2017-2019 Lincoln MKC Front Seat: Navigating Trim Options and Mid-Year Changes

Symptoms of a Failing Front Seat

Failures in the Lincoln MKC's front seat can be electrical, mechanical, or related to the climate control functions. Identifying the specific symptom is the first step in diagnosing the problem.

Electrical and Power Adjustment Failures

• Seat Will Not Move: Pushing the adjustment switch results in no movement in any direction. This often points to a blown fuse, a bad seat control module, or a complete failure of the main power seat switch.
• Partial Failure: The seat may move in some directions but not others (e.g., it will slide forward but not back, or recline but not raise). This is a classic sign of a failing seat switch with worn internal contacts.
• Slow or Intermittent Movement: The seat moves very slowly or stops and starts while the switch is held. This can be caused by a failing motor, a bad switch providing incomplete power, or a wiring issue.
• Memory Functions Inoperative: The seat fails to move to a preset memory position. This usually indicates a problem with the seat control module or the switch pack.

Heating and Cooling (Climate Seat) Failures

• Heated or Cooled Seat Inoperative: Pressing the button illuminates the indicator light, but the seat never heats up or cools down. In some cases, the light may come on for a few seconds and then turn off. This often points to a failed Thermo-Electric Device (TED), a bad control module, or a broken heating element in the seat cushion.
• Heat or Cooling Stuck on One Level: The system will not adjust between high, medium, and low settings, suggesting a fault in the control module or the dashboard switch.
• Burning Smell: A distinct smell of burning plastic or electronics when the heated seat is activated is a serious sign of a short circuit in the heating element or control module. Discontinue use immediately to prevent a fire risk.

Mechanical Failures

• Grinding or Clicking Noises: Audible clicking when a switch is pressed with no movement can mean the motor is receiving a signal but is seized. Grinding noises during movement often indicate worn or broken gears within the seat track mechanism.
• Loose Seat or Rocking: A feeling of movement or play in the seat base while driving can be caused by loose mounting bolts or worn components in the seat track assembly.

Buying a Used 2017-2019 Lincoln MKC Front Seat: A Buyer's Guide

Purchasing a used OEM seat is often the most cost-effective solution, as new seat components from the dealer are extremely expensive. However, due to the high number of variations, careful vetting is required to ensure you get a part that works.

Step 1: Find Your Vehicle's Production Date

Locate the Federal Certification Label on the driver's side door jamb (the area visible when you open the door). The manufacturing date (e.g., 11/16 for November 2016) will be printed near the top of this sticker. This is the single most important piece of information for 2017 models.

Step 2: Identify Your Exact Seat Features

Lincoln offered multiple seat configurations based on trim level (Premiere, Select, Reserve, Black Label). You must match your original seat's features exactly. Check for:

• Climate Control: Is your seat just heated, or is it heated AND cooled? Cooled seats have perforated leather and different internal components (TEDs and fans).
• Power Adjustments: Count the number of ways your seat adjusts. Base models had simpler seats, while Reserve and Black Label trims featured 10-way or more adjustments with power lumbar support.
• Memory Function: Does your vehicle have memory seat buttons, typically located on the driver's door panel?
• Leather Type and Color: Lincoln used different grades and colors of leather (Ebony, Cappuccino, etc.). While a cosmetic difference, getting the right color avoids a mismatched interior.

Step 3: Physical Inspection Checklist for a Used Seat

When inspecting a potential replacement seat, either in person or through detailed photos:

• Check All Connectors: Inspect the large electrical connectors under the seat. Look for any bent pins, corrosion, or cut wires. A damaged connector is a major red flag.
• Examine the Wiring Harness: Ensure the under-seat wiring is intact and has not been repaired or spliced. Damaged wiring is a common source of electrical problems.
• Inspect the Upholstery: Check for rips, tears, deep scuffs, and cigarette burns. For cooled seats, ensure the perforations in the leather are not clogged or damaged.
• Check the Seat Track: Look for any signs of bending, rust, or damage to the seat rails. The seat should be from a vehicle that was not in a flood.
• Verify Airbag Integrity: The side airbag is integrated into the seat. Never buy a seat from a vehicle where the airbags have deployed. Ensure the airbag cover on the side of the seat is intact and shows no signs of tampering.

Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs

While there are no recalls specifically for the front seat structure or electronics on the 2017-2019 MKC, several important vehicle-level issues exist.

• NHTSA Recall 23S28 (Fire Risk): A critical recall was issued for 2015-2019 MKC models because the battery monitor sensor could short-circuit and cause an engine compartment fire, even while parked. Owners were advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until a dealer could install an in-line fuse. Ensure this recall has been performed on any used MKC you own or are considering.
• NHTSA Recall 17S17 (Seat Bolts): This recall applied to 2015 MKC models (and other Ford vehicles) for improperly manufactured bolts used to install seats and seatbelts, which could fracture. While outside the 2017-2019 range, it highlights the importance of using correct, high-quality hardware.

Numerous Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) have been issued for the MKC, but none point to a widespread, common failure of the seat assemblies themselves. Most TSBs relate to engine, transmission, or infotainment system issues.

Cost Comparison: 2017-2019 Lincoln MKC Front Seat

Replacement Overview

Replacing the front seat is a moderately difficult job that requires care due to the integrated safety systems.

• Difficulty: 3/5
• Estimated Time: 1.5 hours
• Tools Required: Socket set with extensions, Torx bit set, trim removal tools.

Basic Steps:

1. Disconnect the Battery: Disconnect the negative terminal of the 12V battery and wait at least 15-20 minutes to allow the airbag system's backup power to discharge. This is the most important safety step.
2. Remove Mounting Bolt Covers: Use a trim tool to pop off the plastic covers at the front and rear of the seat tracks.
3. Unbolt the Seat: Remove the four main bolts (typically Torx T50 or similar) that secure the seat track to the vehicle floor.
4. Disconnect Electrical Connectors: Carefully tilt the seat backward to access the wiring harnesses underneath. There will be one or more large connectors for power, heating/cooling, memory, and the airbag system. Depress the locking tabs and carefully pull them apart. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
5. Remove the Seat: With all bolts and connectors removed, the seat can be carefully lifted out of the vehicle. It is heavy and bulky, so a second person may be helpful to avoid scratching interior trim.
6. Installation: Installation is the reverse of removal. Ensure all electrical connectors are securely latched and torque the seat bolts to the manufacturer's specification. Reconnect the battery last.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

OEM Part Numbers

The following OEM part numbers are associated with front seat components for the 2017-2019 Lincoln MKC. Note that these are not for complete seat assemblies but for individual parts like cushion covers, modules, and frames. Part numbers vary significantly based on color, material, and features. Always verify a part number with a VIN before ordering.

• 6004RA3181
• 6004RA3182
• 82749635-4005
• 82753734-4005
• DG9T-14B709-AD (Seat Control Module)
• DS73-F62180-ABW
• EJ7Z-14D696-C (Seat Control Module)
• EJ7Z-14D696-Q (Seat Control Module)
• EJ7Z-7862901-BA (Driver Side Cushion Cover)
• EJ7Z-7864811-K
• EJ7Z-9661711-E
• GJ7Z-7862900-CG (Passenger Side Cushion Cover)
• GJ7Z-7862901-BA (Driver Side Cushion Cover)
• GJ7Z-7864417-CD
• JJ7T-603B16-AA