I've never been a synthoil user but a good friend of mine has used it in his '94 Mustang GT since purchase. The car now has 103k on it and the mechanic who did the 100k service says the engine still looks like new on the inside. The 5.0 still screams. There must be something to it.
I've not driven my '01 LS enough to have visited the dealer more than once - does anyone know if the "average" dealer will use synth if I pay the difference? Or do I get stuck with the whole bill for not selecting the regular stuff that comes with the maintenance contract?
I still don't understand why automotive "writers" continue to compare the LS to the 3-Series BMW. First it was Edmunds long-term test writers, and now the latest issue of Car and Driver(which I hold in high esteem) made this blunder in their 40,000 mile article. While they had very positive remarks about the LS over all, why do they find it necessary to compare this car to the diminutive 3 series? In roadholding and acceleration Car and Driver uses the 3 series stats as a benchmark, when the LS is 500 lbs or so heavier? The wife and I went to dinner the other night with a couple in their 2000 528i(auto), and it is a much more comparable car in size and performance. A very nice car, with better fit and finish than my LS, but not as much room as the LS(don't even talk about the 5 series trunk, 11 cu. ft.!). I have surmised that the auto writers continue to compare the LS to the 3 series BMW due to the comparable price. That just makes the LS look like an even better bargain.
11,000 miles on my 2000 LS V8(non-sport, audiophile, advancetrac) with no transmission hesitations, no dropped rear windows, just lots of satisfied miles and lots of grins as that twin cam heads to 6,500 on the tach!
Leadfoot4, The concern you are referring to is a caused by the software that reads the position of the speed control deactivation switch. A change in the engine calibration for the 2001 MY reads the positioning of the switch and in some cases can turn on the "MIL" lamp. This causes the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to turn on the lamp. On February 12th TSB# 010303 was released to the service community informing them of a reflash that resolves the concern.
There is no concern with the function, but as you mentioned the light comes on. In addition to be annoying it causes concern because the owner does not know the reason and must schedule service. Please have your dealer check into the above mentioned TSB.
Thanks for the feedback about my car's problem. I do recall the dealer saying something about the TSB (coincidentally I had it in on the 13th), however they did say that new parts (switches) were also on the menu. I have an appointment for next Friday to have the work done.
I just brought my car in for service today and asked for the TB re flash since I am experiencing engagement delays when going into reverse. I was told that they did not receive the TB in the DC they have. I asked if they could down load it and he said no, they only get them from the DC. I will be taxing Mark's information on the TB to the dealer, but something doesn't seem right. I don't think they are giving me the run-around though. Is the 01-01-05 TB on the DC or only available through a download?
I just got the subject reflash completed about an hour ago.
My dealer normally performs reflashes from data received via a CD-ROM disk provided by Ford. However, my dealer informed me that the last disk they received from Ford was back in December (prior to the subject TSB's release from Ford). It seems that beginning in January 2001, Ford changed from distributing software via CD-ROM disks to DVDs. Further, Ford told my dealer that they had trouble producing the DVDs and gave no indication when they would have them available. That said, my dealer told me about another method for completing the reflash . . .
The only way to get the reflash done now is by using Ford's relatively new WDS system. This system receives software downloads via satellite every evening from Ford. A small laptop size computer/tool (it is not itself a laptop computer that anyone could purchase) is hooked up to a base unit that connects with the satellite system and receives the data. Once the data is loaded into the tool, it can then be brought to vehicle and connected with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for reflashing. The Service Manager at Jack Ross LM (my dealer) told me that they have not yet purchased the WDS equipment from Ford. Apparently this equipment is quite expensive, and since it is fairly new, it isn't as stable and/or user friendly as the technicians would like (i.e., it crashes frequently and needs to be rebooted frequently). Anyway, my Service Manager made the necessary arrangements to reflash my LS8 sport at another Ford dealership that operates the WDS system. We drove about 3 miles down the road to Earnhardt Ford where we were cordially greeted by their shop foreman who had me drive to a very clean service bay. About 20 minutes later, the reflash was completed. How's that for customer service!
Since I only had this done about an hour ago, I haven't really had a chance to determine whether the reflash has improved the ONLY MINOR delay I had been experiencing between reverse to drive engagements. This has not been a very severe problem, and I must state that I have not had any other transmission problem or delays other than the reverse to drive delay. I'll let you all know in a few days whether my "problem" has been cured by the reflash.
Brian, please add Jack Ross Lincoln Mercury to our preferred/recommended dealer service list. Thank you Dan Simpelaar (Service Manager, Jack Ross Lincoln Mercury) for the OUTSTANDING service you extended to me in this matter.
I have added them to the outstanding dealer list. I called Dan and let him know that LLSOC was putting Jack Ross LM on the list thanks to your comments. He was quite surprised and happy! He said that his wife owns one and she never lets him drive! Gave him the site address and how to look up the dealer rating.
Brian, Have you contacted all of the dealers on the list? If so, have you asked about their willingness to cooperate in notifying owners/leasers about the LLSOC?
Not yet. I'm slowly working my way down the list. I just talked to Witt LM, they are the largest LS dealership in CA. They would like to have the LLSOC involved to enhance their LS owners experience with the car. We will be talking again in a few weeks to set something up for their owners.
