2013 MKZ Hybrid electrical failure

[tcsdoc]

Been a while since my last update and it's not good. The dealership spent Thursday and Friday of last week chasing down error codes. Strangely enough, the update today told of chasing down an error code dealing with the passenger side air bag. It would seem my troubles are the same as MKZLover since he also had code issues with the air bag. Yet another module was ordered today and they hope it will be in tomorrow. Today is April 29th and there is no end in sight to my issues. I've very disheartened to hear MKZLover state the repairs done (similar to mine) resulted in continued problems.

 

[Serraph]

Been a while since my last update and it's not good. The dealership spent Thursday and Friday of last week chasing down error codes. Strangely enough, the update today told of chasing down an error code dealing with the passenger side air bag. It would seem my troubles are the same as MKZLover since he also had code issues with the air bag. Yet another module was ordered today and they hope it will be in tomorrow. Today is April 29th and there is no end in sight to my issues. I've very disheartened to hear MKZLover state the repairs done (similar to mine) resulted in continued problems.

There hasn't been any other reports of this happening to others. Very isolated incident. I have LCS calling me every week since the preorder and she is aware of the clicking sound when accelerating and slowing down. If they do call you, please let them know of your situation and take it up higher if you can. I hope your issues are resolved in a timely manner and that they provide you with a loaner car. Lincoln for Lincoln.

 

[Jimflutes]

tcsdoc, I just e-mailed a friend of my family that works for a big Lincoln dealership in New Jersey, asking if he knew of any reports of this problem,so I am waiting for his answer. I will be getting up to my dealer,that has my car on order,to see if they know anything. You know,I would REALLY feel great if Lincoln took the car back and gave you another,wouldn't this be a confidence builder for all prospective customers,let alone all of us who have one,or like I,am waiting for the order? OK,maybe I am dreaming,but ,to me ,after all you have been through,it would be the right thing to do. We are with you,keep positive, Jim

 

[tcsdoc]

Still haven't heard from Lincoln Customer Care since Thursday of last week. This is inexcusable for them to just drop out of things.
MKZLover: thanks for the info. I called my service manager and he is going to call Larry.
I learned today Lincoln sent the wrong center stack and that was why it's still spitting out error codes. Right part number but wrong engineering number. This is a vendor supplied item and they can't give me a shipping date. I'm going to try and reach Lincoln Customer Care tomorrow. This is going in the wrong direction!

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[tcsdoc]

Amazing! Lincoln Customer Care is a joke! Cassidy, my "customer care " rep closed my case even though my car is still in the shop with no resolution in sight. Wow, they really care /s.
I contacted them, through Ford Customer Care, as both numbers given to me don't work. Naturally, I couldn't reach Cassidy, but had my case re-opened. Now I'm told I have to wait 48 hours before someone will call me back.
Unusual way to develop customer loyalty, Lincoln. Maybe the stories are true, Ford set Lincoln up to fail as the customer service is totally different between the two.
Lincoln Customer Care: 1-800-521-4140. Rings 15 times before roll-over to Roadside Assistance.
Ford Customer Care: 1-800-521-4144. Rings 2 times and someone answers.
I'm told it's because of call volume. That many people constantly needing Customer Car over Ford? Hmmm

Buyer beware about Lincoln.

 

[TreeMan67]

This is my first time posting on this site. I picked up my smoked quartz Z-HYBRID with every option, except for massaging seats and rear air bag seatbelts on April 29. With 1500km I'm averaging 5.7 litres/100 and thoroghly enjoy this car with all its options. Within 4 days, the auto locking feature that syncs with the key fob started to act up - it won't allow me to lock the door buy touching the top of the door handle and the car will flash its marker lights until I walk 3-4 feet away, I assume out of range. When I return, it won't allow me to unlock the car by touching the inside of the handle, I need to unlock by pressing the unlock button on the key fob. Furthermore, this acts up unpredictably, it works as engineered for 100km and than is flawed for 200km and than works again?

