Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis

garydale

95 GM 60k, car has real slight 'nudging or bumping' feeling from about 25-70 at steady speeds with overdrive on or off. Notice the most on real smooth road. Revs up smooth from idle and doesnt cough or sputter on acceleration. Just had Motorcraft plugs and Motorcraft wires installed, trans and TC oil changed and trans has all the updates. Shifts fine. Transmission man thinks its a miss. Ford tech scanned, says everything checks out with no CEL or vacuum leaks. Double checked plug wires and coil holes. Gas milage down 3 MPG........................Anyone ever have this problem? Thinking maybe replace both coil packs next? Seems like whatever it is it isnt showing up on any tests.

hotrodlincoln1

Have you cleaned your EGR valve and passages lately? 60k is a little early for EGR related problems, but if you drive easy it could be possible. EGR malfunctions can be noticable to the driver before they get bad enough to set off a code.

garydale

Ford tech said EGR stuff OK. I'll ask him again if EGR could show these symptoms. Hes out of town for a week till I see him again. Originally diagnosed misfire on #8. Had a definite miss. After two sets of plugs and plug wires ( big miss gone but little nudging remains. Drives me crazy as car always ran 100% beautiful.Car still starts and runs normal except for slight nudging feeling.Each mourning when I put it in reverse and back out I feel a split second (miss? shake? or vibration?) .................................................................- .....I was thinking maybe problem still has to do with #8, either Coil pack or injector. Dont know symptoms of weak coil or bad injector to focus on one or the other????? Figure its gonna cost another $100 for anybody to look at it so figured maybe I'd throw a $100 at it first. After 2 mechanics and trans man, now I got the ball again. Thanks for response

dadoctor

Greetings. I have a 98 GM with 95K miles.

1) Trans clunk...When I drive up a hill above 35,trans slips/clunks. On level ground, it seems generally ok. I had the trans fluid changed recently prior to a trip to FL. Prior to this, the trans was fine, but the fluid was black. After the service(oil change place), the trans behaves this way. Any thoughts on next steps? Take it to a dealer? Was the repair incomplete?

2) Several months back, upon cold startup, the engine would die. I had to use both feet until the engine warmed up. After taking it to a dealer, the engine needed new plugs, a new startup valve, (and something else related). Other than the trans, the engine seems great.

3) Sometimes, when I turn hard left to park, the steering makes a strange noise. Do I need a ball joint replacement? Mahalo(Hawaiin for many special thanks)

dadoctor

Regarding 3), the last item requiring replacement was the egr valve.

postmamzz

Thanks to all the regulars on this site who helped me solidify my decision to buy a 1996 grandma driven CV. The car seems very solid in all respects and has had regular oil changes etc.
Seeing how it has almost 100K on it I want to do some preventive maintenance right away to ensure long life and to prevent any breakdowns. After reading these posts, I know I need to have the tranny flushed and serviced (very slight shudder when powering up a hill at around 40 mph). What would you guys suggest next as far as PM? belts, hoses, rear end? Any suggestions from experienced CV/GM owners would be much appreciated. Thanks.

jsylvester

Ford recommends replacing the rear differential fluid every 100,000 miles, or immediately if the rear end was ever submerged in water.

It is a fairly easy service - any Chiltons manual will show how to do it.

On the transmission fluid service, make sure the torque converter is drained as well, and that the newer Mercron V synthetic fluid is used. Ford covers it's butt from potential leakage problems by not recommending it for pre-96 (I think) transmissions, but it will work with no problems.

Other than a few sensors now and then, just keep up the maintenance, and the car is golden.

2k1olds

My dad has a 99 Grand Marquis that cranks but will not turn over. The car gave no warning and it had to be towed in. Fuel pump?, filter?. Anyone else had this problem?

hotrodlincoln1

When you turn the key, can you hear the fuel pump cycle? If not, start with the inertia switch. This is meant to be a safety feature that shuts fuel off in the event of an accident, but sometimes they get tripped when hitting a bump or in other rough driving. I've never had to mess with mine, but I believe access to the switch is in the trunk. The shop manual should have detailed instructions for resetting it.

