Damn Ls

[SilverLS]

Ok guys I guess im getting overf this car now.....Ok as you remember me posting a while back my cruise control starting messing up(buttons all mixed up) I took it to the dealership and right after my warranty went up it broke again and now when I start my car I get a flashing airbag light 3 times and then the light stays on NO MORE AIRBAGS!!!!!!!!!! I guess its the clock spring prob. Anyone know what it cost to get this fixed MY FML F_-_-ing SUCKS!!!!!!!!! I will probaly take it to the FORD place and pay out the A$$ for it if they will do it The guys at my Lincoln Dealership BOTH OF THEM suck!!!! I just cant believe for such a nice car this stuff brakes! O well

 

[POPPABEAR78]

Hey Silver, I was in need of a mechanic for my LS last week and a member here(joey) reffered me to this mechanic, and I have to say he did an exellent job and he is a pretty honest guy. He replaced my upper intake and a few other things, he ordered original parts for my ride and. so if your interested pm me so I can give you the number..

 

[beaups]

you probably need the clockspring replaced. If they replaced it a while ago, it should be fixed under warranty. if it's documented but they didn't fix it, it should also be fixed under warranty

 

[eL eS]

Ok guys I guess im getting overf this car now.....Ok as you remember me posting a while back my cruise control starting messing up(buttons all mixed up) I took it to the dealership and right after my warranty went up it broke again and now when I start my car I get a flashing airbag light 3 times and then the light stays on NO MORE AIRBAGS!!!!!!!!!! I guess its the clock spring prob. Anyone know what it cost to get this fixed MY FML F_-_-ing SUCKS!!!!!!!!! I will probaly take it to the FORD place and pay out the A$$ for it if they will do it The guys at my Lincoln Dealership BOTH OF THEM suck!!!! I just cant believe for such a nice car this stuff brakes! O well

sorry to hear about the problems. You can do this repair yourself and the tools if you dont have them can be borrowed from autozone or a tool rental biznez. The spring cost a little over a hundred bux. QuikLS had this problem and he provided a few details to me on how to perform this and I was able fix mine.

Also check the module under your seat as it has also been known to be the culprit and is a 0 dollar fix. If you can count the binks becasue they describe the code and it will help to isolate the area you should be troubleshooting.

 

[Fla02LS]

I think its a damn coincidence that the same people who "race" and mod their LS are the ones who post all these problems with their car. Shocking. I have an '02 LS, and other than oil changes i havent had one single problem or complaint. Love my car. I guess NOT driving like an a**hole does pay off in some cases. The LS isnt a car to race or even to try and hit the top speed, and it sure isnt a car to mod. for performance. Its luxury to "cruise" around in. So if any of you are the tough guys racing cars or hitting the speed limiter in your LS than for damn sure dont act surprised when your LS takes a dump on you.

 

[GWL]

I think its a damn coincidence that the same people who "race" and mod their LS are the ones who post all these problems with their car. Shocking. I have an '02 LS, and other than oil changes i havent had one single problem or complaint. Love my car. I guess NOT driving like an a**hole does pay off in some cases. The LS isnt a car to race or even to try and hit the top speed, and it sure isnt a car to mod. for performance. Its luxury to "cruise" around in. So if any of you are the tough guys racing cars or hitting the speed limiter in your LS than for damn sure dont act surprised when your LS takes a dump on you.

I agree with most of your post, except that the LS was built to compete with BMW etc. and running flat out on the autobahn is not abusing a car designed for high speed cruising. But, you are right that when you mod any car includeing BMW and Mercedes, you must expect the consequences. BTW if there was no demand for high performace luxury cars, there would be no AMG, Alpina or Hartge models of the BMWs and Mercedes flagship models.
:Beer

 

[beaups]

I don't see where racing and/or modding would have any relation to the clockspring. I think these failures can be attributed to the "sophisticated" and "delicate" electronics everyone around here seems to have a hardon about.

 

[Fla02LS]

I don't see where racing and/or modding would have any relation to the clockspring. I think these failures can be attributed to the "sophisticated" and "delicate" electronics everyone around here seems to have a hardon about.