I have ordered for club use, a GTechPro unit(www.gtechpro.com), which comes highly recommended by jnowski. This unit will measure 0-60-0 times, g force (both instantaeneous and continous)and currently delivered horsepower.
This unit should arrive within a couple of weeks. It will be available to loan out, for free, to club members willing to put down a security deposit so they can test any modifications they've made to their cars.
So I get home from work; the temp is in the high 40s with a 15-mph north wind. It's the first dry evening in a week, though, and my car is FILthy, and I can't stand it being that grungy, so I drag out the paraphernalia and start washing.
About midway through, I manage to drop the hose so that the handle on the sprayer hits the ground at the perfect angle; it shoots a stream right up my front, giving me a nice knee-to-scalp soaking. At that very moment, a UPS truck pulls up in front of the driveway.
I'm not that good at cool, anyway; the UPS guy is trying (but failing) to supress a giggle. "I saw that," he said. What was left of my composure vanished, and we were standing in my driveway laughing like idiots.
Then he handed me the box. What was inside? A photograph of a bunch of CRAZY Lincoln LS owners and their cars in a California parking lot, a very nice letter from Jim Rogers, and a beautiful Waterford clock. How about that?
I thought it rather poetic that the package arrived while I was bathing my baby, even if I did manage to hose myself down in the process.
One more time: Thanks to Jim, Dick, Mark, Jonathan, Frank, and everyone at Lincoln and Jackson Dawson for making Mania so darn much fun, and thanks, too, for the photo and clock--you folks really know how to do things right!
This may be of interest to anyone considering synthetic oil: Early this AM, first cold start after the oil change, temp about 15F, my engine was noticeably quieter. The V8 is considered noisy by some people, due mostly to the timing chains, I guess. It's never bothered me, but there is certainly a bit of mechanical noise for the first half minute or so, especially on very cold mornings, and "amplified" by the garage. I was genuinely, and pleasantly, surprised when it ran quietly, instantly. My only complaint about the car has been the way it revs to 2000 RPM for a few seconds when it starts. I understand this is part of the emission control plan, but I hate doing that to a cold engine. Feeling much better now.
Scott - Syn Oil molecules are engineered to be lubricants and more of whats in the can is actually lubricant compared to Dino oil. Many syn users report better lubrication at start-up and less noise because syn oil flows better at lower temps and plain gets down to business sooner. Dino oil is almost unstable in comparison and always has water and or wax left that cannot be refined out. Congrats on the change. I'll be doing the same with Amsoil Turbo 10-30 and an Amsoil filter later this month (and I do pay for the service contract). Ford has a synthetic but I don't know who makes it and if I can pay extra every 3-5k to have them put it in. Time for research. Stanny1 the Coneinator.
I bought my LS just over 2 weeks ago and today I received a nice surprised. They sent me a pair of Waterford Crystal Millenium flute glasses. I guess that Mark Hutchins does not think that the enjoyment of driving this car is reward enough!
I have 750 miles on my LS V8 sport and I like it more each day I drive it. One more week and I will really find out how well it drives. I have not had any problems with the car. If I wanted to complain about something it would be that I did not noticed when I picked up the car that there is a line (pencil??) on my console next to the shifter about 10 inches long. I tried to remove it with Black Magic professional without any luck.
The performance of this car is fantastic. It is amazingly quick in passing situations and I have never felt in more control of a vehicle before.
who attended LS Mania who has not received the clock and photo yet? I did fill out a card.
Amengual-good luck with your new LS. You won't regret it. Did you point out the mark on your console at delivery? Even if you didn't, I'm sure the dealer will rectify it when you go in for the first service.
I think you just need to be patient. I just found the package outside the front door early this morning. I'm sure it wasn't there at 9 PM last night. I'm not sure when UPS arrived, but the package was quite wet. The letter and photo inside were a little damp, but the clock was OK.
Thank you Jim Rogers, Dick Cupka, Jon Crocker, and Mark Kovalsky for your hospitality, enthusiasm, and commitment. You guys have established a new standard for excellence in my book!
(Now, if only UPS were to take a few lessons here . . .)
"Motorweek", the PBS show produced by Maryland Public Television, has announced its 2001 Driver's Choice Awards. For the second year in a row they've named the LS Best Luxury Sedan. The LS is one of only two repeat winners from 2000 (along with the Toyota Tundra pickup.)
"Motorweek" has pretty much raved about the LS from day one; they did a year-long test and gave kudos with every report. Incidentally, the new Mercedes C320 Sport was named Best Sport Sedan and the BMW M3 coupe was Best Performance Car. Their website is at www.motorweek.org in case you're interested.
Went to my dealer today to get my 6,000 mile service done, and they had a brochure on the LS Premium Package. It's more of a card than a brochure, but it does have a couple of photos. The shots indicate that the chrome bumper strips are there, and so is the wood steering wheel. Externally, then, the package is a standard LS with the 17" chrome Sport wheels.
The interior shot only shows the front seats; the color is the Light Parchment/Medium Parchment two-tone. There's not enough detail to tell what the contrast looks like, but you can clearly see that the seat inserts are thin strips of leather woven together at a 45-degree angle. (The brochure calls it "basket weave".)
