LLSOC still needs volunteers to man our area with Lincoln at the NY Auto Show. Especially on the two weekends of the show. Please either email me at: brian.gowing@llsoc.com or go to the LLSOC message boards under Events and post a notice. You need to be a member of LLSOC to volunteer.
Jim Rogers also wants to have an Owners Meeting/Cocktail while he is at the show. THIS IS OPEN TO ALL LS OWNERS. Tentative dates that he is going to be at the show are April 9-14. I should know more by next week. He may also have additional Ford/Lincoln executives available depending on their schedule. If you are planning on being in the New York area this is a great opportunity to meet him and express your views on the LS.
I have resumed driving my LS (on the "good days")now that must of the snow/salt season is over here in NW PA. I noticed the other night that the autowipers don't really work very well with "old" wipers. The passenger side - smaller wiper just kept smearing the water back and forth over the sensor and it would just keep coming on trying to clear the windshield... way more than it needed to.
Solution: New Wipers! They work 100% better and the autowiper system does too. (I guess it relies on having good wipers... makes sense!)
Awhile ago I too posted that I had "problems" with the autowipers. To make a long story short, seems the common issue was the automatic carwash. The final "hotwax" product must have left some sort of film on the windshield, because thats when I always had issues of the wipers switching to HIGH speed and staying that way. I would then clean the windshield good with windex, and the problem disappeared. Another carwash, and the problem reappeared..
Moral: Keep the outside glass portion near the sensor CLEAN
I stand, er sit, corrected. Scot Douglas nicely pointed out that while the automatic-equipped cars have a neutral rev limiter that kicks in at around 3,000 RPM the manual gang doesn't have this limitation, except for the normal rev limiter of around 6,800 RPM for all cars.
Thank you Scot!
Brian (methinks the manual gang will be going neener-neener over this:))
I apologize if you have discussed this before, but I was wondering what everyone's take was on the CR report that US cars are becoming more reliable, rivaling Japanese and European cars. Specifically, the comment that Ford's Lincoln and Jaguar brands are among the LEAST reliable cars on the road today. I hope that is not true for the LS. I'd really like to hear a response from somebody at Ford-Lincoln on their take of these results. (jrodger, how about you?)
Is this Flag next to our user name because we love American cars? Do to my past experience, I used to say I'd never by an American car again. The LS has changed my mind. Don't get me wrong, I've had more than my share of problems, but taking into account this was a completely new car design, all in all its a fantastic car. The LS is the most pleasurable car I have ever driven.
Thank you Mark for your improvements, you have made a good thing even better.
I too purchased such a car 2000 LS V8 sport w/moon and what I think is a pretty lousy stereo. Hey, if you are OK with pioneer type sound quality you may like the stereo. The one I bought had ~7,500 mi on it. I was told it was a Ford VP car and therefore it had never been sold. I paid $30,997 three months ago.
I have no regrets at all. The car is great and quite honestly I would not have been able to afford its 2001 brother.
Anyway, it sounds OK to me. I would try to get them down a bit for the lack of moon roof or get them to throw it in for the price they are asking, although I agree with other postings. Even if the drainage is done correctly, you may still be scarificing. This car has a very rigid frame which contributes markedly to the car's handling charictaristics. You may be inadvertantly changing this property. In which case YOUR LS will NOT handle quite as well as the rest of ours.
Good luck. As many other postings have indicated, "...this car is the most fun to drive car I have ever owned."
Anyone replace their tires yet? I just had my 25k service (at 26K) and found out my tires were at the extreme of normal wear. I wanted something a little bigger because the first set wore out from fast cornering. You all know what I mean. I bought Bridgestone Potenza RE 730, 16"x225xZ55. The car's cornering ability is now greater than my ability, so far. At first they seemed softer, but now my impression is a little stiffer and definately louder than the firestones, but I just turn up the Alpine. Jim W
Just got back from travels that ended up with some R&R down under. Left the U.S. at post 775 and now at ~1500. Have yet to see any LS's outside the US/Canada. Does anyone know if they have sold any outside of NA?
Was informed at LS Mania that all "00's" would eventually have window failures. I saw a posting somewhere btw 775-present about a fix now out. Does anyone know the TSB number and should you have the work done if you have not had any failures yet (haven't powered the windows up and down much)?
Also my bookmark to this site didn't work when I got back, did Edmunds change something while I was gone?
PLEASE don't start the CR thread again. There was a lengthy discussion on this recently. Scroll back and you'll find a lot of opinions on CR's reliability ratings.
The dealers won't replace the window mechanisms if you haven't experienced any problems. I have a 00 with 42,000 miles and use the windows a lot and haven't had any problems with them.
I saw on some other message boards that people have started seeing some blacked-out LS's bearing an "LSC" badge on the trunk (Detroit and Atlanta). Anyone here know anything more?
