluid. Moisture also is an issue in the eCVT fluid as well. If you are a hybrid technician, you will enjoy the ease of service on this car. It also has been one of the more reliable hybrids in the marketplace.

Summary

The new MKZ, as you would expect, got easier in some areas to service and harder in others. On the 2014, the ECU or PCM is out in the open. High Voltage Service Disconnect Plug is much easier to get to. The DLC is in a better spot so it does not interfere with your feet when driving with a cabled scan tool. On the downside, the plastic cover removal to get to the spark plugs, coils and more now includes bolts and clamps. The 2011 cover was simpler to remove—you just yanked it off. But really, most of the service did improve with the new model year. See the chart for more information.

Craig Van Batenburg, AAM, is a master hybrid technician. He was the owner and lead technician for more than 25 years at his own shop that specialized in Honda and Toyota vehicles. Van Batenburg was the president of ASA Massachusetts from 1993 to 1996. He is owner of the Automotive Career Development Center (ACDC), which he founded in 1998. He develops technical classes for those who require updating their knowledge in hybrid and electric cars. Some of his customers include the U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, Delphi, Midtronics, John Deere, Porsche of America and BG Products. You can reach Van Batenburg at [email protected].

This copyrighted article is reprinted with the permission of AutoInc., the official publication of the Automotive Service Association (ASA). To learn more about ASA and its commitment to independent automotive-service and repair professionals, visit www.ASAshop.org or call 800-272-7467.

You May Also Like

Deloitte study: Momentum is slowing for electrification in the U.S.

The 2024 Global Automotive Consumer Study by Deloitte revealed shifting trends in the automotive sector, highlighting the rise in U.S. consumer interest in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and a decline in hybrid and battery electric vehicle (BEV) purchase intent. The report showed a 9% increase in ICE vehicle purchase intent, reaching 67%, while interest in hybrids

electric car generic

The 2024 Global Automotive Consumer Study by Deloitte revealed shifting trends in the automotive sector, highlighting the rise in U.S. consumer interest in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and a decline in hybrid and battery electric vehicle (BEV) purchase intent. The report showed a 9% increase in ICE vehicle purchase intent, reaching 67%, while interest in hybrids and BEVs has dropped to 21% and 6%, respectively, the company said.

Kelley Blue Book: 1.2 million EVs purchased in the U.S. in 2023

As the shift toward an electrified future continues, a record-breaking nearly 1.2 million U.S. vehicle buyers chose to go electric last year, according to the latest data from Kelley Blue Book. Electric vehicles (EVs) represent the fastest-growing car sales category, holding a 7.6% share of the total U.S. vehicle market in 2023, up from 5.9%

electric car generic
Auto Care, MEMA Aftermarket report: EVs to be 10% of market by 2030, 47% by 2045

The Auto Care Association and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers released their jointly-commissioned “2023 Joint EV Trends and Outlook Forecast” during the 2023 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX). The report shows that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) sales are projected to account for 9% of total U.S. light vehicles sales in 2023, growing to 35% by 2030. Related Articles – Report: U.S.

ev-trends
Freudenberg Sealing Technologies opens battery testing lab

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has established a new battery testing laboratory at its North American headquarters in Plymouth, Michigan. The company says this investment will enable it to conduct in-house testing of batteries and their components, including simulating thermal runaway scenarios. The lab is also equipped to perform simulation tests that mimic battery cycling situations, Freudenberg

Freudenburg-EV-battery-lab
How seriously should shops take the EV wave?

Automotive repair shops across the country are essential for keeping vehicles of all shapes and sizes, designed for every application under the sun, moving. With the emergence and increasing popularity of electric vehicles, repair shops now have a decision to make: Is it the right time to invest in EV services? Between necessary new tools,

Other Posts

Shift Pointers: What to do when the 62TE TRS tab breaks

How frustrating it is when on a hot summer day, as you go to open a nice cold can of your drink of choice, and the tab breaks off? You are outside, away from any tools to remedy the problem quickly. It now requires a MacGyver mentality looking around at the resources available to get

Going the extra mile: Proving your transmission repair suspicions

A 2003 Honda Pilot with a five-speed three-shaft transmission came into our shop with a customer concern that the vehicle had no power, and the “D” light was flashing. I first did a scan for codes to see what it came up with, and the scan tool returned four DTCs: P1298 (ELD voltage high), P0135 (H02S

RRfeature-1400
Diagnosing Ford 10R60, 10R80 and 10R140 series speed sensor issues

Ford 10-speed 10R series transmissions utilize four two-wire, Hall-effect sensors — TSS, ISSA2, ISSAB and OSS — for providing speed signals to PCM or TCM. They are supplied nine volts by a PCM or TCM and assist in the control of clutch apply/release timing that is used in determining shift quality, including TCC. Related Articles

Jatco JF613E transmission quick reference material

For those working on the Jatco JR613E transmission, a widespread transmission with plenty of applications, the following should be a helpful guide. Related Articles – Shift Pointers: Failures caused by incorrect tire sizes – Understanding lube flow control valves in Toyota/Lexus UA/UB80 transmissions – How reading through service bulletins can turn a technician into the