So, I went to my Lincoln dealer and the service manager reviewed this issue and proceeded to book a service appointment for May 9th. I'm hoping there is an easy fix, maybe as simple as a defective key fob or sensor? I'm concerned however that this could be a precursor to electrical gremlins even though everything else has worked flawlessly otherwise.

On a different note, this car is a joy to drive. The adaptive cruise control with lane keeping feature makes driving during heavy traffic that much more bearable. The pany-roof is awesome, it exposes you to the outside elements similar to a convertible without all the wind noise, dirt, excessive heat that comes with owning a full convertible car. Yesterday I was cruising the 401 on a beautifull spring day with the driver assist technology engaged and pany wide open while testing the upper limits of the THX system - all while driving in full EV mode. This was deffinetly a diffrent driving experience one that will take a long time, if ever, to grow old on me.

 

[Jimflutes]

Hi TreeMan67,Welcome to the forum. As you can see,tcsdoc is really having major electrical problems with his Z-brid (I just made that up),one other person has reported a similar type problem. But most new owners,like you,are very positive with the car. We are all trading information and helping out to get the best out of our new Z. I am currently waiting for my ordered Z-brid so I can not add much to what you are all first hand experiencing. Thank you for taking time to give us your input,and keep us up to date on how your Lincoln dealership is handling your concerns. I can picture you with a big smile driving the 401 (where is this?),top opened, music playing,spring air. This what driving a car should feel like. Jim

 

[C Krohn]

Getting back to the spare tire (or lack thereof). It's the latest trend among car makers because it reduces cost, and more importantly, reduces weight (increasing fuel mileage). In addition to the MKZ, I own a Saturn Sky, which does not have a spare tire. That fact caused me to hesitate before buying the Sky, but then I realized that in 51 years of driving, I had only had one instance where an air pump would not have enabled me to at least get to a place where I could get a tire.

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[Serraph]

Getting back to the spare tire (or lack thereof). It's the latest trend among car makers because it reduces cost, and more importantly, reduces weight (increasing fuel mileage). In addition to the MKZ, I own a Saturn Sky, which does not have a spare tire. That fact caused me to hesitate before buying the Sky, but then I realized that in 51 years of driving, I had only had one instance where an air pump would not have enabled me to at least get to a place where I could get a tire.

My thoughts exactly, I posted the same experience I had owning 4 cars so far. Never once did I had to take out the spare tire( full and donut). Even if there is a flat and the compressor/fix a flat didn't work, you can always call LCS. It's just a matter of time and possibly no reception where you're at.

 

[Jimflutes]

I have recently viewed a video(you tube),on how these compressors work. I was impressed. You screw a can of the sealer onto the compressor,then connect to outlet in the car then onto the tire,just like you were going to fill with just air,but now the air travels through the sealer fluid into the tire. You ride about a mile on the tire,so that the sealer coats the inside of the tire,check the air,put more air in if needed,your good to go. Besides,the Ford parts man figured it would cost at least $400.00 with the jack for the set up. In a couple of years all cars will have this,but it is a benefit for hybrids because of weight and room. Jim

 

[Serraph]

I have recently viewed a video(you tube),on how these compressors work. I was impressed. You screw a can of the sealer onto the compressor,then connect to outlet in the car then onto the tire,just like you were going to fill with just air,but now the air travels through the sealer fluid into the tire. You ride about a mile on the tire,so that the sealer coats the inside of the tire,check the air,put more air in if needed,your good to go. Besides,the Ford parts man figured it would cost at least $400.00 with the jack for the set up. In a couple of years all cars will have this,but it is a benefit for hybrids because of weight and room. Jim

you should check more videos from fordowner. There are a lot of good videos that that applies to the MKZ as well specifically the fusions and some of the tech packages.