The Light Parchment color looks VERY light in the photo; I'll reserve judgment until I see the real thing. My mom's Town Car has this Light/Medium Parchment interior setup; nice in a TC, but I'm not sure how it'll work in an LS.
The brochure doesn't mention the fact that this package includes the Sport suspension tuning, but that info is included on the dealer product sheet.
Something I find interesting is that the Kelley price list now shows a $605 discount off retail for both the Premium and Sport packages, which puts them down to $3090 (V8) and $1385, respectively. These discounts are NOT listed on Edmunds or Carpoint, so I don't know if they're correct/legitimate.
The Lincoln website as of yesterday still had no info on the Premium package as far as I could tell. They don't do a very good job keeping the website up-to-date, IMHO. It's mid-February, and they STILL don't have the 2001 LS service requirements online. Harrumph.
Like Chris says, you'll just have to be patient. After all, you DO have a nice, fresh can of mouth-watering, ready-to-grill Spam to keep you company. (Okay, scratch that "fresh" thing. )
Anyone having problems with their dealer being able to do the re flash? My dealer scheduled the appointment and then called to say they are having problems getting it (could it have something to do with needing new equipment?) The truth is that I love the car, but the transmission delays I experience on a DAILY basis (over 5 seconds going from reverse to drive, even after my transmission was replaced)would keep me from even considering buying another one. It is very annoying to me that this can not be fixed. Anyone else feel this way? What can be done about it?.
Until Ford can get software out to the dealers on DVD disks, the only way to get the reflash done is by using Ford's WDS system. From what my dealer told me, many Ford dealers have not embraced the WDS system due to its expense and instability. However, from what I saw, the WDS system looked pretty straight forward and stable to me (I was in and out of the service bay in under 30 minutes), but I don't use it every day like a service department would.
Normally, my dealer would take the transmission recalibration data from the CD-ROM disk, and transfer it to a flash card, which in turn, is put into some other hand tool that connects with the PCM. Since Ford is having some difficulty in providing the transmission recalibrations on DVD, many dealers will be unable to perform the reflash.
Being patient at times like this is tough. Drove me nuts waiting to have this done. I was in a similar boat but after 2 attempts to get the dealer to do the TSB I was finally able to have it done this week. Dealer had some issues with the satellite system. Have you contacted other dealers in your area to see if any of them can do the work? If your particular dealer can't at this time, is there another dealer within a reasonable distance who can?
I thought the security key for the LS could open the truck without setting the alarm off. Each time I use the key, the alarm goes off. Is there a problem or did I design a feature into the car which is not there?
Sounds like a trip to your dealer is in order. You should be able to open the trunk while the alarm is armed without setting it off. In fact, when you close the trunk after doing so, the lights will flash to confirm that the car is secure.
Automotive News (www.automotivenews.com) is reporting this evening some interesting news regarding future product plans for Lincoln including baby Navagator and baby LS.
My 12/08/00 build 01 LS V-8 now has 2500 miles. Absolutely no problem so far and averaging 18.1 mpg with 40 mile roundtrip suburban Chicago commute each day. Very satisfied, including mileage, as mpg is increasing as the miles go on. The Blizzak WS-50 snow tires on non-sport factory wheels (Discount Tire)are a big improvement over 17" sport Firestones.
Attended Chicago Auto Show. My wife tried to find a Lincoln factory person to complain about lack of inside storage (she drives the LS daily), but we left at 1 p.m. and he apparantely had not yet arrived. New Explorer/Mountineer was awesome. Lower step-in height, better ergonomics, 4.6 V-8. Will lease one when my 3rd Explorer lease is up next April. Looking forward to test-drive when they arrive at dealers next month.
The 49 Ford Retro was unbelievable. I thought the new T-Bird was cool, but this is way beyond cool. It surely brings back the memories...
I just noticed that my odo only has 5 digits before the decimal and 1 digit after. This would mean that the odo will only go to 99,999.9 miles before reseting. Most cars today have odos capable of that 6th digit.
Does anyone know whether the computer will automatically bump the decimal digit off in order to present a six-digit reading after 100,000 miles?
When we picked up our car (build date 02'00) from the dealer we were warned not to use the key to open the trunk with the alarm armed - they had encountered that problem already. Later, my own inspection revealed that if the trunk was initially opened quickly (lift the lid with the free hand as you turn the key) that the alarm wouldn't activate. I solved the problem by moving the torsion spring (which counterbalance the weight of the lid and is located under the rear window deck) to the next notch up in tension. If you are at all weary about doing this yourself then have the dealer do it because there is considerable force in the spring. An adjustment of the trunk lid micro switch height would also likely solve the problem; but my trunk had another "problem" - it would unlock but not raise up to the open position on its own when released. Not really a "problem" per se, but just not my personal preference. So adjusting the torsion bar pre-tension solved both problems. Note that a layer of snow on the trunk (or the weight of say, a spoiler) may still cause the alarm to trip if you use the key. This situation may or may not be related to two other problems which a few owners have previously mentioned in this forum- those being a mal-positioned trunk liner and a worn/torn trunk gasket. The former appears to cause the latter. Repositioning the liner at the rear- most corners of the trunk lid by partially pushing it inside the hollow lid cavity will prevent the rubbing if it is occurring on your car. To check it just watch the gasket as you slowly close the trunk- there should be no interference. It is possible that some rubbing here could impede and slow the opening of the trunk lid enough to set off the alarm. Also note that when you use the key fob button that it deactivates the alarm as it releases the trunk, so a slow-opening lid in that case shouldn't set the alarm off. 99.9% of the time I use the key fob and not the key to open the trunk anyway - it just is a lot more convenient. Also note that when you close the trunk with the alarm armed that you must do it firmly or the alarm will go off. Hope you find this info helpful. -Brian.
