Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size Luxury Sedan.
Brand Segment:
Lincoln's entry into the competitive mid-size luxury sedan market.
Competitors 2012:
Acura TL, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CTS, Lexus ES, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Volvo S60.
Design Philosophy:
Blends Ford's platform architecture with Lincoln's signature luxury and styling cues.
Target Audience:
Buyers seeking a comfortable, stylish, and well-equipped American luxury sedan.
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Engine Control System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Manual Transaxle, Automatic Transaxle.
Drivetrain:
Front Axle, Rear Axle, Driveline.
Suspension Steering:
Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Road Wheels & Tyres, Power Steering System, Steering System.
Brakes:
Brake System, Parking Brake System, Brake Control System.
Restraints:
Seat Belts, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).
Body Exterior Interior:
Body, Lock & Security System, Glasses, Window System & Mirrors, Roof, Exterior & Interior, Instrumental Panel, Seats.
HVAC:
Air Conditioner System.
Electrical Electronic:
Wiring Diagrams, Starting & Charging System, Lighting System, Driver Information System, Wiper, Washer & Horn, Body Control System, LAN System, Audio Visual, Navigation & Telephone System, Auto Cruise Control System, Power Supply, Ground & Circuit Elements.
Diagnostic:
Full diagnostic procedures for all systems.
Repair:
Detailed repair procedures for all components and systems.
Maintenance:
Comprehensive scheduled and unscheduled maintenance procedures.
Rebuild Refurbish:
Procedures for rebuilding and refurbishing major components like engines and transmissions.
Restoration:
Guidance applicable to restoration projects.
Engine Mechanical Repair:
Detailed procedures for cylinder head removal/installation, piston/ring replacement, crankshaft/bearing service, timing belt/chain service (if applicable), and complete engine overhaul.
Transmission Service:
Step-by-step guides for automatic transmission fluid and filter changes, clutch replacement (manual transmission variants if applicable), and internal transmission component diagnosis and repair.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, including troubleshooting flowcharts, component testing procedures, and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) explanations.
Depth:
From basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and component overhaul, mirroring professional technician knowledge.
Engine Code:
3.5L V6 (Duratec 35)
Engine Configuration:
3.5 Liter, 60-degree V-6, naturally aspirated.
Valvetrain:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder.
Horsepower:
263 hp @ 6200 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
249 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline.
ECU:
PCM (Powertrain Control Module) with integrated diagnostics.
NHTSA Front Driver:
5-Star (2012)
NHTSA Front Passenger:
5-Star (2012)
NHTSA Side Driver:
5-Star (2012)
NHTSA Side Passenger:
5-Star (2012)
NHTSA Side Rear:
5-Star (2012)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (2012)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control.
Electronic Stability:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (AdvanceTrac).
Airbags Front:
Dual-stage front airbags.
Airbags Side:
Front and rear side-curtain airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
System Name:
SYNC Infotainment System (optional).
Features:
Voice-activated communications and entertainment, Bluetooth connectivity, USB integration.
Cruise Control:
Standard Cruise Control, optional Adaptive Cruise Control (if equipped).
Bluetooth:
Standard with SYNC system for phone integration.
Premium Audio Option:
Optional THX II Certified Premium Audio System.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500-10,000 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000-40,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically 100,000 miles for iridium-tipped spark plugs.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20, meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C945-A.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change (approx.)
Transmission Fluid Type:
MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Coolant Type:
Ford Super Premium Engine Coolant (VC-7B) or equivalent (Green color).
Common Complaints:
Potential for occasional transmission shudder, minor electronic gremlins, and HVAC control panel issues. Refer to manual for specific troubleshooting.
Lincoln Legacy:
Lincoln, a division of Ford Motor Company, has a long-standing history of producing luxury vehicles in the United States.
Mkz Debut:
The Lincoln MKZ replaced the Lincoln Zephyr in 2006, aiming to attract a younger demographic to the Lincoln brand.
Model Year Changes 2012:
The 2012 model represents the final year of the first-generation MKZ, offering minor refinements over previous iterations.
Manufacturing Plant:
Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly Plant, Mexico.