Lincoln Navigator

nvbanker · February 2004

While I'm very happy with my 03 Navigator, there is one little thing that's annoying me, that I wonder if I'm the only one, or if anybody else can hear a squeak in the steering wheel when moved, almost any direction, but not so much turning it. More of a forward and backward pull or push causes it. I have to run the stereo pretty loud to not hear it. It's going in tomorrow for a detail (it's a year old) and I'm wondering if I should even mention it or, just learn to ignore it.

Pretty minor problem, I know.......

utl3 · February 2004

Nvbanker, thanks for the info on the chrome tip. Yes we are pretty excited about the new Navigator. We are trading up from a 2000 Expedition EB. Great SUV, but I am amazed at the refinement of the new Navigator. We also were able to select a color combination that was not in the Brochure. My wife fell in love with True Blue, but did not want the Gray interior. The system has accepted our Blue / Parchment order, I have a VIN. You have a Monochromatic Navigator? I thought that package just came out on the 2004 models? The dealer led me to believe that the exhaust tip on the mono appearance package was going to be an oval like some of the Mountaineers have. I was hoping that the Lincoln OEM one would be of better quality than some of the aftermarket ones out there. If yours came from the factory, does it seem have a better look than some of the add on ones, and is it welded on?

rmyers2 · February 2004

Can anyone tell me what improvements/differences there are between the 2003 and 2004 AWD(4WD) Advance trac systems? I am considering either car but if the 2004 has a superior system it might be the deciding factor to go with it.

heyjewel · February 2004

now has "Roll Stability Control" - another algorithm intended to help prevent the vehicle from rolling. I think it was 'late availability' so you'll want to make sure yours has it.

nvbanker · February 2004

I guess I misled you, and I'm sorry. I have an 03, not the monochromatic edition, with an added on chrome exhaust tip from Meineke. It's round, not oval. It is welded on though

If there's an edition out with the oval one like the Mountaineer Premier, I've not seen one yet. But that would be sort of cool!

As an aside - for those on this board who know me, I have mentioned before that I buy from my dealer because he's good to me. There are so many negative comments on these boards about crappy dealer service, and I know it's a real thing. But let me give you a counterpoint today.

My dealer for years, has offered me free detailing jobs from time to time. When he sees me, he tells me a free detail is available any time. Since it's a year old this month, and the seats are dingy. So, I called yesterday and asked when we could do it, he said today.

Took it in this morning, left it, and told them about the squeaky steering wheel, not thinking they would actually be able to do anything about the steering wheel, goofy as it is. They gave me a Town Car loaner, no charge to drive today. Picked it up this evening, the car is beautiful inside and out, just like brand new. AND, they ordered a contact set for the steering wheel, which should resolve the squeak, must to my surprise and delight!

This is what has kept me coming back to this dealer since 1989 for car after car. I wish all dealers got the message. Sure, it costs them $100 to clean my car, but I have spent about $300,000 there over the last 15 years and 10 cars, and refered about 25 people there for cars too. All because of the way they treat people.

smwls8 · February 2004

Tried to trade 02 Gator for 04 new years eve, but even looking 500 mile radius from Atlanta could not find exactly what we wanted (AWD, Black or White, DVD, second row bench). Dealer said why not order?(3rd Lincoln from Family owned store, A-plan customer). Can the dealer check on the progress of my trucks assembly? I don't want to be a bother, dealer said 45-60 days build time. Great info in here.

Sam

nvbanker · February 2004

I have a Mountaineer on order. I anticipated 60 days, myself.

utl3 · February 2004

Lincoln accepted my order for an '04 Navigator on 1/15, the dealer informed me a week later that the build date was estimated for 2/10. Based on that assumption, it would hit the lot on 2/24, or approximately 6 weeks from the order being accepted into Lincoln's system. He told that assuming that it is built this week, he should see an invoice and a shipping date by next week.

It should not be a bother for the dealer to keep you informed of the progress at least once a week. That is part of the delayed gratification of doing a factory order!

utl3 · February 2004

I finally made it out to another dealer that had a 2004 French Silk Monochromatic pkg Navigator on the lot. The mono color looks great, but the chrome tip was disappointing. It is an oval shape like the ones coming on the Mountaineers, but it looked slapped on, almost crooked. I talked to the parts guy and he quoted $150.00 due to the fact it comes as part of the final muffler assembly.

So, who can recommend a decent round slip on chrome tip? I have put Gibson stainless steel tips on some of my other vehicles and they have held up and looked great. Does Gibson make an application for the new Navigator?

smwls8 · February 2004

And said Black Beauty was in. I know, I know, black is a terrible color to maintain,etc,etc. But 02 Gator trading in was white, and wanted a change. Wife doesn't work outside the home, so will be in garage 90% of the time. Getting it Monday, first day I can get off work.

