Positioning:
The Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ (introduced in 2006 as Zephyr, renamed MKZ in 2007) represented Lincoln's entry into the mid-size luxury sedan segment, based on the Ford CD3 platform shared with the Mazda 6.
Competitors:
Competed against established luxury sedans like the Lexus ES, Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti G35.
Design Philosophy:
Focused on a comfortable, quiet ride and a distinct American luxury aesthetic.
Target Audience:
Professional mechanics, dealership technicians, and dedicated DIY enthusiasts seeking accurate and detailed repair information.
Engine:
Detailed information on engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, and emission control systems.
Transmission:
Coverage for automatic transmission service, diagnosis, and repair procedures.
Drivetrain:
Includes procedures for front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including CV axles and differentials.
Suspension Steering:
Detailed repair and adjustment procedures for suspension components, steering systems, and wheel alignment.
Brakes:
Comprehensive coverage of hydraulic brake systems, ABS, traction control, and parking brake.
Electrical Electronics:
Extensive diagrams and troubleshooting for electrical systems, lighting, power accessories, and electronic control modules (ECMs).
Body Chassis:
Procedures for body panel repair, interior trim removal, glass replacement, and chassis component service.
HVAC:
Diagnosis and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including refrigerant handling.
Restraints:
Information on airbag systems, seat belts, and related safety components.
Routine Maintenance:
Step-by-step instructions for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and other scheduled maintenance tasks.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Detailed troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation.
Component Repair Overhaul:
In-depth repair procedures for individual components, including engine internal repairs, transmission overhauls, and brake caliper replacement.
Assembly Disassembly:
Detailed instructions for removing and installing various vehicle components and sub-assemblies.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Specifications Tolerances:
Key specifications, torque values, and dimensional tolerances for all repair procedures.
Depth:
Professional-level detail covering basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and major component overhauls.
Illustrations:
Hundreds of detailed photos and exploded diagrams to visually guide repairs.
Engine Type:
3.0L Duratec 30 V6
Horsepower:
221 hp @ 6400 rpm (for 3.0L Duratec 30 V6)
Torque:
205 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (for 3.0L Duratec 30 V6)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Valve Train:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder
Available Engine Options:
3.5L Duratec 35 V6 (optional on MKZ from 2007 onwards, 265 hp, 250 lb-ft)
Length:
Approximately 195.2 inches (4958 mm)
Width:
Approximately 72.2 inches (1834 mm)
Height:
Approximately 57.0 inches (1448 mm)
Curb Weight:
Starting around 3,600 lbs (1633 kg), varies with drivetrain.
Wheelbase Length:
112.2 inches (2850 mm)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Generally received 4-star ratings in NHTSA frontal impact tests for driver and passenger.
NHTSA Side Impact:
Generally received 4-star ratings in NHTSA side impact tests.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS).
Stability Control:
Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on later models.
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, and available front and rear side curtain airbags.
Available Systems:
Optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, premium audio systems (e.g., THX Certified).
Available Features:
Rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control (optional on some trims).
Phone Integration:
Optional SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system (introduced later in the generation).
Oil Change Interval:
Recommended every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions, using synthetic blend oil.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 100,000 miles or 5 years with Ford Gold Coolant.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-20, API SN/SM or ILSAC GF-5 certified (Consult manual for exact specification).
Transmission Fluid:
MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Coolant:
Ford Gold Coolant (VC-5A) or equivalent with freeze protection to -34°F (-37°C).
Ignition Coils:
Some owners report premature failure of ignition coils, leading to misfires.
Powertrain Control Module:
Occasional issues with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM) may arise.
HVAC Blend Door Actuators:
HVAC blend door actuators can fail, causing temperature control issues.
Water Pump:
The electric water pump on the 3.5L engine can be a point of failure.
Lincoln Legacy:
Lincoln, Ford's luxury division, has a long history of producing premium sedans known for comfort and refinement.
Zephyr To Mkz Transition:
The Zephyr was introduced for the 2006 model year and was rebranded as the MKZ for 2007 as part of Lincoln's new naming convention, while retaining the core platform and mechanicals.
Platform:
Ford CD3 platform (shared with Mazda 6, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan).
Manufacturing Location:
Flat Rock, Michigan, USA.
