Rear Differential Fluid

[Molinski44]

Hi all - 2017 Lincoln MKZ 3.0 here. Looking for some advice on Rear Differential fluid changeout. There's nothing in maintenance intervals on when this is done yet it has a drain plug. Any recommendation how often this should be done? 

 

I also bought the car used and am unsure if I have the  Driver's Package which has the  torque vectoring unit differential. The fluid for this is different than the regular unit. Anybody have any idea how to know if I have that package or not? 

 

Thanks for all the help!

[bbf2530]

14 hours ago, Molinski44 said:

Hi all - 2017 Lincoln MKZ 3.0 here. Looking for some advice on Rear Differential fluid changeout. There's nothing in maintenance intervals on when this is done yet it has a drain plug. Any recommendation how often this should be done? 

 

I also bought the car used and am unsure if I have the  Driver's Package which has the  torque vectoring unit differential. The fluid for this is different than the regular unit. Anybody have any idea how to know if I have that package or not? 

 

Thanks for all the help!

 

Hi Molinski. There are several ways to tell if your MKZ has the Drivers Package. The easiest is probably to answer this question: What color are the seats? The Drivers Package (only available on the "Reserve" trim level) had the "Ebony with Touring White" seats. So if your seats are black leather with white leather inserts/trim, you have the Drivers Package. If not, then you don't.

 

Concerning the differential/PTU fluid change. Technically, Lincoln/Ford classify it as a "lifetime fluid". However, few owners will or should leave it in for a normal/average vehicle "lifetime". Some people change it at 30,000 miles. Others at 50,000. Others anywhere from lower mileage, to in between and higher. I will probably change mine somewhere between 30,000-50,000.

 

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

[fusionff]

The Drivers Package was also available on the Black Label trim level with 3.0, so the seat color would not give away if you have that option, if your MKZ is a Black Label MKZ.  

 

Congrats on the MKZ purchase, and welcome aboard.

Edited August 26, 2021 by fusionff

[Molinski44]

Awesome - thanks guys. I appreciate it. No white trim leather seats and only have the Reserve trim level. Confident I only have the coupling torque differential which involves the regular 80W-90. 

 

Anybody have any experience using third party fluids? Would any 80W-90 work? The service manual indicates to fill 3-5mm below the plug hole - never seen this before, bit odd!

[bbf2530]

2 hours ago, Molinski44 said:

Awesome - thanks guys. I appreciate it. No white trim leather seats and only have the Reserve trim level. Confident I only have the coupling torque differential which involves the regular 80W-90. 

 

Anybody have any experience using third party fluids? Would any 80W-90 work? The service manual indicates to fill 3-5mm below the plug hole - never seen this before, bit odd!

 

Hi Molinski. fusioff is correct. I was assuming you did not have a Black Label trim level for several reasons, such as the seller would have mentioned it as a selling/price premium point, the obvious interior trim differences etc. But as they say...one should never assume. ?

 

Concerning "third party fluids": They are fine to use, if the container clearly and specifically states that the fluid meets and/or exceeds the particular SAE Lincoln/Ford specification for that fluid. Make sure it specifically states that it "meets and/or exceeds" the SAE standard. Don't be fooled by wordplay like "Recommended for...", "Can be used for...", etc.

 

You can find that specification listed in your Owners Manual in the Maintenance and Specifications charts. If you do not have your hard copy, you can download the PDF version here: https://www.fleet.ford.com/parts-service/resources/owner-manuals/

 

And I would also recommend you join and register your MKZ on the Lincoln Owners website: https://owner.lincoln.com/

 

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

Edited August 26, 2021 by bbf2530

[Molinski44]

Seriously helpful - thanks again! I'm going with Valvoline High Performance 80W90 Gear Oil which indicates the "meets or exceeds" like you mentioned. 

 

Thanks for the links as well! Take care!