The truck was order 1/2/04, and arrived this past weekend if that helps anyone. Ordered the middle bench, which looks like it is actually 3 pieces. Did I read that the middle section can move independent of the 2 outer sections? I.E., can our 2 year old be slid forward for better reach for wife from front seat? And the 3rd row looks like it has a 20% section that can fold independently of the other section. Thanks for all the info. I still feel that 300 horses from this version of the Triton on PREMIUM fuel is low. Any twin cam 32 valve V-8 that requires PREMIUM fuel should produce 1 horsepower per cubic inch, or 330 horses for the 5.4 as a MINIMUM. My in-laws Denali XL with 6.0 Vortech feels much peppier, and I am assuming the longer Denali is heavier than the Gator.

Don't regret decision in the least, my 2002 Gator at 31,000 miles has required ZERO trips to dealer other than free service, exactly why I am going back again.

Thanks again,
Sam

gteach26 · February 2004

does indeed slide forward and is a very neat feature for those with small children... they'll feel like they are sitting next to you on trips! Just beware of those little sneaker (usually filthy) kicks on the back of your center console!!

Have fun with your new Navi!!

nvbanker · February 2004

You assume right on all the seats.
A 6.0L SHOULD feel faster than a 5.4L
Has more pep than I need, BTW. Also, the pushrod 6.0L will have the torque come on at much lower RPM, and will feel stronger off the line by its nature.

ANT14 · February 2004

The 6.0L Vortech will feel peppier naturally because it's a larger engine overall, but you won't feel too happy when it starts to knock, as the case with those engines and the class action lawsuit that's about to hit GM for it.

http://www.pistonslap.com/

ANT14 · February 2004

Just wanted to add, the Navi receives a new 6 Speed automatic this fall for the 2005 model year. The 6 speed automatic is the same unit used in the Jag S-type. It will mark the first in it's segment to receive a 6 speed automatic.

gteach26 · February 2004

What will a 6 speed do in terms of how the car moves? Faster? Smoother?

ANT14 · February 2004

Better acceleration and fuel economy.

gteach26 · February 2004

Seems like the new Navi's keep getting better! THX, DVD nav, better acceleration/fuel economy.... my wallet is itching already.

Thanks.

nvbanker · February 2004

Yes, dammit, mine too!!!!!

nv32 · February 2004

May I ask, please, what is your source concerning the 6-spd xmission being added to the 2005? Is this a rumor that we can check out for sure, and is there any other information about the 2005? In what month do Navigators usually launch? Thanks.

nvbanker · February 2004

They've been launching in Octoberish IIRC. And, if ANT says it will have a 6 speed, believe him. He's really Bill Ford using a ghost handle.... (Ha Ha). Really, I wouldn't doubt it, he's never wrong!

ANT14 · February 2004

August 02 is the Job1 date for the Navigator. As for source, take my word till I find my concrete source I can post for you.

nv32 · February 2004

Thanks, but what does "Job 1 date" mean? I have heard the expression (something like Quality is Job 1 at Ford) but what does it mean in this context that 02 Aug is the Job One date?

dwgutwir · February 2004

Is the date they build the first vehicle of the new model year.

nvbanker · February 2004

And Job 2 is the first engineeering change for that model?

ANT14 · February 2004

Job 2 is before Job 1, it's like a final check/inspection... like "OK, let's all gather around and let's watch (someone important) press the pretty little button"

nvbanker · February 2004

Oh. Who would have thought! Can I get a job doing the button thing???

ANT14 · February 2004

Hehehe, Actually I'm just drawing a picture... It's not that vivid. But Job dates are like "count down" till Job 1.

akirby · February 2004

ANT14 - this quote was from a Ford Media article on Feb. 4 about the Batavia Ohio plant. Was this the "confirmation" you were looking for?

The ZF-designed 6-speed made its North American debut two years ago in the Jaguar S-Type. This same 6-speed design goes into the 2005 Lincoln Navigator this fall, the first vehicle in its class to have a 6-speed automatic.

nv32 · February 2004

Akirby and ant14 --- Thanks very much for that information and the confirmation. Just one more nail in the coffin of the Slade?

utl3 · February 2004

Oh no, mine is on order now with a $1000.00 deposit sitting on it. I could have probably waited another 9 months. It is interesting that the Navigator can get the 6-spd, but the sibling to the S-Type, the LS, goes without. I really want the supercharger and trans from the S-Type in the LS.

I guess I will go grumble on the LS page.

yankees96 · February 2004

Is anyone having a problem with the black brake dust on their 2004 Navi? We have our Navi for about a month now and in just a few mile the clean Navi wheels and fenders are covered with the black dust. All cars have some level of brake dust accumulation, but this one is very excessive. We did not have this problem with our 2001 Navi.