I was informed (by a Lincoln engineer) that whereas using the keyfob to open the trunk, while the rest of the car is locked and the alarm is set, will temporarially disarm the alarm so you can open and then reclose the trunk without setting off the alarm. The alarm will arm again when you close the trunk. You'll see the tail lights flash as a confirmation.
I was told that although the original design included this same functionality when using the key to manually open the trunk, somehow it was never implemented, so opening the trunk with the key manually while the alarm is set WILL cause the alarm to sound. I was told that sometime during the 2001 production run Lincoln planned to update the implementation so using the key or the keyfob to open the trunk while the alarm is armed will both temporarially disarm the alarm until the trunk is closed again.
For a while, an intermittent connection in my trunk light switch would cause my alarm to sound after reclosing the trunk if I had opened it with the keyfob while the alarm was armed. I cleaned that switch with contact spray cleaner, and I've never had that problem again.
The simple solutions: 1. Always unlock the car before you open the trunk. 2. Always open the trunk with the keyfob.
It isn't really a big deal.
I read a post by another person who has a 2001 model which obviously hadn't yet been updated. I don't know whether or not the latest 2001 production has included this update.
Well Rene, I just went out and played with my trunk. You are absolutely correct- the alarm goes off when you use the key, but only the FIRST time! It's weird, but if you repeat the procedure, the alarm doesn't go off! I guess that it resets itself after a period of time and that's what I was encountering while I was experimenting. Geez - these things are WAY too tricky to figure out sometimes, especially when it's something that you so rarely even use. Thanks for the input. Regards - Brian.
I think there is a delay of 20 seconds, or thereabouts, for the alarm to become armed after you lock the car. Once it is armed, if you open the trunk with the key, it will sound the alarm. You'll no doubt be motivated to turn it off ASAP by unlocking the car. If you then relock it and immediately open the trunk with the key, you'll probably get it before the alarm is actually armed. If you open it during the timeout period between locking the car and the alarm arming, it may prevent the alarm from arming until you close it again (I'm guessing).
After setting the alarm off the first time with the trunk key, and then unlocking the car to disarm the alarm (and to shut it off), closing the trunk and then relocking the car, wait about 30 seconds and THEN try opening the trunk with the key again. I bet the alarm goes off!
Not a virtue of mine. Thanks guys. I'll try to be patient while waiting for LS Mania clock and photo. The story of my life is that I always seem to be the one guy to be left out of something. So naturally when posts started to mention receiving their keepsakes, I got that old feeling again. I have such pleasant memories of LS Mania 2K, that any reminder gets me going again.
Was shocked to hear of the death of Dale Earnhardt today at the Daytona 500. Unbelievable! There was about a ½ mile to go in the race. When you see the collision on TV, it doesn't look that bad for a NASCAR crash. I'm sure I've seen drivers walk away from worse (looking, at least) pile-ups.
Thanks, markls8 & reneleblanc, for straightening out the bad info I gave slowdriver re the trunk lock. I didn't realize he was talking about the key and not the remote. I've never had the problem with the alarm because I always use the fob (due to my obsessive/compulsive desire to avoid all those tiny scratches you see around the keyholes of older cars).
Slowdriver and Rene are correct. There is currently no switch on the trunk latch that recognizes the key. When the Decklid is opened (with the Key) the Anti-theft system thinks it has been forced and sounds the alarm. This was a design assumption (incorrect) that owners would "Always" use their key FOB to open the trunk. The only real reason there is still a key at all is because the battery is in the trunk and in the event of a dead battery a key would be needed for service access.
This will be changed for the 2002 model when the required switch, wiring, and module software is added.
in your patience experience. The 4-day UPS has not made it to NC yet, either. And since today is a holiday (for some people), it will be Tuesday at the earliest!
drolds, and mike43NC, you are not the only ones. I am also waiting for mine. No biggy just trying to be patient.
By the way mike I have a picture of you from LS Mania I took while you were coming around a turn in the LS 8 track. I will try to scan it and send it to ya! I also have one of all of us driving up to the tracks from the LM Design center. Its pretty cool because I was behind the guy with the" HI HO AG" license plate and you can see it. I need to send it to Brian. I know it took me a while to scan it but better late than never I guess.
Arizona tag "HI HO AG" would be me! I'd love to have a copy of that photo. My e-mail address can be found as part of my edmunds profile. Please contact me.
