Lots of Little Issues

[tiktok4321]

Perhaps I get some advise. My 2013 MKZ has about 152,000 miles on it. It's still pretty clean and useful, but I have a ton of "tiny" issues that I would like to resolve before trying to sell/trade/keep it:

1) Interior pleather is delaminating. I've tried to take the door panels off and tuck the pleather back in, but evidently it's supposed to be glued. What glue would I use?
2) Driver's interior door latch handle is pushed in. It still works, but why is that happening?
3) Radio won't pick up HD stations any more.
4) Nav won't read any Map SD card any more.
5) AC starts off most rides just fine. Then, it's like the mode actuator just gives up and starts blowing air somewhere except for any of the vents I select. Can't reset, but if I turn off the car for 15 minutes or more, it'll work just fine until it doesn't any more. Temperature seems to not be an issue at all. Hot is hot, cold is cold.
6) Weird smell out of AC. Cleaned my ducts, blower and CAF. Almost smells like glycol, but how? Strong, sweet-ish odor. Can clear out if I blow the motor on high for 5 minutes.
7) Fuel door came off hinge. Do I have to take the whole filler assembly out and replace it?
8) Trunk door won't fully shut on left side only. Looked for adjustment bolts, but can't find any. Body shop repair?
9) Engine sometimes clunks excessively on start up. Periodic transmission issues (clunking) when switching from P-->R or R-->D. Once it seemed excessive.

 

[Action]

1) Interior trim spray. Found at many fast moving parts stores
2) Post a picture of the door latch handle to better understand the issue.
5) AC mode door motor is no longer working 100%. Replacement will be necessary unless there is an electrical connection issue. The system may have multiple motors. They are not that expensive $30 to $80. Could be difficult to access and replace.
6) Glycol smell could be a coolant leak in the heater core or hoses/connection into and out of heater core
7) Some fuel filler doors slide on and off a mount. Post a picture. Or here is an entire assy for under $90

2011-2020 Lincoln MKZ Non Hybrid Fuel Tank Filler Door Hinge Housing P

2011-2020 Lincoln MKZ Non Hybrid Fuel Tank Filler Door Hinge Housing Pocket The Genuine OEM 2011-2020 Lincoln MKZ Non Hybrid Fuel Tank Filler Door Hinge Housing Pocket is designed to replace your damaged or worn fuel door hinge housing. This essential component ensures the proper attachment and...

conquestauto.com

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[tiktok4321]

I'll try to post photos when I get home. Thanks for the reply.

6) I've never noticed any coolant leaking under the car... But that's a good point. Perhaps it's small and collecting somewhere.

 

[Action]

It does not take much of a coolant leak to be able to "smell" the coolant.
In addition, the heater core may be mostly contained in the passenger's compartment.
Which would make a coolant leak from the heater core contained in the passenger's compartment.

There is another factory with this and that is the AC system. One of the functions of the AC system is to remove moisture from the air.
Generally automotive AC systems are very good at this.
And that moisture removal or water at that point has to go somewhere. The construction of the system is to have a drain in the system that ships the water out iof the vehicle. Sometimes that drain can get plugged.
When that happens, mold usually grows.
Combined with a coolant leak and the best fix is a swift fix.

And all of that is a guess on my part.

Your ride is 12 to 13 years old. It is at the point when things just get a lil older and need some attention. (But it is at the age I like because buying a vehicle at that age is rather inexpensive. Versus a brand new $50K Corsair)
The tradeoff is some work is going to have to be done. If you can do that work, (or at least most of it) the savings can be significant.
My recommendation is to be well armed to handle those tasks!
Get a factory shop manual and wiring diagram. Found on eBay in both flavors. Hard copy and CD/DVD.
Get a basic scanner.
Buy other specific tools as needed when you are working on a specific task.
Always clean that area around the specific task. Dirt/dust/debris is always working against you. Especially rubber/plastic/vinyl and leather pieces.
It is a bit of labor staying up to date. But your bank account will thank you.

By staying on top of most items, you should be able to use your MKZ for double or maybe even triple the mileage on the clock now.
Don't forget to wax the outside once a year. Your neighbors will think you are nuts. And people looking at your ride for the first time will wonder, I thought Lincoln stopped making cars?

My daily driver is almost 20 years old Navigator with 220,000 miles. My goal was to reach 300K miles. I think, I can make it to 500K. The outside looks nice except the cracked windshield.

Good luck.

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[driller]

Sounds like the heater core may be leaking. Check the passenger side carpet for dampness. You can pressure test the coolant system to confirm a leak. It may not be significant enough yet to notice any loss of coolant.

A common problem with older vehicles is lack of upkeep. Small issues arise from time to time and a concerted effort must be made along the way to address them as they appear. Or else you end up in your exact situation with a lot of issues that detract from the value of vehicle causing you to consider selling or trading up.

The cheapest vehicle is almost always the one you have in the driveway.