[Chris Everett]

Hello all -

For Christmas, I got a base model 2016 Lincoln MKC Premier FWD. It's very nice but it's missing a lot of features that are standard on higher trim levels. It's frustrating that the 2017 Premier model, for example, now offers a remote hatch release - even the Ford Escape has that.

Anyway, I see my vehicle has the plastic inserts for the placement of the Daytime Running Lights/Fog Lights. I checked with the Lincoln dealer and they have the DRL assembly that would fit in the opening but they told me the existing Premier wiring harness won't support the installation of this lighting assembly, so they can't do the install.

Can anyone tell me if I have any options on this? Could a custom body shop in the Baltimore area get the official Lincoln parts and make the install? Has anyone in this group done anything like this?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Regards, Chris

 

[MKC4ME]

Chris:

I'm not going to say that you can't do this. However, I would be very cautious about getting into things involving the electrical system on newer vehicles as so much is tied into the vehicle technology and you risk messing up your warranty.

After many years and many vehicles, I've learned to generally accept what equipment the vehicle came with and use the experience, along with research on current vehicles and technology to help me determine what I want on the next one. Then, if I can't find what I want already built, be prepared to wait for a factory order... like ten weeks in my case.

 

[Chris Everett]

Thanks, MKC4ME

Thanks, MKC4ME! I agree with your comments and, in the end, I'll probably have to live with it. Over the years, I've frequently ordered (and waited for) my vehicles so that I get exactly what I want. In this case, however, the MKC was a gift and I really appreciated the gesture. A few months prior, I had mentioned to my family that I was thinking of eventually getting a luxury "cute ute" as my next vehicle... and that I was considering a Volvo, a BMW, or a Lincoln MKC.

That said, I'm living with most of the compromises. I was startled by the number of basics missing from the Lincoln MKC... like the inability to use the remote for a simple "pop the trunk" function (not even needing or wanting the foot-wagging power hatch release), or the lack of side-mounted turn signal indicators (either as side running lights or lights on the side mirrors), or the lack of DRL/fog lights. For goodness sake, these items are standard on many of Ford's low-end models - even a basic Kia has them. Also, I wasn't thinking of making a major modification that wasn't already preconfigured for different trim levels of the MKC - nothing crazy like refrigerated cup holders, hood scoops, aerodynamic ground effects, nor LED underbody lighting kits. The Lincoln MKC already has the plastic knockouts in the front bumper fascia for the stock OEM Motorcraft® DRL/fog lights. That's all I want.

The MKC's lack of appropriate front-end lighting concerns me from a safety standpoint. I checked with the Lincoln dealer - they would have installed the DRL/fog lights but they said they would have to replace the entire wiring harness. That just seems a bit extreme to me. I'm hoping there's a better solution... without having to go to generic 3rd-party aftermarket fog lights.

Anyway, thanks again for your response.

 

[MKC4ME]

Chris:

In Canada, Lincoln stopped selling the Premier model in 2017 - I don't think they sold very many. As far as I know all of our Lincoln dealers are also Ford dealers and the Premier probably couldn't compete with a comparably priced Ford Escape. As well, we only get the AWD versions.

I suspect the Premier model was created as an entry level Lincoln for the Lincoln only dealers in the US. Anyway, it's still a nice vehicle for what it has.

 

[Chris Everett]

FYI: Parts Info

FYI: For anyone who may find themselves in a similar situation of wanting OEM Daytime Running Lights for their 2015-2017 Lincoln MKC Premier, the part number for the OEM Park Lamp Assembly (without headlamp washer) is EJ7Z-13200-A (left) and -B (right). NOTE: Even though they function as DRL/Fog Lights, Lincoln calls them Park Lamps. There's a different part number if your MKC has headlamp washers, but if you have those, your vehicle probably already has the DRL/Fog Lights. My Lincoln dealer had the parts for $308.33 (plus tax) each, but I ordered them from Tasca Parts (https://www.tascaparts.com) for $205.35 each (no tax), plus ~$12 for USPS delivery. I've already made arrangements with a local custom body shop for installation (~$50) when they arrive. I'll keep you all posted. I hope this helps.
:nerd

 

[ronlhurley]

Adding DRLs

Congrats on your Christmas gift. I have been encountering the same issues wanting to install the OEM DRLs in my 2017 MKX Premier. My dealer also told me that the existing wiring does not support the DRLs. Upon removing the front splash pan I would not be able to gain enough clearance to get the DRLs installed over the cutouts. I did notice what appeared to be the 6-pin connector that would mate up to the DRL assembly. I am assuming that they still would not work based on what we found out from the dealer. I purchased the 2017 MKX wiring manual and learned that its a 6-connector with pints 1 and 6 supplying the 12 volts DC. I was able to locate matching power connector and would plan on purchasing an aftermarket relay kit to power the DRLs from the 12 volt accessory power. I then, as you indicated, would have to get a local auto body shop to install the DRLs. I hope this helps. The Premier is nice model just it falls short on some of the basic features. Like the Home Link control which I added, and power lift gate which I am looking into replacing the gas struts with the stronger struts from from a model that has the option.

 

[ronlhurley]

DRL follow-up

Hi Chris,



Where you ever able to get your DRLs installed on your MKC? If so, did you have to replace a cable harness? I am still trying to install DRLs on my 2017 MKX and as far as I can tell, its a cable harness issue. I did find the DRL connectors behind the lower bumper and plugged them into DRLs and checked the continuity from the DRL connectors to the headlamps but have not gone any further. I also got a OBD reader/programmer and FORScan software but have been unable to come up with any sets of codes that would activate the DLRs. If we are dealing with a cable harness issue, then I would have to abort on this DRL initiative.


Regards, Ron