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I bought a 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid in September. I've wanted one for a long time. The MKZ has 110k miles and I want to run it to at least 300k. Runs great. However, an issue crept up about 3 weeks ago. Whenever I am stressing the engine and I've been on the highway a while, I get the dreaded MIL wrench and soon thereafter, Stop Safely Now. Upon pulling over and turning off engine, an immediate restart resets the alerts and I'm back on the road. If I stress the engine further, it happens again. Prior to this issue, I've already had the MKZ from PA to FL and back, 2000 highway miles at 75-80 mph without issue. I love this vehicle, but this is an issue I need to resolve before my next long trip in March. Driving to work and back or around town, it's all good. My initial research had me convinced it was the throttle body, but it's not. I believe it's the MECS pump. I plugged in an OBDII reader and got the MKZ to replicate the problem. Using FORScan, I got the codes which relate to MEC over temperatures and likely a faulty pump (P0A7C and P0A3E). I was able to get my hands on some YouTube videos and I bought an MKZ hybrid workshop manual, and first pinpoint test is to physically check the MECS pump and to tap it if it doesn't sound like it's running. It appears my vehicle has the older model Bosch MECS pump and by the looks of it, might even be the original. I can see the MECS pump when I open the hood, but can barely reach through area between grill and engine to tap the MECS pump lightly with hammer to see if it runs when I hit it. I'm hearing a subtle clicking coming from that area when I turn on vehicle but I am not seeing movement of coolant in the degas bottle. To be clear the sound I'm hearing is a constant subtle click, not a whirring indicative of an operating pump. To be more clear, I'm not sure the slight clicking sound I'm hearing is coming from the pump but the sound is coming from that area. I am a novice, but I'm learning more about vehicles and I'd like to use this vehicle as a DIY and would like to change out the pump myself if that is what is required. The newer model MECS pump made by Cooper is $116 on fordpartsgiant.com and I'm sure going to a dealer, between diagnostic and replacement, will be at least $600, which I'm not looking to spend. I have enough knowledge now through days of researching and reading that in order to charge that pump out, I'll need to get the MKZ up on jack stands in my garage, then it's two 10mm bolts, an electrical plug and two hose clamps, along with a clean bucket to capture coolant once I remove hoses. There might be a shield too. The workshop manual explains how to refill and bleed system too. I really think a novice can do this and would like to try on my own, if necessary. Should I be trying something else first? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

On the trip home from work the 2013 Fusion Hybrid (with 11k miles) popped up a check manual warning (when acknowledged a small illuminated yellow wrench is visible in the left display). After a relatively short while, this was followed by a motor coolant (for the hybrid electronics) over temperature warning (a small red thermometer left showing in the left display). I noticed that the AC system had also stopped cooling. Outside temperature was in the low 70s. Any similar experiences/ thoughts? A few more details... Can't hear compressor start after commanding a remote start. No OBDII codes set. Will take for warranty service ASAP. Very disappointed.