Sorry for such a on technical, on LS mania post. MY dash still has a very annoying squeak in the left hand side of the instrument panel after several trips to the dealer. Can anyone tell me how to remove the part of the dash housing the instrument panel so I can take a look at it myself. Someone a while back mentioned this problem and said something about a gasket surrounding the display.
Did you ever get this problem resolved?
I'm beginning to feel like the I&I long term road testers. Finding more and more rattles as time goes by. Thanks Kevin Who finds a new reason to take his LS out on the road day after day.. with the audiophile system working at full blast so I don't hear the squeaks.
Kevin, now you know why I don't bother using the spell checker!
I went to my dealer, Rancho Ford Lincoln Mercury, this morning to get the TSB 01-01-05 applied. Got there at 8:00am. The service writer came out, asked what I was there for, and wrote up the paperwork. Also had a paper that documented if there was any bodywork damage to the vehicle prior to service. Nice touch.
After a half-hour the senior service tech. came in and apologized because the WDS was not letting them download the TSB. He said that they tried it twice and failed so they had a call in to the WDS support line. He came in and said that he didn't want me to wait around while they resolved this, so if I wanted to, he would call me when the problem was fixed and they were able to get the package downloaded.
A couple of hours later I got a call at home from the service tech saying that they had gotten it fixed and I could bring it in anytime today. I went back in, and a half-hour later my car was ready.
He said that this TSB package was pretty big compared to most of them. And the way the WDS worked is that most updates are downloaded automatically every night. But he thinks because this package was so big, the system may need the dealer to request it. Sounded plausible.
Here's the very pleasant part. He figured I was off from work today so they made sure that they were able to get the package down today so that I wouldn't have to take time off from work during the week to bring it in. And while they had it in, they noticed that one of the headlight assemblies had water condensation in it, so they went ahead and replaced it! Now this is what I think good service is about. They were proactive and did what needed to be done and then some. Good job, Rancho!
Mark (of transmission fame) was exactly correct when he pointed out that generators aren't 100% efficient. He picked 90% as his example efficiency for the generator (alternator), and I won't argue. It's probably lower, but many people making huge sums of money are seeking to achieve (and exceed) that level of performance.
But here's the other thing. The electric motor that drives the accessory of your choice (A/C, power steering pump, alternator (can you spell perpetual motion?), or whatever) also has an efficiency less than 100%. Let's use Mark's 90%. Now we're down to 81% -- that would be the energy lost in heat and other Kirkoff Law junk in generating the moving electrons times the additional energy lost in turning those electrons into mechanical goodness (compressed gas, moving fluid, etc.), and there you are at why only the U. S. government (that would be the USAF all-electric airplace) is taking electric accessories seriously. I'm not saying this will never become practical. . .but don't hold your breath. Belt-driven accessories are extremely efficient, and if you're a fan (pardon) of that sort of thing, you'll always question the logic you're given for why accessories aren't mechanically driven. By the way, the answer is always. . .COST. There are engines which have replaced the belt drives with gears, but they're designed for long life and efficiency, definitely not cost.
The photo and clock were great. . .and somewhat unexpected. I found the box behind a pillar at the entrance of our house and assumed it was yet another package of "free" stuff my wife ordered. Imagine my amazement when it was for me. . .and was of actual value. Thanks again guys. I'll echo some of the more recent posts -- emphasizing the performance aspects of this car might pay more dividends than trying to be all things to all people.
Johnnylinc-guess what? I was outside washing the car today when a UPS truck pulled up in front of the house with my package. Like Mike, I was not expecting anything today B/C of the holiday. After all, if I'm off, isn't everyone?:) I didn't squirt myself, I've done that enough times. But I did keep washing with one hand while holding the package with the other. I was so excited, I forgot for a minute how stupid this must have looked.
Anyway, the clock is beautiful and the photo will probably take a place of honor in my cubicle at work so I can relive LS Mania every day, especially on Monday morning.
Thanks to our hosts Jim Rogers, Edmunds and Jackson-Dawson for a memorable event. Thanks to Brian for coming up with the idea
I took my 01/00 LS V8 sport in for 15K service, yah I know, an oil change, and while there I had them reflash based on TSB 01-01-05. As some have already mentioned, the dealer, Ron Marhofer LM, needed to use WDS to get the software. I was never planning on waiting so the all day effort was not a problem. They explained that they could not get the download to work and it took several hours on the phone with technical support for WDS before they finally got the download to take. Seems I was the first one to come in and ask for it. I guess the use of WDS is still pretty new and they are still working out the kinks.
I can honestly say it worked quite well. The delays into reverse are gone for the most part, and when pressed on the highway the up and down shifts seemed more aggresive and smoomth.
From everything else I read here, it sounds like my Dealer is doing a pretty good job.
Anyone else on the board from the NorthEast Ohio area? Would love to compare notes on service experiences in our area.
Experimenting with a car alarm is just like punishment. I've had enough! I'll take your word about the alarm because my garage isn't THAT soundproof and my neighbours aren't THAT far away! Anywho... I'll continue to just use the fob when I want to open the trunk. Regards -Brian.
Sorry, but I was NOT washing the LS at the time (37deg., no sun). UPS must have taken the extra day(s) to compress the shipping box to 80% of its original size. Thanks to lots of packing material, no damage to contents. Another thanks to the Lincoln folks for a great experience. I wonder how many BMW or 300M owners are looking at Waterford clocks from their car manufacturer?