If the fuel filter hasn't been changed, it's not a bad idea to change it. If they haven't moved it, it should be located on the inboard side of the passenger side frame rail forward of the rear tire.

If you determine that the fuel system is working, the next step is to check for spark and troubleshoot the ignition system as needed.

henry_c

Question. I have Four Catalytic converters on my Vic and I am wondering are they Really necessary to have Four of them? Can I have two taken off and still pass smog. I know it will change my horsepower and my fuel consumption. But how much would it change the horsepower and fuel consumption. My Vic runs great. but that model year only came with 190 hp on the 4.6 . I have a K&N air filter on it and am planning on having the exhaust system changed next month to dual exhaust.
Suggestions on the Catalytic converter issue and would it be better to have dual exhaust Or a single exhaust with a three chamber muffler and two inch tip? Oh, and the car has 100,600 miles on her. Well maintained.

Henry

hotrodlincoln1

I'm not sure, but I think you have to keep all the cats in order to comply with federal regulations. It would be best to ask your local authorities what they will accept, since enforcement varies widely. If you think your cats are bad, you can have them replaced. High-flow replacement cats are available, but they aren't cheap.

You can get performance out of a dual exhaust or a single, but if you keep the single, it needs to be much bigger than 2". If I wanted to go that route, I would get at least a 3". Your best bet would probably be a dual system with a crossover (H or X) pipe. Choice of muffler depends on your noise preferences. I prefer straight pipes or glasspacks myself.

whitpg22

With approximately 47,000 miles on my car, my overdrive went out, subsequently requiring me to replace my transmission. The dealer stated that what occurred was something they don't often see. I don't have much technical knowledge, but was curious if any others had experienced problems so early? Thanks.

jsylvester

Myself, I've never heard of one going out before. I've heard of torque converter issues from bad fluid, but even then that is fixed by merely replacing the fluid.

e_gillman

I've been told that the transmission fluid should be changed every 25-30K miles on our cars. Especially if you drive alot of short distance driving or heavy traffic. I change mine every 30K miles and have no problems so far at 72K miles. Is it possible the fluid was never changed and that this may have caused the problems?

carbuyer2

looking to buy an 04 GM LS - trying to decide new vs used with 10,000 miles - can anyone provide some recent prices they've paid for either - is it worth buying slightly used given rebates - Thanks

setzer

I honestly think Mercury should freshen-up the Grand Marquis. Even though the majority of the sales are to cab companies and police fleets, they should just add some new things. New attractive styling, newer features, and other updated things that may draw buyers to it. While almost all of the Mercurys in the Mercury line-up have key-Mercury styling details, the Grand Marquis doesn't. I think Mercury should just think about even adding little things that would make it better.

johnclineii

The Crown Vic has many of its sales to fleets. That is NOT true of the Grand Marquis.

There is even speculation that some day the Crown Vic will ONLY be available to fleets, but so far the Ford dealers have raised so much you know what that that has not happened.

And if the cars are/were selling without substantial investments, Ford didn't/wasn't going to do much to them.

The Chrsyler 300C and Dodge Magnum (and coming Charger) may change all that. Or not.

jsylvester

Cars are to be refreshed for 2006. What that means is unclear, but expect no huge changes.

Some talk that the new 3 valve cylinder head 4.6 engine in the 05 Mustang will make it, and a lot of hope that the interior will be updated. I would not expect any big exterior changes, as the styling has worn well for it's purpose.