Last week I asked if anyone was having problems with there Heating systems on their LS V8 sports, and what they have found in the process of getting it fixed.
Well, this past Monday the car went in, and to make a long story short, they were stumped, for a while. But in the end they found the problem, which is unigue to the V8. I got the car back this morning.
My problem was at idle, the heating system would stop blowing warm air and blow nothing but cold air, almost A/C. What they found was a broken auxillary water pump that is imbedded in the water line. It seems that the V8 water pump is not strong enough when you are sitting at idle, so they added this aux pump to all the V8's. I would assume the 01's have the same setup, maybe someone can confirm.
Anyways, the dealer Ron Marhofer in Cuyahogo Falls, Oh should be commended for sticking with it. He could have said nothing was wrong and let me go, but they persisted. Brian, I think you can add these guys to the "Good" list.
One last note. While at the dealer I mentioned about this board and the fact that Lincoln folks are active here. They didn't know anything about it or LLSOC, but they do now, and were pretty excited to see the support.
Thanks everyone for the great information here. Now I'm waiting for Brian to put his stamp of approval on the MagnaFlow and the air box. That is next.
"But in the end they found the problem, which is unique to the V8"
Reason # 3 while owners of the proven Duratec V6 LS owners can feel at ease. ;-)
Just kidding. Everyone enjoy your LS's. (That is if they start, if you can get more than 11mpg in the city, and if you can get some warm interior air at idle).
Some possible additions to your list, at least for automatic LS6s: the anemic acceleration vis-a-vis the LS8 or LS6 manual will (a) ensure you don't suffer from any medical maladies related to accelerating too quickly from a stop, and (b) teach you the cardinal virtue of humility as you watch those LS8s, manual LS6s and run-of-the-mill Duratec V-6 Tauruses (Taurii?) & Sables out accelerate, out merge, and out pass you all day long (not to mention legions of manual tranny I-4 economy cars). Hope everyone has a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day!
I am having 2 problems with my 2000 LS and have been told that both are within Spec. The first is that my brakes squeak 95% of the time that I use them and can be heard over the radio with the windows closed. The second is that when I have the heater on floor only, there is a significant amount of air flowing from the vents and the defroster. It is enough air that the little strips on the vent get hot and my forehead starts to sweat from the air.
I've been to 2 dealerships and both say that brakes will squeak because they are metallic and that the air flow is with spec (gee could the spec be a poor design).
I've contacted the CRC but they just reiterate what the dealers said. I'm looking for a solution or an email address of an engineer or a Product Manager.
I know that I'm starting something, but as the owner of 2 Duratech equipped cars, I feel somewhat knowledgable. There is NO way that my Sable will out run/accelerate/handle/or any other adjective my LS! I have yet to be passed by ANY econobox, or any Impala's for that matter. I guess if you don't know how to manually shift an auto, you could be out whatevered. Sure, the six gives up some to the eight, but SO WHAT! I quit engaging in stop light races in my teens. I never did understand the big deal of being the first to wait at the next red light. As for handling, the six will hold it's own against the 8. Even as a rookie at the autocross, having never been to one, my times were as good as the V8 guys with similar experience. And I don't have the sport package! I am so sick and tired of hearing from those that don't own the six, complaining about it. GET OVER IT!!! I bought the six for a reason as did all six owners! We are NOT second class citizens! That attitude is right from the BMW/MB crowd! I believe the CONSTANT complaining about the six is really jealousy, that we have, in your mind, an inferior car. We kind of drag down the prestige, in your mind.
Now, I'll get off my soap box, not mention this again, and thorughly enjoy my clean, Zainoed, blast to drive V-SIX!!! BTW, the Duratech Sable does grocery getter duty now. It is SOOOOOOO slow, and corners lik a P-I-G pig! :~)
I am having 2 problems with my 2000 LS and have been told that both are within Spec. The first is that my brakes squeak 95% of the time that I use them and can be heard over the radio with the windows closed. The second is that when I have the heater on floor only, there is a significant amount of air flowing from the vents and the defroster. It is enough air that the little strips on the vent get hot and my forehead starts to sweat from the air.
I've been to 2 dealerships and both say that brakes will squeak because they are metallic and that the air flow is with spec (gee could the spec be a poor design).
I've contacted the CRC but they just reiterate what the dealers said. I'm looking for a solution or an email address of an engineer or a Product Manager.
Look up the published road test results from sources like C&D or MT. Just a quick sample.
Using C&D: LS6 non-Sport auto went 0-60 in 9.0 secs (and only .77g). Mercury Sable LS did it in 8.9 secs (and .75g). They tied in quarter mile at 16.8 secs. Then look at Chevy Prism: it did it in 8.3 secs and 16.6 secs. Or look at Hyundai Elantra GLS: 8.3 & 16.6 secs.
MT has Ford Taurus SE going 0-60 in 8.3 secs with 16.3 quarter mile. Ford Focus SE at 9.0 and 16.8 secs. Saturn SC2 at 8.5 and 16.5 secs.
