Positioning:
        
        
            The Mercury MKT was positioned as a premium three-row crossover, aimed at families seeking comfort, space, and a touch of luxury. It competed with vehicles like the Buick Enclave, Acura MDX, and Volvo XC90.
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors:
        
        
            Key competitors included the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Flex, and premium offerings from European manufacturers.
        
     
    
    
        
            Features:
        
        
            Spacious interior, comfortable ride, available all-wheel drive, upscale interior appointments, and the availability of Ford's SYNC infotainment system. The 2013 model year saw minor updates and package refinements.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
             Powertrain:
        
        
            Engine mechanical (3.5L V6 Duratec), engine management (PCM, sensors, actuators), fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, ignition system, emissions control.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            6F50 SelectShift Automatic Transmission, torque converter, valve body, clutch packs, planetary gear sets, transmission control module (TCM).
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Front-wheel drive (FWD), All-wheel drive (AWD) system, transfer case, drive shafts, CV joints, differentials.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), brake fluid specifications, hydraulic system, parking brake.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension & Steering:
        
        
            Front independent suspension (MacPherson strut), rear independent suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, power steering system (electric assist), steering rack, tie rods.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), body control module (BCM), power distribution.
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant R134a, climate control module, blower motor, actuators.
        
     
    
        
            Body & Interior:
        
        
            Body panels, doors, hood, liftgate, glass, interior trim, seats, dashboard, airbags, safety restraint system (SRS).
        
     
    
        
            Infotainment & Electronics:
        
        
            SYNC infotainment system, audio system, navigation, climate control interface, instrument cluster, driver information system.
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake pad replacement, spark plug replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, testing procedures for sensors and actuators, use of diagnostic scan tools.
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Engine component replacement (e.g., water pump, alternator, starter), transmission rebuild/overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Overhaul:
        
        
            Complete engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Technical Specifications:
        
        
            Torque specifications for fasteners, diagnostic parameter data, wiring diagrams, component locations, special tool requirements.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance, component-level repair, advanced diagnostics, and full system overhauls. Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Overall Rating 2013:
        
        
            5-Star (overall, though specific test results can vary)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard Anti-lock Braking System
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
        
     
    
        
            Electronic Stability Control:
        
        
            Standard Electronic Stability Control (AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, Safety Canopyยฎ side-curtain airbags for all three rows.
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point safety belts with pretensioners for all occupants, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (under normal driving conditions), refer to manual for severe conditions. Uses synthetic blend oil.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 100,000 miles (Platinum tipped spark plugs).
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            SAE 5W-20 Motorcraft Synthetic Blend (WSS-M2C945-A specification)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Ford Premium Gold Coolant (VC-6A) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 Motorcraft High Temperature Brake Fluid (or equivalent)
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Wear Items:
        
        
            Worn sway bar links, front suspension bushings, potential for transmission solenoids or torque converter issues (as with many modern automatics), HVAC blend door actuator failures.
        
     
    
        
            Powertrain Notes:
        
        
            The 3.5L Duratec V6 is generally reliable, but like any engine, requires diligent maintenance. The 6F50 transmission is also robust but benefits greatly from regular fluid changes.