A Guide to Replacing Oxygen Sensors on the 2013-2020 Lincoln MKZ

Is a Bad Oxygen Sensor a Serious Problem?

When an oxygen (O2) sensor fails in your Lincoln MKZ, your car's computer receives incorrect information. This usually triggers the check engine light and can cause noticeable driving issues. While you can drive the car for a short time, ignoring a bad sensor can lead to more expensive problems. A faulty upstream sensor can cause poor fuel mileage and a rough-running engine. Over time, this can damage your expensive catalytic converter, turning a small repair into a major one.

Symptoms of a Failing Oxygen Sensor in a Lincoln MKZ

The signs of a failing O2 sensor are often clear. The most common is a steady check engine light on your dashboard. You might also notice your fuel economy getting worse, the engine hesitating or misfiring, or a rough idle. In some cases, you may smell gasoline or see black smoke from the exhaust, which indicates the engine is running too rich (too much fuel).

How Many Oxygen Sensors Does My Lincoln MKZ Have?

The number of sensors depends on your engine:

• 2.0L EcoBoost & 2.0L Hybrid: These engines typically have two sensors: one upstream (before the catalytic converter) and one downstream (after the catalytic converter).
• 3.7L V6 & 3.0L V6: These engines have four sensors. There is one upstream and one downstream sensor for each cylinder bank (Bank 1 and Bank 2). On these transverse engines, Bank 2 is toward the front of the vehicle, and Bank 1 is toward the firewall.

Choosing the Right Aftermarket Oxygen Sensor

When shopping for a replacement, it's important to understand that not all aftermarket brands are created equal. For a critical component like an O2 sensor, quality matters. Using a low-quality sensor can lead to incorrect readings, persistent check engine lights, and the need to replace the part again sooner than expected.

Brand Quality Tiers for Lincoln MKZ

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): Motorcraft is the official brand for Ford and Lincoln parts. Choosing Motorcraft guarantees a perfect fit and original performance, and many owners recommend it to avoid any compatibility issues.
• Top-Tier Aftermarket: Brands like Bosch, Denso, and NGK/NTK are excellent alternatives. These companies are often the original suppliers to many automakers and produce sensors that meet or exceed OE specifications. Bosch, in particular, is a known OEM supplier for many Ford vehicles.
• Quality Aftermarket: Delphi and Walker Products offer reliable sensors that are a good balance of quality and price. They are a solid choice for a dependable repair without the higher cost of OEM parts.
• Economy Brands: Brands like DriveWire and Spectra provide the most budget-friendly options. While they can work, they may not have the same longevity or precise calibration as higher-tier brands. For a sensitive part like an O2 sensor, it's often worth spending a little more for a trusted name.

Known Issues, TSBs, or Recalls

Searches of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database did not show any recalls specifically for oxygen sensor failure on the 2013-2020 Lincoln MKZ. A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #20M01) was issued for some models, noting that certain driving conditions could overheat the catalytic converter and trigger diagnostic codes, which are monitored by the O2 sensors. However, there are no widespread reports of premature O2 sensor failure specific to the MKZ.

Cost of Replacing a Lincoln MKZ Oxygen Sensor (2013-2020)

The cost can vary depending on the sensor's location and the brand you choose. Labor costs are also a factor if you have a mechanic perform the work.

Note: Costs are estimates and can vary by location and which specific sensor needs replacement. Some sensors are much harder to access, increasing labor time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)