Lincoln LS

babicka

Yes, just like you I had a reflash done for the tranny shift delays for reverse gear,about 4-month after I purchased my car. That reflash sticker is still under the hood with number (hard to read now but something like P1U7A12A650FA 01-02-2001. So if the LM dealer did yesterday what they claim on the invoice that work did not change the sticker number under the hood. The invoice opcode is 12650D84 - PCM REPROGRAMMING - TEST L ... price $36.95. The item above is the M-WDS WorldWide Diagnostic System check for $89.95 that looks to me like some sort of PCM data dump to the factory data base computer for a file compare or check, since that took four times as much time then item 2. Well just like Microsoft when they charge for software upgrades so does Ford and the users of the product provide all the test data for improvements. Maybe from all this we can assume that the 2004 year LS must be almost perfect! BTW- LM dealer loaned me a new Taurus with all the options and I never noticed before how much vision distortion the front and rear glass windows have when compared to the flat design of the LS glass. View of all the cars behind you from the inside rear view mirror they are all 50% narrower when it comes to their actual width.Only the outside mirrors show actual size.

lolaj42

Thanks for the info on the PCM reflash. I will be following up with my dealer to see if this will take care of my stalling problem. I'll post back here if this does the trick!

mrgdr

The '03/'04 HID lamps are not interchangeable with earlier MYs. The mounting points and assembly behind the front bumper are different. The rear tails (not the reflectors in the trunk lid) can and have been exchanged by other owners.

rfdevil1

Do you know if the regular lights can easily be swapped for HID lights on an '03? This was the one option I wanted that I didn't get since I bought it off the lot.

rgnmstr

I don't have them. Don't want them. But I would like to know why HIDs or Xeons are hundreds from the factory but sell for a few bucks on Ebay.

the_necroscope

The Xenon bulbs that sell for $5 on eBay are just Tungsten filament bulbs pressurized with Xenon and/or Argon. There is virtually no difference between these and the regular halogen (as in halogen gas, ie: inert) bulbs that come with every car on the raod. The gas is only there to replace oxygen which causes the filament to oxidize and fail. The only difference comes from the higher wattage and tint on the glass. They are trash and could cause damage to you reflector or wiring. Don't waste your time or money.

REAL HID uses NO filament. It operates under the same principle as flourescent or neon lights. Pass a high voltage current (with the aid of a ballast) through a gas-filled chamber and the excited gas emits light. light output of HID is MUCH greater than halogen and must be used with properly designed lenses or reflectors to prevent blinding oncoming traffic. The blue/purple tint that is seen coming from cars with HID are a result of this set of optics. The light that is emitted from the bulb is actually white. Another benefit of HID is life. They have a lifespan like 10x greater than halogen.

Proper retrofiting from halogen to HID requires the inclusion a new reflector assembly. At the minumum, you will need new sockets and a ballast in addition to the bulbs. Without the reflectors, be prepared to blind everyone in your path.

rollier1

Can anyone tell me where I have 12 speakers when I only find 6 Grills? Can I assume that each grill conceals 2 speakers? If so what are they? Where is the 90 watt sub woofer located.

akirby

The 2 subs are in the rear deck. Each door has a 2-way speaker which Ford counts as 2 speakers. There are 2 additional speakers on the center console (one on each side). At least that's the setup on the 00-02 models. I think the 03 is the same except for the THX system.

phase90

There is a service bulletin on the stalling. TSB00-18-5.

mrgdr

>>>Do you know if the regular lights can easily be swapped for HID lights on an '03? This was the one option I wanted that I didn't get since I bought it off the lot.<<<

It would at least require swapping the entire lamp assemblies which would no doubt be expensive. I'm not sure if the underpinnings (mounts, wiring harness etc.) differ between HID and non-HID. I can say that the HID equipped LSes on the assembly line at Wixom are clearly labeled as "HID" for some reason though. Whether that's to alert the line workers to install HID is a question I failed to ask at the time.