As mentioned, if the 300 steals sales, expect to see more changes.

henry_c

Thanks for the tip. I tlaked to Ford afew times about the CAT issue and they all said the cats have to be there. As for the axhaust system, I believe I will go dual. Not sure how the muffler shop will do it. I have not talked with my muffler guy in awhile. I did think about a three inch system on my Vic, but that would look kinda funny, though the result may be awesome...I will run that by my muffler guy to see if a three incher will fit around the rear axle, etc.

ceprise

We're about to take the CV/GM plunge. Our '99 Concorde (bought last year) died an engine death. I wanted a CV/GM last year but my wife wanted "style". She drives 20-25K per year as a visiting nurse and likes some iron around her. With 2 kids in college, we can't afford new or near new. I've noticed a lot of nice CV/GMs on the market, with less than 50K miles and in the '95 to '97 model years. Any buying or maintenance tips for these years?

harmar2

in '01. It retailed originally for $28,000 and change. It had 16,800 miles on it and was in excellent condition. I paid $16,400 + tax for it. It came with the warranty intact (ask about that, as they can sell it w/o one)and has been a superb car. One minor repair out of warranty. Just did all the 50,000 work. Ask if the seller will provide you with a CarFax check. If not, pay for it yourself (www.carfax.com). A lot out there are floating around with six or seven different titles issued. (Mine had two.) I hope that gives you some help. Good luck.

jsylvester

The car is basically the same since 1992, though there has been numerous upgrades/changes. 1995 was the first year for the silicon valve seals, as the engines have excellent reputations, only the earlier models would burn oil from leaky valve seals once they hit 150k.

Make sure you keep the tranny fluid changed, including the torque converter, with the newer Mercron IV fluid. The trannies are solid too, only they can get torque converter shudder which the newer fluid helps avoid.

I have a 94 Grand Marquis with leather, autotemp, digital dash, air suspension, 109,000 miles, and I love it. I suggest to hold out for a Grand Marquis LS or the Crown Vic LX with the leather and autotemp, with an added bonus you will have little worry about it being an old rental car. They are excellent used cars, as typically they are owned by older people who keep them properly maintained. They were designed back in the day when cars were overbuilt, and I think you will really like it.

postmamzz

I recently bought a 1996 C/V LX with 100k on it ($3800 private party) The previous owners were an older couple in their early 70s who had taken excellent care of the vehicle. I had the brakes done, flushed and filled tranny and torque converter with the Mercon V (which cured a slight tranny shudder) So far the car has been spectacular mechanically. We are averaging about 25 MPG combined hwy/cty driving and every mile is a pleasure. I can't believe how great the ride is with 100k on the suspension system. I really love the car. Sometimes I go out to the garage and just sit in it... They are solid well built vehicles and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

yonsei93

I have a 99 Grand Marquis with 62K. ABS light is on all the time. Any ideas what this means. I don't want any surprises at the shop.

Thanks

jsylvester

It could as simple as one of the ABS sensors is dirty and/or needs replaced, or something bigger. The system has a built in diagnostic computer, so it should be able to find the issue right away. A new speed sensor lists for about $35 for the part only, so whether you are comfortable replacing one yourself is up to you. They can be prone to getting dirty, so a good cleaning could be all it needs.

I can tell you the Motor and Pump lists for around $680, so depending on what the garage tells you, could be worth a 2nd opinion.

gtownguy

Hello everyone, I would like some help. I have a 96 GM with 76k miles. I just had to replace the resin intake manifold. It makes me mad that ford did not recall this problem - only on high use/ younger target market cars. This is demographic discrimination.... Why these are not covered is beyond me. From what I understand, police, fleet, taxi use cars were recalled and replaced with the new aluminum version. (as well as other branded cars targeted to younger buyers.) Has anyone, had any luck contacting ford and getting reimbursed for this replacement? If so who and how contacted.
Thanks for all your input.
Tom.

jeff94vic

If you haven't already read it, there may be some useful info in post # 605. Good luck.

pat

Here's a link to the message jeff94vic so helpfully found: swong1 Nov 27, 2000 9:51pm

For any of you who haven't noticed, the Search This Discussion feature on the page bar is very helpful. In fact, it's the only realistic way to make use of all the information that's been previously posted.

