I have that rattle too but since it isn't as audible as the one from the back window while the radio is on it is easier for me to pretend it doesn't exist. Of course there are those days when I just don't feel like listening to the radio, cd or tape but then I have to deal with the two rattles.
Also. I use valet services, when going out on the town, to show off the car but I was not aware of a valet mode for the alarm. I will have to look into how to use that feature.
does anyone know of a way to get the windows to roll up by remote? Sort of like the roll down feature.
There's a point where the fogged headlights have to become a safety issue also. I have one brand new, crystal clear light, and one that's apparently been through multiple fog/clear cycles. The inside of that lens is clouded, as each cycle leaves a deposit on the inner surface. It looks like a thermopane window with a broken seal, but I've never seen moisture in it.
If it gets worse, I'll try to have it replaced under warranty, and if I get much resistance, I'll spend the ~$300 to replace it myself without too much complaining. $300 isn't small change, and yes, I could take the position that a $40K car should be perfect through the warranty period, but I'm not sure that's a reasonable position, and will bear some costs of ownership. There's something to be said for selecting warranty battles carefully.
I agree and have never been confrontational with the service center. In fact, I have put up with a lot of little nuisance issues for long periods of time mostly due to my lack of knowing that I had the latitude to seek the care needed to correct the problems.
I would still be driving around with squeaky window regulators, broken Tag Lamp light assy's and crappy shifting with my automatic sst if it weren't for the LLSOC.com folks willingness to exchange their knowledge of ownership issues. as well as the folks that comment here at edmunds.com.
The service centers surely aren't going to come forward and be proactive about customer satisfaction. I have had to learn everything late in the game; which lends to my significant level of dissatisfaction with the Lincoln product.
Had it not been for these 2 forums I truly would not consider buying another Lincoln and I am surely not buying another Ford Badged product after what I have been through with my various Fords.
It all boils down to this: Service. I am in the IT business and I consider myself to be like those folks in the restaurant business. If I am not giving great service then I will not have as many repeat customers. I mean the type of service that goes above and beyond the normal call of duty. And I don't mean a free car wash everytime you drop your car off for a recall or tsb.
The likeability of the product will only get you so far but great customer service will get you a long way.
When I wash my LS with cold tapwater it causes condensation on the inside of the headlamp enclosure, which is what would be expected and I consider it to be normal. Living in the land of DRL's, this fog dissipates fairly quickly after a bit of driving. I do have a second type of "fog" (which I expect to be made right by Ford under warrantee) which is more what I would describe as a static electric pattern on the back of the clear plastic which has attracted dust (from the factory) and forms the typical dendritic pattern seen in dust on plastic. Noticed it the first time I saw the car in bright sunlight when new. A similar dendritic pattern forms on the front surface of speedometer covers, but that's easier to clean. This is the "fog" that I thought other posters have been referring to, and I suspect it is the fog that Ford is referring to when they replace the headlights. I'm living with it until closer to the end of the warrantee, partly because I've installed a stone-guard membrane on the surface of one of the lenses, which cannot be taken off and moved to the new lens. Noah - you know about the "global close" using the key in the driver's door, right? (But it's not remote) Regards - Brian.
At my last oil change, I told the dealer about my rattle, which was (as best as I could tell) coming from the passenger side around the base of the windshield. The service paperwork indicated that it was a vacuum hose/clip problem and they repositioned the hose. It was better for a while, but when I got it up to 80 mph it came back (previously only came on at about 50) I also noticed that what I had previously thought was one rattle was actually two - the vacuum hose one they fixed, and one from the passenger b-pillar. Anyway, it's a moot point now - the old rattle is back at anything over 50. Yes, I expect better from a car that costs this much, but I recognize how difficult it is to identify the source of these problems once they appear, and to my dealer's (Pamby motors in Ridgefield CT) credit they were able to make some progress on it. (They also give me free oil changes every 3000 miles and don't even charge the difference for synthetic)
There is some form of notification to dealers that the plastic lamps over the rear tags which also serve as a handle for lifting the trunk get loose when the tabs holding them into the chrome part of the trunk break. The dealer is supposed to replace both of them at the same time with a new tougher part. My dealer, of course, just replaced the one which broke. I did not read the information on the LLSOC web site until after the repair or I would have insisted. So far only the one broke, the other is still fine, but that may be because I am right handed and only use the right side one to lift the trunk.
The Autoweek website has a feature story on and several photos of the McLaren-modified car that'll be on display at the New York Auto Show this week. Follow this link and you'll see the story & photo links on the front page:
Looks really sharp to me; not a lot of extraneous B.S. on the body, and no whale-tail or foot-tall wing--thank goodness! No interior shots, unfortunately (except for a headrest), but I guess Artie and the boys will have to give us an eyewitness evaluation.
Funny thing about the remote roll down and the global roll up.
After I bought my car i swear I read every page of the owners manual but didn't see anything about the window action by remote or the global roll up by key. About a year later as I am clean my car my son sat in the car playing with the keys and as if a genie had done it all my windows rolled down. I first checked to see if my son had put the keys in the ignition and rolled them down from the drivers side but he was clear in the back. Now he is just about to turn three this weekemd, March 30th, so I had to ask my 2 year old how he had done that and all he could really do is look back at me with a crocked head and point to the remote. So I took the remote got in the car turned the iginition and rolled the windows back up and had him do it again.