My '03 Premium Sport has HID and I love it. Great illumination and color, very even and very well focused versus halogen lamps.

rgnmstr

Thanks for the reply answering my bulb question. As far as the warning about swaping .... don't worry I'm not interested. I view the xeons sold on ebay the same way I used to view the "mini supercharger" sold by J.C. Whitney. A lot of hype.

div2

I have heard good things about Sylvania/Osram Silverstar bulbs:
http://www.sylvania.com/auto/silverstar.htm , but I've had no first-hand experience with them. That was the one good thing about the old sealed beam headlights; you could swap in a set of Cibies or Hellas for around $100. The 7" E-Code Hellas in my Jeep have a better beam pattern and a longer reflective range than 95% of the composites fitted to new cars.

the_necroscope

I have a set. They are nice. Noticably whiter. Not tremendously brighter, maybe 20%. Given the $20/ea. price tag, it's a personal call. Myself, I'll get them again unless something better comes along.

mrgdr

Had Silverstars in my '00 LS and liked them very much. Ditto what the necroscope said above if I ever go back to a car equipped with halogen lamps.

craigcurry

For about 6 months I have had Silverstars on my '02 LS. They are an exact replacement for the factory installed Sylvania bulbs. They are whiter and brighter then the factory bulbs. It takes about 10 minutes per bulb to replace. I got mine for $20 each with a $10 rebate for the purchase of a pair. The rebate has long since expired. They are a good buy if you drive on a lot of dimly lit roads as I do.

scottc8

I agree with the above posts on the Silverstars. Not a dramatic improvement, but a noticeable one, and an easy and relatively cheap upgrade. I also drive a lot of rural two-lane roads in the dark, so every little bit helps. Only drawback is, now the fog/driving lights are noticeably yellow in comparison, so I'll have to spring for two more. It won't be entirely for the looks. The driving lights cast a lot of light to the sides of the road so I use them almost all the time. I have way fewer near-misses with critters running out in front of me than with my previous cars, and I think the lights are the reason.

rgnmstr

<<<<Only drawback is, now the fog/driving lights are noticeably yellow in comparison, so I'll have to spring for two more.>>>>>>>>.

Do the fog/driving lights take the same bulb. I would have assumed they were different.

scottc8

as the low beams. Which, I think, is actually the same bulb as the high beams, but with the coating on them. Some folks I know have taken their old high beam bulbs and put them in the fogs, but I'm concerned with making them too bright for oncoming drivers.

slunar

Per the OM the 2000 - 2002 LS has:
Low Beam: 9006
High Beam: 9005
Fog: 9145

2003 - 2004 LS:
Low Beam: H11
High Beam: 9005
Fog: 9145

I think what you are saying Scott is that the 9005 and 9145 will both fit in the same socket.

scottc8

actually, it wasn't, but if you're going to leave me that gracious escape, Yeah, that's what I meant. Thanks for covering my fumble.

vicv

Hi nvbanker,

Back in May, we agreed about the -um- frightening interior of the CTS. At that time I was researching a replacement for my wife's Catera. It was between the LS, 530i, Jag S-Type and MB E-class. While my wife chose the E-320, I provided the information to a friend who was looking for that class of car. He got a fantastic deal on an 03 LS V-6 with premium package. He recently took it on a 350 mile trip and thoroughly enjoyed it. For the money, you can't beat it.

Vic

nvbanker

Good to hear. Now, what year E did your wife choose? The new one is awfully pretty, inside & out. There's nothing I don't like about the style of that one......

vicv

We got a 2004 E-320 with only the sunroof package (sunroof, power rear shade and manual door shades). It came standard with just about everything else we wanted. She picked pewter with stone interior.

It's awfully pretty, which brings up the LS. Am I the only one that thinks it lost something when Lincoln changed the wheels to the new style? Also, I think the previous interior seemed to have more wood in it than the new one. We liked that and it influenced our decision.

lobsenza

Most people like the prior generation wheels better, in particuliar the sport wheels. The current sport wheels aren't bad either. I do not care for any of the other current wheels.

The wood in the newer models is real as opposed to fake. I have an 02 and think the new interior is a very definite upgrade.

scottc8

Yeah, they weren't too well received when a group of LS owners got to preview the '03s in early 2002. But by that time the wheels were into production. Lincoln is still listening, though. This past summer a fairly large group of us were Lincoln's guests for a few days and, following a tour of the assembly plant, the Lincoln marketing VP conducted an informal survey around his personal car, which had four different wheels on it. Opinions he wanted, and opinions he got.

vic, I'm glad to hear about your friend's purchase. The LS has always been a good value, but that new V6 is just an awesome bargain.

vicv

I'm glad to hear Lincoln is listening and may change the wheels. The 03/04 ones I like best are on the V-8 Sport. They don't have that flat look. But that's just me. Glad to hear they've gone to real wood. The LS deserves it. I've never driven a V-6, but the torque spec speaks loads for acceleration at reasonable cost.