Hope this helps!

coolj

I have a chance to purchase a 1998 ford police interceptor ( gold with 132,000 miles, great paint/interior, and runs great) this vehicle was used by a state detective and only has two antennas on rear trunk lid. I can get it for $2400. Is this a great price and what else in the vehicle should I check out?

iusecad

except mine only has 115k. The only thing that might be an issue is in the rear end. When I bought mine (w/102k) it sounded like a space ship going down the road and it turned out the bearings in the rear end as well as the axles were shot. So the shop I took it to had to replace the left axle shaft ('cause it was scored) and a drive line shop replaced all the bearings and now it sounds normal. Mine was one of three the Sheriff Dept. had (their VINs were even 1-2-3) and the other 2 had problems, too.

Anyway - I guess if it sounds and runs good, I'd go for it.

ceprise

I just purchased a '99 Grand Marquis. It has a nameplate on the passenger side dashboard with the "Grand Marquis PrecisionTrac" nameplate.

I don't mean to be dumb, but does this mean this car has traction control? I don't see any dashboard lights with either TRAC or ABS.

bsumm

Hello, I am probably going to take delivery of a 2000 Ford Crown Vic tomorrow and just wanted to see if it's a good deal. It's only got 8,100 miles on it and the price- drive out is $11614.00. Miles are obviously extraordinarily low, but since it's a Crown Vic, I'm hoping it was an elderly retiree's car. It checked out okay on the carfax report. Thanks for any input...

ronald1

"Precision Trac" is what Mercury has named the standard suspension system on the Grand Marquis. It does not refer to ABS or Traction Control.

e_gillman

A 2000 with only 8,100 miles on it and checks out with Carfax is an unbelieveable deal. That's like getting a new car for half price! Good luck with it. I have a 2001 since new that just passed 75k miles. I love my car.

bsumm

thanks for the input

bsumm

So I got the 2000 Crown Vic yesterday. Does the dual exhaust mean that it has the "handling package"? If so, what exactly does that mean? Thanks for any input!

snizave

OK, the transmission on my wonderfully reliable crown vic has finally decided that it wants to start dying. I just bought some Lucas transmission additive, but the fluid is already slightly overfilled. What would be the easiest way for me to drain out about a quart of fluid so that I can add in this stuff? Is there a plug? The owner's guide was no help here. Anyway, I'm just hoping to get a little more life out of the car, it has been the best value I've ever had. I've put 80,000 trouble free miles on it and only paid $2000 for the beast. Any insight on draining some fluid would be greatly appreciated.

Mike

ronald1

I ordered the handling package on my 99 Grand Marque. It included dual exhaust, lacy spoke aluminum wheels, 3.27 axle ratio instead of 2.73, Goodyear tires instead of Michelan, slightly higher horsepower due to dual exhaust, "unique tuned suspension", and a rear air suspension system just like the Lincoln Town Cars use. As far as I know, the only other way to get dual exhaust is if the vehicle was a police car or a taxi.

s60 2.4

From personal experience as being a former Sheriff's Deputy I would advise not to purchase a used police interceptor. We really drive all of our patrol cars real hard. At 100K we in turn give our cars to local car auctions and charities. The best bet is to get a used Crown Vic non-police packaged and not previously owned by a law enforcement agency.

ehaase

Today's Automotive News says that Ford is studying using the next generation Australian Ford Falcon platform for replacements for the Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis. The new cars would be slightly smaller than the current CV/GM. The new cars may be out as soon as the 2008 model year. The Lincoln Town Car would not go to this platform. Ford may also decide to continue producing the Panthers instead.

johnclineii

Hmmm.

Wouldn't that mean they would be about the same exact size as the Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego, which is itself largely a Volvo platform? The major difference being the CV/GM would still be rear wheel drive while the Five Hundred/Montego is either FWD or AWD?

ehaase

If Ford does this, I would think that the cars would be similar to Australia's LTD and Fairlane, which use a stretched Falcon platform. The Five Hundred would be far roomier. I would think that the CV replacement would be a fleet vehicle, while the Mercury would be a competitor for the Chrysler 300, leaving the Five Hundred and Montego as Ford's primary large family cars.

jsylvester

Sounds like Ford doesn't really know what they are doing, nor do they really understand their customer that buys the Crown Vic and Grand Marquis.