Again several months later again I let him play with the keys, as kids his age really enjoy playing with the LS as much as kids our age, while cleaning the car and he rolled the key back in the lock a raised the windows. Again I was schooled by a two year old. I was stunned just as I thought I had learned it all he suprises me with that.
So needles to say he gets the keys anytime he wants while washing the car but no new tricks since then. I hate to admit it but it is all true.
Funny thing about the remote roll down and the global roll up.
After I bought my car i swear I read every page of the owners manual but didn't see anything about the window action by remote or the global roll up by key. About a year later as I am clean my car my son sat in the car playing with the keys and as if a genie had done it all my windows rolled down. I first checked to see if my son had put the keys in the ignition and rolled them down from the drivers side but he was clear in the back. Now he is just about to turn three this weekemd, March 30th, so I had to ask my 2 year old how he had done that and all he could really do is look back at me with a crocked head and point to the remote. So I took the remote got in the car turned the iginition and rolled the windows back up and had him do it again.
Again several months later again I let him play with the keys, as kids his age really enjoy playing with the LS as much as kids our age, while cleaning the car and he rolled the key back in the lock a raised the windows. Again I was schooled by a two year old. I was stunned just as I thought I had learned it all he suprises me with that.
So needles to say he gets the keys anytime he wants while washing the car but no new tricks since then. I hate to admit it but it is all true.
LS doesnt have it. Actually, I dont know of any American car that allows you to roll up the windows/close the roof using the remote FOB. BMW's do it, as do several other foreign car makes. I think its a legal thing. I would almost bet you that the corporate attorneys are afraid of lawsuits stemming from some kid having his head sticking out of the roof while waiting for Mom to come out of the house. Mom, whilst digging for her lipstick in her purse, inadvertently presses and holds the global close button, snapping off Juniors neck. Ka-Ching. 1 billion dollar lawsuit against Ford/whomever.
Oh yeah. I havent found any "hack" allowing you to simply modify the keyfob/LS System to allow remote rollup. (Sidenote: that is one thing I miss about being a BMW owner. SO many enthusiasts and enthusisast sites, and seems like sooooo many engineers own BMW's. Theres at least one BMW owner/BMW Club member who developed a "angel light" (those halo headlights found on the 5 and 7 series) retrofit kit for 3-series cars, made exclusively of BMW factory parts. Another BMW club guy sells a Xenon retrofit kit for 3 series using stock BMW parts. And I also have a buddy who modified his factory BMW alarm system to do a remote global close function for his E36 M3.)
Maybe as the LS ages and gets more enthusiasts, we too will develop lots of neat hacks and tricks for the LS. Theres already a wealth of knowledge and talent hanging out on the message boards of llsoc.com
Swauger. I owned a # of detectors before getting the V1. This thing is GREAT. You wouldnt believe how helpful the directional arrows are. Open highway, K band goes off. If its up ahead, be VERY AFRAID. If it's behind you, use some caution, but the chances of a radar trap suddenly appearing behind you are slim to none..and if it suddenly appears to the side...with no prior warning of it being ahead previously..most likely its some cop traveling off of the interestate, or maybe just entering an on-ramp. The V1 is great.
But enough of that. At the time, I was nervous at using any wire other than one for the radio, so I pulled my radio out, turned the key to the acc position, and probed a few wires with my meter. For some reason, green/yellow sticks out in my mind as the one I tapped into, but I could be wrong. If you still need help, let me know, and I will check the schematics on my Service CD I have at home. But there (obviously) is a switched hot for the radio. It was just as easy for me to tap into it right at the radio as it would have been to trace its origins and go all the way back to the fuse box. I used a scotchlok (love those things) but the "pro" way to tap into a wire is to shave off about 1/2 inch of covering of the wire you plan to tap into. Then take the exposed end of the wire you are using to actually connect to the newly shaved wire. Separate the strands in the shaved wire to expose a hole, almost like the end of a needle. Then thread the end of the other wire through the hole, and wrap around. Place a drop of solder, then use heat shrink tubing to seal it all up. This is just one way. I'm sure you guys probably use your own method that is just as effective.
There is a writeup at llsoc.com thats more detailed regarding my V1 remote installation. Check it out, it may help you.
Some of you know it. The one that sounds like its just beside your left ear. Only occurs during tar strips or rough pavement? I've also found that it appears that its more of a horizontal rattle than a vertical one. By that I mean that oftentimes when Im decelerating/braking, even on smooth roads, I can hear a quick rattle/single, small knock from the same area. Sounds like it could be the latch mechanism. Ive noticed that when you have the LS door open, the latch on the actual door moves back and forth about 1/4 of an inch, and can cause a slight rattle. Im *assuming* that this slack goes away when the door is actually shut, and the latch closes against its counterpart in the doorjamb. Maybe someone can check their door when they get a chance to see if their door latch mechanism has some free movement in it when the door is open.
