Lincoln Navigator Maintenance and Repair

akirby

https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenance/owners_manuals/default.asp

The factory code used to be printed on the remote module but I'm not sure where it is. Check with the dealer.

thaoriginal

I am having this problem too. I think I located the drain holes, I didn't see anything blocking them, I stuck a coat hanger down 3-4 inches to try and clean them out, didn't see any signs of debris. Has anyone found a solution to this?

afrodave

My 2001 Navigator is displaying the (I think it's P401) egr code and my check engine light is on. I bought a manual to figure out where the valve is located and the picture in the manual is not exactly the same as my engine. Could someone please tell me the location of the EGR valve, how hard it is to get to, and how easy it is to replace?

I am getting 12-13 miles to the gallon and I am hoping to increase that to about 15-18. The previous owner told me he used to get around 18 on the highway after he installed his "tornado" air intake.

hadbabyitsaboy

I press for fluid and nothing comes out of the front. The rear works fine. I hear the motor running when I press for fluid and there is fluid in the reservoir. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks!!!

akirby

See if the nozzles are clogged and check the hose from the reservoir to the pump.

cin2dom

I Have an '01 nav with 102,000 miles lately we have been hearing a humming noise somewhat loud. This happens as we sit at a light or take our foot off the gas(usually at low speeds) like slowing down for a turn. The car will sometimes stall. It always hums before a stall(and it just quits no missing or motor cough), but it does not always stall when it hums. It also stops humming if we give it gas. Any body have the same problem or know the solution. Thanks

olivet_couple

Two Words, Fuel Pump

wyngator

:lemon:

Good Morning All -

I am new to this forum but I have a problem with my Navigator and was hoping for a bit of help. Four years ago, I purchased a 2003 used Lincoln Navigiator. It had 25,000 miles on it and was in beautiful condition. I was able to get an extended warranty on it that took me for an additional 50,000 miles, so at 75,000 I was done with my warranty.

During the past four years I have had several electrical type problems with this vehicle. My power mirrors have been erratic, my power running boards were also a problem. I had my power lift gate worked on, my auto seats had quirks .... etc. The service dept. at my Lincoln Dealership have been great. It has been annoying to have sooo many problems with such a nice vehicle, but I love my Navigator and repairs have not cost me $ just my time.

I now have 88,000 miles - so I am no longer under warranty. Now, I noticed that I get an "engine" light on my dash. I looked it up in the manual and it says that it is Emission Control light. I went through the check list and none of the possible causes (low grade of gasoline, gas cap improperly replaced) were found to exist. So, just to be safe I brought it back to my service department.

I am in shock over what they have told me. They told me that I have LOW compression on Cylinder 7 and that Cylinder 6 is not far behind. They said they suspect that it is "warped exhaust valves" - internal failure. They said I need to replace my LEFT SIDE cylinder head and that the cost will be a bit over $5,000. Well I was in shock to say the least. They claim this happens on the Navigators sometimes.

Now, to make me feel a bit better, they told me that so far all my repairs have been done under warranty and that has been of no cost to me even though those past repairs were over $10,000 worth of repairs. This would be my first out of pocket expense on this vehicle. My question is WHY should an expensive vehicle need over $15,000 worth of repairs anyway???


I can't help but wonder if I should not consider putting my $5,300 into a newer automobile. Originally, I purchaced this Navigator with the intention to drive it to about 160,000 miles or more. Now, I wonder if that is a possibility.

Does anyone know if this is a really a common problem with the '03 Navigator or do I just have the lemon?

What other "common" big ticket expenses are around the corner for me. Anyone out there familiar with common repairs of the Lincoln Navigator?

Was 2003 a bad year for them?

Sorry .... so many questions ... but I am in a panic. I cannot afford a "money pit" vehicle.

Thanks to anyone willing to give me some advice!!!

Laurie

afrodave

My 2001 Navigator is displaying the (I think it's P401) egr code and my check engine light is on. I bought a manual to figure out where the valve is located and the picture in the manual is not exactly the same as my engine. Could someone please tell me the location of the EGR valve, how hard it is to get to, and how easy it is to replace?