scottc8

I've had an '00 V8 Sport for 3 yrs/90k miles. This past summer I drove an '03 V6 very briefly, on an autocross course at a Ford test facility, and that car felt every bit as quick as mine. Maybe even a little quicker when poking the throttle from low speeds. It probably can't match the V8's acceleration from high speed, like highway passing, but I sure had fun with it.

v8lincolnguy

The only current wheel style that I like are the ones on the V8 Sport model. And I still prefer the 17" wheels that the 00-02s(including mine)had. As for wood, all 03s and 04s have brushed aluminum on the center console around the shift lever and radio. Older models had wood on the console. Also, I think base LSs now don't even come standard with wood at all whereas all of the older ones had wood(even if it was fake).

akirby

Correction - older models did not have wood around the console (or WUD as we like to call it) except for the ashtray cover. Many 00-02 owners have installed WUD trim kits to cover the black plastic.

For 03-04 there are (or were) several different trims available such as black and aluminum in addition to the walnut.

nvbanker

Just went and looked at my dealers inventory of LSs Sunday, and paid particular attention to the wheels. The only ones I don't like, are on the base model V-6, but what a bargain that car is!!! I still like the chrome ones on the V-8 best.

lglove

Does anyone know if replacement or a copy of the original window sticker reflecting equipment and suggested list price is available? If so from who please?

v8lincolnguy

What kind of price are (new) base V6s going for on average?

nvbanker

They MSRPed around $36M.

carjim

When Lincoln finally gives us the new body style it should coincide with my Bimmer going out of warranty. I want to trade it in before I have any major repairs.

Rather than spend the miles and time checking out every LM store in Dallas, Ft Worth and Mid-Cities, which one(s) would you recommend based on your customer satisfaction with the service?

I checked out a couple in or near Arlington. The waiting areas were crowded with cheap arm chairs and dog-eared old magazines. Is this a reflection of the store's attitude towards the customer? Anyway, would love to hear who treats you well and respects you as an LS driver.

lobsenza

John Eagle is an excellent dealership.

chartrand

Don Davis is not a great dealer as I've posted before. They are a mega dealer with a separate Lincoln annex- a step above where they were before. Still wouldn't recommend them. John Eagle gets my vote as well.

ls8

anyone know what the planned timing is on a redo of the LS? the body style is basically unchanged since intro in May 1999.

akirby

Probably 2006. And it may be on a different platform. Too early to tell.

nvbanker

I hear Jaguar is taking back the DEW98 platform as proprietary, and the LS will be made on a DEWLITE platform. This code bode well, or ill for the LS. The qualities of this underrated little Lincoln that have made it so amazingly popular are the superb balance & handling, as well as power the car has. It's a driving experience similar to BMW, that no other American manufacturer has duplicated, in my experience before. I sincerely hope Lincoln is given what they need to perpetuate this legacy.

The LS was created at the time Lincoln was put into the Premier Auto Group (PAG), and was to signal the evolution of Lincoln into a real contender for world class cars. Sadly, it was the first and last of its kind for Lincoln. While I obviously enjoy the Lincoln SUV line, I have mourned the demise of the Continental and the neglect of the Town Car as a car for livery use primarily. Still a good car, but falling so far behind the competition as far as features, design & style now. The interior is about as out of date as you can get.

That leaves the little LS as an orphan of the company IMO, and somebody should be shot for letting this division languish like this. Nasser, I guess, he was blamed for everything else wrong with Ford, and probably rightly so.

So, hold your breath, LS enthusiasts, that your car is perpetuated somehow, and not turned into a Mercury Cougar! Better buy a new one in the next 2 years, just in case!

rayainsw

Looking at the last 2003 LS sport at my closest dealer - what has anyone experienced with discounting recently? I see $4K rebate currently - what other discounts / incentives are people seeing now?
Thanks,
- Ray
Itching for the lovely sound and feel of that LS V8 again . . .

v8lincolnguy

With Cadillac rolling out the hot CTS-V, I'd love to see something from Lincoln to compete. Bring back the old Caddy v Lincoln rivalry. 2006 should be the latest that the LS gets a redo as it has been out since the 2000 MY(May 1999 in time). If you look at both the Navigator and the T-car, they were new in 1998(well the T-car was a new body style) and they got heavy updates for 2003. Using that timeline, the LS would be due for a significant update in 2005. Although one could argue, the LS got an significant update for 2003. Either way, by 2006, the LS will be ready for a major update or redesign. I'd still like to see a long wheelbase(and somewhat more luxurious) version of the LS built and the Continental name resurrected. This coming from a 27 year old who doesn't think nameplates like "Continental" carry negative baggage.