Is hard to find LS 6 automatic test results. Few tested. Think CR's went 0-60 in over 10 secs. Anyone wanting to test performance tests either LS8 or LS6 manual.
I don't care what the mags say. I OWN THEM. I drive them way more than they did on their little test! Shoot, I said I wasn't going to say anything , someone shoot me now
My 2000 LS has circular Millenium emblems on both side of the car just past the passenger windows? Does anyone know how many of these emblems were issued?
I will probably buy the 8 but I test drove both several times because two reviews said the LS 6 handled better due to less weight on the front end. I did notice significantly better handling in the 6 on cornering. I also drove a 6 with 3000 plus miles and it seemed very fast. I doubt that driven correctly, it would give up more than 1 second in the 0 to 60 with the auto. I was surprised to learn that the 6 has more HP than the 8 in the TownCar. I do think that if the variable timing option in the S Model Jag were available on th 6 it would be worth $400 or so more. I am a little concerned that the 8 is and entirely new engine and I wonder if the bugs are out of it yet. Is the timing chain noisy? The Duratec it a proven engine. One Ford mechanic said he has it with 130000 miles and no oil pushing. Time will tell on the 8. I have a 528i that goes back to bmw in 6 weeks. It is a fine car but has a rough 4 speed auto at 48000 miles.
The 8 is still a pretty good motor. I believe it is the modular version of the 6? I noticed that once the engine gets broken in, it gets faster. I have 12.5k on mine and look forward to the next chance that I get to drive it!
Amen. They do get faster. My V6 with 13K plus on it is much faster than it was when newer. Of course I'm sure the K & N and the MagnaFlows help too. I had a loaner LS V8 for my last service at 12K miles and was not impressed at all. It had about 7K on the odo. Very pleased with my choice but if the wife had let me have the manual, I would be even happier.
FYI- I just read a multi-car comparo in Road & Track magazine's annual auto test issue. The LS they tested was a V6 Sport/SST. It ran 0-60 in 9.1 seconds, the slowest of any car in the test, which included, if memory serves (caution- 53 year-old memory afflicted with CRS at work here)Chrysler 300M, Olds Aurora, Maxima S/E auto, Cadillac Catera Sport. What I do remember clearly is that despite the "anemic" (by comparison) acceleration, the LS emerged as the clear favorite. The only reason they didn't rate if first is on account of price.
We all love our cars. Engine choices were made for a variety of personal reasons. I don't recall too many V6 OWNERS bemoaning their choices.
In other news, the latest AMI Auto World Weekly reports that there will be a 01 S-type Jag with a Sport package. This will include body color accents, greyed wood interior trim and a wheel/tire package. No word on a supercharger.
Thanks, Mark for the info. I really do like the Duratech. You guys really did a good job with it! BTW, the TSB sure makes a world of difference. The shifting is first rate!
I'm afraid I can't 'aiuto' aiuto, but on my 2000 LS8/Sport the only complaint I could make about the brakes is that they still produce a fair amount of dust on the wheels, even after 20K miles. However, NEVER have they squeeked at all. I think your dealer is giving you the runaround.
Brake squeal should NOT happen. It is caused by a high-frequency vibration of the pads. If they fit correctly and are installed correctly, they should not squeal.
The two primary comparison tests in which the LS6 auto was involved are published in...
1. The 7/00 issue of R&T, comparing LS6 auto Sport to Catera Sport, Aurora 3.5, and 300M. The LS6 came in 3rd overall, behind Aurora and 300M. As you point out, it did do well in many tests. "It won six of the 15 categories and scored the most points in our subjective rankings. But when you factor in its relatively slow acceleration and highest price, it falls to 3rd in our very tight overall ratings." 0-60 in 9.1 secs with 16.8 sec 1/4 mile. .82g.
2. The 2/00 issue of C&D, involving 9 cars. LS6 auto non-Sport. Came in fifth place. "The Lincoln recorded the third poorest 70-to-0 braking result--195 feet--and tied for next to last on the skidpad at .77g". Had slowest 0-60, 0-100, and 1/4 mile times.
So if you want performance go with Sport model, in either V-8 or manual V-6. Non-Sport LS6 is not a performance-oriented automobile.
Since both of us have been participants on this forum for some time I am quite certain that you remember the previous "discussion" of the reliability of testing. There are so many variables involved (ie temp., weather, driver, altitude) that no one, or two, results will ever be the same. IIRC it was you who brought out this very fact when you referenced differing results to proclaim that test results cannot be relied upon and one must make one's own decision as to whether a vehicle meets one's requirements. I totally agree that the V6 auto is more of a luxury car than a performance oriented one and therefore, lesser numbers are MEANINGLESS to such a purchaser. Screw the numbers! Whether the car makes you happy is the final determinate.