Here's what it sounds like reading between the lines. The current package seems destined for retrofits to existing pre-2003 models. They didn't change any internal engine components like cylinder heads and pistons to allow for more SC boost. Since the new vehicles don't go on sale until later this fall it's reasonable that it will be based on the 2003 LS and could therefore include additional engine modifications on top of the normal 2003 enhancements. I don't think the 3.9L 350 hp model will compete with the M5 or E55 (based on a recent Motor trend TV comparison) but a 400 hp 2003 based version probably could. But McLaren can't announce that until Lincoln announces the 2003 LS. At least I hope that's what's happening.
I found a leftover 2001 LS manual at an out of town dealer. Dealer quoted $1000 under invoice plus 0% financing. Just want to confirm what the current incentives are on the 2001 models as I would think there is alot of negotiating room left for this car. Lincoln's website is silent on the 2001 models.
The McLaren LSE is giving me bad vibes and I'm not sure why. It seems Lincoln is taking a very non-committal attitude towards Mclaren. The quality of a tuner-car is dependent on cooperation of the manufacturer and a knowledge of the base vehicle.
I would much rather have a Lincoln-backed high-performance model than a lukewarm supported tuner car. I am afraid the modifications Mclaren is doing may not be the way Lincoln would do it - if that makes any sense.
But, if that's the only way to get a 350-400 hp LS with a six-speed, well then I may have to bite my tongue and go for it.
Craig - Edmunds doesn't show any cash incentives (rebates or dealer incentives) on any Lincoln or other Ford products - just the financing. $1000 under invoice is pretty close to actual dealer cost (holdback is 3% of MSRP) but since he's had it this long he might be willing to go even lower. Doesn't sound like a bad deal but it's not a steal either. That's only $1200 - $1500 less than a new 2002. I think you can do better.
One good reference point will be the current price differential on Edmunds for an 01 vs. an 02 with comparable miles. You also don't indicate the 0% financing term, but compared to the 2.9%/36 month financing they're now offering (I think), 0%/36 is worth about $500 (2.9% of the amount financed, divided by 2).
I'm not close enough to the 6 cylinder, but if 2002 is the year they boosted HP with the new intake and exhaust systems (were there any other substantive changes?) you might ask for the value of those changes as additional discount. Others on this board can certainly advise you as to this value.
Flip side of this is that there are other folks who have waited a long time for a special order 5 speed. Some of those folks may have been willing to fly to your dealer for this deal, and then be able to drive the car home. If you decide not to pursue this car, you might consider posting the dealer's name on here.
Just saw this announcement that GM will bring in their Holden car badged as a Pontiac GTO. Rear-wheel drive, high-horsepower, six-speed and supported by GM not a "tuner". This is what I expected Lincoln to provide.
A LS like the McLaren is long over due. It would have been better if Ford's SVT branch would have brought out a high performance LS within 6 months of the LS introduction. Having a high performance LS adds to the LS image and increases sales of the regular models.
With that said it's economics. If McLaren is looking to sell 300 - 500 of its LS's a year, that's <1% of LS sales, pretty hard for Lincoln to justify and get any return on. Again the intangibles (image) come in to play and unfortunately the Harvard grad bean counters at Ford probably never consider such intangible positive effects. Thus it would be up the marketing department to take away some advertising $$ in order to support such specialty models. Add to all of this Lincoln's heritage of selling land yachts to the over 70 crowd and new found SUV emphasis I'd guess that it is presently next to impossible to convince Lincoln's product planners and marketing dept. why Lincoln should spend any $$ on such high performance models. I'm not saying Lincoln shouldn't support hi-po models because they should if they are serious about lowering the average age of a Lincoln buyer. What I'm saying is that it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks, most people oppose change, good or bad so it will take a while to re-make Lincoln. Then add to all this the possibility of stepping on other people's turf (ie. Jag, Mercury, Ford etc) and you can see why it's do hard to get anything new done in a big company.
As far as Lincoln's lack of comittment to McLaren, I think that it is designed not to shut out other aftermarket tuners such as Saleen, Roush etc. I'd imaging that Lincoln would like several vendors to have their special LS's out there as long as they were quality and enhanced the LS image.
In anycase I don't want any more whining from you Stanny as you now know where to get both a 6 speed and a LSD for your LS.(:-
I've just leased a 02 Lincoln LS V8 that has a 6/29/01 build date. As I've read past posts on this forum, I've read that the the problems of the 00 and 01 model years would be fixed and incorporated in the 02 year model. Would this be a fair statement or should I look over my shoulder for past model year problems?
Well, the big issue is the window regulators. Since your build is before the late 2001 time when the metal-guide regulators were introduced, chances are you will have this problem. Other than that, most of the issues should have been taken care of by 2002. Though we learn things all the time as the cars age.
so I'm glad to see the McLaren folks left it off. With the nice clean look, this car is going to be a genuine sleeper. Not an M5 killer yet, but the unwary 540i driver is going to get a rude surprise.:)
C'mon, John!! There's more to a sport sedan than peak HP, as you well know. Everyone would like a bit more power but, as a certain engineer we know would say, What are you prepared to give up for it? Weight distribution, longevity, and $$$ come to mind.:)
I used one of the relay plugs coming out of the fuse box behind the passenger side kick panel. I could get the probe of the voltmeter in there to check for "switched". Valentine supplied a 3M connector that cuts the insulation as you crimp it on to the wire of your choice. From there it's easy to run the wire behind the A pillar trim and the front edge of the headliner, & down along the mirror post. The V1 sticks to the windshield right below the mirror, and when it's removed I just wrap the power wire around the mirror post. Not as slick as ronniepooh's remote installation, but not bad. With the housing for the auto wiper sensor right there, it's pretty unobtrusive.