nvbanker

this 50 year old LOVES the Continental name. I owned two of them. This is probably not the time to bring it back though, unless there is some sexy product to hang it on. Renaming the LS would probably insult the following, which is extensive, as you all know. I also have an open mind toward names like Zephur, Premier & Cosmopolitan! But I'm the only one....:(

akirby

First - the LS was built before PAG existed so that wasn't a factor. Jag is not taking back the dew98 platform. Lincoln will supposedly have a slightly larger, more expensive version of the dew98 platform as it's flagship (Continental?). The DEW98 is just too expensive for the LS price range. I expect either a dew98 lite version based on the mustang platform and/or a Mazda platform based AWD model.

badgerfan

One of our local dealers is advertising new 04 LS V-6's starting at $25998. They probably have only one in stock at that price and likely it has no additional options, but base model isn't too badly equipped, in my opinion. If I was looking for a new car at the moment, (I'm not and won't be for a number of years) it would certainly be tempting at that price to step up to entry level luxury with a base LS.

hairong

I replaced the speakers in my '03 LS V6 Base the past weekend. If you've been to llsoc site, the installation is pretty much the same as documented there (for 00-02), except that you don't have to remove the door lock handle panel any more. The door handle also changed from cup shape to beam type, but there are still 2 screws there covered by a plastic tab.

As to speakers, I used Polk db570 5x7/6x8 2-way speaker, OEMs are 6x8. The mounting holes did not fit perfectly, one hole missed by 1/4" inch. I end up using 3 holes and drilled a new one on the plastic base. For your Audiophile system, since you already have "12" speakers, you may want to use component speakers with/without new amps.

slunar

I have heard that the LS is going to stay pretty much the way it is today, (ie. 2004 model) through the end of the 2006 Model year. The most significant change that I am aware of is for 2005 the side stampings are changing to give better side intrusion crash protection. The side curtain air-bags may become standard at that time.

I would expect only minor trim and model changes in 2005 - 2006, like the 2004 Appearance Group and LSE models.

As Alan said there have been many rumors about a new Continental in 2006. More than one Ford exec. has said that the Continental name will return to the Lincoln model lineup. The most plausable rumor is that the 2006 Continental will look similar to the concept Continental that was on the auto show circuit a couple of years ago and that it will be based on a DEW-98 derrivitive platform and it will be larger than the LS. For 2007 there is supposed to be a Lincoln version of the Ford Futura. This car will be smaller than the LS and should also be offered in AWD and possibly wagon versions. Where this leaves the LS or a LS replacement in 2007 is not clear.

Ray, hope you find a 2003 at a good price. In addition to the $4K rebate there have been up to $2K additional rebates if you finance through Ford Credit. I think there is also dealer cash on the 2003's right now, so I would expect that you can get at $10K - $11K in discounts & rebates off the leftover 2003 V8's.

eweygrin

I have an 02 LS 8 with sport wheels. 235 50r17's. I am having a hard time finding snow tires. I found a set of 225 50r 17's. Is this a big difference in size? Will I be all right as long as all 4 tires are 225's?

slunar

eweygrin: Although 225/50R-17's will be OK (your odometer & speedometer will read slightly high), I highly recommend that you pick up a set of 16" wheels and buy 16" snow tires 215/60R-16's.

Look on e-bay or other places (local auto-trader papers or web sites) for a set of used 16" LS wheels. You'll probably be able to pick up a set of used wheels & new 16" snow tires for not much more than the cost of 17" snow tires.

With a separate set of wheels, over the life of your tires you'll avoid the cost of re-mounting and balancing the tires making a separate set of wheels lower cost in the long run.

You'll also avoid the possibility of damaging your very expensive 17" wheels by the many tire re-mounts. In addition, the LS is very sensitive to out of balance tires. With many tire shops you may find that it will take a couple attempts at re-balancing the tires after they've been remounted to get them right again.

lateralg

This can be avoided if using OEM wheels combined with a bit of knowledge.

tone81

Any thoughts: Dealer said two should be fine. I know all 4 would be better for handling purposes, but I'm more concerned of any problems mixing 2 snows (on rear) with the 2 all-seasons up front?

Thanks for any advice. The 2 are going on today, but I can always have two more put on.