Serial Number
BX2617
2009-12 Lincoln MKS
2010-12 Lincoln MKT
Installation Instructions
Attachment Tab Height: 13”
Attachment Tab Width: 22"
Please read BOTH these Installation Instructions and the General Instructions prior to
installing or operating this equipment.
1. Blue Ox® towing products and accessories
are intended to be installed by Blue Ox®
Dealers who are familiar with our products
and have the equipment and knowledge
necessary to do “fit work”. When necessary
Blue Ox® Dealers can be found at www.
blueox.com or by contacting our Customer
Care Department at (402) 385-3051.
2. Many Blue Ox® baseplates are designed to
use existing holes and hardware to mount
the baseplate to the towed vehicle. Even
though bolts are there, do not assume they
are adequate for baseplate mounting. Always
use hardware supplied in the hardware kit
and existing hardware where specified in the
installation instructions.
If the front of your vehicle looks different
than this, please call us at (402)385-3051.
Reference your vehicle owner’s
manual for manufacturer’s towing
specifications.
Bolt Torque Specifications
Torque in Foot-Pounds for Metric Bolts
Bolt Size Grade 8.8 Grade 10.9
6MM
6
8
8MM
16
22
10MM
31
40
12MM
54
70
14MM
89
117
Bolt Torque Specifications
Torque in Foot-Pounds for Inch Bolts
Bolt Size
Grade 5
Grade 8
1/4”
10
14
5/16”
19
29
3/8”
33
47
7/16”
54
78
1/2”
78
119
5/8”
154
230
Failure to read and follow these instructions
could result in separation of the towed vehicle
from the tow bar, causing property damage,
loss of towed vehicle, personal injury or death.
405-0100 Rev. I Page 1 of 11 3/12/12
BX2617
2009-12 Lincoln MKS
2010-12 Lincoln MKT
Installation Instructions
Tools Required
5.5MM Socket
9/16” Socket
Phillips Screwdriver
Torque Wrench
Drill
8MM Socket
9/16” Wrench
Flat Screwdriver
Tape Measure
Loctite® Red
10MM Socket
Large Vise Grip
Utility Knife
13/32” Drill Bit
Item No.
Part No.
Description
Qty.
1................... 61-5208....................................3/8”-16 Nut Plate Weldment with 14” Wire.....................8
2................... 61-6721....................................BX2617 Baseplate.........................................................1
3................... 62-3469....................................Attachment Tab Assembly with Hole..............................2
4................... 101-5822..................................4 Way Connector Adapter..............................................2
5................... 102-7197..................................BX2800 Breakaway Bracket..........................................1
6................... 201-0050..................................1/4”-20 x 3/4” Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5, ZP....................1
7................... 201-0192..................................#10-32 1/2” Round Head Slotted Screw........................2
8................... 201-0336..................................3/8”-16 x 2-1/2” Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5, ZP.................4
9................... 201-0368..................................3/8”-16 x 1-1/4” Hex Head Bolt, Grade 5, ZP.................8
10................. 201-0553..................................1/4”-20 x 1/2” Slotted Head Screw, ZP...........................2
11.................. 201-0654..................................#10-16 x 1” Self Tapping Screw, ZP...............................1
12................. 202-0047..................................#10-32 Hex Nut..............................................................2
13................. 202-0071..................................3/8”-16 Hex Flange Nut, ZP...........................................4
14................. 202-0102..................................1/4”-20 Hex Nylon Insert Nut, ZP...................................1
15................. 203-0010..................................3/8” Lock Washer, ZP...................................................12
16................. 203-0054..................................#10 Lock Washer ..........................................................2
17................. 226-0049 (not shown)..............36” Class IV Baseplate Safety Cable.............................2
18................. 229-0512 (not shown)..............1/2” Quicklink, ZP...........................................................4
19................. 293-1339 (not provided)..........Breakaway Switch..........................................................1
20................. 294-0805 (not provide)............4 Pin Connector..............................................................1
21................. 294-0902 (not provided)..........6 Pin Connector..............................................................1
405-0100 Rev. I Page 2 of 11 3/12/12
BX2617
2009-12 Lincoln MKS
2010-12 Lincoln MKT
Installation Instructions
BX2617
13
5
6
BREAKAWAY
SWITCH
1
2
11
14
3
15
12
16
10
13
9
4
7
4 PIN
CONNECTOR
6 PIN
CONNECTOR
15
8
IMPORTANT
Use only genuine factory replacement parts on your baseplate. Do NOT substitute homemade or
non-typical parts. If a bolt is lost or in need of replacement, for your safety and the preservation of
your baseplate, be sure to use a replacement bolt of the same grade (In most cases it will be Grade
5, please reference the parts list above). Replacement parts may be ordered through your nearest
Blue Ox® Dealer or Distributor. Failing to follow and/or altering these installation instructions in
either installation or required equipment will void the manufacturer’s warranty. Towing behind a nonmotorized vehicle will void the warranty.
