Jump to content

AWD overheat?


ZED

Recommended Posts

Today my 2017 MKZ AWD decided not to function I had driven only about 5 miles the car was still cold it was 50 Deg F here in Western Massachusetts today so not exactly hot outside. I look at the dash and it says "AWD can be disabled press ok?" Or something to this effect. Anyway I push ok and switch the display to the AWD monitoring and yes only the front wheels are lit up so no AWD. I went into a store for 15 min and all was back to normal when I left.

 

According to the manual this is normal if the AWD system overheats? But overheats in 5 miles on a cool day? Does this seem normal? Have any of you ever seen this issue?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That happened to me once and it was in the 40s.  Hadn't driven far at all.  I didn't get a choice, though.  It just said "AWD Disabled."  It was gone on the next start cycle and has never reoccurred.  I considered it just one of those glitches in these cars that clears itself.

 

If you don't see it again, I wouldn't worry too much.  Obviously you didn't do anything to overheat the AWD system.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 6 months later...

2014 MKZ here. I have somewhat similar issue, but more complicated. when travelling at 120km/hr  after 30km or so AWD message says AWD disabled. Then after a few km it turns back on, but while disabled i hear a faint recurring wrrrr, wrrrr over and over. Feels like a misfire but a consistant one while the AWD is disabled. No check engine light. Only does this at highway speeds, in town has not happened. Any thoughts?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If there's no CEL, it's a pretty safe bet that you don't have a misfire.  Have you ever noticed any fluid leaks under the car. If the PTU is low on fluid, it'll overheat The PTUs are known for developing leaks in these cars.  My 2014 started leaking at around 24K miles.  Repaired under warranty.  If you're still covered under the factory powertrain warranty,  I'd get it to a Lincoln dealer for diagnosis.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Update: Ford dealership was not helpful much. No codes on scanner, but did find out the previous owner had PTU changed as it was from a wrecker, had the yellow paint marker on it. Also I noticed (they did not) that the ptu was leaking. Not much but some. Technician filled it back up. Going to take for a long drive this weekend to test thoroughly. If no issues, then oil leak was the issue but will still need a seal or new PTU. Also, PTU APPEARS to not have any wiring to it. If the ptu is overheating due to lack of oil, how does the car know it is hot? Where is the temp gauge located for the awd system? Is it possible the rear transfer case is low on oil? And is the rear transfer case oil refillable? 

Edited by crashman32
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Going to take a WAG here that the AWD is the same as on the Taurus and Flex.  If that's the case folks should not believe Ford that the PTU gearbox is lubed for life.

Folks in the Ford Flex site have found gunk in their gear box and been very vocal about it.  Some folks have also had a drain plug retrofitted so it can be drained and changed easily.

Not sure if this applies to this situation, but, from what I've read, it would be an excellent item to check.

Edited by rubyinla
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Update: My ptu WAS CHANGED for free as I bought a powertrain warranty with the used car. I then took old PTU home, and retrofitted a drain (3/8in )plug. I opened the case and it was perfect inside. No gunk or sludge. So i will keep or sell. I plan on retrofitting the new one. Havnt found a shop that will retrofit, so i may have to do this my self.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...