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Lincoln LS Overheating Problems

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  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Forest Lakes, AZPosts: 4,056
    Say what??

    Mine overheated a few years ago, and wasn't pretty when it came time to pay for what went wrong.

    Would you care to repost?
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  • zrhino45zrhino45 Posts: 2
    My 2000 Lincoln has 73ooo miles and has overheated 4 times in the last 20 days.mechanics cannot figure it out. when I take it in it does not overheat. but after driving the hell car for a few day's it happens again. I stop the car and shut it off. and then in 2 or 3 min tern it on. then the fan cool's it. and off I go till next time. this is bs... so what whent wrong HELP............
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  • tklarnertklarner Posts: 1
    I'm having the exact same problem, although with slightly more miles on the car. The mechanics look at me like I'm from outer space after they try to diagnose the problem. They initially thought that there was a coolant leak, and they did every conceivable test of exhaust for coolant, coolant for exhaust, using dye, etc., but after filling it to the top and running it for a few days the same problem occurred. I find that if it's driven at high speed (55-60mph) then you get stuck in traffic (5-10mph) it definitely overheats. If you idle it for about 15 minutes after running it at higher speed (45-55mph), it overheats. I've checked the fuses, there are two for the cooling fan, and they are OK. What can I do to convince the mechanics that there's a problem? Any suggestions?
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  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Forest Lakes, AZPosts: 4,056
    The problem I had with my cooling system had to do with the hydraulic cooling fan, which was discontinued in 2003, when it was replaced by an electric one. Either way, it sounds like a thermostat and/or cooling fan issue. I had hoped for thermostat in my case, but it turned out otherwise, to the tune of ~$700.

    Good luck.
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  • gadjettgadjett Posts: 3
    my 2000 Lincoln LS does the same thing, except it really isn't overheating - just says it is! The light comes on and the guage shows hot - stop it for a few minutes and it is fine - no steam from the engine - can even open the radiator cap. We figure it is something in the computer. I can live with it. Only usually happens if I've had a couple of short stops, i.e. shopping. My BIG problem is my LS has a 460 engine - we have bought 2 Auto Repair manuals that supposedly include our LS, but we need to change the valve covers and o rings, and nothing has info on a 460! We discovered it is a 460 from the VIN code. Any help?
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  • akirbyakirby Posts: 8,019
    There is no such thing as a 460 LS engine. You either have a 3.9L V8 or a 3.0L V6.
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  • robtblissrobtbliss Posts: 2
    my lincoln ls 2003 with v8 is currently in the ford shop with overheating problem! fourth time in the shop with this problem,prev times they said nothing wrong,no codes. this time however codes did remain in computer. car has sat in shop for 2 weeks waiting for a new fan assembly unit!! apparently this part is now FROZEN by ford obviously because it is a mexican junk part that is defective. ford is apparently waiting to have new ones built before sending anymore out to us poor consumers.
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  • cepcep Posts: 2
    I have a 2000 LS that overheats when I turn on the air conditioner, or when I'm sitting too long in traffic. If I pour water on the radiator, the car immediately cools down. I don't know if the problem is the radiator or the radiator fan. How can I tell if the radiator fan is rotating fast enough? (it seems to run a little slow to me).
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  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Forest Lakes, AZPosts: 4,056
    I have a '00 LS also that I bought new, and the only significant problem I've had in the 123K miles that I've driven it is the hydraulic cooling fan system. It's a variable-speed unit, and the fan drive motor has been known to fail such that it only runs at the lowest speed. Since I got mine fixed three years ago, it's worked fine -- I think they had a batch of substandard motors.

    Anyway, it's not cheap. Have it checked out -- could just be a thermostat.

    But don't count on it. This'll probably be something that the dealer is going to have to do. It's a pretty unusual system & I don't think I'd want a general-purpose garage learning on it.

    Good luck.
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  • cepcep Posts: 2
    Thanks. I think that's the problem because even when the car is starting to run hot the fan speed doesn't change. I just hope I can find a cheap fan out there somewhere.
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  • akirbyakirby Posts: 8,019
    Don't forget that the LS fan is hydraulically operated, not electric or mechanical. So you won't find a generic or 3rd party replacement. Bill Jenkins at Team Ford in Las Vegas is a good source for OEM parts.
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  • jeyhoejeyhoe Posts: 490
    Great answer, cdpin. Between you and akirby, who needs diagnostics? :>)

    Now I have a quick question that maybe you have some insight or opinion on. It's just a crazy idea I've been pondering. No, not the one involving Salma Hayek. This is about my stick-shift Lincoln and gas mileage.

