EXHAUST ODOR IN VEHICLE

TSB 17-0035

FORD:
2015-2017 Edge
LINCOLN:
2016-2017 MKX
ISSUE
Some 2015-2017 Edge and 2016-2017 MKX vehicles may exhibit an exhaust odor in the vehicle while the climate control
system is in auto or recirculation mode. Customers may indicate the odor smells like sulfur, or the exhaust odors are
entering the vehicle cabin. This concern may be more pronounced after hard acceleration, driving in hilly conditions and/or
towing a trailer. Whether and to what extent any occupant of these vehicles experiences the exhaust odor will be affected
by driving habits, weather, and individual sensitivities
ACTION
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Does the customer report an exhaust odor inside the vehicle under hard acceleration, towing a trailer, driving in hilly
conditions or with the climate control system in auto or recirculate?
a. Yes - proceed to Step 2.
b. No - this article does not apply.
2. Check the rear doors are shut tightly and the edges are correctly aligned with the rear quarter panel. Adjust the door
striker as needed. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-03.
3. Visually inspect the rear liftgate weatherstrip seal for proper seating to the body of the vehicle.
4. Check the weatherstrip contact mark around the entire liftgate to make sure the liftgate is correctly aligned. Reposition
the liftgate as required to obtain a proper seal. Refer to WSM, Section 501-03.
5. Make sure the liftgate drain plugs are installed correctly on the liftgate. Reposition as required.
a. MKX (Figure 1)

Figure 1 - Article 17-0035

NOTE: The information contained in Technical Service Bulletins is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge, tools, and equipment to do the job
properly and safely. It informs these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or provides information that could assist in proper vehicle service.The
procedures should not be performed by "do-it-yourselfers". Do not assume that a condition described affects your car or truck. Contact a Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury dealership
to determine whether the bulletin applies to your vehicle. Warranty Policy and Extended Service Plan documentation determine Warranty and/or Extended Service Plan
coverage unless stated otherwise in the TSB article.The information in this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) was current at the time of printing. Ford Motor Company reserves
the right to supercede this information with updates.The most recent information is available through Ford Motor Company's on-line technical resources.

Copyright © 2017 Ford Motor Company

Online Publication Date March 30, 2017

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TSB 17-0035 (Continued)

b. Edge (Figure 2)

Figure 2 - Article 17-0035
6. Remove the left and right rear lamp assemblies. Refer to WSM Section 417-01.
7. Inspect the horizontal and vertical surfaces of the rear tail lamp assembly mounting area for holes or gaps in the body
sealer. If any holes or gaps are found, seal with Motorcraft® Seam Sealer or equivalent.
8. Verify all rear tail lamp assembly body plugs, plastic anchor nuts and wiring grommets are fully seated against the body.
(Figures 3 - 4)

Figure 3 - Article 17-0035

Figure 4 - Article 17-0035
9. On the MKX, remove the right and left rear quarter panel moulding. Refer to WSM, Section 501-08.
10. Remove the rear bumper cover. Refer to WSM, Section 501-19.
11. Remove the right and left rear quarter panel inner wheel liner. (Figure 5)
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TSB 17-0035 (Continued)

Figure 5 - Article 17-0035
12. Inspect the entire length of the joined inner fender panels for large, obvious panel gaps or body sealer gaps. Closely
inspect for gaps in the following areas. If any gaps are found, seal with Motorcraft® Seam Sealer or equivalent.
a. Lower arch edge.
b. Upper edge of the wheel arch. (Figure 6)

Figure 6 - Article 17-0035
c.

Upper wheel arch area, from the back, where the outer and inner body panels meet. (Figure 7)

Figure 7 - Article 17-0035
13. Check that all rear body plugs and plastic anchor nuts located beneath the bumper cover are fully seated against the
body. (Figure 8)

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TSB 17-0035 (Continued)

Figure 8 - Article 17-0035
14. Make sure the two plastic pushpins used to attach the sound insulation piece to the lower edge of the body are fully
seated. (Figure 9)

Figure 9 - Article 17-0035
15. Inspect the rear liftgate and verify that all four plastic license plate anchor nuts have been installed correctly. (Figure 10)

Figure 10 - Article 17-0035
16. Raise the vehicle on the hoist and verify that all underbody plugs and grommets are fully seated. (Figure 11 - 12)

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TSB 17-0035 (Continued)

Figure 11 - Article 17-0035

Figure 12 - Article 17-0035
17. Prepare the vehicle for a cabin pressurization test.
a. Use masking tape to cover all air extractors and any open bolt holes located behind the rear bumper cover. (Figure
9)
b. Cover the license plate anchor nuts by installing the license plate screws or tape over them.
18. After waiting 1 hour since the last seam sealer application to allow for dry time, start the vehicle, set the climate control
to fresh air mode and set blower speed to maximum.
19. Close all doors and windows.
20. Using soapy water in a spray bottle, spray soapy water at suspected leak points on the vehicle. Note all leak areas
identified by the presence of air bubbles.

