Lincoln LS

heyjewel

I don't subscribe to Automotive News, but in reading one of my favorite *Extremely* interesting *Auto* commentary web sites I found this comment about a recent comment by Jim Padilla, who is somewhere high up in FOMOCO, I'm just not sure exactly where the Peter Principle has led him, and I quote:

"While commenting on Ford's design future in Automotive News, Jim Padilla had this to say about the sorry state of Lincoln - "I think one of the biggest challenges we have now is: What is Lincoln?"

So there it is. Just as I and others have suspected, the schmuckety-mucks at Ford ARE CLUELESS about what to do with Lincoln. "What is Lincoln."

No commentary was made about Mercury, but IMO, they are even more STOOPID at handling that brand. Case in point: I recently was sortof forced into getting another set of wheels. One of the vehicles I test drove was the Mercury Mariner. Now, it wasn't THAT bad of a vehicle. It seemed to actually be better than the Kia Sportage I also drove, but only barely. So why am I complaining (other than it's in my nature?) Because when I turned on the headlights I saw the color of the dashboard lights are ... are you ready for this? ... PINK for gawd's sake! PINK instrument panel lighting. Unbelieveable. Mercury is aimed at women I've heard and they certainly eliminated this guy as a potential customer right there. No, I'm not unsure of anything about my sexuality, but I am sure I don't want PINK lights on my dash. Geez.

And while I'm on a roll, I saw the photos of the actual interior of the Zephyr and , well, it ain't working for me. All hard square edges except for the round air vents and the wud or wood looks terrible. It looks OLD, like a Granada interior or something. I dunno, just dunno.

On the upbeat side :>) - I still say the exterior design of the two Lincoln sedans I saw several months ago are killer. As long as they don't screw em up between now and Job 1 they'll be about the best looking cars in their segments. (Course they're also FWD ...)

And last, I don't totally hate everything Ford is doing. The vehicle riding on top of the new set of wheels I bought is a (used) '03 Ford Sport Trac and we all love it.

nvbanker

Yes, George, you know Elena Ford is running Mercury now, so what do you expect? Pink dash lights may not be the only thing going feminine. Are you sure it didn't have the multi-color option like the Mustang has? 180 different color options for your lights?

ANT14

Considering the knowledge of that meeting, I can tell you that statement was taken out of content. It was the beginning of a broader speech pertaining to future positions of Lincoln and where it's headed. It's as me saying "To be, or not to be, that is the question"...and then go on in some philosophical trance to reach a specific point.

All PAG brand vehicle are thought out, and their missions sealed for the most part. Mercury (thanks to Elena Ford-which was promoted onto another position) has improved vehicle offerings and it's mission is clearly stated. Lincoln is beginning there's.

scootertrash

"Mercury...has improved vehicle offerings and it's mission is clearly stated."

What is Mercury's mission?

ANT14

Offering a bit more style and toys than their Ford counterparts. There's actually some consumers that are wishing to buy certain Ford models, but dislike knowing there's a high number of them on the road. (Ever get stuck at a light and see 3-4 Taurus'/Explorer around you?) For them, the Mercury allows them to have a Ford, but differentiated a bit. And have the benefits of a good dealership experience at their local L/M dealers.

scootertrash

So, Fords with Bling?

That's consistent, It's no secret Mercury has always been a fancier Ford.
As long as there's enough differentiation, there's hope for Merc.

I do like their styling direction with the brushed metal and nice details, but I haven't seen the pink lighting.

As long at there's no Grand Marquis La Femme in the works.

marsha7

I have a problem with anyone who does not like pink dashboard lights...where is your sense of adventure???... :P :shades:

scootertrash

Not that there's anything wrong with that...

heyjewel

"I have a problem with anyone who does not like pink dashboard lights...where is your sense of adventure???... "

It's in the manly 4x4 transfer cases in my Cherokee, Navigator and Sport Trac! :>) GRRRRRR

heyjewel

"Considering the knowledge of that meeting, I can tell you that statement was taken out of content."

ANT: I guess I should give you that one. Knowing what I know about the media and how it (they) twist things around and even just looking back and considering what must have followed those words, the comment was probably as you describe it.

But u didn't think you'd get away that easy did you? :>) The writer of the column, I'm sure u know who it is, followed that with this:
"Let's just say that if Ford is still wondering out loud about what Lincoln is at this point, then it's hopeless. If they haven't had a fire lit under them by the success of their crosstown rivals at Cadillac, what's it going to take? Ford has squandered the once-proud legacy of Lincoln through an endless series of missteps, dim-bulb marketing decisions and a mind-boggling lack of conviction. No one has done less with more in recent automotive history than the executives charged with the stewardship of the Lincoln brand." And I must say that pretty much sums it up AFAIC. And the 'less with more' comment is aimed straight at the LS and DEW-98 and the demise of both.

koury

What do you all recommend for tire pressure? I have new Pilot A/S tires (I'm on my second set). As I was driving off from the mechanic, I noticed the ride was much rougher than my last set. Turns out they pumped almost 50 psi in each tire - good grief. I ran my last set at 34 psi.