Air Bag light came on at 410 miles. Dealer changed a sensor/module under the center console.

Even with these minor concerns we love our 2004 a lot.

utl3 · February 2004

Caught an ad for Lincoln today on the TV and noticed it mentioned an new incentive for the SUVs. It showed an additional $750.00 for a total of $3750.00 on Navigators. Anyone else see it and know what the deal is? The Lincoln website mentions nothing new.

Thanks.

nv32 · February 2004

ANT 14 has told us about the 6-speed tranny for the 05, and that will probably be the biggest news, but I wonder if it's too early to begin speculating --- especially with ant14's help --- as to what else the 05s might have.

There have been rumors of increased power.

My own guess is that some of the following will be in the 05s:

Electromechanical parking brake, maybe like on the Audi A8L.

LED tail and brake lights

Rearview camera option linked to the nav screen

Front parking sensors

"Manumatic" shifting?

Adaptive cruise control, as on the new Infiniti truck

Cornering lights, as on the Lexus RX330, though I'm not sure they are all that helpful

And my own wish is for a darker leather, like the 03 had.

ANT 14, can you give us any input on any of this? Thanks.

ANT14 · February 2004

"ANT14 - this quote was from a Ford Media article on Feb. 4 about the Batavia Ohio plant. Was this the "confirmation" you were looking for?"

Yep, I tried doing a search for it, but I couldn't come up with any results. I finally remembered "Batavia" and was able to get a link for the story.

NV32,

As for your list, I can tell your there's sooooo many of those that will NOT make it, but keep Hope alive though.

smwls8 · February 2004

Former Mercedes owner of first year(97) of 5 speed automatic, I had a lot of problems. I am picking up 04 Gator I ordered tomorrow without hesitation, as I will give FOMOCO a couple of model years to work out the kinks of 6 speed.

FWIW, regarding the extra $750 incentive, it depends on what part of the country you are in, I am A-Plan purchasing in Atlanta, and got the $3750 plus some Lincoln loyalty money, MSRP $58XXX, out the door $44XXX plus tax ($1400).

The link above re: front brake dust problem says Expeditions built after 12/18/03 will have corrected brake linings. I ordered my 04 on 1/2/04, so guess I will have new type brake linings. Anyone here have experience with corrected brake pads?

On a bigger issue, I understand Lincoln will have some new products out soon, glad to see 6-speed coming, but Cadillac must be spending a fortune on all of their new products. If you would have told me 2 years ago that Cadi was going to put the vette motor in a Catera (CTS) with a 6-SPEED, I would hve bet the farm you were wrong. This is extreme product development(XLR, etc.), and I don't see or hear about Lincoln doing the same. As a repeat Lincoln owner I hope Ford does not put all of their development eggs in the Ford basket.

Enough hand-wringing, just wondering if anyone shares my concern for the Lincoln brand.

Thanks

nvbanker · February 2004

Fortunately, my current needs are met very nicely with the Navigator, but when I need to go back to a large sedan, I have a problem, because the current Town Car has been cheapened asthetically and on equipment to the point that I can't buy one. May have to look at a Jag or a Lexus for a Sedan. The LS is a wonderful sedan, but to small for my needs. We're all hoping Lincoln gets some attention soon!

gyne2009 · February 2004

Hey all! Looking to buy the nav 2004 and wanted to know if the satellite radio is available concurrently with the dvd navigation/THX sound system. I also see a picture on the lincoln.com web site that shows a dvd button on the touch screen. Does this mean a dvd can be played on the nav screen (obviously while in park!! dont want to kill the wife and kids while watching my favorite movies!!)?

gteach26 · February 2004

If the "wish list" posted by nv32 a bit back comes to fruition you can put me in line for another gator come January!! Back-up camera.. front parking sensors..adaptive cruise control... my gadget-hungry geeky side is salivating!!!!

ANT14 · February 2004

"Former Mercedes owner of first year(97) of 5 speed automatic"

Mercedes reliability has dropped massively in the past couple of years and transmissions as well as computer generated issues are usually the culprit. The 6 speed that will be implemented onto the Navi is Jag S-type derived and there hasn't been any issues pertaining to that transmission. It's very well designed overall.

MB has admitted it needs to concentrate on improving reliability consider they were rated right next to Hyundai, in the last JDPower study. As a smoke screen, they first stated the issues were computer related and that their CUSTOMER'S just didn't understand the NAVI systems and such, and were going back for repairs, when they were just mis-informed about using the computer/Navi system. I found that quite hilarious, since it sounded as if they were really stating that they had stupid customer's.

