Lincoln MKZ Transmission Problems & Cost | AWF21 | 6F35

The Lincoln MKZ was equipped with the Aisin Warner AWF21 transmission and the 6-speed 6F35 transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Lincoln MKZ transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Lincoln MKZ Transmission Models

Lincoln MKZ: AWF21 Transmission

Lincoln MKZ: 6F35 Transmission

Lincoln MKZ Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

Replacement Lincoln MKZ Transmission Prices:

What are the DTC codes related to Lincoln MKZ transmission problems?

Lincoln MKZ Transmission Recalls

None Found

Lincoln MKZ Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB 07-14-7 – Key stuck in ignition / shifter binding condition – AW21 Transmission
2006 – 2007 Ford Fusion – 2006 – 2007 Mercury Milan – 2006 Lincoln Zephyr
Problem – Some vehicles built before 9/4/2006 may exhibit a problem where the ignition key gets trapped in the ignition switch due to a binding shifter button that does not allow the parking prawl to contact the park detect switch. The shifter sliding mechanism may also bind.
Solution – Install new shift knob button

TSB 10-22-4 – AWD vehicles – Shudder/chatter/vibration on turns or a thump/clunk noise on light acceleration – AF21 Transmission
2010 Ford Fusion – 2010 Ford Taurus – 2010 Ford Edge – 2010 Ford Flex – 2010 Mercury Milan – 2010 Lincoln MKS – 2010 Lincoln MKZ – 2010 Lincoln MKT – 2010 Lincoln MKX
Problem – Certain vehicles built between 10/1/2009-12/31/2009, equipped with all-wheel-drive, may experience a shutter or vibration in the driveline during a tight turn. They may also experience a thump or clunk noise during light acceleration. These symptoms may also occur under 40 mph (64 km/h), when driving uphill or towing under heavy acceleration.
Solution – Installing a properly remanufactured PTU (Power Transfer Unit— a simplified transfer case) may solve this problem.

TSB 10-22-4 – AWD vehicles – Shudder/chatter/vibration on turns or thump/clunk noise on light acceleration – 6F Transmission
2010 Ford Fusion – 2010 Ford Taurus – 2010 Ford Edge – 2010 Ford Flex – 2010 Mercury Milan – 2010 Lincoln MKS – 2010 Lincoln MKZ – 2010 Lincoln MKT – 2010 Lincoln MKX
Problem – Certain vehicles built between 10/1/2009-12/31/2009 equipped with all-wheel-drive, may experience a shutter or vibration in the driveline during a tight turn. They may also experience a thump or clunk noise during light acceleration. These symptoms may also occur under 40 mph (64 KM/H), when driving uphill or towing under heavy acceleration.
Solution – Installing a properly remanufactured PTU (Power Transfer Unit— a simplified transfer case) may solve this problem.

TSB 11-12-10 – Sluggish acceleration from 0-5 mph (0-8 km/h) followed by harsh bump or slip on takeoff – 6F35 Transmission & 6F50 Transmission
2010 – 2011 Ford Taurus – 2009 – 2011 Ford Edge – 2009 – 2011 Ford Flex – 2011 Ford Explorer – 2010 – 2011 Lincoln MKS – 2009 – 2011 Lincoln MKX – 2010 – 2011 Lincoln MKT
Problem – Some vehicles may experience sluggish acceleration or a hesitation feel during a rolling stop, followed by a harsh bump or slip feeling. This can be caused by a design flaw in the 6F35 valve body / 6F50 valve body.
Solution – On transmissions originally built for Mercon LV transmission fluid (listed on the dipstick), the valve body will have to be modified by deleting one hole in the valve body separator plate, and removing the check ball in the area of the deleted hole. If this modification is not performed properly, the transmission may experience a loss of reverse or a 2-3 shift flare.

TSB 15-0047 / 17-2219 – Push button start – Shift to Park or Transmission Not In Park message – discharged battery – unable to remove key
2011 – 2017 Ford Edge – 2011 – 2017 Ford Explorer – 2011 – 2017 Ford Flex – 2011 – 2017 Ford Police Interceptor Sedan – 2011 – 2017 Ford Taurus – 2011 – 2016 Lincoln MKS – 2011 – 2017 Lincoln MKT – 2011 – 2015 Lincoln MKX
Problem – Vehicles equipped with a floor shift selector lever and push button start, may display a ‘Shift To Park’ or ‘Transmission Not In Park’ message, even though the transmission is actually in Park. It may also not be possible to remove the transmitter key, and the battery may discharge due to the warning message remaining illuminated.
Solution – Install new park detect switch

TSB 10-21-2 / 10-17-4 – Slipping, 5th gear starts from stop, PRNDL display error, backup camera on while vehicle is in Drive – 6F50 Transmission & 6F55 Transmission
2009 – 2011 Ford Taurus – 2009 – 2011 Ford Edge – 2009 – 2011 Ford Flex – 2009 – 2011 Lincoln MKS – 2009 – 2011 Lincoln MKT – 2009 – 2011 Lincoln MKX
Problem – Certain vehicles may intermittently experience slipping, 5th gear starts from a stop, the electronic PRNDL display may flash errors, and the backup camera may be on while the vehicle is in Drive.
Solution – Install new Ford transmission range sensor / TR sensor.

Common Problems with the Lincoln MKZ Transmission

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

If your Lincoln MKZ can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.

How often does a Lincoln MKZ transmission need to be replaced?

The overall lifespan of a Lincoln MKZ transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Lincoln MKZ transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.

How are Lincoln MKZ transmission issues diagnosed?

It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Lincoln MKZ transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.

How is a Lincoln MKZ transmission replaced?

In order to replace your Lincoln MKZ transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.

Recommendations for Lincoln MKZ transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Lincoln MKZ transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Lincoln MKZ Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Lincoln MKZ Transmission

The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Lincoln MKZ Transmission

Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Lincoln MKZ Transmission

Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your Lincoln MKZ Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!