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.