# 2011 Lincoln MKZ - engine speed dropped

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2011-lincoln-mkz-engine-speed-dropped/185675>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** mkz, lincoln\
**Created:** [August 6, 2022, 5:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2011-lincoln-mkz-engine-speed-dropped/185675 "2022-08-06T17:28:36Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![mukroc246](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@mukroc246](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mukroc246)\
**Post date:** [August 6, 2022, 5:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2011-lincoln-mkz-engine-speed-dropped/185675/1 "2022-08-06T17:28:37Z")

</div>

driving no warning engine speed drops to idle 600 rpm step on gas no response turn ignition off and restart car operated ok instrument panel showed a wrench no engine ck light.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [August 6, 2022, 8:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2011-lincoln-mkz-engine-speed-dropped/185675/2 "2022-08-06T20:11:38Z")

</div>

The wrench icon indicates a problem with the electronic throttle system.

Tester

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\
**Post date:** [August 6, 2022, 10:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2011-lincoln-mkz-engine-speed-dropped/185675/3 "2022-08-06T22:10:13Z")

</div>

Electronic throttle means there’s no mechanical connection between the gas pedal and the engine’s throttle valve. Done electronically instead. Driver steps on the gas pedal, movement is read by a computer monitoring an electronic sensor attached to gas pedal. Computer then commands engine throttle valve to move in the more open direction correspondingly, using an electric motor. Remember awhile back, quite a few reports of unintended accelerations? To prevent that sort of thing there’s multiple redundancies in the throttle system, so good chance something related to that safety system. One idea, engine off, using a flashlight, take a close look under the dash in the gas pedal area, see any wires/connectors that have come loose? Anything that looks like it has broken? Problem could also be with engine throttle valve actuator motor, or associated wiring/fuses.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\
**Post date:** [August 6, 2022, 11:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2011-lincoln-mkz-engine-speed-dropped/185675/4 "2022-08-06T23:50:11Z")

</div>

I’m thinking there’s dirt/deposits in the intake. A broken wire would more likely stop the throttle from working at all.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![weekend-warrior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/weekend-warrior/32/26122_2.png) [@weekend-warrior](https://community.cartalk.com/u/weekend-warrior)\
**Post date:** [August 7, 2022, 12:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2011-lincoln-mkz-engine-speed-dropped/185675/5 "2022-08-07T00:02:07Z")

</div>

[Lincoln MKZ Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Replacement Costs (yourmechanic.com)](https://www.yourmechanic.com/estimates/lincoln/mkz/throttle-position-sensor-replacement#:~:text=How%20it%27s%20done%3A%20Scan%20the%20computer%20system%20for,replace%20the%20throttle%20position%20sensor%20if%20found%20faulty.)