Comments
I've not driven my '01 LS enough to have visited the dealer more than once - does anyone know if the "average" dealer will use synth if I pay the difference? Or do I get stuck with the whole bill for not selecting the regular stuff that comes with the maintenance contract?
11,000 miles on my 2000 LS V8(non-sport, audiophile, advancetrac) with no transmission hesitations, no dropped rear windows, just lots of satisfied miles and lots of grins as that twin cam heads to 6,500 on the tach!
The concern you are referring to is a caused by the software that reads the position of the speed control deactivation switch. A change in the engine calibration for the 2001 MY reads the positioning of the switch and in some cases can turn on the "MIL" lamp. This causes the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to turn on the lamp. On February 12th TSB# 010303 was released to the service community informing them of a reflash that resolves the concern.
There is no concern with the function, but as you mentioned the light comes on. In addition to be annoying it causes concern because the owner does not know the reason and must schedule service. Please have your dealer check into the above mentioned TSB.
Dick
What date did this firmware get into factory cars? IOW, my build date was 1/29/01. Will I need the TSB?
Thanks
George
My dealer normally performs reflashes from data received via a CD-ROM disk provided by Ford. However, my dealer informed me that the last disk they received from Ford was back in December (prior to the subject TSB's release from Ford). It seems that beginning in January 2001, Ford changed from distributing software via CD-ROM disks to DVDs. Further, Ford told my dealer that they had trouble producing the DVDs and gave no indication when they would have them available. That said, my dealer told me about another method for completing the reflash . . .
The only way to get the reflash done now is by using Ford's relatively new WDS system. This system receives software downloads via satellite every evening from Ford. A small laptop size computer/tool (it is not itself a laptop computer that anyone could purchase) is hooked up to a base unit that connects with the satellite system and receives the data. Once the data is loaded into the tool, it can then be brought to vehicle and connected with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for reflashing. The Service Manager at Jack Ross LM (my dealer) told me that they have not yet purchased the WDS equipment from Ford. Apparently this equipment is quite expensive, and since it is fairly new, it isn't as stable and/or user friendly as the technicians would like (i.e., it crashes frequently and needs to be rebooted frequently). Anyway, my Service Manager made the necessary arrangements to reflash my LS8 sport at another Ford dealership that operates the WDS system. We drove about 3 miles down the road to Earnhardt Ford where we were cordially greeted by their shop foreman who had me drive to a very clean service bay. About 20 minutes later, the reflash was completed. How's that for customer service!
Since I only had this done about an hour ago, I haven't really had a chance to determine whether the reflash has improved the ONLY MINOR delay I had been experiencing between reverse to drive engagements. This has not been a very severe problem, and I must state that I have not had any other transmission problem or delays other than the reverse to drive delay. I'll let you all know in a few days whether my "problem" has been cured by the reflash.
Brian, please add Jack Ross Lincoln Mercury to our preferred/recommended dealer service list. Thank you Dan Simpelaar (Service Manager, Jack Ross Lincoln Mercury) for the OUTSTANDING service you extended to me in this matter.
I have added them to the outstanding dealer list. I called Dan and let him know that LLSOC was putting Jack Ross LM on the list thanks to your comments. He was quite surprised and happy! He said that his wife owns one and she never lets him drive! Gave him the site address and how to look up the dealer rating.
Brian
Brian
This unit should arrive within a couple of weeks. It will be available to loan out, for free, to club members willing to put down a security deposit so they can test any modifications they've made to their cars.
Brian
About midway through, I manage to drop the hose so that the handle on the sprayer hits the ground at the perfect angle; it shoots a stream right up my front, giving me a nice knee-to-scalp soaking. At that very moment, a UPS truck pulls up in front of the driveway.
I'm not that good at cool, anyway; the UPS guy is trying (but failing) to supress a giggle. "I saw that," he said. What was left of my composure vanished, and we were standing in my driveway laughing like idiots.
Then he handed me the box. What was inside? A photograph of a bunch of CRAZY Lincoln LS owners and their cars in a California parking lot, a very nice letter from Jim Rogers, and a beautiful Waterford clock. How about that?
I thought it rather poetic that the package arrived while I was bathing my baby, even if I did manage to hose myself down in the process.
One more time: Thanks to Jim, Dick, Mark, Jonathan, Frank, and everyone at Lincoln and Jackson Dawson for making Mania so darn much fun, and thanks, too, for the photo and clock--you folks really know how to do things right!
JohnnyLinc, almost dry...
Scott
I have 750 miles on my LS V8 sport and I like it more each day I drive it. One more week and I will really find out how well it drives. I have not had any problems with the car. If I wanted to complain about something it would be that I did not noticed when I picked up the car that there is a line (pencil??) on my console next to the shifter about 10 inches long. I tried to remove it with Black Magic professional without any luck.
The performance of this car is fantastic. It is amazingly quick in passing situations and I have never felt in more control of a vehicle before.
Hector
Amengual-good luck with your new LS. You won't regret it. Did you point out the mark on your console at delivery? Even if you didn't, I'm sure the dealer will rectify it when you go in for the first service.