Your right, it probably doesnt have anything to do with it, it might but probably not. But i wasnt necessarily refering to his exact problem. But driving "bad", however you want to define bad, will most likely cause you to have problems. Treat your car good and it will return the favor. Give it a try.

 

[HyeLifeLS]

I had my airbag light on too, clockspring was bad. The dealer replaced it, the clockspring itself was $82 I think and to change it about $200, I just didn't know what it was or I would replace it myself.

 

[beaups]

I think its a damn coincidence that the same people who "race" and mod their LS are the ones who post all these problems with their car. Shocking. I have an '02 LS, and other than oil changes i havent had one single problem or complaint. Love my car. I guess NOT driving like an a**hole does pay off in some cases. The LS isnt a car to race or even to try and hit the top speed, and it sure isnt a car to mod. for performance. Its luxury to "cruise" around in. So if any of you are the tough guys racing cars or hitting the speed limiter in your LS than for damn sure dont act surprised when your LS takes a dump on you.

I plain disagree. The car was built to be driven hard, it was marketed (and more importantly DESIGNED) to compete against the likes of audi, bmw, etc. This car is NOT a luxo cruiser as you are saying. Cadillac Seville, Deville, etc. those are luxo cruisers. If you are looking for luxo cruiser ride the LS is the wrong car. It was built way too stiff and was not designed with that in mind. Frankly, it's not all that luxurious either. read: towncar

 

[ToddG]

I plain disagree. The car was built to be driven hard, it was marketed (and more importantly DESIGNED) to compete against the likes of audi, bmw, etc. This car is NOT a luxo cruiser as you are saying. Cadillac Seville, Deville, etc. those are luxo cruisers. If you are looking for luxo cruiser ride the LS is the wrong car. It was built way too stiff and was not designed with that in mind. Frankly, it's not all that luxurious either. read: towncar

Most of this is true, but it doesn't change the fact that the LS is a very complicated and sophisticated machine. If you do mods, or "race" the car and push it outside the design limits, you can expect problems. Like some of the other posters, I've not had a single significant problem with my car in the 3 years of ownership. Mine is totally stock, and I drive it aggressively only on occasion.

 

[Fla02LS]

I plain disagree. The car was built to be driven hard, it was marketed (and more importantly DESIGNED) to compete against the likes of audi, bmw, etc. This car is NOT a luxo cruiser as you are saying. Cadillac Seville, Deville, etc. those are luxo cruisers. If you are looking for luxo cruiser ride the LS is the wrong car. It was built way too stiff and was not designed with that in mind. Frankly, it's not all that luxurious either. read: towncar

My use of the word "cruise" was to describe driving normal versus revving and racing, not the characteristics of the car. I drive alot of highway miles so to me thats "cruising", and the stiffness just adds more fun, its not a bad thing. And compared to probably 90% of the vehicles on the road it is luxurious.

 

[beaups]

what would be considered pushing it "outside of it's limits"? I'm not trying to be a smart a**. I don't race people, but I get a great rush driving the car hard from time to time. That's why I bought it. I don't think it's any harder on the car if there happens to be a car next to me while I'm doing it.

 

[ToddG]

what would be considered pushing it "outside of it's limits"? I'm not trying to be a smart a**. I don't race people, but I get a great rush driving the car hard from time to time. That's why I bought it. I don't think it's any harder on the car if there happens to be a car next to me while I'm doing it.

Obviously it's hard to quantify the limits. However, based on your statement, I believe the way you drive the car and the way I drive the car are quite similar, and are within the design limits (fun too!). Like you, I like driving the car hard sometimes, but I don't make a habit of it.

By "outside the limits" I mean installing 20-22 inch rims, adding lowering springs, adding electronic components like amps, iPods, etc. The LS performs very well within its design parameters, and I agree it was designed to be a driver's car, but some folks go over the top and they run into trouble.

 

[Fla02LS]

By "outside the limits" I mean installing 20-22 inch rims, adding lowering springs, adding electronic components like amps, iPods, etc. The LS performs very well within its design parameters, and I agree it was designed to be a driver's car, but some folks go over the top and they run into trouble.