I am getting 12-13 miles to the gallon and I am hoping to increase that to about 15-18. The previous owner told me he used to get around 18 on the highway after he installed his "tornado" air intake.

denham

You said the compression was low on the engine, what was the reading?
I would get anonther mechanic to look at the engine replace the spark plugs and check the sensor in the exhaust and see if the engine light does not go off.
Note also the door switches can stick and make for a problem for the running boards as well as the air ride trim. WD40 on these switches work wonder, but not easy to get at as you can not see them and need pull back the trim inside at the front of the door. Dirt and dust get at these switches after a few years and they start sticking making all type problems.
Before spending money I would look around for another mechanic and have the compression checked and change the spark plugs and exaust sensior.
Dennis

wyngator

:sick: Hi Dennis,

I have no idea what the compression reading was because that information is not on my paperwork. I took my Navigator back to the Lincoln Dealership Service Department where I always go and they just show me a receipt that shows what the technicians suspect is the problem and the probable costs to fix it. I was told by Lincoln that this problem is not uncommon for the Navigators and that it has been the left side of the engine where this problem has popped up in the past. Something about having warped exaust valves problems due to the engine size (he said something about what a big engine I had and the heat generated ... blah, blah, blah).

Honestly, I would be fine if it were the power running boards again because I can easily live without those little bells and whistles. I just hate driving around with an engine problem (which is what I am doing at the time).

Thanks for your reply,
Laurie

denham

Note: The switch at the door on the driver side often gets dust and dirt in it, and it will stick when the door opens, and when the door is closed the air ride does nor start and lift up. I have had this problem, and the switch is not easy to get at, as it is inside the panel at the front of the door. WD40 does wonder.
Dennisl

denham

Note: I do not feel you have a big problem. I would change the spark plugs, and EGR
and see if your light does not go off. A suspect of a problem can lead for repairs that is not needed, and this warped valve deal I do not buy as it would take a lot of overheat.
Routine upkeep with WD40 on your control switches ever year or so will take care of
your air ride and running board problems. These switches are not easy to get at inside the front of the door panels, but once done they are not a problem.
Get the EGR checked in the exhaust and if the spark plug have not been changed
do so. Take your tie off and get a can of Wd40 and go to work on these switches, starting with the driver door.
Dennis

daringmor

Hey guys, I am new to this board and am hoping to get a little bit of help.... Everything was working fine on my truck until I went to get new tires on it. After I picked the truck up I noticed the CK SUSP light was on............. I have read a couple of other sites and was told that when they raised the truck up that the key wasn't off and that would have cause the problem. I also seen a post that said to disconnect the battery for a couple of minutes and it would reset everything and it would be fine. Well I did that... it was disconnected for 3 hours and the only thing that was reset was the clock. Everything still had its memory as if the battery was never disconnected..... So my question is, has anybody else been in this same situation where they went to get tires put on or rotated, etc. and then the CK SUSP light was on. What did you do to fix this problem?..... Any help would be greatly appreciated.

jeyhoe

Laurie - and anyone with a Navigator 2003 on - some more info perhaps.

First, Laurie, I dunno if puttin the lemon in your post is accurate or not. You've gotten to 88,000 miles w/o any out of pocket maintenance expenses (except cost of extended warrantee)? Seems pretty good to me. Your Navigator has all the bells and whistles so, compared to say a Toyota Corolla, yeah, it's going to be a money pit cause those things break. If you dont need what the Navigator provides, perhaps it's time for a simpler ride? CR shows the Nav much worse than ave for repairs. I haven't seen that with my '04 at all, though I have only 44000 miles at this point. However, read on for engine news.

I brought my '04 in last week for some warrantee work, before the warrantee runs out later this month. Mostly nits like a fastener came off the wiper cowl and it rattles around, driver's window getting etched a little bit by something inside the door and the #6 CD often wont come out or shuts the radio down. My great service advisor is taking care of all this and more. My wife remionded me as I was on my way out the door to complain about rough idling sometimes, so I did., though I didnt think it much of an issue. Well, here's my advice to those with Navs still under warrantee:
-Complain about rough idle if you have it.
I got the diagnosis yesterday - Low compression in cylinder 3, caused by insufficient cooling thru the head. Solution - replace the left side head with a new design which fixes the cooling issue. SO Laurie, it looks like this is an issue with '03 and later Navigators. Mine is being replaced under warrantee thank goodness. I would suggest you fight hard for an AWA (after warrantee adjustment) cause it seems that this is a design defect.
For me, this is a bit of a shocker cause my Nav, except for those nits I mentioned, has been 100% reliable. Having to rplace the head at 44,000 miles, gives me the willies as I look ahead to another 44000 miles. I've got to either sell mine (really dont want to love the vehicle) or buy the extended warrantee.

hadbabyitsaboy

Thanks! I opened the hood (Duh on my part) and low and behold the hose connected to the windshield wiper was not connected. I had recently gone in for an inspection and i guess the tech detached it somehow??? Thanks Again

akirby

Always check the simple things first!