IT wasn't till a few weeks back in an article posted on Detroit News, where MB has admitted they are suffering from reliability/dependability ratings, and are supposedly "working overtime" to correct the issue.

Some of that Chrysler blood is bleeding into the MB pool and tainting it...

nvbanker · February 2004

I don't know, ANT, I think Chrysler was doing much better in this regard prior to the "merger of equals", wink, wink. I was thinking MB has messed up Chrysler's quality!

akirby · February 2004

The C class and M class have almost singlehandedly ruined MB's reputation for quality. The E class electronic snafus just added fuel to the fire. That's what happens when you try to build to a price (especially a lower price than normal). They should have created a new brand for their cheaper stuff (inverse of what the japanese did).

Chrysler, Ford and GM have all made huge strides in quality and while they're not perfect they're pretty good across the board (with a few exceptions).

explorerx4 · February 2004

my '83 t'bird had them. they were great. they need to be bright enough though, not just a feature.

akirby... how about some specifics on 'the exceptions'?

akirby · February 2004

Actually I can't really think of any at the moment. It tends to be one area instead of an entire vehicle (like brakes and suspension on Chevy trucks, Ford's 5.4L truck engine, etc.). Still not crazy about GM's interior quality but it's getting better. I don't think you can point to one car and say it's terrible anymore. Even the worst ones aren't that bad. Unlike the early 90's.

nvbanker · February 2004

I totally agree. Nobody makes pure junk anymore like they did in the early 70's. It's more a matter of perference, and strenths and weaknesses here and there. Overall, the Navigator is without peer now in technology, innovation, and style IMO. But others disagree, and that's fine. There are some weaknesses to the Navigator, but they are minor ones, and pale in comparison to what is offered in the class IMO. I've had good service the first year with my 03, and while the 99 I had wasn't leaps and bounds ahead of the 02 Escalade, it was totally bulletproof in service.

heyjewel · February 2004

Having just bought a 2004 Nav in Dec, I can say:

- There is a DVD 'button' on the navigation screen but it's only there to enable the player for the 2nd/3rd row passengers. You cannot watch a movie on the nav screen. Though sometime someone will figure out how to do it. I heard that, I think it's the Nissan Quest, not sure , that someone's figured out how to do it for that vehicle.
- Sirius is ready to go w/nav sound system. I have not priced it though.

gyne2009 · February 2004

Thanks for the info. Do you also know if the sirius radio, factory or dealer installed, is internal? Meaning is there an additional piece of hardware on the middle dash or is there just an additional button for it?

heyjewel · February 2004

Sorry, I really don't know. All I know is it's "dealer installed". My guess is the hardware etc is there, just needs to be enabled.

nv32 · February 2004

A satellite radio requires a separate (usually on roof) antenna. It looks like a computer mouse on steroids. I have a Sirius in my older SUV. The head unit is a Kenwood, and there is another piece of hardware under a seat; I think they said it was the tuner. So, I guess the charge for the Sirius is for the antenna and tuner, plus installation, and I would assume that the Nav is prewired for the Sirius, AND that the head unit (and/or navigation system as the case may be) is ready for use with the Sirius. Sirius rocks, by the way.

nv32 · February 2004

As a follow-up to my first reply to gyne2009, which I don't see posted yet, the catalog shows the head unit of the Navigator with a "SAT" button alongside another button labeled "AM FM". so it would appear that the head unit is indeed ready and only needs to be connected to the other unit, which, as I mentioned, is I think the tuner, which no doubt is connected to the antenna. But, as you have guessed by now I'm sure, I'm not an electrical engineer.

nv32 · February 2004

Has anyone installed, or looked into the installation of, an aftermarket navigation unit in an 03 or 04?

When I get my Navigator, I intend to order it without the nav because the aftermarket ones appear to be so much better in several ways, although there is no money saved by going this route probably.

I have not sat in a Navigator for so long that I have forgotten where the audio unit is, but I assume it's in the covered area below the climate controls, so this would be the most obvious place to put the navigation/radio head unit I think.

I intend to get one of those units that has the screen that "pops out" and can be retracted when not in use.

I assume that the message center (on trucks without the nav) is where the nav would be installed, so I wouldn't want to install the aftermarket nav there and lose the message center.

My first question is whether anyone knows whether the pop-out screen, so low on the console, would interfere with the shifter?

If it would interfere, then could the climate controls be moved down to where I am supposing the audio unit is now, and then the aftermarket nav be installed where the climate controls are now?

The aftermarket nav is a single DIN size, so I think it would fit in that space.

At least, please, tell me if the audio unit is below the climate controls behind that panel.

Thanks for any guidance, assistance, suggestions and opinions.

Lincoln Navigator

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