405-0100 Rev. I Page 3 of 11 3/12/12
BX2617
2009-12 Lincoln MKS
2010-12 Lincoln MKT
Installation Instructions
Removable Tabs: Motorhome mount tow bars are recommended for use with this baseplate. Due
to the design of the removable tabs, the RangeFinderII, Adventurer, and Ambassador tow bars can
not be used. The Acclaim tow bar may be used, but will not fold and store on the front of the vehicle.
Adapters, except the BX8833 and BX88151, can not be used with this baseplate.
Instruction Notes: The fascia, horn, washer reservoir and plastic cover are removed and reinstalled
for the baseplate installation. Some drilling and trimming is required.
The dimensional variations between otherwise identical vehicles can be considerable. While the
baseplate was designed for easy installation, it may be necessary to tailor the baseplate slightly to
compensate for vehicle manufacturer’s tolerances. These minor adjustments may include filing a hole
slightly, bending electrical rods or bending end plates.
The BX8848 4-Diode Wiring Kit is recommended for this vehicle.
NOTICE
•
Handling of some cosmetic parts when installing this product may require the use of protective
covers, rags, specialty tools, etc. to prevent damage.
•
When using power drills be aware of the dangers of torque and drill bit length.
•
Be sure that ALL electrical connections are plugged in properly and functioning before
installing the fascia.
•
Do not use the towed vehicle for storing luggage, equipment, etc. This may cause you to
exceed the towing capacity of the tow bar, baseplate, and its accessories.
•
Be sure to use Loctite® red on all bolts before tightening. Tighten all bolts according to the
torque chart provided.
405-0100 Rev. I Page 4 of 11 3/12/12
BX2617
2009-12 Lincoln MKS
2010-12 Lincoln MKT
Installation Instructions
MKS
MKT
1. MKS models: Using a 10MM socket, remove the two (2) bolts (white arrows) from the top of the
fascia on both sides of the vehicle. Use a flat screwdriver to remove the push pin in the center
(grey arrow). Set bolts and push pins aside to be reinstalled later.
MKT models: Using a 10MM socket, remove the bolt (white arrow) from the top of the fascia on
both sides of the vehicle. Use a phillips screwdriver to remove the two (2) push pins (gray arrows).
Set bolts and push pins aside to be reinstalled later.
MKS
MKT
2. MKS models: Using a phillips screwdriver, remove the four (4) screws that are located just forward
of the front tire on both sides of the vehicle. Set screws aside to be reinstalled later.
MKT models: Using a 5.5MM socket, remove the three (3) bolts that are located just forward of
the front tire on both sides of the vehicle.
Set bolts aside to be reinstalled later.
405-0100 Rev. I Page 5 of 11 3/12/12
3A
BX2617
2009-12 Lincoln MKS
2010-12 Lincoln MKT
Installation Instructions
3B
3C
3. MKS models: On the underside use an 8MM socket to remove the bolts (white arrows). There is
one (1) bolt on the outermost edges of the fascia, figure 3C, one (1) directly in the center, figure
3A, and also one (1) between the push pins, figure 3B.
Remove the push pins (grey arrows) that are located on each side of the bolt, figure 3B with a flat
screwdriver. Pull fascia corners out to the side of the vehicle, then pull forward.
3A
Set fascia, bolts and screws aside carefully to be reinstalled later.
3
3B
3. MKT models: In front underneath, remove three push pins
from the center. Using a 5.5MM socket, remove one bolt on
each side (gray arrow). Pull fascia corners out to the side of
the vehicle to unsnap, then pull forward. Set fascia, pins and
bolts aside carefully to be reinstalled later.
3. MKT models: In front
underneath, using a
5.5MM socket remove
seven bolts. Pull fascia
corners out to the side
of the vehicle, then pull
forward. Set fascia and
bolts aside carefully to be
reinstalled later.
405-0100 Rev. I Page 6 of 11 3/12/12
BX2617
2009-12 Lincoln MKS
2010-12 Lincoln MKT
Installation Instructions
5
4
5
4. On the driver’s side, using an 8MM socket, remove the bolt holding the horn. Set the horn and
bolt down by the side to be reinstalled later.
5. MKS models: On the passenger side, using an 8MM socket remove the bolt from the top right
side (gray arrow). Using an 11MM socket, remove the two bolts on the left side (white arrows).
Unhook hoses and wires. Set washer reservoir and bolts aside to be reinstalled later.
MKT models: Use a 10MM socket to remove all three bolts.
6. MKS models: On the passenger side, trim
across the groove and down.
