“Drive Control Malfunction Service Required” Lincoln MKZ. What’s the Reason?

News that the 2020 Lincoln MKZ would be the final model got tongues wagging as to why Ford decided to discontinue it. While some argue that the car was discontinued to make room for more popular vehicles in the Ford stable, others insist that lack of consumer appeal definitely contributed to the fate of the Lincoln MKZ. Whatever the reason, the Lincoln MKZ remains an excellent choice for anyone looking to own a luxury vehicle for an affordable price.

Driver control malfunction message highlights

• Common reasons:error code in one of the control modules
• How to fix:check the codes, disconnect the battery to try and clean the error codes
• Possible consequences:engine may go to limp mode
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$200-$500

The Function of your Drive Control System

Drive control system technology is a safety feature that helps reduce the number of accidental collisions on the roads. Often collisions happen due to sudden stops or starts when a driver accidentally presses on the accelerator too hard or shifts into the wrong gear. Drive control system technology in your Lincoln MKZ ensures such oopsies are a thing of the past.

The curious types are probably wondering HOW the drive control system divines the situation and intervenes before a collision can occur. The system communicates with your car's electronic control unit to limit engine power accordingly in the event of a sudden change in the brake or acceleration system.

For example, when the drive control system senses that you have selected the wrong fear while pressing your gas, it will prevent sudden acceleration by reducing engine power. Similarly, should you back up into something. At the same time, reversing and panic cause you to shift forward before releasing the accelerator, and your drive control system will engage.

The Symptoms Of A Drive Control Malfunction Service Required Error

If your drive control system malfunction while you are merrily riding along, certain signs - except the error message on your Lincoln MKZ's dashboard - are likely to point to the problem. These effects and symptoms include:

• You have trouble starting your Lincoln MKZ
• Your Lincoln MKZ has lost power or has difficulty attaining high speeds
• Your Lincoln MKZ has lost stability and is more vulnerable to skidding
• Your Lincoln MKZ may automatically start or stop erratically

What to Do When Your Lincoln MKZ Has a Drive Control System Malfunction

The drive control system is an essential safety feature that should be in tip-top shape at all times. Drivers are highly advised to take their Lincoln MKZs to a Ford dealership or reliable auto repair shop for an accurate diagnosis and effective repair. Your car is safe to drive to a repair shop because the malfunction is not severe enough to justify the cost of towing it.

Common Causes of the Drive Control System Malfunction

The drive control system malfunction service error could be caused by various faults and defects in your Lincoln MKZ, including

1. Faulty Electronic Control Unit

A malfunctioning ECU will likely inaccurately interpret the data it receives from your Lincoln MKZ's various sensors. The defect in your ECU will likely cause errors in managing your vehicle's essential functions. Errors affect the control and activation of solenoids and actuators, causing your system to go haywire. The error could also be caused by the ECu's delay in relaying the information from your drive control unit to the engine.

2. Defective Ignition Coil

Your car's ignition coil has to transform the low voltage generated by the battery to the high voltage required to start your engine. Modern coils rely on the vehicle's ECU to instruct them when to generate a spark and ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber.

The ECU maximizes performance and fuel economy by determining the right timing depending on the input from various engine components. When your ignition coil begins to fail, it will cause a multitude of problems that are likely to affect your drive control system. These problems include:

• Flashing check engine light
• Engine misfire
• Rough idling
• Slow acceleration
• Stalling
• Loss of power

3. Faulty fuses

Faulty fuses are often the cause of a drive control system malfunction. Since your fuses protect all electrical components from fire and explosions by preventing overload, they often trip whenever your car's amperage spikes suddenly. Since your electrical components are interconnected, a single-blown fuse may cause a mushrooming of various problems.

Suppose the blown fuse protects your central engine unit or battery components. In that case, it will likely trigger a drive control system malfunction.

4. ABS Sensor Malfunction

Your ABS sensor is responsible for detecting the speed of each wheel in your Lincoln MKZ and transmitting the results to the ECU. Over time, dirt may clog your ABS sensor (typically mounted near the wheel) and affect its performance. When your ABS is compromised, it will likely struggle to receive and implement the data from your drive control system. In such an instance, you will likely get a warning from an ABS and drive control system.

5. Unhealthy Battery

An unhealthy battery is likely to cause all sorts of starting or stalling problems that interfere with your drive control system's primary function. As your drive control system kicks into to automatically start, stop or limit your engine's power, it counts on your battery to do its part without any qualms.

Solutions For Common Causes of Drive Control System Malfunctions

The most practical thing to do when facing car trouble related to intricate systems like the drive control malfunction is to rely on a professional mechanic's diagnosis and repair. We will, however, briefly discuss the solutions to the problems mentioned above in the hope of helping you perform some first aid or not get swindled by unscrupulous auto repair personnel.

• Inspect Your Wiring

Wiring problems are often overlooked when troubleshooting a drive control system defect. When facing this error, the first thing to do is check your car's wiring. Are there any loose, worn, or disconnected wires? When you encounter a problematic wiring situation, you can fix it yourself or take your car to the shop.

• Clean Your ABS Sensor

ABS sensors are mounted near the wheel, which exposes them to a lot of strain. If you often drive your car on rough roads or wet, muddy areas, your ABS sensor will likely be harmed by damage from strong vibrations and clogging due to debris. If you have ruled out the other likely causes, you should consider cleaning your ABS sensor.

You should disassemble the sensor from your vehicle and clean it with a soft cloth. Avoid using detergents and water because they will likely hamper your sensor's accuracy. Should the error persist after reinstalling the sensor, seek professional advice. It is not advisable to replace the part without asking a more experienced person for alternative solutions.

• Replace Blown Fuses

If your drive control malfunction error is caused by a blown fuse, you stand a decent chance of fixing the problem yourself. Most drivers consider fixing a blown fuse one of the easier car repairs. Whether your fuse was blown by a faulty circuit or an overload, you probably already know how to fix it. If you don't, it can't harm to learn to fix it. The satisfaction of getting it right might get you interested in learning how to fix other parts of your car.

Conclusion

The driver control system malfunction service required error is nothing to panic about. Nonetheless, it does require immediate attention because the system is an essential safety feature that should always be active to prevent accidents through pedal misapplication.

The effects of a failing drive control system could place you and other road users at an increased degree of risk. Additionally, failing to address the problem when it first pops up could cost you more in the long run, especially if the problem happens to cause other mechanical challenges.

Drivers looking to avoid drive control system malfunctions should read their Lincoln MKZ owner manual carefully and follow all the maintenance and servicing instructions. Responsible car owners are often able to keep these pesky problems at bay because they are detected and corrected during routine servicing. Most certified auto repair experts have enough experience to detect conditions likely to present a challenge further down the road and inform you before you ever face car trouble.