    You and I know the LS 5speed is a pretty good car, n'est pas? Sure, it could use a few more HP (like maybe 80) and a bit better mpg would be nice too. There may be ways to get the HP, but this idea only addresses the mpg.

    Part of the problem is the 5speed has a 1:1 final drive ratio. THis causes the engine to turn at, what, 2500-3000 rpm at highway speds I think. I should have verified the number b4 I wrote this, but my wife is pretty much the sole driver of the LS now. Anyway, highway mileage should increase if the engine rpms decrease eh?

    The tranny is a getrag. getrag also makes 6 speeds. I admit I havent researched at all, but I'm thinking a 6 speed might have a lower final drive ratio? Perhaps finding a 6 speed getrag on a bimmer in a junk yard somewhere and modifying the spline might provide a nice improvement in LS mpg, and maybe increase the torque handling number so that the HP increase could be addressed too?

    Any thoughts? Yeah, maybe that Salma Hayek dream is more easily achievable? :blush:
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  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Forest Lakes, AZPosts: 4,056
    Well, I got ~26.1 mpg on a 7400-mile trip to Alaska & back in July, which I think is pretty decent. Generally get ~19 commuting to work & back in stop-and-go traffic, which isn't great, but I consider it okay.

    Anyway, making a transmission swap in a car like this is certainly an ambitious project. I doubt seriously that the 6-speed has the same external dimensions -- it's unclear that it would even fit. You might be better off going with a taller rear-end ratio, which would of course affect lower gear acceleration as well. I also don't know if the Getrag 6-speed you're considering is an overdrive unit. If not, you won't accomplish anything in the top gear.

    Good luck. I wouldn't touch what you're contemplating with an 11-foot pole.
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  • akirbyakirby Posts: 8,019
    Who would want a manual tranny in a Lincoln in the first place???
    :P ;) :blush:
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  • jeyhoejeyhoe Posts: 490
    CD: U talkin about the LS or Salma with that 11 foot pole? :blush: I'd have to enlist the aid of a friend who's a mechanic and his answer to these types of questions is always "anything's possible" :) If I ever do attempt it, you'll be first to know. Also, the only time i ever got 26-27 mpg was when I tried "hyper-miling" It does work, but geez, takes a lotta time off ones life and really p*sses off other drivers. My basic commute mileage when I used to have a job was around 21-22 and that was 95% hiway. Oneof my problems is I'm using California gasoline. Another is I drive 75 or so if I can. Are you a slow driver? Just askin! :D

    akirby: Very funny :P Actually I think the answer is about 1500 people, though I'm not sure of accuracy of that. Well, actually the number who would WANT a stick shift Lincoln is probably higher, but dealer refusal to order them kept the number low. I wonder what the ratio of auto to manual is in the CTS? The bimmer? Volvo? ...
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  • akirbyakirby Posts: 8,019
    That was an inside shot at cdnpinhead. We go way back.

    I think the final number was around 1800. I'm sure the CTS is similarly low - probably 5% or less. Even the BMW manuals are rare - less than 20% IIRC.

    I love manuals but I got tired of them in my boring daily commute, even moreso when I get stuck in a long stop-no-go delay. I'm waiting to buy a used 06 GT Mustang with a stick for weekend fun.
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  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Forest Lakes, AZPosts: 4,056
    "Are you a slow driver?"

    Nope. That trip to AK included lots of time at 75-80 and a number of hours between 80 & 90 -- gotta love driving through Eastern Oregon & Nevada.

    A few years ago I had the opportunity to set the cruise control at 105 on U.S. 60 in New Mexico & leave it there for most of a half hour. Spent much of the rest of that day well above 70.

    My engine was carefully broken-in, which takes at least 5000 miles before the fuel mileage starts to get reasonable. Synthetic oil (Mobil 1) could be a factor as well.
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  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Forest Lakes, AZPosts: 4,056
    :P :P to you too! ;)

    I enjoy that manual every day, as I slip it into neutral & wait to see how slow I'll have to go in the upcoming traffic "situation." Sometimes I drop one gear, but more often it's two or three, before I slip it back into gear -- could be two seconds or 30 seconds later, jerk-free, engine at idle speed all the while.

