2013 Lincoln MKS Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2013 Lincoln MKS: Common Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Bo Fader
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2013 Lincoln MKS has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2013 Lincoln MKS has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

What are the initial diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 2013 Lincoln MKS?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2013 Lincoln MKS, the first step is to identify the underlying issue that triggered the warning. Begin by using an OBD-II scanner to check for trouble codes, as these codes can provide valuable insights into the specific problem. One common code you might encounter is P0172, which indicates a rich fuel mixture. Once you have identified the trouble code, address the root cause of the issue, whether it involves replacing a faulty sensor or fixing a vacuum leak. After making the necessary repairs, the check engine light may reset on its own after a few driving cycles. If it does not, you can manually reset it by safely parking the vehicle, turning off the engine, and disconnecting the battery for a few minutes before reconnecting it. This method allows you to clear the light without the need for specialized tools, making it a practical solution for DIY enthusiasts. By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the check engine light concern on your Lincoln MKS.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2013 Lincoln MKS?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2013 Lincoln MKS, it can be a source of concern for any vehicle owner. One of the most frequent issues is related to the engine's air-fuel mixture, often indicated by trouble code P0172, which suggests that the engine is running too rich. This could be due to a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor or a faulty fuel injector. Additionally, a small EVAP leak, which may trigger the P0456 error code, can occur in the vehicle's evaporative emissions system, often due to a loose or damaged gas cap. It's also important to note that a twinkling check engine light typically signifies a more urgent problem that requires immediate attention. For DIY enthusiasts, using an OBD-II scanner can help identify these trouble codes, allowing for a more informed approach to troubleshooting and potentially resolving the issue before seeking professional help.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2013 Lincoln MKS?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2013 Lincoln MKS, it is crucial to recognize the urgency of the situation. This warning light is not merely a nuisance; it signals that there may be underlying issues with your vehicle's engine or emissions system that require immediate attention. Ignoring this alert can lead to more severe problems, including engine damage, which could result in costly repairs and decreased vehicle performance. Additionally, neglecting the check engine light can compromise your vehicle's fuel efficiency and may even pose safety risks while driving. Therefore, it is advisable to have your vehicle diagnosed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to identify the root cause of the issue. Taking prompt action not only ensures the reliability and safety of your Lincoln MKS but also helps you avoid the financial burden of extensive repairs down the line.

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