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Project: MKSinister
- Thread starter Joleat
- Start date
Since I bought this car back in May, I've been getting a really harsh bump within the first 10mph during rapid acceleration. It didn't happen every single time, but probably 3 out of 5 times. I searched TSBs for the car and found one that fit the description perfectly.
For interested parties, the TSB is 11-9-11 and states the following:
Some 2009 Edge, MKS, and Flex vehicles built on or after 5/4/2009, 2010-2011 Edge, Flex, MKS, MKT, MKX, Taurus, and 2011 Explorer vehicles built on or before 4/15/2011 may have a sluggish acceleration or hesitation feel during a rolling stop 0-8Km/h (0-5mph) followed by a harsh bump or feel like a slip on take-off from a stop followed by a harsh bump.
It took over a month to get the car in at my local dealership, but my appointment finally arrived yesterday. They had to order the parts to perform the TSB, but I got the car back today and it seems to have fixed the problem. What they found was interesting. Apparently, another dealership had applied this TSB, but they did it incorrectly. The resolution is to remove a check ball from the valve body and insert a plug into one of the holes in one of the separator plates. When that work is completed, the software is supposed to be updated. When the car was previously serviced, they updated the software, but didn't perform the mechanical modifications. This left the car with a VERY harsh bump at acceleration. It felt almost like the front wheels were hopping a curb. In fact, when the technician rode along with me, he said he wouldn't be surprised if the transmission would need to be replaced. He had never felt one that harsh.
When I dropped the car off, I also mentioned two other issues. On occasion, I hear a metallic ping/pop when I cut the wheel and start to move the car in reverse. As it turns out, there is also a TSB out for this issue. They have ordered the parts, but I'll need to bring the car back in another time to have this fixed. It looks fairly simple in that it is only a special type of washer that needs to be inserted between the hub assembly and the CV shaft.
The third issue was a crack in the driver's seat pad. It's not cracked along any visible wear lines, but seems to be totally random. In my research, I've become disappointed in the materials used in the seating of these cars. This seems to be a common issue. Thankfully, it is covered under warranty. The new seat bottom is on its way.
Between selling my house and trying to get the transmission issue resolved, it totally slipped my mind that the blend door motor is making a crazy scratching noise every time I start the car with the A/C on. From what I've read, this is a sign of failure. To be honest, that is pretty low on my priority list at this time, but I'll try to get it resolved as well.
I mentioned earlier in this thread that I was planning to install aftermarket rotors and pads. I figured I would go ahead and have them machine the factory rotors to extend the life a few more months, but they said their system is showing they have been machined within the last 12,000 miles, so they wouldn't do it. Oh well, the factory brakes are nothing to write home about anyway.
So, how was everyone else's day? Haha!
For interested parties, the TSB is 11-9-11 and states the following:
Some 2009 Edge, MKS, and Flex vehicles built on or after 5/4/2009, 2010-2011 Edge, Flex, MKS, MKT, MKX, Taurus, and 2011 Explorer vehicles built on or before 4/15/2011 may have a sluggish acceleration or hesitation feel during a rolling stop 0-8Km/h (0-5mph) followed by a harsh bump or feel like a slip on take-off from a stop followed by a harsh bump.
It took over a month to get the car in at my local dealership, but my appointment finally arrived yesterday. They had to order the parts to perform the TSB, but I got the car back today and it seems to have fixed the problem. What they found was interesting. Apparently, another dealership had applied this TSB, but they did it incorrectly. The resolution is to remove a check ball from the valve body and insert a plug into one of the holes in one of the separator plates. When that work is completed, the software is supposed to be updated. When the car was previously serviced, they updated the software, but didn't perform the mechanical modifications. This left the car with a VERY harsh bump at acceleration. It felt almost like the front wheels were hopping a curb. In fact, when the technician rode along with me, he said he wouldn't be surprised if the transmission would need to be replaced. He had never felt one that harsh.
When I dropped the car off, I also mentioned two other issues. On occasion, I hear a metallic ping/pop when I cut the wheel and start to move the car in reverse. As it turns out, there is also a TSB out for this issue. They have ordered the parts, but I'll need to bring the car back in another time to have this fixed. It looks fairly simple in that it is only a special type of washer that needs to be inserted between the hub assembly and the CV shaft.
The third issue was a crack in the driver's seat pad. It's not cracked along any visible wear lines, but seems to be totally random. In my research, I've become disappointed in the materials used in the seating of these cars. This seems to be a common issue. Thankfully, it is covered under warranty. The new seat bottom is on its way.
Between selling my house and trying to get the transmission issue resolved, it totally slipped my mind that the blend door motor is making a crazy scratching noise every time I start the car with the A/C on. From what I've read, this is a sign of failure. To be honest, that is pretty low on my priority list at this time, but I'll try to get it resolved as well.