My dealer, Southern L-M in Decatur GA currently has my early build (7/27/00) '01 build LS over the weekend, waiting for L-M to FedEx TSB 01-01-05 to them. You wouldn't believe how the rep has TRIED to talk me out of installing this TSB. I made the mistake of mentioning I knew about reflash without actually complaining about the transmission performance. I digress.
Long story short: the service rep called me and asked me if I was aware the TSB would cause "a significant" loss of power. I said this was ridiculous, since to my knowledge the reflash adjusts just the tranny software, not any of the actual engine performance settings. Her reply: "This is what my CERTIFIED technician is telling me." (Humph!)
I fully understand the reflash changes the relationship of the engine power to the shift points, etc., but personally, would you describe ANYTHING in 01-01-05 as "power reducing"? If you see this before Monday, I'd appreciate a reply since I guess I could call them to say don't install it.
Again, I think the only change affecting my car would be the 20-mph downshift adjust. What do you think? I say go ahead and put it in.
I don't get you? This is a board to talk about Lincoln LS's. Yet all of your posts have an undertone of dislike and negative comments about the car all or most of us here purchased because we believe it was the best choice for us.
If you don't have informative or positive contributions to this board, please take it somewhere else.
Your early build 2001 has the IDENTICAL software as the reflash except for the downshift at 20 MPH. There is NO difference in the engine calibration. The relationship of engine power to shift points is unchanged.
The only difference from your software to the new software is removing the delay in a 4-3-2 downshift at 20 MPH.
Actually, giowa keeps this board from becoming too much of a love fest.
Although I am not an LS owner, any prospective buyer of an LS would be wary of postings here which gloss over any imperfections or attack any negative press.
A "positive contribution" to this board does not mean one has to keep one eye closed when discussing the virtues and flaws of a car. Be glad goiwa does inject a dose of reality once in a while...it will keep this board from becoming a private chat line.
You say, "This is a board to talk about Lincoln LS's". I do that. You pan me for not being uniformly positive about it or for pointing out problems. Don't you really mean to say "talk mainly or only about the good things concerning the LS?
If you read my posts you'll notice I'm not afraid to point out both the good and the bad. I've said lots of good things about my LS8 Sport and my mom's LS6 non-Sport auto. But, unlike so many others here, who seem to only want to hear good news and gloss over anything negative, I also don't automatically dismiss negative reports. I don't attack the automotive press. I don't attack CR. I don't attack those who have been having problems with their car or dealer.
As I've said before, you gotta take the good with the bad. And one of the key points of a site like this is to point out the bad in order to improve the car, dealers, and manufacturer over time. I'm into learning the truth, improving the breed, and having better informed potential buyers and actual owners. I want tomorrow's LS to be better than mine, that way I'll likely buy another.
Our little recent discussion about the V-6 automatic is, IMHO, indicative of why the automotive press is predisposed to like makes like BMW. BMW, for all its faults, has a strong brand image, one focused on performance and luxury. More toward the former in the lower price ranges and the latter in the upper range, but never sacrificing either, esp. in comparison to its primary competitors. And having the M-line to ensure very very high levels of former.
Does anyone know the percentage of total LS sales that are base LS6 auto? Versus V-8?
What is the purpose of the base LS6 auto? The LS6 auto non-Sport confuses the market purpose of an LS. It is neither performance nore luxury. What does it get you that you couldn't get in a Continental? Continental has more room, more gadgets, is quicker, etc? Or a loaded Sable, for thousands less? Does it really cost that much more to get an LS8, esp. if you start adding decent options to the base LS6? So why does Lincoln even build it? C&D's 2/00 test had a car with an MSRP of $33,155 going 0-60 in 9.0 secs and pulling .77g. Governed top speed of 121 mph. I can think of a myriad of cars that can do that, all for less than $25K. And they'll have similar room and decent luxury options. If you are going to spend over $30K, shouldn't you be getting a lot more than a plethora of run-of-the-mill cars can also offer? My 69-year-old mom likes her base LS6 auto but even she complains about its lack of power versus her last two cars, a '93 Concorde 3.5L V-6 and '83 Caprice 5.0L V-8.
"What does it get you that you can't get in a Continnental?" If you REALLY need an answer to that rediculous question, then you have lost what little credibility that you had on this board.
I do not know how anyone, especially a performance oriented individual, can compare a Continental with an LS. The Continental is designed for those who have given up on life and merely want to cruise through what remains. We LS buyers are still interested in living! We demand FUN in our cars and will not accept a "rolling coffin." I apologized for offending you before, but not now. If you truly believe a Continental is a competitor for the LS you DO NOT understand this car, even if you do own one. Go back to your Hyundai Sonata and be happy, but leave those of us who expect/want more alone!
