2011 mkz awd ptu

17765 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by lapt49, Aug 13, 2016

jrasero23

Discussion Starter · Jun 5, 2014

Just got a CPO 2011 MKZ AWD a month and a half ago. Bought it with 38k and have 40k on it now.

So far the car has been wonderful besides two things:

The rear 2 taillight LED lights were out and they had to replace module. Would have been over $400 but covered by warranty

BUT more importantly while driving 10-20+ miles I noticed occasionally a gas like smell. It doesn't enter the cabin unless my moon roof or windows are down but it is a strong smell.

After some basic research without going under the car it became clear there was a 90% chance this was a PTU leak.

Took the car to the dealer and they confirmed it was a PTU leak. They are ordering the part and it should be done and hopefully fixed for good in 3-5 days.

Through my research I have seen very few cases of Fusion AWD having this problem and no MKZ AWD with this problem online, rather most reporting PTU problems were Edges AWD or MKX AWD. Does anyone else who has a 2010-2012 MKZ AWD have or had this problem? Does the PTU replacement seal fix the problem for good?

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Truthiness

· #2 · Jun 5, 2014

Hey @jrasero23

Too bad that you've had a few problems here. Sounds like the taillights really are not that bad, but I'm not even sure what ptu is. I even Google searched it first.

Make sure to let us know when you receive these new parts. Crossing my fingers that everything works out for ya.

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jrasero23

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jun 6, 2014

Truthiness said:
Hey @jrasero23

Too bad that you've had a few problems here. Sounds like the taillights really are not that bad, but I'm not even sure what ptu is. I even Google searched it first.

Make sure to let us know when you receive these new parts. Crossing my fingers that everything works out for ya.

PTU is the power take off unit. Doesn't seem ultra serious but more annoying. The worse case scenario is that the fluid would be leaking too much and there wouldn't be any lubrication for the moving parts, thus causing unneeded wear and tear.

Some people have stated that they notice puddles of fluid. I haven't noticed liquid but rather the harsh gasoline smell.

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jrasero23

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jun 16, 2014

Last week got the PTU issue fixed

went in at 8:30 and they had 2014 MKZ loaner car ready for me. Got a call at 4:30 saying my car was ready.

I asked what they just replaced the seal and they said they replaced the whole PTU unit. Hopefully this means even better reliability

When I first drove the car it felt a bit rough, but maybe that's because the whole day I was driving the 2014 2.0 AWD which is ultra smooth and just as good as the 2010-2012 3.6 V6 with power and acceleration.

Overall I hope this fixes the problem. I have had the car for about a week and no leaks or smells yet.

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lbarzin

· #5 · Jan 27, 2016

Have a 2010 MKZ AWD which developed same issue at 67,000 miles - whining under car and slight vibration in shifter that increases with speed - mechanic first diagnosed drive shaft bearing but then figured it out. Took it to dealer and they are replacing the PTU under Lincoln warranty. Also noticed that few MKZ's have this but super common in Edges - here's hoping it's not contagious!

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lapt49

· #6 · Aug 13, 2016

2012 Lincoln MKZ PTU Leak

Had the same Problem with my 2012 AWD MKZ, 44,000 mi. We had a "Propane" type smell through the air conditioning vents and outside the vehicle. There is SSM 45053 which covers this issue. It looks like this is a common problem with quite a few Ford and Lincoln vehicles. When I first brought my car to my Lincoln / Ford dealer, they said that intermittent problems are sometimes hard to find. I told them about the SSM. They were able to find and repair the leak. See SSM 45053 below:

“SSM 45053 – 2007-2015 Various Vehicles Equipped With All Wheel Drive – Propane, Or Natural Gas Odor During Idle Or Low Speed Driving
Some 2013-2015 MKZ vehicles equipped with a 3.7L, 2007-2014 Edge, 2007-2015 MKX, 2011-2015 Explorer, 2009-2015 Flex, 2010-2015 MKT, 2008-2015 Taurus, 2008-2009 Taurus X, 2009-2015 MKS, 2007-2012 Fusion/MKZ, and 2007-2011 Milan vehicles equipped with a PTU may exhibit a propane, or natural gas odor from the HVAC system after driving the vehicle for 20-45 minutes. This odor, if present, is most noticeable while idling or during low speed driving. Inspect the PTU for fluid leaks and repair any leaks per Workshop Manual Section 308-07B. If odor is still present after the leak repair and cleaning, replace the PTU and vent hose, if equipped. For vehicles with no leaks and odor present, replace the PTU along with the PTU vent hose, if equipped. Refer to Section 7 of the SLTS manual for the appropriate labor operations.”

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