I mentioned earlier in this thread that I was planning to install aftermarket rotors and pads. I figured I would go ahead and have them machine the factory rotors to extend the life a few more months, but they said their system is showing they have been machined within the last 12,000 miles, so they wouldn't do it. Oh well, the factory brakes are nothing to write home about anyway.
So, how was everyone else's day? Haha!
All I can say is, WOW. After a couple of days of driving, it feels like a different car. Before, the power felt like it dropped off at around 70mph. The car now pulls hard until I lift. I also noticed the downshift is much quicker now. The car used to hesitate for a half-second or so.
281Thunder
New member
Looks good! Where you at in WV?
D
DJE624
Guest
Looking very well!
Thanks everyone!
281Thunder,
My wife and I lived about 15 miles east of Charleston until mid-October when we sold our house. We're in the process of relocating to North Carolina (to the area where the last picture was taken) now, so we're staying with relatives for the time being.
REDSHOCGO,
My preference would be 5% all the way around, but 35% is the legal limit on the front side windows. I've taken the risk in the past and never received a citation, but I want to go legal on the MKS.
281Thunder,
My wife and I lived about 15 miles east of Charleston until mid-October when we sold our house. We're in the process of relocating to North Carolina (to the area where the last picture was taken) now, so we're staying with relatives for the time being.
REDSHOCGO,
My preference would be 5% all the way around, but 35% is the legal limit on the front side windows. I've taken the risk in the past and never received a citation, but I want to go legal on the MKS.
n8rfastback
New member
What did you go with for pads in the front? Any issues with the brakes so far? I plan to go the same way. I also am running the general gmax tires, I have 15k on mine, been excellent so far
I went with the Power Stop "1-Click" kit that comes with Power Stop branded rotors and pads. The pads are a ceramic compound.
To be honest, I'm not pleased with the kit. My original intent was to go for EBC rotors and pads, but in effort to save a little money, I went with the Power Stop kit after finding an amazing deal on it. Others have had great success with the kit, but I'm positive my front rotors were warped out of the box. I also don't feel as though the braking has improved dramatically over the stock setup. I contacted the seller and I would be required to ship the entire kit back to receive a replacement kit. That would mean that my car would get to sit in jack stands while I wait on replacement parts. That is not feasible since this is my only vehicle, so I guess I'm just stuck with warped rotors.
To be honest, I'm not pleased with the kit. My original intent was to go for EBC rotors and pads, but in effort to save a little money, I went with the Power Stop kit after finding an amazing deal on it. Others have had great success with the kit, but I'm positive my front rotors were warped out of the box. I also don't feel as though the braking has improved dramatically over the stock setup. I contacted the seller and I would be required to ship the entire kit back to receive a replacement kit. That would mean that my car would get to sit in jack stands while I wait on replacement parts. That is not feasible since this is my only vehicle, so I guess I'm just stuck with warped rotors.
I received a goody box in the mail today. It's mostly just routine maintenance stuff (air filter, cabin air filter, and oil filter), but I'm anxious to replace the 50k mile spark plugs with the newly acquired SP534s. The car isn't exhibiting any symptoms that lead me to believe they need replaced, but I'm interested in seeing how the stock plugs have held up.
D
DJE624
Guest
Sounds like some fun! Please let us know how the old plugs are.
Joleat said:I'm anxious to replace the 50k mile spark plugs with the newly acquired SP534s. The car isn't exhibiting any symptoms that lead me to believe they need replaced, but I'm interested in seeing how the stock plugs have held up.
I think you will find the gaps on the old plugs will have eroded to about .040. I am really happy that I switched mine to the 534s and .030 gaps. Mine was running great with the old plugs and I really didn't expect the new plugs to help anything. However, I think it idles smoother and has sharper throttle response. It seems to run super-strong. I am anxious to hear what you think after you change yours.
Joleat, when are you getting a tune - or do you have one and just not have it listed in your signature? With all due respect, having a beautiful MKS like yours without a tune is almost criminal! ;D
Brucelinc said:Joleat said:I'm anxious to replace the 50k mile spark plugs with the newly acquired SP534s. The car isn't exhibiting any symptoms that lead me to believe they need replaced, but I'm interested in seeing how the stock plugs have held up.
I think you will find the gaps on the old plugs will have eroded to about .040. I am really happy that I switched mine to the 534s and .030 gaps. Mine was running great with the old plugs and I really didn't expect the new plugs to help anything. However, I think it idles smoother and has sharper throttle response. It seems to run super-strong. I am anxious to hear what you think after you change yours.
Joleat, when are you getting a tune - or do you have one and just not have it listed in your signature? With all due respect, having a beautiful MKS like yours without a tune is almost criminal! ;D
I haven't purchased a tune yet, but it is definitely on my list. I've been on the fence about tuning prior to warranty expiration, but I'll probably go for it. I'm leaning toward an XCT X4 and Torrie at Unleashed.
I'll be sure to post spark plug updates when I have a chance to change them.
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