I guess the PHP equipped 300M is also an also ran as it has a 118 limiter. I sense some jealousy that there is a V6! What about the lesser powerful BMW 525/528? Are they also useless cars? My LS SIX BASE is my first step in this market. I am thankful that I could step up to this class and not drive my 5th Sable. The Continental is a gussied up Sable with a V8! Same FWD. I LOVE this car, just ask the Mrs. I can't wait to drive it! Like I said before, I OWN, not test for a couple of hours, the SIX. I didn't see you at Mania. You could've learned something about the people and car that you freely criticise. It gets me where I want to go in style and as fast as the federal/state gov't will allow. 0-100, WHO CARES! Last time I checkd, the speed limit was 65-75. Those car mags rip the V6 as underpowered yet the 190 horse BMW is a "rocket"? I learned a long time ago to read between the lines. Generally American cars are junk, Japanese cars are fantastic, and Black Forest stuff is the Holy Grail of the auto world. If you don't OWN and drive a particular car on a daily basis, you should keep your "expert" opinion to yourself ( BTW, if your Mom's car is so lousy, why do you drive it, in your words, "regularly"?). You can try and put my car down all you want. It just shows how insecure you really are! Enough ranting. I'm now going to get in my lowly V6 non-sport and blow away some Hyundai's. That is it I can get out of my own, underpowered way
PS. I love people that complain about something and do NOTHING to correct the problem! If the car is SOOOOOO bad....... SELL IT!!!! And buy one of those 400hp Hyundai, Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura or Nissan/Infinity!
are like... well, everyone knows what they are like.
We are all entitled to them.
However, I need to ask everyone to remember that the Terms of Use requires that we all agree to disagree in a civil manner - this means no name-calling or other attacks upon posters with whom our opinions differ.
Thanks,
Pat Host Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
I recommend that the members of this board who are tired of the same old tactics by a certain unnamed member reinitiate the process of not responding to his messages and just skip past them.
In the past, this approach has served this board well (in addition to other boards that this individual has 'participated' in.)
Continental vs LS V6 non-Sport? Even a casual observer can see they're totally different beasts. And, it's $10,000 more for the Continental.
A certain poster is argumentative with nearly everyone, takes issue with nearly everything that is said, may have some opinions, but doesn't play nice and his posts are really tiring.
Do you guys even read my posts before launching the hydrogen bombs? My discussion about the Continental was clearly in reference ONLY to the base LS6 auto non-Sport. NOT the LS8 or manual LS6 Sport. I own an LS8 Sport. From a performance standpoint, a Continental is competitive with a base LS6 auto non-Sport. And it is roomier & more luxurious. That's why I can't figure out what Lincoln is doing with this particular LS. Neither performance nor luxury. So who is supposed to buy it?
Does anyone know what percentage of total sales are base LS6 auto non-Sports?
I don't know about your markets, but in the Greater Omaha & Des Moines areas, Continental and Town Cars are as cheap if not cheaper, than LS6s. And way cheaper than LS8s!!! In today's Omaha World-Herald Woodhouse L-M is advertising '01 Continentals & Town Cars for $32,799. Stan Olsen L-M selling Continentals for $33,925 (from a $40,125 MSRP) and you get BOTH 3.9% financing and the $1K rebate. Is interesting that Olsen's ad doesn't even mention LSs. Woodhouse's only mentions a lease deal on '01 LS8 ($399/m w$3.5K down & 12K miles per yr). Lincoln practically has to give away TCs and Cs.
I love my '00 LS8 Sport. Better all around performer than my '96 Impala SS (though most people think the latter is "cooler"). Too bad it hasn't been very reliable. And its mileage isn't too good. Impala SS roomier and gets better mileage. Both will kick butt on interstate or on long and winding roads!!! So, I do know all about performance and the value of a well balanced, competent RWD platform. But without the right engine in one, what do you have? Potential without capability?
keyrow (#1541): (1) So are you honestly going to say the base LS6 auto non-Sport is as "fun" as an LS8 Sport or LS6 manual Sport? (2) My '00 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.5L V-6 w/5-speed manual & TC will outperform the base LS6 auto non-Sport. (3) And haven't you read Aldous Huxley's BRAVE NEW WORLD? I'm an Epsilon Semi-Moron!!!
I saw in a posting that someone purchased the K&N air filter 33-2148 for the LS at ~$48++. I checked with AutoZone and they could order it and was ~$48 plus tax. I found Martelbros.com and it was $33.45 plus $5.95 shipping and handling for a total of $39.40.
Actually I kind get a kick out of Kiowa's comments and how easy it is for him to set a few of the rest of us off. He certainly keeps the discussion interesting. Now for my problems. Before I start let me say I love this car. Have no intention of selling it for anything else. But think this should not be an impossible mission to accomplish.
