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Service bulletin SSM 46998

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

The communication, as NHTSA indexes it (as of 2026-10-19)
TypeService bulletin
NHTSA id10138514
Published by NHTSA2018-05-29
Manufacturer's numberSSM 46998
Manufacturer's date2018-01-05
NHTSA componentSTRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

NHTSA's summary

Some 2016-2018 MKC vehicles built on or before 20-Sep-2017 may exhibit a no crank condition due to a discharged battery from the Rear Gate Trunk Module (RGTM) keeping the vehicle network awake. This may occur after the vehicle has experienced other liftgate related concerns such as bounce back or latching issues. To correct this condition, reprogram the RGTM to the latest level using Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) or Ford J2534 Diagnostic Software (FJDS) version 107.01 or higher. For claiming, use causal part 14B291 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the service labor time standards (SLTS) manual.

The document

The document is the manufacturer's. This site does not hold it. NHTSA files a document at one of these two addresses; we have not asked NHTSA which.

Components

Body and frame

Vehicles listed
LINCOLN MKC2016, 2017, 2018

Listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned: the document says which.

Other bulletins for the same vehicles and component
SSM 515362023-05-04. Service bulletin. For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using the correct VIN.
Service2021-12-20. Service bulletin. Online automotive service information system for March 2016
TSB1600012021-12-20. Service bulletin. 49 CFR Part 579.5 Monthly Communications - March 2016 Air bag warning light illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B141B and/or B141C
LTR37562021-12-20. Service bulletin. 49 CFR Part 579.5 Monthly Communications - January 2016
TSB 20-21712020-06-05. Service bulletin. Some 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2020 Escape/Fusion/MKZ, 2015-2018 Focus,2015-2019 MKC, 2015-2020 Edge/F150/Mustang, 2016-2018 MKX, 2016-2019 Explorer, 2017-2020 F-Super Duty, 2018-2020 EcoSport/Expedition, 2019-2020 Ranger/Nautilus vehicles may experience seat pan looseness, lateral movement, or a clunk/thump noise on turns. This may be due to the seat pan track. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to install a reinforcement.
SSM 479092019-05-07. Service bulletin. SSM 47909 - 2017-2019 Escape, MKC - License Plate Bracket Nut(s) Damaged With Over Torqued Screw(s) 2017-2019 Escape and MKC vehicles may exhibit a concern of the license plate bracket nut(s) being damaged due to the screw(s) being over torqued. The torque specification for these screws are 1.7 Nm (1.25 lb-ft). Engineering recommends not to use any power tool to tighten these screws. Most any power tool will apply more torque to the screws than the allowed torque specification and will damage the plastic nut(s).
SSM 474302018-09-10. Service bulletin. If a trailer hitch receiver is installed on a 2013-2018 Escape or 2015-2019 MKC vehicle equipped with a hands-free liftgate, the hands-free liftgate function will become inoperative. Hands-free liftgate function can be restored by replacing the existing hands-free liftgate actuation upper sensor (14F680), lower sensor (14F680), stone deflector (17779), hands-free liftgate actuation module (14B291), plastic fasteners (N807951S) and screws (W506964) that are required for the factory installed trailer hitch receiver with hands-free liftgate option. Replacement of these parts to restore hands-free liftgate function is not warrantable. Regardless of trailer hitch configuration, the hands-free liftgate system cannot be added to a vehicle that was originally built without the hands-free liftgate option.
SSM 469982018-06-11. Service bulletin. Some 2016-2018 MKC vehicles built on or before 20-Sep-2017 may exhibit a no crank condition due to a discharged battery from the Rear Gate Trunk Module (RGTM) keeping the vehicle network awake. This may occur after the vehicle has experienced other liftgate related concerns such as bounce back or latching issues. To correct this condition, reprogram the RGTM to the latest level using Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) or Ford J2534 Diagnostic Software (FJDS) version 107.01 or higher. For claiming, use causal part 14B291 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the service labor time standards (SLTS) manual.
SSM 461042017-08-01. Service bulletin. 2015-2017 Lincoln MKC is equipped with satin chrome front grille and roof moldings. If they require cleaning due to stains, water spotting, or discoloring do not use Motorcraft Custom Bright Metal Cleaner which is used for bright chrome components. The following products are recommended for satin chrome components: Meguiar's M02 Mirror Glaze Fine Cut Cleaner (Product #M0216), Meguiar's Water Spot Remover (Product #A3714) or Turtle Wax Renew RX Premium All Metal Polish (SKU T284) or equivalent. Follow the manufacturers cleaning instructions.
SSM-458382016-08-31. Service bulletin. INOPERATIVE HANDS-FREE LIFTGATE AFTER ADDITION OF TRAILER HITCH