Maybe McClaren would sell me a six-speed and LSD, but I bet it would be over priced. The question to me is where McClaren is going to get their six-speed and LSD. Anyone can buy a T-56 but getting an LSD unit made for a limited production car will be tough. Unless they use an SVT Cobra rear. My buddy with a ZO6 tells me the T-56 is hardly "non-world-class" and I'm taking an evaluation drive soon. I'd much rather see LM or even SVT do a "tuner" model. I think that the McClaren concept is a little overboard. The 2003 3.9 mated to a T-56 and Cobra IRS rear would give competitive performance. The Manual is like adding 35 hp by itself. So this set-up would be like a 2003 V-8 Auto LS with over 300hp. And the price would be under 40k where it has to be. Why should I pay 540i prices for this McClaren when I could buy the forthcoming six-speed G35 for a little over 30k, cut maybe sub six-second 0-60 with a Borla, move the battery to the trunk, and maybe add some of the other aftermarket stuff that will flood out for this car? My target is not so much the M5 but the 540i. I've only seen a couple of M5's in my lifetime, and the owners look like their last car was an STS and their next one is going to be a hearse. These guys take corners like grandma. These are just 4 door phallic symbols. 99% of 540i's are automatics. Just call your local Bimmer dealer or look in the Auto Trader and see how many 540i-6's there are.
someone asked about accommodation for using valet parking (the writer owned a 2000)
My 2001 V8 sport (not that it should matter ) came with 3 keys - two black keys that open everything, and a gray "Valet" key that opens the doors and starts the car only. There is a button inside the glovebox to disable the remote trunk release (or at least to disable the button on the dash) and the glovebox & trunk can't be opened with the valet key - it won't even go in.
Since the seatback release is also inside the trunk this path is closed also.
If only they would restrict the car to parking lot speeds & accelerations when the valet key is used...
The LSD is built by McLaren Performance - a patented design.
Check out www.McLarenPerformance.com and click on the 'news' box to see their info on the LSE.
Note - their estimate of 0-60 in 6.2S isn't impressive (but the AutoWeek interview implied shaving 2 seconds off the LS time which would be 5.2S). Then again, it is stated that all specifications are preliminary.
Scottc8, I have to agree with JHoffman (hi John!) - I'm pretty disappointed in the power output I'm seeing across such vehicles as the Mountaineer (240 this year) and LS (252). I would have expected much more from a nice American V8. As it stands, we have imports and other competition eclipsing them with 6's. I mean, if they got beat out by another 8 it's all good, but when I see a 6 with more power than an 8 I have to wonder why Ford is holding back. I'm not sure I entirely believe Lincoln when they tell us that they do not play second fiddle to Jag - there is obvious demand for an LS with more power, and their engineering cost is minimal considering the Jag S-Type is the same basic car (in fact, it has to *increase* cost to engineer and maintain two separate engines). So I continue to ask: why don't we see the same engines and power output of the sister car?
As it stands, I am not seeing the numbers I've been looking for coming from the LS and have actually started to consider the Aviator (despite the funky dash). I am so glad they didn't continue to try and explore the wierd '02 Mountaineer trim that looks like it was borrowed from Caddy concept cars.
On another note (and maybe ya'll have discussed this already), could the LS stall problem be due to the "Inertia-activated shutoff switch for fuel pump". I ganked that phrase from the specs of the new Aviator, but it certainly sounds like something that could cut fuel and stall the engine in times of turning and braking...
I wouldn't use the radio switched source as the radio has a delayed turnoff when the ignition is switched off and the radio is still on. I didn't want to fool with that and I didn't want to have the radar detector stay on with the radio while I sat there. There are plenty of other switched power sources under the panel beneath the steering column that work just fine. You can get a power probe at Radio Shack for less than $5 that will last forever. Just stick the sharp end into different wires until you find one that is hot. Turn off the ignition switch and when one goes off, that will do. The attachment can be with one of those scotchlocks or stripping and soldering, I haven't found any big difference.
The inertia switch is unlikely to be the stalling culprit.
The switch is designed to turn off the fuel pump in the event of a crash. Once it turns the pump off you need to manually reset it. The fuel pump won't run at all unless you physically press the button to reset it.
There is one of these on the LS, and all other Ford family cars and trucks.
Don't forget the "good old american V8" in the LS is actually a Jaguar design with Ford heads. Don't underestimate the cost of the Jag heads and VVT. Once you figure in R&D costs it could be several thousand $$.