Why can't they find the source of the annoying squeak in the instrument panel. Why can't they make head lamp assemblies that don't have condensation. (I've had 3 replaced) Why can't they make the individual climate control work correctly. (passenger side is too warm) Why can't they find the cause of the occasional chattering that occurs when braking. Why can't they find out why the moon roof sometimes stops retracting for no reason. Why can't they find out why the radio lights sometimes dim. Why can't they find out why sometime the windows will not close with the ignition off (good for 10 minutes supposedly) Why can't they find the reason why my headline squeaks in the back Why can't they find why sometimes the car starts and then falters only to flood out afterwards. Why can't they find out why the transmission sometimes hesitates when a sudden acceleration is needed. Why can't they find out why the brakes sometimes pull sharply to the right. Why can't they tell me why I have to accept this as "We couldn't find anything wrong"
Enough allready... ok let me have it..... I'm just a whining, complaining, self-absorbed BMW wannabe....(never considered it). Should be banished to the never-never land of persons with conflicting opions...
Comments
Jim Rogers also wants to have an Owners Meeting/Cocktail while he is at the show. THIS IS OPEN TO ALL LS OWNERS. Tentative dates that he is going to be at the show are April 9-14. I should know more by next week. He may also have additional Ford/Lincoln executives available depending on their schedule. If you are planning on being in the New York area this is a great opportunity to meet him and express your views on the LS.
If you need more info. please contact me.
Brian
Solution: New Wipers! They work 100% better and the autowiper system does too. (I guess it relies on having good wipers... makes sense!)
Moral: Keep the outside glass portion near the sensor CLEAN
Thank you Scot!
Brian (methinks the manual gang will be going neener-neener over this:))
I apologize if you have discussed this before, but I was wondering what everyone's take was on the CR report that US cars are becoming more reliable, rivaling Japanese and European cars. Specifically, the comment that Ford's Lincoln and Jaguar brands are among the LEAST reliable cars on the road today. I hope that is not true for the LS. I'd really like to hear a response from somebody at Ford-Lincoln on their take of these results. (jrodger, how about you?)
Thx all.
Thank you Mark for your improvements, you have made a good thing even better.
Tom....
I have no regrets at all. The car is great and quite honestly I would not have been able to afford its 2001 brother.
Anyway, it sounds OK to me. I would try to get them down a bit for the lack of moon roof or get them to throw it in for the price they are asking, although I agree with other postings. Even if the drainage is done correctly, you may still be scarificing. This car has a very rigid frame which contributes markedly to the car's handling charictaristics. You may be inadvertantly changing this property. In which case YOUR LS will NOT handle quite as well as the rest of ours.
Good luck. As many other postings have indicated, "...this car is the most fun to drive car I have ever owned."
Scott
Jim W
Was informed at LS Mania that all "00's" would eventually have window failures. I saw a posting somewhere btw 775-present about a fix now out. Does anyone know the TSB number and should you have the work done if you have not had any failures yet (haven't powered the windows up and down much)?
Also my bookmark to this site didn't work when I got back, did Edmunds change something while I was gone?
The K&N filter is the same for the V-6 or the V-8
Well, this past Monday the car went in, and to make a long story short, they were stumped, for a while. But in the end they found the problem, which is unigue to the V8. I got the car back this morning.
My problem was at idle, the heating system would stop blowing warm air and blow nothing but cold air, almost A/C. What they found was a broken auxillary water pump that is imbedded in the water line. It seems that the V8 water pump is not strong enough when you are sitting at idle, so they added this aux pump to all the V8's. I would assume the 01's have the same setup, maybe someone can confirm.
Anyways, the dealer Ron Marhofer in Cuyahogo Falls, Oh should be commended for sticking with it. He could have said nothing was wrong and let me go, but they persisted. Brian, I think you can add these guys to the "Good" list.
One last note. While at the dealer I mentioned about this board and the fact that Lincoln folks are active here. They didn't know anything about it or LLSOC, but they do now, and were pretty excited to see the support.
Thanks everyone for the great information here. Now I'm waiting for Brian to put his stamp of approval on the MagnaFlow and the air box. That is next.
John
Reason # 3 while owners of the proven Duratec V6 LS owners can feel at ease. ;-)
Just kidding. Everyone enjoy your LS's. (That is if they start, if you can get more than 11mpg in the city, and if you can get some warm interior air at idle).
I've been to 2 dealerships and both say that brakes will squeak because they are metallic and that the air flow is with spec (gee could the spec be a poor design).
I've contacted the CRC but they just reiterate what the dealers said. I'm looking for a solution or an email address of an engineer or a Product Manager.
Thanks,
Joe Aiuto
aiuto@att.net
Now, I'll get off my soap box, not mention this again, and thorughly enjoy my clean, Zainoed, blast to drive V-SIX!!! BTW, the Duratech Sable does grocery getter duty now. It is SOOOOOOO slow, and corners lik a P-I-G pig! :~)
I've been to 2 dealerships and both say that brakes will squeak because they are metallic and that the air flow is with spec (gee could the spec be a poor design).
I've contacted the CRC but they just reiterate what the dealers said. I'm looking for a solution or an email address of an engineer or a Product Manager.