I think you just need to be patient. I just found the package outside the front door early this morning. I'm sure it wasn't there at 9 PM last night. I'm not sure when UPS arrived, but the package was quite wet. The letter and photo inside were a little damp, but the clock was OK.
Thank you Jim Rogers, Dick Cupka, Jon Crocker, and Mark Kovalsky for your hospitality, enthusiasm, and commitment. You guys have established a new standard for excellence in my book!
(Now, if only UPS were to take a few lessons here . . .)
"Motorweek" has pretty much raved about the LS from day one; they did a year-long test and gave kudos with every report. Incidentally, the new Mercedes C320 Sport was named Best Sport Sedan and the BMW M3 coupe was Best Performance Car. Their website is at www.motorweek.org in case you're interested.
Went to my dealer today to get my 6,000 mile service done, and they had a brochure on the LS Premium Package. It's more of a card than a brochure, but it does have a couple of photos. The shots indicate that the chrome bumper strips are there, and so is the wood steering wheel. Externally, then, the package is a standard LS with the 17" chrome Sport wheels.
The interior shot only shows the front seats; the color is the Light Parchment/Medium Parchment two-tone. There's not enough detail to tell what the contrast looks like, but you can clearly see that the seat inserts are thin strips of leather woven together at a 45-degree angle. (The brochure calls it "basket weave".)
The Light Parchment color looks VERY light in the photo; I'll reserve judgment until I see the real thing. My mom's Town Car has this Light/Medium Parchment interior setup; nice in a TC, but I'm not sure how it'll work in an LS.
The brochure doesn't mention the fact that this package includes the Sport suspension tuning, but that info is included on the dealer product sheet.
Something I find interesting is that the Kelley price list now shows a $605 discount off retail for both the Premium and Sport packages, which puts them down to $3090 (V8) and $1385, respectively. These discounts are NOT listed on Edmunds or Carpoint, so I don't know if they're correct/legitimate.
The Lincoln website as of yesterday still had no info on the Premium package as far as I could tell. They don't do a very good job keeping the website up-to-date, IMHO. It's mid-February, and they STILL don't have the 2001 LS service requirements online. Harrumph.
Normally, my dealer would take the transmission recalibration data from the CD-ROM disk, and transfer it to a flash card, which in turn, is put into some other hand tool that connects with the PCM. Since Ford is having some difficulty in providing the transmission recalibrations on DVD, many dealers will be unable to perform the reflash.
Scott
My 12/08/00 build 01 LS V-8 now has 2500 miles. Absolutely no problem so far and averaging 18.1 mpg with 40 mile roundtrip suburban Chicago commute each day. Very satisfied, including mileage, as mpg is increasing as the miles go on. The Blizzak WS-50 snow tires on non-sport factory wheels (Discount Tire)are a big improvement over 17" sport Firestones.
Attended Chicago Auto Show. My wife tried to find a Lincoln factory person to complain about lack of inside storage (she drives the LS daily), but we left at 1 p.m. and he apparantely had not yet arrived. New Explorer/Mountineer was awesome. Lower step-in height, better ergonomics, 4.6 V-8. Will lease one when my 3rd Explorer lease is up next April. Looking forward to test-drive when they arrive at dealers next month.
The 49 Ford Retro was unbelievable. I thought the new T-Bird was cool, but this is way beyond cool. It surely brings back the memories...
Does anyone know whether the computer will automatically bump the decimal digit off in order to present a six-digit reading after 100,000 miles?
Joe
This situation may or may not be related to two other problems which a few owners have previously mentioned in this forum- those being a mal-positioned trunk liner and a worn/torn trunk gasket. The former appears to cause the latter. Repositioning the liner at the rear- most corners of the trunk lid by partially pushing it inside the hollow lid cavity will prevent the rubbing if it is occurring on your car. To check it just watch the gasket as you slowly close the trunk- there should be no interference. It is possible that some rubbing here could impede and slow the opening of the trunk lid enough to set off the alarm.
Also note that when you use the key fob button that it deactivates the alarm as it releases the trunk, so a slow-opening lid in that case shouldn't set the alarm off. 99.9% of the time I use the key fob and not the key to open the trunk anyway - it just is a lot more convenient.
Also note that when you close the trunk with the alarm armed that you must do it firmly or the alarm will go off.
Hope you find this info helpful.
-Brian.
I was told that although the original design included this same functionality when using the key to manually open the trunk, somehow it was never implemented, so opening the trunk with the key manually while the alarm is set WILL cause the alarm to sound. I was told that sometime during the 2001 production run Lincoln planned to update the implementation so using the key or the keyfob to open the trunk while the alarm is armed will both temporarially disarm the alarm until the trunk is closed again.
For a while, an intermittent connection in my trunk light switch would cause my alarm to sound after reclosing the trunk if I had opened it with the keyfob while the alarm was armed. I cleaned that switch with contact spray cleaner, and I've never had that problem again.
The simple solutions:
1. Always unlock the car before you open the trunk.
2. Always open the trunk with the keyfob.
It isn't really a big deal.
I read a post by another person who has a 2001 model which obviously hadn't yet been updated. I don't know whether or not the latest 2001 production has included this update.