Very true. Adding non-oem stuff will always put more of a strain on something. The engineers try to get as much as they can out of the car, so that would be the cars "limit". Going 110 mph doesnt necessarily mean your car will break down, but driving crazy will put more stress, heat, wear on all parts of the car which is what will cause the "problems" eventually. My grandfather had a '69 Lincoln that lasted longer than most of you have been alive because he drove like a grandpa. That kind of thing cant be disputed.

 

[SilverLS]

OK FL02LS I am sick of your crap! DONT post stupid :q:q:q:q on here about me. If you dont like it :q:q:q:q off then ,,, I have not done anything that would cause this,,, so your wrong!!!! If you drive your car 100+ miles in a straight line how does that cause the clock spring to go bad... If you dont want to mod you car old man then why are you here also if your car has nothing wrong with it why are you here you cant help us fix ours because you have not had anything go wrong !!! KEEP IT TO YOUR SELF dont post stupid as$ remarks after me!!! I do not drive my ls like that every day if i did dont you think I would be in jail already and not posting on here I have only had 1 speeding ticket in my LIFE I travel I4 on a daily basis and i go 60-65 and the posted speed limit is 70 so whats up with that!!!! I just put my radio on and CRUZ!!!!!!!! So why dont you just leave me the :q:q:q:q alone and stop posting about AS$ hole drivers who FILM their driving!!! you cant say you never once have done anything wrong in your lifetime of driving!!!


Sorry guys Im just pissed off about this guy running his mouth about the way I drive and how the LS is not for modding

 

[GWL]

Very true. Adding non-oem stuff will always put more of a strain on something. The engineers try to get as much as they can out of the car, so that would be the cars "limit". Going 110 mph doesnt necessarily mean your car will break down, but driving crazy will put more stress, heat, wear on all parts of the car which is what will cause the "problems" eventually. My grandfather had a '69 Lincoln that lasted longer than most of you have been alive because he drove like a grandpa. That kind of thing cant be disputed.

Modifying OEM equipment does not always cause stress someplace, it can improve a particular performance aspect that the engineers were forced to employ in order to satisfy the largest sector of drivers. By modifying your car, you accept that you will give up something in order to get something. I have been driving an Alpina modified BMW 635 for over 25 years now without problems. Ill conceived modifications can and usually do cause problems. Therefor anyone who modifies their ride no matter what it is, has to expect problems a stocker may not endure. It is all part of the process. Oh yeah, let go easy on the Grandpa cracks OK? :joke :waving:
:Beer
:L

 

[HyeLifeLS]

Man, I love your 635i, as soon as I get some extra money I am gonna get another BMW, probably an older M5.

Modifying OEM equipment does not always cause stress someplace, it can improve a particular performance aspect that the engineers were forced to employ in order to satisfy the largest sector of drivers. By modifying your car, you accept that you will give up something in order to get something. I have been driving an Alpina modified BMW 635 for over 25 years now without problems. Ill conceived modifications can and usually do cause problems. Therefor anyone who modifies their ride no matter what it is, has to expect problems a stocker may not endure. It is all part of the process. Oh yeah, let go easy on the Grandpa cracks OK? :joke :waving:
:Beer
:L

 

[eL eS]

good grief... what started out as a problem statement seeking a solution statements has turned into web rage. Really the only thing someone could do to this car and screw it up fast is forced induction or adding chemicals to the fuel.

This forum has a great beta tester for both of these products and believe me he knows the hard limits of his car and has done a great job teching other folks.

Silver - did you have the pcm scanned? or can you count the series of blinks? There is a module beneath the drivers seat that often is the culprit.

 

[Fla02LS]

Hey SilverLS, i think its time for you to relax and go have a beer or something. I already clarified that my post wasnt in reference to your exact problem, but that mods and driving habits do have a correlation to problems. I also didnt mention the filming incident, BUT that is a choice you made buddy and your gonna have to live with the fact that not only did you chose to film it but also to share it on a public forum. Think about your actions before you do them. Now, with that said dont think that i have some vendetta with you or are looking to make you look like an ass, you can handle that stuff by yourself. Haha. Anyway, be happy that the website got wiped clean so your video post is lost into history. My LS is the first Ford vehicle i have owned so there are a bunch of little things that this forum can help me with and alot of little things that i can help others with. If my posts get you all worked up than i can see how revving engines can provoke a race. Relax and grow alittle thicker skin.