wilfr

Hi and thanks for all your helpful info.
Our 03 Navi ultimate besides other things also has problems with the running boards. Sometimes they will come out and sometimes not, although not both at the same time. In fact, one time my wife nearly had an accident, while stepping on the passenger board to get in the car. the board retracted ...... lucky that she hung on !!! Our dealer now has disabled them saying that we need" two" new motors.
You said there is only one ???? The weather has been to crummy to crawl under and check it out, very frustrating. What I don't understand is all the "water problems" people ( and I ?? ) are having ? Hey this is a BIG 4x4 !!! Look at all the ads and see them going through streams and all, what's with that and what can one do ???? Love to hear from you, thanks, wilfr

1mistajs

my car started riding rough and cut off. I changed the fuel filter
and checked the injectors and dicovered no gas is getting to the
engine. What can I do?

wyngator

I was extremely disappointed to see engine problems at only 88,000 miles. This is not my first vehicle and I typically drive them until they almost drop. I traded in a 1994 Mercury Villiager (Nissan Engine) running fine with 140,000 miles on it for this Navigator. We have a 2001 Infiniti I30 with 165,000 on it running just fine and we had a Honda Accord with over 150,000 before we traded in on that one. Before that I had Mazdas, Volkswagon and way back when a Datsun. All my prior vehicles could skip over 100,000 miles with no problems. So... yeah .... given that this was my most expensive auto purchase (a fully loaded 2003 Navigator) .... I was expecting MUCH more. My husband just purchased a 2007 Acura MDX a few months ago and we are expecting great things from that auto. I guess that is why I stuck the lemon in there. I had higher expectations.

jrwms

I just bought a 2001 navigator with 69000 miles low compression on number 5 cylinder ( 0 ) I am told it needs a valve job, Checking prices I find that it is cheaper to replace whole engine. Is this common problem? It also is very hard to turn the steering wheel when sitting still, steers fine when moving. I put 2 new power steering pumps and it made no difference. Any suggestions? does any one else have this problem. I bought it on eBay my only recourse is to leave negitive feedback, so I am stuck with it.

ilove_mynavy

hi my car just had the same problem ..
It started a couple of weeks back when the air suspension will turn on the noise kept getting louder when it sounded like it was going to start and got msg CK SUSP well the next day i took it to the dealer turn out to be that the compresor from the air suspension broke and had to be replaced becuse then the airbags were going to tear i came out to alittle under $
1000

jd723

Thank you, nvbanker, the info on the door default code was very helpful. Like you said, it was under the dash drivers side, on a white sticker. I found the sticker on a white box (computer module ?), that was on the firewall under the dash. Thanks again.

bartv

I have a 2000 Nav and in clearing ice and snow away from my winshield 2 wks ago, I moved the wipers up and out of their resting position. Since then, they do not work. If I pull them away from the windshield in a upright position, I can see the motor rotating them fully and upright, the swing to a full rotation.

Against the widshield, the motor will not move them from their resting position. Any advice?
Is there a reset anywhere?

jaycox

my name is Ron, i have a 2000 navigator , i thought the windshield was leaking, and today i was told by a glass company that the windshield wasnt leaking. when it rains water gets on my fuse box causing it to short out and runs the battery down. has anyone out there experienced this problem. any help would be appreciated thanks

beaksplace

I have a 2001 Navigator; recently had the air suspension compressor motor replaced. Air suspension compressor relay is malfunctioning (moisture problems?) Anyone have any "experience" with this situation. Thanks for your help.

jaycox

I have a 2000 navigator replaced air suspension compressor and a new relay everything is ok no problems i would replace the relay it will cost you around $100.00. the company i bought the compressor from advised me to replace the relay after replacing the compressor. wish you luck

beaksplace

Thanks for the follow up! Replace the relay ($125.00) and everything works fine. Sounds as if you had some good advice from the company you purchased the compressor from. I was not told (or even suggested) that the relay be replaced as well. Glad I found this website. Good People!

eduard99

Just got my car back on Thursday from a repair due too somebody crashing into the side just in front of the driver door. (~10K repair cost - left front suspension, wheel and drive + paint work)
On the way back home, the check engine light came on and the car was running rough.
I have had a compression test done yesterday. The test shows CYL 7 with 3% and CYL 6 with 8% difference at 162RPM.
They recommend to replace the left cylinder Head for ~$4800 or a replacement engine for ~$6800 (both installed) and claim it is not accident related.
Three questions:
1. could this have anything to do with the accident?
2. is this normal for a premium car at 89k miles?
3. Any recommendations regarding course of action?