 

[Jimflutes]

Serraph, Thank you,I am checking out both Fordowner and now Lincolnowner,Great videos and plenty of new information. Jim

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[C Krohn]

I have recently viewed a video(you tube),on how these compressors work. I was impressed. You screw a can of the sealer onto the compressor,then connect to outlet in the car then onto the tire,just like you were going to fill with just air,but now the air travels through the sealer fluid into the tire. You ride about a mile on the tire,so that the sealer coats the inside of the tire,check the air,put more air in if needed,your good to go. Besides,the Ford parts man figured it would cost at least $400.00 with the jack for the set up. In a couple of years all cars will have this,but it is a benefit for hybrids because of weight and room. Jim

I don't know if this is true in all cases, but in my SKY, you can bypass the sealer and just fill with air. If you just have a slow leak, that would be a better way to go. By the way, I also carry a tire plug kit.

 

[tcsdoc]

Back to the electrical issue. Latest update:
Don't put much stock in Lincoln Customer Care. My rep still hasn't contacted me, even though both the Service Manager and the owner sent her an email telling her to call me. After getting the case re-opened, I still haven't heard from anyone. My car went into the shop on April 13th and today is May 3rd. Attempts to speak with Lincoln Customer Care, 22 ; Number of times I've spoken to a rep, 1.
The part to repair my car (hopefully) is no longer on back order but because it's from the vendor, no shipping status can be determined. I have no idea when my car will be fixed yet Lincoln will not respond to repeated contact attempts.
I'm glad others are enjoying their Z-Brid but remember how Lincoln treats its buyers when things go wrong.
To me, the biggest responsibility a car company has is after they have my money. From my perspective, this is the last Ford product I'll own.

 

[Jimflutes]

tcsdoc,Very disheartening news. I would like write to Lincoln Customer Care and voice my concerns,based on the treatment that you have received. I would want to know if this is the way we can all expect to be treated,if something goes wrong with our car. Do I look up Lincoln Customer Care address and write to them,or is there a more specific address? Do I mention your case number? Jim

 

[jschmitt]

On a happier note ..... another 500 mile tank of gas

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[tcsdoc]

Jimflites: I will try to get you an email address.
Update: Finally got through to Cassidy's supervisor, Jim. He dropped the ball (his words) on keeping up with my case and promised to contact me on Monday (6th of May) with updated shipping status on the part. During this conversation I discovered the problem with the starting/stopping loud relay click was omitted from their information. I told them fixing the electrical problem was only one problem to be fixed and the clicking must also be fixed. He told me it was now on their records as items to fix prior to closing my case.

We are fast approaching my car being in their garage longer than mine.

 

[Jimflutes]

John,Thank so much for that happy note ( 38.8 I'll take all day). tcsdoc, Yes I am getting depressed reading your story ( in their garage longer than mine!),I can only imagine how it is sitting with you. Yes,I would like to write to someone about this,I feel as someone who has one on order,I have a right to ask questions in support of you,I don't know if something like this might befall me also. Give me an e-mail or address,and if possible a case number. Jim

 

[Serraph]

Back to the electrical issue. Latest update:
Don't put much stock in Lincoln Customer Care. My rep still hasn't contacted me, even though both the Service Manager and the owner sent her an email telling her to call me. After getting the case re-opened, I still haven't heard from anyone. My car went into the shop on April 13th and today is May 3rd. Attempts to speak with Lincoln Customer Care, 22 ; Number of times I've spoken to a rep, 1.
The part to repair my car (hopefully) is no longer on back order but because it's from the vendor, no shipping status can be determined. I have no idea when my car will be fixed yet Lincoln will not respond to repeated contact attempts.
I'm glad others are enjoying their Z-Brid but remember how Lincoln treats its buyers when things go wrong.
To me, the biggest responsibility a car company has is after they have my money. From my perspective, this is the last Ford product I'll own.

That's really disappointing to hear. My LCS has been in contact with me every week for the pre orders and every week for the popping/clicking noise that I hear. It's been on some Fusions as well. I think it's an isolated incident but doesn't mean it's not important. Perhaps it's out of their hands and are waiting parts. You could try escalating to their supervisors or some one with more authority on the issue.

 

[MKZLover]

Get the lemon book out and follow the procedures for getting a new car and/or your money back. The Lemon Law is there to protect you and believe me, Lincoln will (should) step up and take that mess from you and give you a brand new car. Under the lemon law, they have three chances to fix the problem and then you can start the process of giving back.