Thanks,
Joe Aiuto
aiuto@att.net
Using C&D: LS6 non-Sport auto went 0-60 in 9.0 secs (and only .77g). Mercury Sable LS did it in 8.9 secs (and .75g). They tied in quarter mile at 16.8 secs. Then look at Chevy Prism: it did it in 8.3 secs and 16.6 secs. Or look at Hyundai Elantra GLS: 8.3 & 16.6 secs.
MT has Ford Taurus SE going 0-60 in 8.3 secs with 16.3 quarter mile. Ford Focus SE at 9.0 and 16.8 secs. Saturn SC2 at 8.5 and 16.5 secs.
Is hard to find LS 6 automatic test results. Few tested. Think CR's went 0-60 in over 10 secs. Anyone wanting to test performance tests either LS8 or LS6 manual.
Shoot, I said I wasn't going to say anything
aiuto@att.net
Mark
We all love our cars. Engine choices were made for a variety of personal reasons. I don't recall too many V6 OWNERS bemoaning their choices.
In other news, the latest AMI Auto World Weekly reports that there will be a 01 S-type Jag with a Sport package. This will include body color accents, greyed wood interior trim and a wheel/tire package. No word on a supercharger.
Brake squeal should NOT happen. It is caused by a high-frequency vibration of the pads. If they fit correctly and are installed correctly, they should not squeal.
1. The 7/00 issue of R&T, comparing LS6 auto Sport to Catera Sport, Aurora 3.5, and 300M. The LS6 came in 3rd overall, behind Aurora and 300M. As you point out, it did do well in many tests. "It won six of the 15 categories and scored the most points in our subjective rankings. But when you factor in its relatively slow acceleration and highest price, it falls to 3rd in our very tight overall ratings." 0-60 in 9.1 secs with 16.8 sec 1/4 mile. .82g.
2. The 2/00 issue of C&D, involving 9 cars. LS6 auto non-Sport. Came in fifth place. "The Lincoln recorded the third poorest 70-to-0 braking result--195 feet--and tied for next to last on the skidpad at .77g". Had slowest 0-60, 0-100, and 1/4 mile times.
So if you want performance go with Sport model, in either V-8 or manual V-6. Non-Sport LS6 is not a performance-oriented automobile.
My dealer, Southern L-M in Decatur GA currently has my early build (7/27/00) '01 build LS over the weekend, waiting for L-M to FedEx TSB 01-01-05 to them. You wouldn't believe how the rep has TRIED to talk me out of installing this TSB. I made the mistake of mentioning I knew about reflash without actually complaining about the transmission performance. I digress.
Long story short: the service rep called me and asked me if I was aware the TSB would cause "a significant" loss of power. I said this was ridiculous, since to my knowledge the reflash adjusts just the tranny software, not any of the actual engine performance settings. Her reply: "This is what my CERTIFIED technician is telling me." (Humph!)
I fully understand the reflash changes the relationship of the engine power to the shift points, etc., but personally, would you describe ANYTHING in 01-01-05 as "power reducing"? If you see this before Monday, I'd appreciate a reply since I guess I could call them to say don't install it.
Again, I think the only change affecting my car would be the 20-mph downshift adjust. What do you think? I say go ahead and put it in.
thanks in advance,
steve
If you don't have informative or positive contributions to this board, please take it somewhere else.
Sorry everyone, I guess I finally had enough
Your early build 2001 has the IDENTICAL software as the reflash except for the downshift at 20 MPH. There is NO difference in the engine calibration. The relationship of engine power to shift points is unchanged.
The only difference from your software to the new software is removing the delay in a 4-3-2 downshift at 20 MPH.
Mark
Although I am not an LS owner, any prospective buyer of an LS would be wary of postings here which gloss over any imperfections or attack any negative press.
A "positive contribution" to this board does not mean one has to keep one eye closed when discussing the virtues and flaws of a car. Be glad goiwa does inject a dose of reality once in a while...it will keep this board from becoming a private chat line.
If you read my posts you'll notice I'm not afraid to point out both the good and the bad. I've said lots of good things about my LS8 Sport and my mom's LS6 non-Sport auto. But, unlike so many others here, who seem to only want to hear good news and gloss over anything negative, I also don't automatically dismiss negative reports. I don't attack the automotive press. I don't attack CR. I don't attack those who have been having problems with their car or dealer.
As I've said before, you gotta take the good with the bad. And one of the key points of a site like this is to point out the bad in order to improve the car, dealers, and manufacturer over time. I'm into learning the truth, improving the breed, and having better informed potential buyers and actual owners. I want tomorrow's LS to be better than mine, that way I'll likely buy another.