Peak horsepower is not as important with truck engines - low end torque is. Most truck and sport utility engines are tuned for low end torque and long life (reduced RPMS) as opposed to high rpms and peak hp. It's a design choice. The Honda S2000 makes 240 hp but not very much torque.
Don't forget that when Lincoln designed the LS it was an unknown - they weren't sure how well it would sell. Now that they know they can compete we'll see what they can really do. Other things like parts availability/reliability and CAFE compliance can also have an impact. It's not always a simple engineering exercise.
Actually, I read about a similiar question on the LLSOC.COM boards. One club member wanted to find out where those danged 12v wires are...the ones that retain power for a while after you turn the key off. According to a Lincoln tech who posted a reply, he found that its not done via a wire, but internally within the head unit. The head unit has a switched 12v and a constant 12v wire coming in somwehere, but the brains of the unit tell it to shut down eventually. So, if you tap into the 12v switched for the headunit, the power from that wire gets cut as soon as you turn the key off, with no delay.
Scott, The factors that you list are why I am concerned about the Mclaren versus a true Lincoln high-performance model. A one year warranty on the powertrain for 56k, and only at the 100 dealers in the US ? Doesn't give me a warm fuzzy feeling.
Considering what we heard about the level of engineering effort that goes into just choosing the tires on the LS, I can't see a tuner firm being successful without Lincoln backing.
And I know, don't look at just the horsepower, check the torque. Wasn't that called "effortless progression".
(chris) An Aviator ? Personally, I like the Navigator and Aviator interiors. Lots of little touches that make you think someone thought about the customer. We'll see what the LS gets in 2003.
This is just a quick question to other LS owners...I have a 2001 LS-V8 Sport...I drive a mixture of city/highway to work. Its only about 17 miles between Maryland thru DC and out to VA to work. On fill-ups I cannot get my miles to empty to go past 267 Miles to Empty. Also I am only averaging around 14.9 MPG. But on long highway trips I usually averages around 28 MPG.
So I guess my question is: 1) how many miles to empty do you get out of your LS once you fill up and 2) what is your average MPG city/hwy?
I consistently get about 16.8 (2000 V8 sport) no matter how I drive (very little highway - mostly city type driving). Do you encounter much stop-n-go traffic? That really seems to kill the mileage. Winter formulated gasoline seems to hurt also. Make sure you're using at least 91 octane - lower could also hurt. And make sure the engine air filter is clean (not the cabin air filter). If it's never been changed it needs to be.
I think we should all be named Leadfoots! No seriously, I also get about 16.9 mpg driving to and from work. No highway. Backroads Mostly. On the Highway though I get about 25-26 MPG. Its good to know its at least being comprably efficient to other cars in this class on long distance drives.
krystalg -- Reset your average fuel economy. That is why your indicator never goes past 267 (14.9 your average mpg on indicator X 18.1 gallons (Fuel Capacity of LS) ~269 Miles to empty) . I think the default is in the 330+ Miles...
The official word from Lincoln is that the TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) is correct and current. BOTH regulators should be replaced if one goes bad.
Now that LLSOC has made Lincoln managemnet aware of a communications issue regarding this TSB they are taking steps to re-communicate to the dealers. If there is a dealer that is still not willing to replace both rear window regulators at the same time, FCSD has asked me to forward them the dealer name and address and they will have the regional CSM contact the dealership.
Mine averages 18 city/hwy. I get around 340 DTE at fillup.
The DTE is calculated by dividing the mpg averaged over the last 1000 miles driven (regardless of what the avg mpg display shows) by the total gallons in the tank.
This is why the DTE works whether you reset the avg mpg to zero or not. If you really manage to get a consistant 14.9mpg over 1000 miles then the DTE will always read the same at fillup assuming you're truely getting a full tank.
Your mpg does seem on the low side. How many miles are on your car and how would you characterize your driving habits?
I haven't heard anything about the thermostat recall other than a couple of people on this board. I have the February update of the Service disk and it doesn't show anything. Neither does the nhtsa site.
I just received a Valentine One for a birthday gift and the installation information is great. Just to clarify. I do not have the concealed display and would like to use the suction cups on the window. I can tap into a wire under the passenger seat and run up the A piller to the mirrow? This seams like a good idea. This seems like a good detector! The new dector came at a good time as I just took off the winter tires and upgraded to 17" wheels. I now have trouble keeping under 90!! I will check the install on the LLSOC site.
I have not heard anything about a TSB for the thermostat - it is an emissions recall. The number is 02E18. The letter states that the thermostat may stick closed, causing the car to overheat and not meet emissions standards. My LS is a 4/99 build date.
I have had a Valentine V-1 for a couple of years. I installed it hardwired on the windshield. The telephone type cord works great up the A-pillar behind the felt type trim. The piece comes off with your hands and pops back on easily. The only thing to watch out for is to use some tape to keep the wire away from the fasteners or you might pinch them when putting the trim back on.
