Lincoln’s Sync entertainment system adds several nice features to the MKZ sedan, but it also comes with a few quirks. Sluggish performance has been reported by owners, as well as frozen touchscreens. While you may need to re-sync your phone every so often, the system isn’t too bad overall.
Key Points
- Lincoln added its Sync entertainment system to the MKZ sedan in 2008, showcasing features like Bluetooth and audio streaming.
- Owners do report difficulties pairing their phones though, as well as sluggish performance and frozen touchscreens.
- Lincoln provides a number of tips for fixing Sync problems, like cycling Bluetooth or even performing a master reset of the system.
- Many owners have also found success by disconnecting/reconnecting their MKZ’s battery or removing/inserting the Sync fuse.
- All said and done, Sync is a little quirky, and while you may need to re-pair your phone every now and then, you shouldn’t avoid the MKZ because of it.
Lincoln Adds Microsoft’s Sync Entertainment System to MKZ Sedan, Sports Several Nice Features, but Problems Have Been Reported
In 2007, American luxury automaker Lincoln renamed its Zephyr sedan to the MKZ. A year later, the MKZ saw a mild technology upgrade, including the addition of Microsoft’s Sync entertainment system.
Dubbed “Lincoln Sync,” the system added features like Bluetooth hands-free calling, voice navigation, digital music player support, and more. In general, Sync works fine for most, but there have been a few reported issues.
More irritating than worrisome, owners report not being able to connect their phones, with the system not recognizing or completing the pairing. Other problems mentioned include frozen touchscreens and sluggish performance.
Most Common Lincoln MKZ Sync Problems Include Difficulty Pairing Phones, Sluggish Performance, and Frozen Screens
Most commonly, MKZ owners report problems when pairing their smartphones to the Sync system.
A Blue Oval Forums discussion titled ”2011 MKZ and Bluetooth,” shows one owner having issues with the system randomly disconnecting.
“My iPhone 3G software/firmware is up to date; my software on the MKZ is up to date. I’ve added-deleted-added (paired) my phone several times,” they share. “Then, for no apparent reason, I’ll get the screen message that my phone is disconnected.”
Owners also mention slow performance. “My 2017 Lincoln MKZ Sync system is sluggish at best, down right useless at worst…,” starts one comment on Just Answer.
Frozen touchscreens are also on the list of MKZ Sync problems. “I was going to my local dealer… and my Sync 3 froze up on the way… I shut it off and started it back up. The screen was still frozen,” comments a 2017 MKZ owner on Lincoln MKZ Forums.
Before Taking Your Lincoln MKZ to the Shop Over Sync Problems, Try These Steps First
Thankfully, Lincoln shares a few step-by-step methods on their site for resolving Sync problems, all of which can be attempted while the vehicle is in park.
These include cycling Bluetooth on/off, hard resetting your phone, and deleting/re-connecting the device. The site also explains how to perform a master reset of the Sync system.
Should these fail, owner reports from most of the previously mentioned forums suggest disconnecting/connecting the battery is also a quick fix for most issues. An alternative to this is to remove/insert the Sync fuse.
It is also possible that your MKZ needs a software update, a service performed for free at your local Lincoln dealer.
Ultimately, Sync problems aren’t too much of a concern in the Lincoln MKZ. Just don’t be surprised if you have to re-pair your phone every now and then.
Photos: Lincoln
