Drive control malfunction

[Dan Q]

Hello. I am owner of a 2016 MKX with only 40k miles. Recently, I've been getting drive control malfunction. Service requested. Anyone know what this error indicates? Thank you.

 

[G-691752]

I don't know but I am getting it also in my 2016 MKX with just under 30K miles.

 

[bbf2530]

Hello. I am owner of a 2016 MKX with only 40k miles. Recently, I've been getting drive control malfunction. Service requested. Anyone know what this error indicates? Thank you.

I don't know but I am getting it also in my 2016 MKX with just under 30K miles.

Hi guys. It may not matter, but just in case: This is the MKZ sub-forum, but you both state you have MKX's. It may be better if you post your questions in the MKX sub-forum, so that it may get more attention from MKX owners who may have had this issue but do not read non MKX sub-forums.

Also, while this is not much help, the "drive control malfunction" warning light is addressed in the Owners Manual. Other than checking your battery (a weak/failing battery can cause a myriad of electronic/electrical gremlins), there is not a lot of self help that can be done. It may take a service visit to have this properly diagnosed.

If your vehicles are still equipped with the original factory batteries, it very well may be time to replace them, as 3-4 years is about the lifespan of the battery in a modern vehicle. This is due to their heavy computer/electronic/electrical dependence. However, this is only an Internet guess, not a proper diagnosis.

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

 

[G-604833]

I have a 2017 Lincoln Continental with the same problem. They are going to replace a sensor in it Friday. Hope it works. Have also had problems with the computer screens shutting down. Had to unhook the battery for 30 minutes to reboot it and that has fixed it so far.

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[MKZ80]

I’ve got a 2016 MKZ 39,000 miles. I got a “DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION SERVICE REQUIRED” on my instrument cluster. I can’t get it out of sport mode.

 

[MKZ80]

Oddly enough when I go into the options for sport mode and put it in “normal” (still in sport mode” it changes the transmission shift points the way it should. It’s as if I’m in drive instead of sport. But the “sport” icon stays on. The car will drive fine when I engage the drive button, but it is actually in sport mode.

 

[bbf2530]

I’ve got a 2016 MKZ 39,000 miles. I got a “DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION SERVICE REQUIRED” on my instrument cluster. I can’t get it out of sport mode.

Hi MKZ80 and welcome to the Lincoln Forums. Did anything out of the ordinary immediately precede this issue occurring, such as hitting an unusually large pothole etc? What happens when you press the OK button on the left side of the steering wheel? Does the error return? How long has this problem been occurring? How long have you owned the vehicle?

It is clear you are within the mileage limit of the 6 year/70,000 mile Powertrain Warranty. Are you still within the 6 years? If yes, call your Lincoln Dealership and set up a service appointment.

There is not much you can do as far as self help. You can try disconnecting the battery, for at least 10 minutes, to see if it resets the system. However, if you are still within the Powertrain Warranty, I would recommend you set up a service appointment instead.

I am sure others will jump in with more help and advice.

Let us k now how you make out and good luck.

 

[MKZ80]

I’ve owned the car for 4 months. This issue happened/started a week ago. I pressed the ok button and the warning went away and stayed away. But the mode remains SPORT whether I’m in D (drive) or S (sport).
The car is just past the power train warranty.

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[bbf2530]

I’ve owned the car for 4 months. This issue happened/started a week ago. I pressed the ok button and the warning went away and stayed away. But the mode remains SPORT whether I’m in D (drive) or S (sport).
The car is just past the power train warranty.

Hi MKZ80. In that case, you can try the battery disconnect route.

Unfortunately, without the proper diagnostic/shop tools, there is not really anything else you can do, other than set up a service appointment.

Try disconnecting the battery for at least 10 minutes, and let us know how you make out.

Good luck.

 

[MKZ80]

Power train warranty is over 6 years. I’ve owned the car for 4 months. The issue started a week ago. I pressed the ok button and the warning went away and stayed away, but the car remains in “Sport” mode whether I have the tranamission in D (Drive) or S (Sport).
Also I have video of me switching the transmission from D to S and still remaining in Sport. Not sure if I could upload it here tho.

 

[MKZ80]

If I disconnect the battery will I have to do anything else to reboot the car once oi reconnect it?

 

[bbf2530]

If I disconnect the battery will I have to do anything else to reboot the car once oi reconnect it?

Hi MKZ80. No, nothing to "reboot" the car. You may need to reset some personal settings, audio/station presets, seat/mirror presets etc. And if for some reason your phone does not connect to SYNC via Bluetooth, simply pair it again.

Also, if you take a look in your Owners Manual, you can find information about battery disconnects, replacements etc.

If you do not have your hard copy, you can download the PDF version here: https://www.fleet.ford.com/parts-service/resources/owner-manuals/

Also, you can register your MKZ on the Lincoln Owners website here: https://www.lincoln.com/support/

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

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[MKZ80]

Thanks! I will try it later today and I will post the outcome here.
I clicked on the link you gave me for owners manuals and entered my car but I don’t see anything about the battery.