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TSB 17-0035 (Continued)

a. Inspect the tail lamp openings and check for leaks at the seams, in the body sealer, and around plastic grommets
and mounting nuts. (Figure 13)

Figure 13 - Article 17-0035
b. Inspect the area of the liftgate that meets the tail lamps for air leaks along the panel seams. (Figure 14)

Figure 14 - Article 17-0035
c.

Check for air leaks at all rear side body plugs, liftgate, grommets and pushpins. (Figures 15 - 16)

Figure 15 - Article 17-0035

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TSB 17-0035 (Continued)

Figure 16 - Article 17-0035
d. For the Edge, check for air leaks around the liftgate release switch housing and release switch located at the top of
the housing. (Figure 17)

Figure 17 - Article 17-0035
e. Closely check all body seams and body sealer applications located behind the rear bumper cover for air leaks,
especially near the extractor vents. (Figure 18)

Figure 18 - Article 17-0035
f.

Check the rear inner fender panel seams and body sealer applications for air leaks, especially at the top of the
wheel arch and at the lower edges. (Figure 7)

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TSB 17-0035 (Continued)

g. Raise the vehicle and inspect the entire upper and lower seams around the spare tire well for sealer gaps and air
leaks. (Figure 19)

Figure 19 - Article 17-0035
h. Check the left and right boxed sections located at the rear underside of the vehicle for leaks at the seams and at any
body plugs or grommets.
i.

Thoroughly check the rest of the rear underside of the vehicle for air leaks. (Figures 20 - 21)

Figure 20 - Article 17-0035

Figure 21 - Article 17-0035
21. Turn off the engine and climate control.
22. Clean and dry all leak areas noted earlier.
23. Seal all observed leaks as necessary using Motorcraft® Seam Sealer or equivalent.

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TSB 17-0035 (Continued)

a. Example of resealed spare tire well. (Figure 22)

Figure 22 - Article 17-0035
b. Example of resealing along lower right rear of vehicle. (Figure 23)

Figure 23 - Article 17-0035
c.

Example of lower box seams and body plugs. (Figure 24)

Figure 24 - Article 17-0035

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TSB 17-0035 (Continued)

d. Edge air leak identified at the liftgate switch. Remove and reseal the liftgate switch. Refer to WSM, Section 501-14.
(1)

Remove the liftgate switch.

(2)

Apply a thin bead of Motorcraft® Seam Sealer or equivalent around the outer edge of the liftgate switch.
(Figure 25)

Figure 25 - Article 17-0035
(3)

Reinstall the liftgate switch.

(4)

Inspect the liftgate switch from the bottom to verify no seam sealer has spilled out onto the switch. Clean as
necessary. (Figure 26)

Figure 26 - Article 17-0035
24. Remove all installed masking tape.
25. Verify the air extractors are not deformed. Replace the air extractor if it is damaged or warped.
26. Reinstall the rear bumper cover. Refer to WSM, Section 501-19.
27. Reinstall the rear tail lamp assemblies. Refer to WSM, Section 417-01.
28. Reinstall the right and left rear quarter panel splash shields and wheel opening trim moldings. Refer to WSM, Section
501-08.
29. Remove liftgate spoiler. Refer WSM, Section 501-08.
30. Remove and discard the original spoiler retainer clips with foam clip seals.
31. Install new spoiler retainer clips with foam seals. (Figure 27)

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TSB 17-0035 (Continued)

Figure 27 - Article 17-0035
32. Seal the water hose at the tower foam with Motorcraft® Seam Sealer or equivalent.
a. Tower seal for Edge. (Figure 28)

Figure 28 - Article 17-0035
b. Tower seal for MKX. (Figure 29)

Figure 29 - Article 17-0035
33. Before reinstalling the spoiler, check all of the spoiler retainer clip holes in the liftgate are flat. Use a plastic head
hammer or a block of wood to flatten any clip holes that might have been raised during spoiler removal.
34. Reinstall the spoiler.
a. Once installed, the spoiler tower seal and foam strip will compress around the rear washer hose and wiring.

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TSB 17-0035 (Continued)

35. Reprogram the heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) module to the latest calibration using IDS release 104.05 or
higher. Make sure you are connected to the internet when entering module programming to obtain the latest updates.
Calibration files may also be obtained at www.motorcraftservice.com.
a. When reprogramming the HVAC, IDS will have additional questions which will require a yes response to reprogram
the module.
Obtain Locally
Part Description
PVC (Soft Foam) Strips - Rotunda Squeak and Rattle
Repair Kit

Part Number
164-R4901
PART NUMBER

PART NAME

EM2Z-61280B62-CA

Grille - Air Inlet

TA-2-B

Motorcraft® Seam Sealer

W716328-S300

Spoiler Trim Pin

OPERATION
MT170035

DESCRIPTION

TIME

Use SLTS Operations If Available; Claim Additional Diagnosis Or Labor
Performed As Actual Time

Actual Time

WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
Warranty/ESP coverage limits/policies/prior approvals are not altered by a TSB. Warranty/ESP coverage limits are
determined by the identified causal part and verified using the OASIS part coverage tool.
DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO.
61280B62

CONDITION CODE
42

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