Thanks for your help.

wyngator

Hi There,

Sorry to hear about your problem. I wish I could tell you that this is a unique problem, but it is not. I do not believe that your accident has anything to do with what you are experiencing because I recently had the SAME situation and my Navigator was not in an accident. My problem began when my engine light suddenly started to appear on my dashboard. I was at 88,000 miles - so I past warranty. My Navigator also was riding a bit rough. When I took the vehicle into the dealership I was told that there was LOW compression on cylinders 6 and 7 and it was strongly suggested that I replace my LEFT cylinder head.

You can look up: TSB 06-05-13 that is a technical service bulletin number. Feel free to google it and you will see that FORD is very much aware of this problem.

I guess the best help I can provide to you is that IF you are a customer in good standing with your dealership (ie, have continued to have all your maintenance work done there) then might have some recourse. You can work with the dealership to have them help you with the costs of the fix. It is a one-third split situation - you pay; dealership pays; and Ford pays. I have heard that they don't always do that for everyone. As I said, are you a customer who has everything done at Jiffy lube or do you frequent their maintance dept? Because from what I have heard from others .... that is the kind of thing that matters and will help in getting the costs down.

Good luck .... remember that knowledge is power. Do a little research and then give them a call.

...Laurie

jeyhoe

Good message and good advice.

sje2005

We have a Lincoln Navigator (2004) that currently has a whirling sound coming from the engine. When driving, it is noticeable when we accelerate/push on the gas. Once we let off, the sound dies down. I've also noticed it off and on while sitting idle. Anyone else have this problem and how did you end up fixing it? Thanks for all the help in advance!
Sara

jlevin1

I am interested in learning of other people experiencing cylinder head issues with their Navigators. We learned today our 03 gator needs heads replaced for $6000. The mechanic showed us a white paper TSB 06-5-13 stating an issues exists with our make/model. We have 75K miles on it. Seems this is a common time frame this issue arises. Since we have not been using our dealer for service in the last 18 months (they moved) and we didn't do a 60k check up the dealership said we are probably screwed for help. I'd like to see how many others are experiencing this issue to push for owenership of this issue.

After paying the money I did this luxury vehicle, I should'n't be paying for this type of repair. Any others out there please let me know! :lemon:

eduard99

Same problem here NAV 2000 - 89k miles. Pressure on two cylinders is failing. Recomandation change one cylinder head for ~ $4.5k (other one may fail latter) or replace engine for ~ $6.5K.
I am planing to call Ford/Lincoln - this is not acceptable for a car which was always maintained by dealer.

eduard99

I talked to Ford/Lincoln today and they are flat out refusing to do anything to help. (My car was always dealer maintained - however dealer closed shop 5 month ago)

With that experience, this will be my last Ford car.

No wonder the company has a tough going

akirby

I understand your frustration. I've had a cylinder head replaced on a 2003 Aviator under warranty and I'm hoping it doesn't fail again before we get rid of it in another year or so.

However - do you think any other car company is going to pay to replace a head on a 8 yr old vehicle with 90K miles? If so - you're dreaming. It's a design defect that only occurs on a small percentage of vehicles. It's not necessarily rare, but there are also hundreds of thousands of vehicles that don't have the problem.

jaesee

I have a 2003 navigator and for some reason my side mirror turning lights just stop working. I went to the Dealer and they said since it might be an electrical problem. It was going to cost $115 to diagnosis. If anyone an easier way please tell me. Thanks in advance.

jlevin1

Some relief from my issue with my 08 Gator that needed the cylinder head replaced. Ford paid for most of the issue. We were only charged $590 to have it repaired. However, that does not include the $100 we had to pay for diagnostics. They would not however pay for the running boards. Long story short, fight for them to cover the cost!

jeyhoe

"Some relief from my issue with my 08 Gator that needed the cylinder head "

Man u must drive a LOT to have run out the warrantee in less than a year on a 2008 Navigator.

Kirstie_H

A reporter hopes to speak with current owners of large SUVs who are trying to sell their vehicle and their experience. If you are a consumer with a large SUV that just sold or looking to sell, please respond to ctalati@edmunds.com with your daytime contact information no later than Monday, March 24, 2008.

zhemiz2

hello, nice forum, i own a 2003 Lincoln Navigator 2wd (mexican) made in u.s.a. in 03/03, it was imported to mexico by the dealer, it have almost 50,000 miles and always serviced in the dealer, i drive it in dirt a lot and in across small rivers that dont need 4wd, i never have problems before but:

1. like a month ago i start hearing a clicking noise from the engine when i started cold (just when its cold) and not always

2. sometimes when i start it (obvious its in park to start it) it moves to the front a little bit)

3. always when you turn your steering with the car not moving you can hear a loud clicking noise coming from the front suspension and i take a look and everything looks good. i have 24" rims and it rides perfect but even with the stock rims do the same thing. so im sure its not the rims, the cliking noise start before i put the rims on it.