 

[MKZ80]

I was looking at the wrong one. I got it now so basically just disconnect battery for 10 min and then allow the computer to relearn fuel by doing the things it explains inc. idle while resetting some things, drive 10 miles, etc.??

 

[bbf2530]

Thanks! I will try it later today and I will post the outcome here.
I clicked on the link you gave me for owners manuals and entered my car but I don’t see anything about the battery.

Hi MKZ80. Download your Owners Manual from the website provided. Then look in the Index under "Battery" for the correct page numbers in your copy, then look through the information pertaining to the battery, disconnecting, replacing etc.

Good luck.

 

[MKZ80]

Ran into a problem. I have an IID installed in my vehicle. I have about a 4 min window to disconnect the battery. So I guess I won’t be doing that unless I can come up with a necessity to disconnect for over 10 minutes. Normally if I would want to have service performed on my car I would have to take it to a machanic and he would have to get a lock out code from the interlock company..

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[MKZ80]

bbf2530
So I just got off the phone with the interlock company and they told me that in my state if my interlock loses power for more than a minute I could get a violation. A minor violation that would make me have to bring it to the interlock installer and have them recalibrate the device. This would cost me $50. To me, if disconnecting the battery solves my issue it is worth the $50. If it doesn’t fix it, it obviously isn’t worth the $50. So I’m wondering if I can get thoughts on my issue. I may try to google “Resetting Drive Control System Lincoln MKZ” and see what comes up. My situation is a little unique with the IID installed.
Thoughts?

 

[bbf2530]

bbf2530
So I just got off the phone with the interlock company and they told me that in my state if my interlock loses power for more than a minute I could get a violation. A minor violation that would make me have to bring it to the interlock installer and have them recalibrate the device. This would cost me $50. To me, if disconnecting the battery solves my issue it is worth the $50. If it doesn’t fix it, it obviously isn’t worth the $50. So I’m wondering if I can get thoughts on my issue. I may try to google “Resetting Drive Control System Lincoln MKZ” and see what comes up. My situation is a little unique with the IID installed.
Thoughts?

Hi MKZ80. First, full disclosure: I am not a Tech. I am simply a fellow Lincoln owner and long time shade-tree mechanic with a long life of experience. That being said...Yes, the IID and possible $50 fee does throw a new wrinkle into things, as far as a battery disconnect goes.

So my thoughts are: First...what are your thoughts?

Next...Battery disconnects are usually short term band-aids used in an attempt to fix deeper issues.
For that reason, I generally discourage these types of band-aids (especially if the vehicle is still within the New Vehicle Warranty period), because as stated, they are generally only a temporary fix, which will not correct the underlying cause of the problem, and the underlying issue will occur again.

Next...Perhaps the battery disconnect will correct the Drive Control Malfunction and warning message. But it also may not. And even if it does, it may only be a temporary band-aid and the problem will reoccur.
It was worth a try when it could simply be done for free. Now that we know there is a possible $50 fee (and possible other legal complications?) involved due to the IID, I don't know if it is worth the trouble.

If you think it is worth the $50and want to give it a try in order to possibly avoid a larger repair bill...Give it a shot. Otherwise, I would say set up a service appointment with your Lincoln Dealership and have the issue more deeply/properly diagnosed and corrected.

I realize I'm riding the fence, but I'm not usually comfortable telling other people what to do with their money.

Again, what are your thoughts?

And concerning Googling, you can take a look here: Resetting Drive Control System Lincoln MKZ - Google Search

Most of what I saw in a very brief look had to do with resetting SYNC or how to set "Drive Control" preferences in the Driver Information Center.

Keep us updated and good luck.

 

[MKZ80]

I’ve had an appointment at a ford/Lincoln dealership for a few days now. It’s for next Friday. They told me they would start with a diagnosis scan. That will be $100. And if I get the vehicle repaired there half of the $100 will go toward the repair. I’m not going to disconnect the battery. Risk vs (possible) Reward isn’t looking good. I appreciate all your help and I’ll keep you posted on what exactly happens. Thanks.

 

[bbf2530]

I’ve had an appointment at a ford/Lincoln dealership for a few days now. It’s for next Friday. They told me they would start with a diagnosis scan. That will be $100. And if I get the vehicle repaired there half of the $100 will go toward the repair. I’m not going to disconnect the battery. Risk vs (possible) Reward isn’t looking good. I appreciate all your help and I’ll keep you posted on what exactly happens. Thanks.

Hi MKZ80. I think you are doing the right thing.

One thought though...Usually, if you have the work performed at the Dealership that performs the diagnostics, they will apply a credit for the full Diagnostic fee to the repair.
Yes, it is not much, but it is your $50 and every little bit helps, if you need it. So I would ask about that, if you care.

Let us know how you make out and good luck.