2014 MKZ Part Number DP5Z8260A Has been Discontinued

[StlTampa72]

I just found out that Part Number DP5Z8260A which is a coolant hose for my 2014 Lincoln MKZ has been discontinued. I contacted Lincoln 5 times to find a parts store that should have this part. Lincoln referred me to 6 companies from their preferred list of parts partners; 1 is out of business, two don't sell Lincoln parts, one doesn't have the part and cannot order it, and the last two are OEM Ford Parts companies and neither carry this part. Common sense tells me that literally thousands of Lincoln MKZ vehicles were sold in 2014 so other owners have either had or will have to face this problem in the future. In addition, none of the customer service representative at Lincoln could tell me what Lincoln's plan is to provide a replacement part. Purchasing a new vehicle just because I cannot find a replacement hose is not an option. Can someone please help me? My vehicle is in the shop for repairs and unless I can find a replacement hose, my vehicle is no longer drivable.

 

[batchman]

Welcome to the forum!

It sounds like time to discover the aftermarket, for instance www.rockauto.com lists a number of the trickier hoses, I'm sure the corner stores will as well. They even show some Motorcraft inventory. I am sure there will be a number of hoses not appearing there, which most shops would cut to length and make fit.

Edit to add, those local parts stores will usually have resources to make the trickier lines, like with crimped ends for hydraulic or air conditioning.

It's a shame we as a country stopped buying cars, at least for those of us who still want such. The "orphan" problem gets worse on hard parts - had to scrap our Focus ST, even though at 200k it still ran and performed perfectly. Why? Rust, and I would have fixed it but new parts were NLA, making the job a "cut up two, fix one" and that was a step too far at that mileage.

Good luck,
- Jeff