Thanks in advance.

lateralg

The specified pressure works very well, and for good reasons.

scootertrash

You asked the same question in the Navigator thread.
What vehicle do you have?

nvbanker

I get it! The LaFemme package for the wife, the DeSade package for the husband! Cool!

ANT14

Hejewel,

""Let's just say that if Ford is still wondering out loud about what Lincoln is at this point, then it's hopeless. If they haven't had a fire lit under them by the success of their crosstown rivals at Cadillac, what's it going to take?"

The media insist that for Lincoln to be "dignified", they must follow Cadillac upmarket. As if they have this obsession is trying to slam on Lincoln in hopes that doing so, will provoke them to go upmarket and follow Cadillac.

As you know, and has been mentioned numerous times, Lincoln will NOT follow Cadillac upmarket, that's what Jaguar, Aston Martin and Land Rover, are for. Not ONE (like GM has) but THREE distinctive brands.

So here I am firing off e-mails to that editor to educate them a bit and remind him that is not Lincoln mission, and hasn't been. This is the same media that considers the "bling-bling" 300 selling well (because of it's IN YOUR face styling), yet call out the 500 in having slow sales (which they are selling at almost equal rates).

But if we take a look at the financial aspects of it, Cadillac isn't really being that profittable (if any) as compared to that of Lincoln.

Lincoln has the TC (twin to the CW/GM) which itself is low-cost to produce because of BOF construction. The tooling has been amortized and is pretty much a profit cow.

Navigator (same as above).

Mark LT (same as above).

These are just the models that are making quite a bit of money for Ford, out the gate which Cadillac can't say...As for other vehicles, and future vehicles....

LS (not making much, if any, although tooling paid for and amortized thanks to Jag).

Zephyr (will be profittable, although after a year when initial costs are amortized).

Aviator (will depend on the "Edge" and Cx-7 to offset it at first, but overall very cost effective to produce considering it's platform donor).

And then when the new Lincoln sedans debut for 07/08, then the media will harp with the point of, "Well, it took Lincoln awhile to catch up to Cadillac", when again, Lincoln isn't chasing Cadillac.

Now, years ago before the 500/FS debut, here I was on Edmunds discussing it's merits, specially quality, construction and safety, and finally consumers are appreciating that which I kept discussing.

Same with the Fusion prior to it's release.... "Oh it's a Ford, it's gonna be small like a Mazda6, and be a boring vehicle, it can't compete with the foreign brands"...And now the media is having multiple, well...they are just simply excitement and shocked by it's execution just like I kept discussing over a year ago.

And as for the next Lincoln sedans, I will say it again...it WILL be impressive, specially in roadability, styling, luxury and amenities.

Unfortunately, it'll take time to wait it out....

akirby

Actually, the recommended pressure (30 psi) is too low for the Pilot Sport A/S tires. They need to be run at at least 34 and as high as 40. Running them at 30 can cause premature wear of the center strip on the rear tires. Don't ask why - it just does.

nvbanker

OCD in my town, ANT, means "Organized Crime Division"....BTW.

I understand your strategy. Cadillac has no other luxury brand, and as it was imperative that they upgrade (at enormous expense, btw) the cars to demand some attention as a Luxury brand. They had been so bastardized and neglected during the 80's, that they were a laughingstock. I thought one of Nasser's better ideas was acquiring the British luxury brands, so I'm ok I guess with Lincoln being Ford's country club division, I guess. I just am in a spot for an acceptable Sedan replacement for my excellent Navigator as my lease is rapidly closing in on me. I'm old enough (lol) for a Town Car now - and I like them as rentals a lot. But for my work car - I'd be laughed at in one - so I'm cross shopping an XJ8 or S-500 now.
And that's fine - it's just been 15 years since I haven't been in a Lincoln, and it's a bit unsettling for me. I'm so comfortable in them, and know them and the company so well. I feel like I'm leaving my wife or something... I wish Lincoln had a gorgeous Town Car right now. And, btw, I did look at Cadillac. I just can't get excited about anything there. The DTS is their best looking car IMO, and it's still FWD, plus the interior isn't attractive to me at all. Not even considering one.

savetheland

Yeah, but Jaguar in form of sedan is not going to succeed. It will loose money forever and get shut down at some point. And Lincoln was always about luxury RWD sedans.

