Eurythmian Posted May 18, 2020 Share Posted May 18, 2020 (edited) Six months ago I had a Lincoln dealership replace my struts at 75,000 miles. After getting that repair paid off, I bought new tires from Discount Tires. After talking to the tire salesman, I asked if there was a slightly taller which would provide a better ride. He suggested the 245/45-R19 Yokahoma Avid Ascend GT. They are a slightly taller than the Michelins I had been riding on. Not only do they look better, they ride a hundred times better. Super quiet and smooth. A few weeks ago I started experiencing a warning on the dash. "Driver Control Malfunction". When the warning pops up the car the rides super stiff. Even more stiff than in Sport Mode. It's now gone from happening only a couple times - about a month apart, to now every time I get in a go anywhere. More so in town than on the freeway. If I drive over any slight imperfection in the road it causes it to malfunction. I can not change the selection in the menu once the warning has happened. After the car is restarted, the suspension resets itself and functions fine until I drive over anything slightly rough. Then it throws up the Malfunction Warning and it starts all over. So I have been on the net trying to self diagnose what the issue could be. I have learned these electronic suspensions are all calibrated. So I am thinking could the new tires being a slightly larger size be what is causing this problem? Instead of putting on 245/40-R19 tires I bought the 245/45-R19 Yokahoma Avid Ascend GT. Or it could be a bent strut or a bad MCU Module. I have tried to find just exactly what is the MCU module and I am unable to find anything on it. Has anyone else experienced this? I would really like some info before hitting the dealership. Edited May 18, 2020 by Eurythmian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multitask Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 This is more of a Brakes, Suspension thing.... so it's in the wrong part of the forum, you might get better results there... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbf2530 Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 (edited) 5 hours ago, Eurythmian said: Six months ago I had a Lincoln dealership replace my struts at 75,000 miles. After getting that repair paid off, I bought new tires from Discount Tires. After talking to the tire salesman, I asked if there was a slightly taller which would provide a better ride. He suggested the 245/45-R19 Yokahoma Avid Ascend GT. They are a slightly taller than the Michelins I had been riding on. Not only do they look better, they ride a hundred times better. Super quiet and smooth. A few weeks ago I started experiencing a warning on the dash. "Driver Control Malfunction". When the warning pops up the car the rides super stiff. Even more stiff than in Sport Mode. It's now gone from happening only a couple times - about a month apart, to now every time I get in a go anywhere. More so in town than on the freeway. If I drive over any slight imperfection in the road it causes it to malfunction. I can not change the selection in the menu once the warning has happened. After the car is restarted, the suspension resets itself and functions fine until I drive over anything slightly rough. Then it throws up the Malfunction Warning and it starts all over. So I have been on the net trying to self diagnose what the issue could be. I have learned these electronic suspensions are all calibrated. So I am thinking could the new tires being a slightly larger size be what is causing this problem? Instead of putting on 245/40-R19 tires I bought the 245/45-R19 Yokahoma Avid Ascend GT. Or it could be a bent strut or a bad MCU Module. I have tried to find just exactly what is the MCU module and I am unable to find anything on it. Has anyone else experienced this? I would really like some info before hitting the dealership. Hi Euryhtmian. Is it correct to assume your MKZ was not covered under a LincolnProtect Extended Warranty? I can't tell you what the issue is, other than to state it should not be related to the new tires, assuming you replaced all four, at the same time, with the same size. It is entirely possible this issue is related to the new struts/shocks which were installed ~6 months ago. Were you aware that Motorcraft Service/Maintenance performed by Lincoln (and Ford) Dealerships have a two year warranty? I would recommend making a service appointment with the same Dealership that installed the new struts/shocks. If the problem is related to the work performed previously, it should be covered under the Motorcraft maintenance warranty. Also, your thread will be moved to the "Brakes, Chassis & Suspension" sub-forum. The "Lincoln MKZ Lounge" is more for non MKZ, off-topic discussions, as Multitask alluded to. Let us know how you make out and good luck. Edited May 19, 2020 by bbf2530 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drolds1 Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 (edited) First, check fuse #36 in the passenger compartment. Also, how is your battery? If that's OK, you'll need to retrieve the codes. I have no idea what an MCU module is. Where did you hear of this? The suspension is controlled by the vehicle dynamic control module (VDM), which is located in the trunk compartment. Quote The VDM (vehicle dynamics control module) requires an operating voltage that is between 9 and 16 volts. The VDM (vehicle dynamics control module) receives this voltage from the BCM (body control module). The VDM (vehicle dynamics control module) has a single ground circuit located in the luggage compartment wiring harness. Excessive resistance or an open in one or more of these circuits, a discharged battery or an inoperative charging system will result in the VDM (vehicle dynamics control module) setting a DTC (diagnostic trouble code). To diagnose the problem, it looks like you're going to need a dealer or a shop with the Ford diagnostic scan tool. See the troubleshooting guide from the SM: Edited May 19, 2020 by drolds1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eurythmian Posted May 19, 2020 Author Share Posted May 19, 2020 "It is entirely possible this issue is related to the new struts/shocks which were installed ~6 months ago. Were you aware that Motorcraft Service/Maintenance performed by Lincoln (and Ford) Dealerships have a two year warranty? I would recommend making a service appointment with the same Dealership that installed the new struts/shocks. If the problem is related to the work performed previously, it should be covered under the Motorcraft maintenance warranty." You are correct. It is a bent rear shock which is covered under warranty. The shock has been order from Kansas City and will take 5 days to arrive. Maybe I will be getting to put on this Saturday. Thanks for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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