The V-1 that I had fit, but very snugly, on the drivers side of the center just above the rear view mirror. The sensors work just fine through the tint on the upper part of the windshield and the rear look lens also works fine. The NEW V-1, which I just got last week fits much better since it is about 1/4 inch thinner up and down. You should get the remote display if you can. It fits perfectly centered right in front of you on the little shelf in front of the instrument cluster. The wiring is almost totally hidden and you can't even tell there is a detector in the car when it is closed as it is mostly behind the tint. I was very happy with my old unit, but when I heard the case was slightly smaller and the sensitivity slightly higher, I went for the upgrade and I am glad I did. My only complaint is that they wouldn't let me buy back my old one which I would have given to my daughter as it was perfectly acceptable. If you have any questions about any of the connections, I will try to answer them, but it isn't brain surgery. Even I figured it out pretty quickly.
Comments
Also. I use valet services, when going out on the town, to show off the car but I was not aware of a valet mode for the alarm. I will have to look into how to use that feature.
does anyone know of a way to get the windows to roll up by remote? Sort of like the roll down feature.
-Noah
If it gets worse, I'll try to have it replaced under warranty, and if I get much resistance, I'll spend the ~$300 to replace it myself without too much complaining. $300 isn't small change, and yes, I could take the position that a $40K car should be perfect through the warranty period, but I'm not sure that's a reasonable position, and will bear some costs of ownership. There's something to be said for selecting warranty battles carefully.
I would still be driving around with squeaky window regulators, broken Tag Lamp light assy's and crappy shifting with my automatic sst if it weren't for the LLSOC.com folks willingness to exchange their knowledge of ownership issues. as well as the folks that comment here at edmunds.com.
The service centers surely aren't going to come forward and be proactive about customer satisfaction. I have had to learn everything late in the game; which lends to my significant level of dissatisfaction with the Lincoln product.
Had it not been for these 2 forums I truly would not consider buying another Lincoln and I am surely not buying another Ford Badged product after what I have been through with my various Fords.
It all boils down to this: Service. I am in the IT business and I consider myself to be like those folks in the restaurant business. If I am not giving great service then I will not have as many repeat customers. I mean the type of service that goes above and beyond the normal call of duty. And I don't mean a free car wash everytime you drop your car off for a recall or tsb.
The likeability of the product will only get you so far but great customer service will get you a long way.
-np
I do have a second type of "fog" (which I expect to be made right by Ford under warrantee) which is more what I would describe as a static electric pattern on the back of the clear plastic which has attracted dust (from the factory) and forms the typical dendritic pattern seen in dust on plastic. Noticed it the first time I saw the car in bright sunlight when new. A similar dendritic pattern forms on the front surface of speedometer covers, but that's easier to clean.
This is the "fog" that I thought other posters have been referring to, and I suspect it is the fog that Ford is referring to when they replace the headlights. I'm living with it until closer to the end of the warrantee, partly because I've installed a stone-guard membrane on the surface of one of the lenses, which cannot be taken off and moved to the new lens.
Noah - you know about the "global close" using the key in the driver's door, right? (But it's not remote)
Regards - Brian.
It was better for a while, but when I got it up to 80 mph it came back (previously only came on at about 50) I also noticed that what I had previously thought was one rattle was actually two - the vacuum hose one they fixed, and one from the passenger b-pillar. Anyway, it's a moot point now - the old rattle is back at anything over 50.
Yes, I expect better from a car that costs this much, but I recognize how difficult it is to identify the source of these problems once they appear, and to my dealer's (Pamby motors in Ridgefield CT) credit they were able to make some progress on it. (They also give me free oil changes every 3000 miles and don't even charge the difference for synthetic)
http://www.autoweek.com/
Looks really sharp to me; not a lot of extraneous B.S. on the body, and no whale-tail or foot-tall wing--thank goodness! No interior shots, unfortunately (except for a headrest), but I guess Artie and the boys will have to give us an eyewitness evaluation.
How about it, Artie? We're waiting!
JLinc, LLSOC charter member
After I bought my car i swear I read every page of the owners manual but didn't see anything about the window action by remote or the global roll up by key. About a year later as I am clean my car my son sat in the car playing with the keys and as if a genie had done it all my windows rolled down. I first checked to see if my son had put the keys in the ignition and rolled them down from the drivers side but he was clear in the back. Now he is just about to turn three this weekemd, March 30th, so I had to ask my 2 year old how he had done that and all he could really do is look back at me with a crocked head and point to the remote. So I took the remote got in the car turned the iginition and rolled the windows back up and had him do it again.
Again several months later again I let him play with the keys, as kids his age really enjoy playing with the LS as much as kids our age, while cleaning the car and he rolled the key back in the lock a raised the windows. Again I was schooled by a two year old. I was stunned just as I thought I had learned it all he suprises me with that.
So needles to say he gets the keys anytime he wants while washing the car but no new tricks since then. I hate to admit it but it is all true.
have a great day.
-np
Artie
After I bought my car i swear I read every page of the owners manual but didn't see anything about the window action by remote or the global roll up by key. About a year later as I am clean my car my son sat in the car playing with the keys and as if a genie had done it all my windows rolled down. I first checked to see if my son had put the keys in the ignition and rolled them down from the drivers side but he was clear in the back. Now he is just about to turn three this weekemd, March 30th, so I had to ask my 2 year old how he had done that and all he could really do is look back at me with a crocked head and point to the remote. So I took the remote got in the car turned the iginition and rolled the windows back up and had him do it again.
