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Ford Issues Ventilation Smoke Service Bulletin On Flex, Taurus, Explorer, Lincoln MKS, MKT

Ford has issued a technical service bulletin for its full-size cars and crossovers, including the Ford Flex, Taurus, and Explorer, as well as the Lincoln MKS and MKT. Certain models of these vehicles have a problem with ventilating smoke, with the only models affected being the ones equipped with the turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. The issue is fixed by installing a new and improved valve cover, PVC valve, and crankcase vent oil separator.

Affected vehicles: affected vehicles utilize Ford’s turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine and are limited to the automaker’s full-size Ford and Lincoln cars and crossovers, including:

  • 2010-2014 Ford Flex
  • 2010-2014 Ford Taurus
  • 2013-2014 Ford Explorer
  • 2010-2014 Lincoln MKS
  • 2010-2014 Lincoln MKT

The problem: the affected vehicles have an issue with the engine’s crankcase ventilation system, which doesn’t properly handle crankcase emissions. As such, oil is forced up and through the air intake and into the engine’s combustion chambers to be burned. Owners may notice excessive oil consumption by the vehicle as well as oil smoke exuding from the tailpipe when the vehicle is idle.

The solution: the problem is mitigated with the installation of a new and improved valve cover, PVC valve, and crankcase vent oil separator. For vehicles still under the new car warranty, the repair is free of charge. For vehicles out of the new car warranty period, the repair might be covered under the emissions warranty. In addition, the repair might be covered by an extended service plan for vehicles out of the new car warranty period, either under the emissions, powertrain, or drivability section of the plan.

To determine eligibility, Ford recommends vehicle owners call local dealers with the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of their vehicle. The dealer’s service department will then run a database search to determine if the vehicle is included in the TSB. Owners who have an extended service plan on the vehicle should inform the service representative, who will then be able to determine if the repair is covered under the extended service plan.

To note, the repair is said to be labor intensive, possibly taking up to three hours.

Contacts: for more information or answers to questions, owners are instructed to contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673 or Lincoln at 1-800-521-4140 and to reference Ford TSB Number 14-0114 entitled Engine – Intermittent Rough Idle, Rattle Noise While Driving.

News editor focusing on business, financial, and sales coverage who loves anything on wheels, especially if it's fast.

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