Our little recent discussion about the V-6 automatic is, IMHO, indicative of why the automotive press is predisposed to like makes like BMW. BMW, for all its faults, has a strong brand image, one focused on performance and luxury. More toward the former in the lower price ranges and the latter in the upper range, but never sacrificing either, esp. in comparison to its primary competitors. And having the M-line to ensure very very high levels of former.
Does anyone know the percentage of total LS sales that are base LS6 auto? Versus V-8?
What is the purpose of the base LS6 auto? The LS6 auto non-Sport confuses the market purpose of an LS. It is neither performance nore luxury. What does it get you that you couldn't get in a Continental? Continental has more room, more gadgets, is quicker, etc? Or a loaded Sable, for thousands less? Does it really cost that much more to get an LS8, esp. if you start adding decent options to the base LS6? So why does Lincoln even build it? C&D's 2/00 test had a car with an MSRP of $33,155 going 0-60 in 9.0 secs and pulling .77g. Governed top speed of 121 mph. I can think of a myriad of cars that can do that, all for less than $25K. And they'll have similar room and decent luxury options. If you are going to spend over $30K, shouldn't you be getting a lot more than a plethora of run-of-the-mill cars can also offer? My 69-year-old mom likes her base LS6 auto but even she complains about its lack of power versus her last two cars, a '93 Concorde 3.5L V-6 and '83 Caprice 5.0L V-8.
Have a great, safe St. Patrick's Day!!!
Enough ranting. I'm now going to get in my lowly V6 non-sport and blow away some Hyundai's. That is it I can get out of my own, underpowered way
PS. I love people that complain about something and do NOTHING to correct the problem! If the car is SOOOOOO bad....... SELL IT!!!! And buy one of those 400hp Hyundai, Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura or Nissan/Infinity!
We are all entitled to them.
However, I need to ask everyone to remember that the Terms of Use requires that we all agree to disagree in a civil manner - this means no name-calling or other attacks upon posters with whom our opinions differ.
Thanks,
Pat
Host
Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
In the past, this approach has served this board well (in addition to other boards that this individual has 'participated' in.)
A certain poster is argumentative with nearly everyone, takes issue with nearly everything that is said, may have some opinions, but doesn't play nice and his posts are really tiring.
Can't we vote him off the island?
Does anyone know what percentage of total sales are base LS6 auto non-Sports?
I don't know about your markets, but in the Greater Omaha & Des Moines areas, Continental and Town Cars are as cheap if not cheaper, than LS6s. And way cheaper than LS8s!!! In today's Omaha World-Herald Woodhouse L-M is advertising '01 Continentals & Town Cars for $32,799. Stan Olsen L-M selling Continentals for $33,925 (from a $40,125 MSRP) and you get BOTH 3.9% financing and the $1K rebate. Is interesting that Olsen's ad doesn't even mention LSs. Woodhouse's only mentions a lease deal on '01 LS8 ($399/m w$3.5K down & 12K miles per yr). Lincoln practically has to give away TCs and Cs.
I love my '00 LS8 Sport. Better all around performer than my '96 Impala SS (though most people think the latter is "cooler"). Too bad it hasn't been very reliable. And its mileage isn't too good. Impala SS roomier and gets better mileage. Both will kick butt on interstate or on long and winding roads!!! So, I do know all about performance and the value of a well balanced, competent RWD platform. But without the right engine in one, what do you have? Potential without capability?
keyrow (#1541): (1) So are you honestly going to say the base LS6 auto non-Sport is as "fun" as an LS8 Sport or LS6 manual Sport? (2) My '00 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.5L V-6 w/5-speed manual & TC will outperform the base LS6 auto non-Sport. (3) And haven't you read Aldous Huxley's BRAVE NEW WORLD? I'm an Epsilon Semi-Moron!!!
Now for my problems.
Before I start let me say I love this car. Have no intention of selling it for anything else. But think this should not be an impossible mission to accomplish.
Why can't they find the source of the annoying squeak in the instrument panel.
Why can't they make head lamp assemblies that don't have condensation. (I've had 3 replaced)
Why can't they make the individual climate control work correctly. (passenger side is too warm)
Why can't they find the cause of the occasional chattering that occurs when braking.
Why can't they find out why the moon roof sometimes stops retracting for no reason.
Why can't they find out why the radio lights sometimes dim.
Why can't they find out why sometime the windows will not close with the ignition off (good for 10 minutes supposedly)
Why can't they find the reason why my headline squeaks in the back
Why can't they find why sometimes the car starts and then falters only to flood out afterwards.
Why can't they find out why the transmission sometimes hesitates when a sudden acceleration is needed.
Why can't they find out why the brakes sometimes pull sharply to the right.
Why can't they tell me why I have to accept this as "We couldn't find anything wrong"
Enough allready... ok let me have it..... I'm just a whining, complaining, self-absorbed BMW wannabe....(never considered it). Should be banished to the never-never land of persons with conflicting opions...
Kevin
LS2000 V8 cordovan, 14000 miles.
PS did I mention how much I luv this car!!!