Again several months later again I let him play with the keys, as kids his age really enjoy playing with the LS as much as kids our age, while cleaning the car and he rolled the key back in the lock a raised the windows. Again I was schooled by a two year old. I was stunned just as I thought I had learned it all he suprises me with that.
So needles to say he gets the keys anytime he wants while washing the car but no new tricks since then. I hate to admit it but it is all true.
have a great day.
-np
Maybe as the LS ages and gets more enthusiasts, we too will develop lots of neat hacks and tricks for the LS. Theres already a wealth of knowledge and talent hanging out on the message boards of llsoc.com
But enough of that. At the time, I was nervous at using any wire other than one for the radio, so I pulled my radio out, turned the key to the acc position, and probed a few wires with my meter. For some reason, green/yellow sticks out in my mind as the one I tapped into, but I could be wrong. If you still need help, let me know, and I will check the schematics on my Service CD I have at home. But there (obviously) is a switched hot for the radio. It was just as easy for me to tap into it right at the radio as it would have been to trace its origins and go all the way back to the fuse box. I used a scotchlok (love those things) but the "pro" way to tap into a wire is to shave off about 1/2 inch of covering of the wire you plan to tap into. Then take the exposed end of the wire you are using to actually connect to the newly shaved wire. Separate the strands in the shaved wire to expose a hole, almost like the end of a needle. Then thread the end of the other wire through the hole, and wrap around. Place a drop of solder, then use heat shrink tubing to seal it all up. This is just one way. I'm sure you guys probably use your own method that is just as effective.
There is a writeup at llsoc.com thats more detailed regarding my V1 remote installation. Check it out, it may help you.
http://autoweek.com/specials/2002_newyork/
Click on the McLaren picture to see the photos; the article link is on the right-hand side of the page.
Note: There's also a link to Aviator photos, but it didn't work when I tried it.
Note to akirby: Yep, the Roadside Assistance number and Customer Assistance number are one and the same.
JLinc, LLSOC charter member
Thanks for the link johnnylinc.
Thanks,
Craig
I would much rather have a Lincoln-backed high-performance model than a lukewarm supported tuner car. I am afraid the modifications Mclaren is doing may not be the way Lincoln would do it - if that makes any sense.
But, if that's the only way to get a 350-400 hp LS with a six-speed, well then I may have to bite my tongue and go for it.
I'm not close enough to the 6 cylinder, but if 2002 is the year they boosted HP with the new intake and exhaust systems (were there any other substantive changes?) you might ask for the value of those changes as additional discount. Others on this board can certainly advise you as to this value.
Flip side of this is that there are other folks who have waited a long time for a special order 5 speed. Some of those folks may have been willing to fly to your dealer for this deal, and then be able to drive the car home. If you decide not to pursue this car, you might consider posting the dealer's name on here.
http://www.auto.com/targetnews/articles/Automotive/03_27_2002.reutr-story-N27136686.html
With that said it's economics. If McLaren is looking to sell 300 - 500 of its LS's a year, that's <1% of LS sales, pretty hard for Lincoln to justify and get any return on. Again the intangibles (image) come in to play and unfortunately the Harvard grad bean counters at Ford probably never consider such intangible positive effects. Thus it would be up the marketing department to take away some advertising $$ in order to support such specialty models. Add to all of this Lincoln's heritage of selling land yachts to the over 70 crowd and new found SUV emphasis I'd guess that it is presently next to impossible to convince Lincoln's product planners and marketing dept. why Lincoln should spend any $$ on such high performance models. I'm not saying Lincoln shouldn't support hi-po models because they should if they are serious about lowering the average age of a Lincoln buyer. What I'm saying is that it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks, most people oppose change, good or bad so it will take a while to re-make Lincoln. Then add to all this the possibility of stepping on other people's turf (ie. Jag, Mercury, Ford etc) and you can see why it's do hard to get anything new done in a big company.
As far as Lincoln's lack of comittment to McLaren, I think that it is designed not to shut out other aftermarket tuners such as Saleen, Roush etc. I'd imaging that Lincoln would like several vendors to have their special LS's out there as long as they were quality and enhanced the LS image.
In anycase I don't want any more whining from you Stanny as you now know where to get both a 6 speed and a LSD for your LS.(:-
C'mon, John!! There's more to a sport sedan than peak HP, as you well know. Everyone would like a bit more power but, as a certain engineer we know would say, What are you prepared to give up for it? Weight distribution, longevity, and $$$ come to mind.:)
Scott
LLSOC Member
I'd much rather see LM or even SVT do a "tuner" model. I think that the McClaren concept is a little overboard. The 2003 3.9 mated to a T-56 and Cobra IRS rear would give competitive performance. The Manual is like adding 35 hp by itself. So this set-up would be like a 2003 V-8 Auto LS with over 300hp. And the price would be under 40k where it has to be.