 

[SilverLS]

Hey SilverLS, i think its time for you to relax and go have a beer or something. I already clarified that my post wasnt in reference to your exact problem, but that mods and driving habits do have a correlation to problems. I also didnt mention the filming incident, BUT that is a choice you made buddy and your gonna have to live with the fact that not only did you chose to film it but also to share it on a public forum. Think about your actions before you do them. Now, with that said dont think that i have some vendetta with you or are looking to make you look like an ass, you can handle that stuff by yourself. Haha. Anyway, be happy that the website got wiped clean so your video post is lost into history. My LS is the first Ford vehicle i have owned so there are a bunch of little things that this forum can help me with and alot of little things that i can help others with. If my posts get you all worked up than i can see how revving engines can provoke a race. Relax and grow alittle thicker skin.

First off you did talk about me and my video of my driving on the other accident post you made!!!! And second I get people revving there engines at me all day long a i just laugh!!!! As far as me looking like an ass I dont see how I am doing so YOU were about the only one to say anything about negative about it !!! I stated above I have a good clean record with my driving 1 speeding ticket and 3 other BS tickets for having a TV in my car (not even hooked up to anything) having blue headlights (the street legal ones from autozone <GE> ) and having white blinkers in the front of my g20 (BS) so as far as that goes IM GOOD.... GO HAVE A BEER (sorry Im only 20 and cant and will not drink my problems away) As far as you and I go It sucks that people run there mouth before they even know who the other person it Im a 20 student and Full Time Private Investigator and I get along with just about everyone untill they start talking S about me and We even live in the same CITY (just about) but o well :shifty: would have been cool to meet somone local with an LS

 

[SilverLS]

good grief... what started out as a problem statement seeking a solution statements has turned into web rage. Really the only thing someone could do to this car and screw it up fast is forced induction or adding chemicals to the fuel.

This forum has a great beta tester for both of these products and believe me he knows the hard limits of his car and has done a great job teching other folks.

Silver - did you have the pcm scanned? or can you count the series of blinks? There is a module beneath the drivers seat that often is the culprit.

hey I counted the blinks its a quick three(3) and one(1) second pause then two(2) short blinks then it repeats the 3*2 for a totall of 5 sets ....understand what im saying??? I ran the codes and its not showing anything on the scanner

 

[eL eS]

That is the Light Fault code of 32 or if you can get the pcm reading it will probably show a B1932 stored or pending - driver air bag resistance is high. The shop manual says to replace the airbag but that is not the solution in most cases I have read about and have had first hand experince with.

Follow these steps that were given to me by QuikLS, Thanks Lou.

The steering wheel controls (and air bag wiring) connect through a hub at the top of the steering column (called a clockspring) then down the steering column and on.

The clockspring is a plastic gear assembly that has a couple of feet of wiring rolled up in a special way to allow you to turn the steering wheel each way and still maintain an electrical connection through it.

the plastic housing tends to rub the edges of the wiring in the clockspring and begins to fray the actual wires. this causes intermittent connection - especially if you can cause it to happen when you turn the steering wheel.

a replacement clockspring is about $100 and takes about 30mins to replace.

to test it - you could :
- disconnect the battery and let sit for 10mins
- remove the airbag by removing the two bolts (one on each side) of the steering wheel (under a plastic plug), then electrically disconnect the airbag
- you'll see the radio controls and the airbag connector - they plug into a connector that is rotated when you turn the steering wheel.

so either:
- those little radio control switch circuits are bad (not likely if both on each side are having the same issue)
- the connections from the radio switch circuits are loose
- the connections to and from the clockspring are loose
- the wiring inside the clockspring it bad.

 

[SilverLS]

ok kool I dont know about the radio controls.... I dont have the factory radio anymore and I also have not purchased the radio controls.....