    Gotta love traffic jams.
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  • chip16kuchip16ku Posts: 1
    I have an 03 with the V8, it has 59000 miles, when it gets up to normal running temp the fan comes on really really loud and the car gets alil warmer than it should but not hot, stop and go traffic or sitting in a drive through for 20 mins doesn't matter, only when it's run on the highway does it proceed to get really hot and it tells me its too hot, I can get off the highway and the temp comes back down and the alarm goes off and it's back to running alil warm. I've read posts about the fan failin and running to slow but that doesn't seem to be my issue, wondering if anyone has experienced anything remotely close to this, and insight would help and be appreciated
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  • victoria351victoria351 Posts: 6
    :sick: My car is very very sick, she over heats, and then spews antifreeze all over. One time she actually turned off due to over heating, and hasn't turned back on since. Someone please help me, I need to know where I can get inexpensive, yet good part for this HUGE problem of mine. She's a 2000 Lincoln LS. If someone thinks they can help please hit me back, and I will give you a full synopsis on the car. Help would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks too everyone :sick:
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  • genetkygenetky Posts: 4
    My 00 LS is also over heating. It does not do it all the time. It will go weeks without acting up. Then it over heats and i pull over, give it about 10 minutes and continue on. I do notice that the heater takes for ever to warm up. i am going to try a thermostat change first, since it is cheap. I noticed that people are saying that the LS uses a Hydralic fan. The replacement I see on the net says electric. DORMAN OEM REPLACEMENT RADIATOR FAN ASSEMBLY -- A High Quality Direct Fit OEM Replacement Radiator Fan Assembly $173.91. Is this right?
    I still like this car. :sick: i would like to hear from people that have had this problem fixed.
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  • victoria351victoria351 Posts: 6
    Are you kidding i love the car the only problem is i have had it for 3 years and i only put 20,000 miles on it. Raw deal in know. I will have to do whatever you guys tell me to do, because i am completely clueless about this car and the problems it suffers with! :cry:
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  • antagantag Posts: 1
    My 2002 LS has about 105K miles on it. Lately, I have a bad overheating problem. I start the car and it runs fine. When the temperature gauge gets to half way I can hear I high pitched whining noise and the temperature starts to go up until it says check engine temperature. At that point I pull the car over and wait. I noticed that after a minute or two I could hear what sounds like a valve opening and fluid starting to run through the engine. At this point I can turn the car on and go. The high pitch whine is still there for a few moments, but goes away. This problem does not happen all the time. It seems to be worse in the colder weather and takes longer or more attempts for the "valve to open."

    Any ideas as to what could cause this. I have read many posts and it seems that it could be a number of things.

    Thanks
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  • vinnygibsvinnygibs Posts: 2
    Honestly it can be a number of things. I have had the exact same problem. The high pitched whine or moan is the retarded hydraulic fan (this type of fan was discontinued in 2003). Under normal operating conditions however the fan shouldn't be noticed. I replaced my thermostat (fixed for 2 weeks) flushed the coolant (fixed for about 2 weeks). Bled the coolant system (yes the system must be bled or it will get dry locked) Again the problem would not go away only momentarily. In the end something as stupid as a tube falling off in the Degas Bottle caused the countless overheating problems. Believe it or not it was a mistake I discovered the tube issue. After bleeding my system for the twentieth time the bleeder screw fell into the degas bottle. Took it out and noticed what was air in my system. I jerry rigged a tube in there and it seems to work fine.The Bottle will run you about $160 if this your problem and you don't feel like being cheap. I love this car however if i didn't have the know how to fix it it would have bankrupt me. Good luck to you... take care ;)
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  • heatprobheatprob Posts: 1
    I just had my transmission replaced on a 2002 LS V8. The mechanic took it for a drive after the tranny installed. Noticed the car was running hot. Checked the engine and transmission: both hot. He looked up in his online info and found that there is an after maket radiator upgrade. $500.00 to have that done.
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  • akirbyakirby Posts: 8,019
    I hope he's right but I've been following these cars since they came out in 1999, owned one for 6 years and I've never heard of a radiator needing to be replaced. I'd bet it was either the fan, the thermostat or just an air bubble in the coolant.
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  • cbharriscbharris Posts: 1
    What is the answer to #6 problem?
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  • akirbyakirby Posts: 8,019
    Air in the system, bad temp sensor, failed cooling fan, failed thermostat.
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  • rgnmstrrgnmstr Posts: 226
    Where is the cooling system bleed screw located and how do you bleed thew system? Engine running cold or hot? Thanks.
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  • akirbyakirby Posts: 8,019
    Don't remember for sure but it's somewhere near the top of the engine - at the highest point. May be in one of the heater hoses. This will cause an air bubble full of steam that periodically passes by the temp sensor which causes it to think it's running hot. The steam is under pressure and is hotter than 212F. I don't remember the bleed procedure.
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