🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercury

Model:

MKX

Year:

2008

Market:

North America

Platform:

Ford CD3 Platform

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2008 Mercury MKX was positioned as a luxury mid-size crossover SUV, offering a comfortable and refined driving experience with upscale features. It competed with vehicles like the Lexus RX, Acura MDX, and BMW X5 in its segment.

Competitive Analysis:

As a Mercury product, the MKX aimed to provide a more accessible luxury option compared to its European or Japanese counterparts, leveraging Ford's global platforms and technology while offering distinct styling and features.

Key Features:

Standard V6 engine, available AWD, comfortable interior, spacious cabin, available panoramic sunroof, premium audio options, and a focus on a smooth ride.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Models:

2008 Mercury MKX (All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Types)

Page Count:

Estimated 2000+ pages (based on typical factory service manuals of this era and vehicle complexity)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine removal/installation, cylinder head, valve train, crankshaft/connecting rods, pistons, lubrication system, cooling system, timing system.

Engine Performance:

Fuel system, ignition system, emission control systems, turbocharging (if applicable), engine management diagnostics.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission overhaul, diagnostics, fluid service, torque converter, shift controls.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, drive axles, differential, propeller shaft, hubs.

Suspension:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints), rear suspension (multi-link, trailing arms, sway bars), shock absorbers, springs, wheel bearings.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems, calipers, rotors, pads, brake fluid, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), parking brake.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering gear, tie rods, alignment specifications.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlamps, taillamps), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, glass, structural components.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, compressor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant, climate control modules.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, restraint system diagnostics.

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, troubleshooting flowcharts.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed maintenance schedules for all intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, symptom-based troubleshooting.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment for all major systems.

Overhaul Procedures:

Complete disassembly and reassembly instructions for major components like engines and transmissions.

Component Testing:

Testing procedures for electrical components, sensors, actuators, and mechanical assemblies.

Specifications Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, pressures, and other critical data for all procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level detail, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-quality, optimized for clear display of text, diagrams, and images. Printable without restrictions.

Binding Type:

Digital Download (PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

3.5L Duratec 35 V6

Horsepower:

265 hp @ 6250 rpm

Torque:

251 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Engine Layout:

60-degree V-angle, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder

Bore Stroke:

92.5 mm x 99.7 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.3:1

Engine Code:

Duratec 35

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed automatic (6F50)

Drivetrain Options:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Transmission Features:

SelectShift Automatic mode, electronic control, integrated torque converter clutch.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

189.7 inches (4,818 mm)

Width:

75.9 inches (1,928 mm)

Height:

66.8 inches (1,697 mm)

Wheelbase:

111.2 inches (2,824 mm)

Curb Weight FWD:

4,242 lbs (1,924 kg)

Curb Weight AWD:

4,370 lbs (1,982 kg)

Cargo Volume Behind Second Row:

24.9 cu ft (705 liters)

Cargo Volume With Second Row Folded:

58.8 cu ft (1,665 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

★★★★★ (5/5)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

★★★★★ (5/5)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat Passenger:

★★★★★ (5/5)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat Passenger:

★★★★☆ (4/5)

IIHS Front Crash Rating:

Good

IIHS Side Crash Rating:

Good

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - AdvanceTrac.

Passive Features:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, Safety Canopy side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor, height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Available SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system, touchscreen navigation system, premium audio systems (e.g., Sony).

Driver Assistance:

Rear parking assist, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) - available.

Connectivity:

SYNC system with Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and music streaming.

Comfort Features:

Dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, panoramic glass roof (optional).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or synthetic oil).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months.

Engine Coolant Replacement:

Every 100,000 miles or 10 years for the first change, then every 50,000 miles or 5 years thereafter.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Check at every oil change, replace as needed or every 100,000 miles for severe service. Refer to manual for specific driving conditions.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-20 API SN (or equivalent) synthetic blend or full synthetic.

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Ford Premium Gold Coolant (or equivalent meeting specification WSS-M97B51-A1).

Transmission Fluid Type:

MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 (or DOT 4 if specified).

Known Issues:

Some owners have reported issues with the transmission control module (TCM), potential for transmission fluid leaks, and occasional electronic module failures. The 3.5L Duratec engine is generally robust, but like any engine, can experience issues such as intake manifold leaks or minor oil leaks as mileage accumulates.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mercury, a division of Ford Motor Company, was established in 1938. Throughout its history, Mercury vehicles were often positioned as slightly more upscale alternatives to Ford models, offering a blend of style, comfort, and performance.

Model Evolution:

The Mercury MKX was introduced for the 2007 model year as a 2008 model. It was based on the Ford Edge and was Mercury's first dedicated crossover SUV. It was designed to appeal to a more premium market segment, replacing the Mercury Mountaineer in the brand's lineup of SUVs.

Production Location:

Oakville Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada (shared with Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX).

Production Years:

2007-2010 (as a 2008 model year vehicle)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific awards for the 2008 Mercury MKX are not widely publicized, it was generally well-received for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and value proposition within the luxury crossover segment at the time of its release. It often appeared on 'best buy' lists for its class.