6
6
6
6. MKT models: On the passenger side, trim 2 1/4” up and 4 1/2” across.
405-0100 Rev. I Page 7 of 11 3/12/12
BX2617
2009-12 Lincoln MKS
2010-12 Lincoln MKT
Installation Instructions
7
8
7. Remove the collision control module. Unsnap the module from the front side of the bracket by
pulling the module forward. Unplug and set aside.
8. MKS models: On the back side of the fascia by the fog light, using a utility knife cut off the tab, 1”
back and 2 1/4” wide. Do this on both sides.
9
10
9. MKS models: On the back side of the fascia by the cruise control mechanism, using a utility
knife, trim across the bottom, as shown. Do this to both sides of vehicle.
10. MKT models: Trim as shown on the back side of the fascia.
405-0100 Rev. I Page 8 of 11 3/12/12
BX2617
2009-12 Lincoln MKS
2010-12 Lincoln MKT
Installation Instructions
12
11
11. MKS models: Underneath the vehicle, using a flat screwdriver, remove seven push pins. Set the
plastic cover and push pins aside to be reinstalled later.
13
12. Slide the base plate straight up from the bottom and clamp in front. Be sure the base plate is
level with the frame, and up as far as possible. All the holes need to be drilled with a 13/32” drill
bit.
14
13. First using the baseplate as a template with a 13/32” drill bit, drill two holes underneath. Insert a
3/8”-16 x 1 1/4” bolt into the holes with 3/8” lock washers and 3/8”-16 nut plate, tighten with Loctite
Red. Do the same on both sides of the vehicle.
14. Using the baseplate as a template with the 13/32” drill bit, drill a hole in the side and start a 3/8”16 x 1 1/4” bolt with a 3/8” lock washer and a 3/8”-16 nut plate, inserted into the bumper opening.
Continue with the three remaining holes. Do this to both sides.
Be sure that ALL electrical connections
are plugged in properly and functioning
BEFORE installing the fascia.
BE SURE TO USE LOCTITE® RED ON ALL BOLTS
BEFORE TIGHTENING. TIGHTEN ALL BOLTS
ACCORDING TO THE TORQUE CHART ON THE
FRONT PAGE OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS OR ON
PAGE 3 OF THE BASEPLATE TOWING GENERAL
INSTRUCTIONS.
405-0100 Rev. I Page 9 of 11 3/12/12
BX2617
2009-12 Lincoln MKS
2010-12 Lincoln MKT
Installation Instructions
15
16
15. On the passenger side before reinstalling the washer reservoir, using a utility knife cut off the top
right installation tab about 1 1/2’”x 1 1/2“. Be careful not to cut into reservoir. Reinstall the water
tank and connect the hoses and plug in electrical connections.
16. Using the two existing studs on the left, reinstall the washer reservoir. Put seven 1/4” flat washers
behind the washer on the top stud to offset away from the baseplate. Reconnect the hoses and
plug in electrical connections.
17. Attach the permanent baseplate safety cables. Position the cables around a solid piece of the
frame. 226-0049 base plate safety cables and 229-0512 quicklinks are recommended.
18. Reinstall horn, collision sensor and the plastic cover.
19
19. Hold the fascia up in front of the baseplate, mark and trim the area needed for the baseplate to
come through. The installation of the baseplate is complete.
Install the tow bar and safety cables according to the instructions provided in their packages.
When demonstrating this to the customer, be sure to include all the contents and packages.
Do NOT substitute other devices if the tow bar pins and clips are misplaced.
405-0100 Rev. I
Page 10 of 11 3/12/12
BX2617
2009-12 Lincoln MKS
2010-12 Lincoln MKT
Installation Instructions
CUSTOMER SERVICE COMMITMENT
MKS - Shown without removable tabs installed
Blue Ox is committed to providing you with
exceptional customer care throughout your
lifetime with our products. Our team is here
to assist you with any questions you may have
regarding the performance of your product.
Simply call (402) 385-3051 and you can speak
with our customer care team.
Additionally, please visit our website to see
which rallies our Destination America team will
be attending. For a nominal fee, our service
technician will service your towing system to
ensure it’s in proper working condition. Also, as
a commitment to our customers, should you visit
our factory, you can stay at our full service Blue
Ox campground at no charge along with enjoying
a factory tour.
MKS - Shown with removable tabs installed
Again, thank you for being our customer and
for the confidence you have shown in the
performance of our products. It is because of
customers like you we enjoy the success we
have today.
MKT - Shown without removable tabs installed
MKT - Shown with removable tabs installed
405-0100 Rev. I
If the baseplate is in an accident, it must
be replaced. DO NOT use it again! An
accident can cause unseen damage and
using it again could result in more damage or serious injury. DO NOT use the
baseplate if it is damaged or missing
parts.
© 2012 Blue Ox
One Mill Road, Industrial Park
Pender, Nebraska 68047
Phone: (402) 385-3051
Fax: (402) 385-3360
www.blueox.com
Page 11 of 11 3/12/12