koury

It was the same question, but different car. I own both an LS and Navigator, figured while I was asking for one I'd ask for the other as well.

koury

Thanks akirby - I ran my last set at 34 and seemed to get good wear. You guys are the experts, I'll stick with 34.

akirby

Some RWD cars tend to wear the center of the rear tires prematurely. It looks like overinflation but it's not. I've heard this on BMWs and Ford trucks specifically. I think the Pilot Sport A/S is more susceptible to this because the center strip is softer (for better wet grip). I ran mine at 30-32 psi and had premature wear. Upping them to 34-36 seems to have fixed the problem which seems counterintuitive since the problem appears to be overinflation. People who always ran theirs at 35+ never had a problem.

div2

The Artic Alpins on the wife's 528iA did the exact same thing; I had kept the tire pressure at 32 psi cold. I'm going to try the Nokian WR next.

gkarg

I had my LS to the purchasing dealer - where they installed a driver's side catalytic converter. I was getting a check engine light and my OBDII code reader referred to the catalyst bank 2 - I replaced the O2 sensor and no luck. Long story short - I was leary to take to have them do a diagnostic, but it paid off, as the 8yr./80,000 mile warranty was only about 500 miles away when I took it in. So far, no new codes... I was very happy with the service, too.

Now, my '92 Continental winter beater is dead (original tranny quit at 198,000 miles.) I wanted another winter out of it! Other than being the "Money Pit" - it was a fantastic car that served well for 5 years.

So, the question is - what to replace - I was amused to see all of the remarks on Mercury, etc., but I'm really contemplating a Grand Marquis for many reasons, but most notably - the reliability. I know they lack the appeal of smaller cars, but my parents had a 1984 that never quit running great up to the 220,000 mark when it went off to the demolition derby in all its glory. It still was running like a top - but the body crapped out.

I don't want a FWD appliance, as the higher mileage ones (in my beater price range - will require $$$ for repair - I don't care if it is domestic or foreign, my sister's 96 Camry has needed its share of parts here and there...)

I would get another Continental, but don't want the costly repair of the pre-95's and don't want to pay for premium fuel for the V8 engine in the newer conti's. Oh well... the search goes on.

Forgot to mention, with the LS - I will finally be putting on the first replacement brake pads for the front and rear brakes over the next couple of weeks. I'm going to have the rotors turned down - not bad for 80K. I love this car! Only real problem/annoyance these days is the chattering steering wheel, when you remove the key. (Rainy day fix.)

jerrym3

Anybody in the northeast go to the Wildwood NJ boardwalk classic car autoshow last weekend?

Perfect weather on Thursday (parked my Galaxie on the boardwalk and went into the Atlantic), little bit cool and windy on Saturday, but no rain.

Nice show.

ezaircon4jc

Allen,

I was running ~35psi (usually 34-38) on the Pilot Sport A/S' I had on my V6. The centers were gone (1/32 rear, 3/32 front) in just over 10K miles. I was seriously disapointed with them. Discount Tire gave me a discount on some Dunlop 5000s that seem to be wearing much better.

akirby

Interesting - I didn't recall that in earlier discussions. In that case I'd recommend 36 minimum, just to be safe.

I really wish someone would provide a scientific explanation for this phenomenon. You'd think the tire companies would know but if they do they're not telling.

jaxen112

ok so I know your thinking coil packs, already replaced the number 4 pack and the check engine light is now gone. so unless one of the other coils is on its way out, but not enough to trigger the check engine light then it's something else ...right?

I'm seeing more and more posts with the same problem as I described, has anyone figured anything out about this yet?

my LS is a 2001 3.9 v8 with 55k miles.

akirby

Fuel filter? Fuel pump?

dominic2

Hey Everyone,

Should I have any concerns when considering a higher mileage 2003 LS V8 Sport? Any reliabilty, maintenance, or quality concerns? I am looking at an 03 with 58,000 miles.

Thanks!

cdnpinhead

2003 was the year many (many) improvements were made to the already capable LS. It's a pretty safe bet, assuming the oil was changed.

My 2000 has had a number of issues addressed by the '03 mods, and at that, I'm approaching 90K miles with only one significant hiccup -- a hydraulic cooling fan issue that the '03 doesn't have.

Remember that Ford, whatever other failings we've become all to well aware of, has learned how to make taxis, limos & police cars that last more-or-less forever.

akirby

Transmission solenoid pack and wheel bearings are the only two I remember. The tranny problem should have occurred while still under warranty and already been repaired - the dealer can check that for you.

Also premature brake wear on one of the rear wheels (forgot which one). Never figured that one out but speculation is it might be the electronic parking brake. Not a deal breaker though.

jdadamsjr

Oops, actually forgot about this forum
did I miss the post of the best way to be sure of tire pressure for YOUR vehicle, YOUR tires, YOUR environment ????

