2015 Lincoln MKS Has A Check Engine Light

Check Engine Light Issues in 2015 Lincoln MKS and Their Resolutions

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
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 2015 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 2015 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 steps to diagnose the check engine light issue in a 2015 Lincoln MKS?

To effectively diagnose the check engine light issue in your 2015 Lincoln MKS, start with the simplest solutions before progressing to more complex diagnostics. Begin by checking the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap is a frequent culprit for triggering the light, especially after refueling. If the gas cap is secure, the next step is to pull the trouble code using an OBD-II scanner. This code will pinpoint the specific issue causing the light to illuminate, allowing you to focus your efforts on the right area. Common codes, such as P0172, can indicate specific problems that may be resolved with basic repairs. After addressing the identified issue, take your vehicle for a short drive to enable the onboard computer to recognize the fix. Finally, if the check engine light remains on, you may need to reset it by turning off the vehicle, removing the ignition key, and using the diagnostic port to clear the code. By following these steps, you can efficiently diagnose and potentially resolve the check engine light issue in your Lincoln MKS, saving time and money in the process.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2015 Lincoln MKS?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2015 Lincoln MKS, it signals potential issues that DIYers should be prepared to tackle. Common problems include ignition cylinder malfunctions, which can lead to erratic engine behavior and misfires, and failures in the exhaust gas oxygen sensor, also known as the Lambda sensor, which can negatively impact fuel efficiency and emissions. Additionally, the trouble code P0172 is frequently encountered, indicating that the engine is running too rich, often due to issues with the mass airflow sensor or fuel injectors. Timely diagnosis and repair of these issues are essential for optimal vehicle performance and to avoid further complications. Once the underlying problem is resolved, resetting the check engine light is a straightforward process; simply disconnect the battery, ensuring the negative cable is removed first for safety.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2015 Lincoln MKS?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2015 Lincoln MKS, it is crucial to take immediate action rather than dismissing it as a minor inconvenience. This warning light is an essential indicator of your vehicle's health, alerting you to possible malfunctions that could compromise performance and safety. Ignoring the check engine light can lead to more severe issues, such as decreased fuel efficiency, engine misfires, or even catastrophic engine failure, which can result in costly repairs. Moreover, delaying necessary maintenance not only risks further damage to your vehicle but can also pose safety hazards on the road. Therefore, addressing the check engine light as soon as it appears is vital for maintaining your Lincoln MKS's optimal performance and ensuring your safety while driving.

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