i hope someone can help me, i have some mechanic skills and the dealer here en mexico try to charge a LOT to fix something, thanks in advance.

nr1113

I recently purchased a 2003 Navigator w/ 52K mi. The car is great except it makes 2 noises and after reading some of the conflicting posts I'm not sure if it's normal or not. 1. When I start the car, the car "hums". It will go away, but usually comes back at some point while driving or idling. 2. There is a thumping noise in the rear right hand side of the car. The first time I heard it thump was when I turned on the rear heat, but now it thumps even if the heat is not on. I purchased an extended warranty, but I also have a 30 day NYS UCAP warranty with the dealership. Any thoughts?

jmcclary

I have the same problem with mine and I just don't know what to do. I was thinking of just taken the lost and trade it in for a GMC. But being that I still owe 16000 on it I may only get about 10000 in this condition, everything else is fine just the stupid engine... And for those who say it's not the companies fault because many others don't have the problem then shame on you... This is why we have problems today in every type of situation...because people don't stand behind the quality of their work or they're just not held to the standards that they may expect...But forgive me for crying about it....It's like this

lbinh

On my '05 Navigator Ultimate, the power liftgate motors are noisy in operation. When it closes/opens you hear whinning noises from the electric motors. Is this normal? Other cars such as the Armada are near silent in power liftgate operation.

Also, did anyone have a permanent fix for their rear AC Expansion valve clinking noise? The dealer just added more refrigerant per TSB but the problem came back.

goodlifexl

Few questions, bought an 03 navigator, white, 56k mileage in October, love the truck, the looks it gets and watching people (mostly women) that look around the interior and then say hey this is a nice car......what do you do?

but thank you in advance to anyone that can answer a few of my questions.

1. I took my truck to get it washed the other day and the idiot doing the prewash manually closed the driver side, side view mirror and now when i use the power switch to close them or open them the motor seems to be off a few inches on the gear as when it opens it over rotates and the mirror is open too much by about 45 degrees any help?

2. Door Ajar signal on dash indicator screen on Driver Side Front Door (happens randomly) even when it has been slammed shut?

3. What type of oil do you recommend for regular 3-5k mi maintenance

4. Power Liftgate sometimes doesn't close all the way and I get Liftgate Ajar message, have to get out and push on liftgate to engage last lock, sometimes will release and liftgate will open when i walk away even if nothing is obstructing it....

5. looking for replacement lug covers for 18" alloy wheels, mine are oxidized and the plastic is deteriorating, anyone know a good parts dealer?

6. Recommendations on an aftermarket navigation system that fits the white leather/silver interior setup?

ton01

I've had my 01 navigator for 1 year 1/2 and it's been great, so far... I bought it with 116k miles on it, now it has 137k miles on it...know the ABS light is on(not all the time,just whenever that compressor does not turn on)The SERVICE ENGINE light comes out too!!i recently did a tune up on it. Since i bought it, ive changed the plugs only once( is that bad???Do you think i need new plugs again????all comments and suggestions are appreciated thanks,(glad too join edmunds!!

jlevin1

Make sure you go back to the dealer you purchased the car from and push back. We were very polite about our approach but simply insisted this was not our issue as is was caused by a faulty part. The 1st dealer we went to that we didn't purchase the car from wouldn't even give us a quote to buy it from us. You need to be persistant. The dealer needs to contact Ford and Ford should help pay. We got our expense down to $590, still too much but better than the $5800 originally quoted.

maunakane1

hey I have a 03 Ultimate Gator and all the ligft gates that i have see make the same noise even mine. The problem is not your Expansion valve, you will only have a problem with that if its not blowing cold. you have a motor in the back that controls the hot and cold air. as it opens and closes when you use the rear controls the way FORD design it sucks because the motor inside keeps pressure on the gears no matter if its on hot or cold so after while that little motor inside will break the gears inside and that is whats making that clicking noise. the motor keep turning inside because it has nothing to catch on. Im fixing the problem on my gator like at this very moment. i live in texas and that is a dealer part only and it came out to be 81.19 for that piece of plastic. if you do decide to change the motor assembly keep it for the old motor just in case the new motor go out.

maunakane1

take you gator to the dealer and have them pull the unlock code for you.... i did mine and it was like 15 bucks.... the person before you may have change the module in your truck and didnt get the new card with the code on it

maunakane1

when you get brake vibe you need to get you rotors resurfaced because they are warp meaning the flat braking surface is uneven... and before you put the brake pads back on you need to even them out, using sand paper or rubbin it back and forward "concrete"