I read they plan front wheel drive Lincolns based on the same platform as a Mazda? Yeah, that will save Lincoln.

marsha7

this past Sunday...after looking at more SUVs than I can count, and I really would like an SUV for the carrying space with a dog, I sat down and realized that I really need a good road car with 25K miles per year...considered a used Cadillac DTS or STS, and then decided I wanted a new car...the dealer had a 2004 (manufactured 08/03) on the lot, gray with gray leather, inflatable lumbar supports on both passenger and driver, with 8-way power seats for each, and the LX Sport had the floor shifter just like I wanted!!!...(correct me if I am wrong, but looking at Edmunds photos, it seemed like NONE of the Grand Marquis came with a floor shifter [not counting the Marauder], altho they could be had with the handling suspension and dual exhaust, just no floor shifter)...I do like the car, it has everything except sunroof, and without the sunroof I could not get Homelink, which would take the place of the bulky garage remote control...tire pressure, according to the door sticker, is 35 psi cold, which is surprisingly high, so I inflated them to 37 psi cold, now the car rides a little better...two small complaints...are there any HIGH-POWER aftermarket stereo/CD units that could exactly fit in the space for the current unit, as the stereo is not exactly the 290-watt audiophile system available in the Explorer or the LS...also, a small quirk...the gas pedal is about 3 inches to the left of the tunnel, so I cannot rest my foot againt the tunnel and press the accelerator, my foot has to "hang in midair" while I accelerate...is there any type of store that might sell an "extender" or a "widener" that will widen the pedal so I can rest my foot againt the tunnel???...any thoughts appreciated...I do enjoy the car, altho the previously mentioned rumors of more HP/Torque would be nice, say the LS engine at 290 HP, heh, heh, heh...

ford624

Is there any hope that the hopefully sooner than later redesign of the Full Size Ford and Mercury sedans will be able to compete with the new Chrysler 300's?

lotboy

marsha7-Mercury's come with the floor mounted console just to let you know.

As for Ford,I think they know what they're doing.They do seem to be behind most times on things for keeping up with products but that's what GM's for.Don't forget the Big 3 players talk with each other.

DD

bittybaba

Has anyone had a problem or heard of a problem with the 2004 Grand Marquis or Crown Vic jumping into gear and accelerating after the car was started?

mojave2k

You see lot's of ads on TV and in Magazines for all of the new model cars. One of the best kept secrets is Ford's Crown Vic. and Grand Marquis. Ford did an upgrade of the steering and suspension in 2003 adding variable rack and pinion steering and a new "boxed" frame, they already have a "watts link" rear suspension, (you will have to look that up on Google to find out what it is),with big 4 wheel duel piston anti lock disc's, and "traction control". And they come with 225/60/16 Michelins for tires. As Ford sells most of these Panther chassis cars to fleets, I.E. police ect. they do not advertise them much.. What you will find is that they share many main components with the new F-150 truck. The 4.6 V8 engine, 4070RW 4-speed auto transmission, and the same solid axle rear end.. If you think of the design of these cars more like a Porsche..(a car constantly being improved and perfected over many years), rather than being restyled every year, you will realize what a value they are.. My 2004 just went on a trip to Lake Tahoe.. cruising at 70+mph and climbing 7000ft. mountain passes, I averaged 24 mpg.(2.72 ratio). I have the horsepower to pass slow motor homes and trucks with ease, and comfort you can't find short of a Mercedes. It handles on the interstate like one too. Ford needs to put on an ad campaign to let buyers know that they have a solid, tested rear drive competitor to the new(experimental) Chrysler 300 Hemi that is built like a truck and handles like a Jaguar and gets good mileage doing it. Just my 2 cents worth.. Mojave

mojave2k

All new cars rev for half a minute when cold.(computer controlled) but if it is dropping into gear (I am assuming reverse) you must have a miss adjusted linkage from the shifter to the trannie.. get it fixed asap..

jsylvester

The LSE model was discountinued halfway through the 2003 model year, and along with it, the console/floor shifter option.

It is still available in the Crown Vic.