Rear suspension height

[Zondedo]

My 2019 MKZ Reserve II sits low in the rear.  Recently I took a trip with two adults in the back seat likely weighing over 400 pounds.  Although the car drove fine, this made the back of the car sag even worse. We were driving at night and I was really pissing people because my headlight adjustment was out of whack with the weight in the back . I thought these cars had auto leveling but maybe that’s not the case?  Has anyone else had this issue and what did you do to correct it? I’m likely going to take it to the dealer

[drolds1]

The MKZ doesn't have auto leveling.   It has continuously controlled damping (CCD) only.  There are no air springs or shocks, as on the old Mark 7 & 8 series and Town Cars.  Some new Lincoln SUVs do have it.

[TomV]

My 2019 appears to look a bit lower in the back as well.

 

You could add an additional poly urethane spring isolator to gain 3/8" or so. I did that on my old 2009 Fusion when I added lowering springs to get the car level looking.

[TomV]

Found an old picture. I used an Energy Suspension isolator on top the factory isolator, as seen here.

 

 

 

 

[Zondedo]

Thanks Tom.  That’s very helpful.  Where did you buy the isolator?

 

*edit*. Looks like you got it from energy suspension.  2009 Fusion is a different platform but I will check. Thanks again

Edited September 8, 2021 by Zondedo

[17MKZ3.0TT]

On 9/6/2021 at 12:25 PM, drolds1 said:

The MKZ doesn't have auto leveling.   It has continuously controlled damping (CCD) only.  There are no air springs or shocks, as on the old Mark 7 & 8 series and Town Cars.  Some new Lincoln SUVs do have it.

Good info, drolds, amazing what my research missed in 2018, when I was deciding between an MKZ or Genesis. I just assumed (insert "assume" joke here) that since my 2001 Buick LeSabre and later my 2006 Caddy STS had self-leveling air ride on the back, so would a new MKZ. oopsie. Magnetic ride suspension, but no equiv. to air shocks and/or compressor & limit switch? 

[drolds1]

1 hour ago, 17MKZ3.0TT said:

Good info, drolds, amazing what my research missed in 2018, when I was deciding between an MKZ or Genesis. I just assumed (insert "assume" joke here) that since my 2001 Buick LeSabre and later my 2006 Caddy STS had self-leveling air ride on the back, so would a new MKZ. oopsie. Magnetic ride suspension, but no equiv. to air shocks and/or compressor & limit switch? 

Well, whaddaya know? It looks like I spoke too soon. Further research show that there are front and rear height sensors.  They have to be calibrated with the Ford scan tool, though.  My duh for answering too quickly. My apolgies.  Still no air shocks or compressor, however.

 

Rear Suspension Height Sensor

Removal

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
   Refer to: Jacking and Lifting - Overview (100-02 Jacking and Lifting, Description and Operation) .

1. NOTE: RH height sensor assembly shown, LH similar.

    
   • Disconnect the rear suspension height sensor electrical connector.
   • Remove the rear suspension height sensor arm bracket-to-lower arm bolt.
     Torque : 177 lb.in (20 Nm)
   • Remove the rear suspension height sensor bracket bolt and remove the sensor.
     Torque : 177 lb.in (20 Nm)

Installation

1. NOTE: The RH and LH height sensor assemblies cannot be used on opposite sides of the vehicle.

   To install, reverse the removal procedure.

1. Calibrate the suspension height sensor. Connect the scan tool and carry out the Ride Height Calibration routine. Follow the scan tool directions.

 

Edited September 8, 2021 by drolds1

[TomV]

Those ride height sensors are not responsible for controlling height, only measuring it. We’d need air suspension for self leveling. OP’s rear coil springs have settled over time and could probably use a little boost from an extra isolator.

[drolds1]

35 minutes ago, TomV said:

Those ride height sensors are not responsible for controlling height, only measuring it. We’d need air suspension for self leveling. OP’s rear coil springs have settled over time and could probably use a little boost from an extra isolator.

Yes,  As I pointed out, there are no air springs or shocks.  While technically there are ride height sensors, the car itself has no self-leveling capability, which was Zondedo's original question.  They're used in conjunction with the CCD.

 

Different story, however, for the Aviator with Lincoln Air Glide suspension. I just hope it's more reliable than it was on the Mark 7 and TC.

 

 

[17MKZ3.0TT]

Interesting, and kind of sad. I'm sure I'm not the only one who puts in maybe half my miles alone and the other half with 1 or 2 passengers and enough luggage for a long weekend. Not unusual for the two of us to have a 30 qt cooler packed with food from the freezer, 2-3 suitcases, and probably a good 30 pounds of DeWalt goodies & a tool pouch when we head up to our permanent trailer about 150 miles. I've never seen any difference in height or level walking up to the car at a gas station or whatever, but the air ride in previous cars sure was nice.