Regards - Brian.
After setting the alarm off the first time with the trunk key, and then unlocking the car to disarm the alarm (and to shut it off), closing the trunk and then relocking the car, wait about 30 seconds and THEN try opening the trunk with the key again. I bet the alarm goes off!
Was shocked to hear of the death of Dale Earnhardt today at the Daytona 500. Unbelievable! There was about a ½ mile to go in the race. When you see the collision on TV, it doesn't look that bad for a NASCAR crash. I'm sure I've seen drivers walk away from worse (looking, at least) pile-ups.
Scott
This will be changed for the 2002 model when the required switch, wiring, and module software is added.
Dick
Joe
By the way mike I have a picture of you from LS Mania I took while you were coming around a turn in the LS 8 track. I will try to scan it and send it to ya! I also have one of all of us driving up to the tracks from the LM Design center. Its pretty cool because I was behind the guy with the" HI HO AG" license plate and you can see it. I need to send it to Brian. I know it took me a while to scan it but better late than never I guess.
Take Care,
Victor
Arizona tag "HI HO AG" would be me! I'd love to have a copy of that photo. My e-mail address can be found as part of my edmunds profile. Please contact me.
Thanks
MY dash still has a very annoying squeak in the left hand side of the instrument panel after several trips to the dealer.
Can anyone tell me how to remove the part of the dash housing the instrument panel so I can take a look at it myself. Someone a while back mentioned this problem and said something about a gasket surrounding the display.
Did you ever get this problem resolved?
I'm beginning to feel like the I&I long term road testers. Finding more and more rattles as time goes by.
Thanks
Kevin
Who finds a new reason to take his LS out on the road day after day.. with the audiophile system working at full blast so I don't hear the squeaks.
non technical, non LS mania posts
C&D long term road testers..
Geeeeshhh
Kevin
I went to my dealer, Rancho Ford Lincoln Mercury, this morning to get the TSB 01-01-05 applied. Got there at 8:00am. The service writer came out, asked what I was there for, and wrote up the paperwork. Also had a paper that documented if there was any bodywork damage to the vehicle prior to service. Nice touch.
After a half-hour the senior service tech. came in and apologized because the WDS was not letting them download the TSB. He said that they tried it twice and failed so they had a call in to the WDS support line. He came in and said that he didn't want me to wait around while they resolved this, so if I wanted to, he would call me when the problem was fixed and they were able to get the package downloaded.
A couple of hours later I got a call at home from the service tech saying that they had gotten it fixed and I could bring it in anytime today. I went back in, and a half-hour later my car was ready.
He said that this TSB package was pretty big compared to most of them. And the way the WDS worked is that most updates are downloaded automatically every night. But he thinks because this package was so big, the system may need the dealer to request it. Sounded plausible.
Here's the very pleasant part. He figured I was off from work today so they made sure that they were able to get the package down today so that I wouldn't have to take time off from work during the week to bring it in. And while they had it in, they noticed that one of the headlight assemblies had water condensation in it, so they went ahead and replaced it! Now this is what I think good service is about. They were proactive and did what needed to be done and then some.
Good job, Rancho!
Brian
But here's the other thing. The electric motor that drives the accessory of your choice (A/C, power steering pump, alternator (can you spell perpetual motion?), or whatever) also has an efficiency less than 100%. Let's use Mark's 90%. Now we're down to 81% -- that would be the energy lost in heat and other Kirkoff Law junk in generating the moving electrons times the additional energy lost in turning those electrons into mechanical goodness (compressed gas, moving fluid, etc.), and there you are at why only the U. S. government (that would be the USAF all-electric airplace) is taking electric accessories seriously. I'm not saying this will never become practical. . .but don't hold your breath. Belt-driven accessories are extremely efficient, and if you're a fan (pardon) of that sort of thing, you'll always question the logic you're given for why accessories aren't mechanically driven. By the way, the answer is always. . .COST. There are engines which have replaced the belt drives with gears, but they're designed for long life and efficiency, definitely not cost.
The photo and clock were great. . .and somewhat unexpected. I found the box behind a pillar at the entrance of our house and assumed it was yet another package of "free" stuff my wife ordered. Imagine my amazement when it was for me. . .and was of actual value. Thanks again guys. I'll echo some of the more recent posts -- emphasizing the performance aspects of this car might pay more dividends than trying to be all things to all people.
Anyway, the clock is beautiful and the photo will probably take a place of honor in my cubicle at work so I can relive LS Mania every day, especially on Monday morning.
Thanks to our hosts Jim Rogers, Edmunds and Jackson-Dawson for a memorable event. Thanks to Brian for coming up with the idea
I can honestly say it worked quite well. The delays into reverse are gone for the most part, and when pressed on the highway the up and down shifts seemed more aggresive and smoomth.
From everything else I read here, it sounds like my Dealer is doing a pretty good job.
Anyone else on the board from the NorthEast Ohio area? Would love to compare notes on service experiences in our area.
Regards -Brian.
https://www.ownerconnection.com/FormsLoginSSL.asp?Make=Lincoln&Model=LS&N=840&L=49
sign up, and go to your glovebox.
Tom...