The chalk test !!!!

And believe it or not your pressure should be adjusted to match any large changes in loads

jerrym3

Saw a 2006 LS the other day.

Grille was body color except for the vertical slats which were chrome
Rear plate surround was body color (at last!)
Front facia was changed. Air intake was oval and painted black, not body color; fog light openings were round

Also saw the Fusion (not bad) and Lincoln Zephyer (nice, but V6 only could hurt it); haven't seen the Milan yet (except for pictures)

akirby

For 2006 the old LSE package front and rear treatments are now standard. The V6 was dropped. The sport package is standard with 17" wheels but it looks like you can special order a winter tire package that gives you the old base suspension (16" wheels). So in effect you now have a V8 base and V8 sport package.

Zephyr was supposed to get the new 3.5L duratec with around 270 hp but they had problems with development of that engine and chose to launch the Zephyr with the 3.0L engine rather than wait. I doubt there will be a V8 version.

desertguy

Pictures of '06 LS @ www.lincoln.com Zepher too. Interior of Zepher looks nice to me at least with nav.

oldhdbanger

someone had mentioned something about lowering a LS, does the LS have the same air suspension that the Mark VIII' s have, if so how do you lower the car without effecting the air suspension system? Also does anyone have a way to download a maintance schedule.

thank you. mongoose

akirby

No, the LS uses coil over shocks. You can lower it by getting new springs (Eibach is one I've heard a lot).

You should be able to get owner's manuals and maintenance schedules here:
https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenance/owners_manuals/default.asp

If you have a 2000 LS pick 2001 - for some reason it doesn't show up as a 2000 but the 2001 is almost identical.

oldhdbanger

akirby Thanks for the info

oldhdbanger

Hey guys! I would like to order some parts for my 02 lsV8
Looking for the best place to order online

I went to auto parts warehouse .com, but they don't have K&N cabin air filters, they had everything else though.

Their K&N air filter is $39.95
Brake dust shields are $36.95 &
Highland fitted mud flaps are $23.75 a pair.

Does that sould like a good price? .

Thanks in advance mongoose

jimross

No problems replacing front pads. On rear pads I could not depress the cylinder sufficiently to accommodate the new pad. Do I need to adjust emergency brake linkage or apply more pressure to the cylinder.

Thanks

akirby

You must buy a special tool that fits in the two small holes in the caliper so you can turn the caliper while pushing in. This is because of the parking brake mechanism. It's best to get the NAPA tool made specifically for Fords. The cheap cube with six different patterns doesn't work great.

One thing that will help is to remove the rear rotor, remount the caliper and use both hands to push in the piston and turn at the same time.

akirby

Bill Jenkins - Team Ford of Las Vegas. teamfordparts.com .

jimross

Thanks

You saved me the cost of going to a dealer. I can not find a repair manual for the LS

Thanks again

Jim

dominic2

Thanks for the help guys. I am definitely looking forward to being a future owner of a great car!

offdachain229

This is the problem, my car had the alternator rebuilt because the place I took it too could not get one for a week. But anyway worked just fine you know the normal volts and everything. But now everyday all the dash lights will come on, then the battery light, then they got out, and the needles to everything go all the way down, then go all the way up, then back down again, then back to nromal, the car does not die, nor does the aftermarket DVD player go out but during this everything else goes off AC etc. I have had it checked by Ford, they did not find a problem, but something is wrong. Any ideas, I'm wondering if I have a bad voltage regulator?

offdachain229

This is the problem, my car had the alternator rebuilt because the place I took it too could not get one for a week. But anyway worked just fine you know the normal volts and everything. But now everyday all the dash lights will come on, then the battery light, then they got out, and the needles to everything go all the way down, then go all the way up, then back down again, then back to nromal, the car does not die, nor does the aftermarket DVD player go out but during this everything else goes off AC etc. I have had it checked by Ford, they did not find a problem, but something is wrong. Any ideas, I'm wondering if I have a bad voltage regulator?

akirby

First I'd check the output of the alternator since that was just rebuilt. If it's in spec then I'd check the battery (have it load tested or just replace it if it's more than 3 years old) and the battery cables/connections. If that's ok then it might be a bad module (possibly the front end module or whichever one controls the dash).

offdachain229

Thanks man

ANT14

And if selecting an after market alternator from some specialty "automotive" store, just DON'T, I can't begin to tell you what nightmare stories I've seen...even if they have lifetime warranty, just DON'T.... This is one of those parts you want to buy directly from Ford.

cwz

On some items fordpartsnetwork.com is less expensive than teamfordparts.com

For K&N I have found martelbrothers.com to be the least expensive and no tax and free shipping