Why should I pay 540i prices for this McClaren when I could buy the forthcoming six-speed G35 for a little over 30k, cut maybe sub six-second 0-60 with a Borla, move the battery to the trunk, and maybe add some of the other aftermarket stuff that will flood out for this car? My target is not so much the M5 but the 540i. I've only seen a couple of M5's in my lifetime, and the owners look like their last car was an STS and their next one is going to be a hearse. These guys take corners like grandma. These are just 4 door phallic symbols. 99% of 540i's are automatics. Just call your local Bimmer dealer or look in the Auto Trader and see how many 540i-6's there are.
My 2001 V8 sport (not that it should matter ) came with 3 keys - two black keys that open everything, and a gray "Valet" key that opens the doors and starts the car only. There is a button inside the glovebox to disable the remote trunk release (or at least to disable the button on the dash) and the glovebox & trunk can't be opened with the valet key - it won't even go in.
Since the seatback release is also inside the trunk this path is closed also.
If only they would restrict the car to parking lot speeds & accelerations when the valet key is used...
Check out www.McLarenPerformance.com and click on the 'news' box to see their info on the LSE.
Note - their estimate of 0-60 in 6.2S isn't impressive (but the AutoWeek interview implied shaving 2 seconds off the LS time which would be 5.2S). Then again, it is stated that all specifications are preliminary.
As it stands, I am not seeing the numbers I've been looking for coming from the LS and have actually started to consider the Aviator (despite the funky dash). I am so glad they didn't continue to try and explore the wierd '02 Mountaineer trim that looks like it was borrowed from Caddy concept cars.
The switch is designed to turn off the fuel pump in the event of a crash. Once it turns the pump off you need to manually reset it. The fuel pump won't run at all unless you physically press the button to reset it.
There is one of these on the LS, and all other Ford family cars and trucks.
Mark
Peak horsepower is not as important with truck engines - low end torque is. Most truck and sport utility engines are tuned for low end torque and long life (reduced RPMS) as opposed to high rpms and peak hp. It's a design choice. The Honda S2000 makes 240 hp but not very much torque.
Don't forget that when Lincoln designed the LS it was an unknown - they weren't sure how well it would sell. Now that they know they can compete we'll see what they can really do. Other things like parts availability/reliability and CAFE compliance can also have an impact. It's not always a simple engineering exercise.
The factors that you list are why I am concerned about the Mclaren versus a true Lincoln high-performance model. A one year warranty on the powertrain for 56k, and only at the 100 dealers in the US ? Doesn't give me a warm fuzzy feeling.
Considering what we heard about the level of engineering effort that goes into just choosing the tires on the LS, I can't see a tuner firm being successful without Lincoln backing.
And I know, don't look at just the horsepower, check the torque. Wasn't that called "effortless progression".
(chris) An Aviator ? Personally, I like the Navigator and Aviator interiors. Lots of little touches that make you think someone thought about the customer. We'll see what the LS gets in 2003.
John
This is just a quick question to other LS owners...I have a 2001 LS-V8 Sport...I drive a mixture of city/highway to work. Its only about 17 miles between Maryland thru DC and out to VA to work. On fill-ups I cannot get my miles to empty to go past 267 Miles to Empty. Also I am only averaging around 14.9 MPG. But on long highway trips I usually averages around 28 MPG.
So I guess my question is: 1) how many miles to empty do you get out of your LS once you fill up and
2) what is your average MPG city/hwy?
Thanks,
KrystalG
krystalg -- Reset your average fuel economy. That is why your indicator never goes past 267 (14.9 your average mpg on indicator X 18.1 gallons (Fuel Capacity of LS) ~269 Miles to empty) . I think the default is in the 330+ Miles...
Regards,
Victor
Now that LLSOC has made Lincoln managemnet aware of a communications issue regarding this TSB they are taking steps to re-communicate to the dealers. If there is a dealer that is still not willing to replace both rear window regulators at the same time, FCSD has asked me to forward them the dealer name and address and they will have the regional CSM contact the dealership.
Brian
The DTE is calculated by dividing the mpg averaged over the last 1000 miles driven (regardless of what the avg mpg display shows) by the total gallons in the tank.
This is why the DTE works whether you reset the avg mpg to zero or not. If you really manage to get a consistant 14.9mpg over 1000 miles then the DTE will always read the same at fillup assuming you're truely getting a full tank.
Your mpg does seem on the low side. How many miles are on your car and how would you characterize your driving habits?
Joe
Thanks again for the info.
George
The V-1 that I had fit, but very snugly, on the drivers side of the center just above the rear view mirror. The sensors work just fine through the tint on the upper part of the windshield and the rear look lens also works fine. The NEW V-1, which I just got last week fits much better since it is about 1/4 inch thinner up and down. You should get the remote display if you can. It fits perfectly centered right in front of you on the little shelf in front of the instrument cluster. The wiring is almost totally hidden and you can't even tell there is a detector in the car when it is closed as it is mostly behind the tint. I was very happy with my old unit, but when I heard the case was slightly smaller and the sensitivity slightly higher, I went for the upgrade and I am glad I did. My only complaint is that they wouldn't let me buy back my old one which I would have given to my daughter as it was perfectly acceptable. If you have any questions about any of the connections, I will try to answer them, but it isn't brain surgery. Even I figured it out pretty quickly.