Factory warranty question

[galantz28x]

I have an 05 LS still well under factory warranty, and am having my ABS and check advancetrac warning come on randomly. I want to take it to the dealership to have them check it out, but am worried they might tell me they cant fix it under warranty because I have aftermarket 20" rims on it. Does anyone know if they can deny to look at the problem because of this??? Any help is appreciated greatly!

 

[SoonerLS]

It's possible. If Lincoln can show that the failure was caused by your aftermarket parts (or that they contributed to the failure), they can legally claim that those aftermarket parts void the warranty with regards to the broken parts. It is certainly possible that the aftermarket wheels are contributing to the problem, although there are several members around here who run 20" wheels without any problems,

The first thing I'd do is go back to stock wheels and tires and see if the problem goes away; if it doesn't, go see the dealer ASAP.

 

[beaups]

did you go w/diff tires sizes on front and rear?

 

[galantz28x]

did you go w/diff tires sizes on front and rear?

Yes, I have larger tires in the rear.....could that be what is causing the problem.....and if it is.....should I just ignore the warning I keep getting??? I really dont want to go through the hassle of putting my factory wheels back on.

 

[SoonerLS]

There's no reason to run different sized tires on the front and rear of an LS, and yes, it's probably what's causing your problem. ABS and AdvanceTrac both depend on readings from the wheel speed sensors, and they expect all four wheels to be turning at the same speed. If you have different sized tires, the bigger tires will be turning more slowly, so ABS and AdvanceTrac will be getting different readings front and rear, which will be telling them that they need to take action.

 

[galantz28x]

There's no reason to run different sized tires on the front and rear of an LS, and yes, it's probably what's causing your problem. ABS and AdvanceTrac both depend on readings from the wheel speed sensors, and they expect all four wheels to be turning at the same speed. If you have different sized tires, the bigger tires will be turning more slowly, so ABS and AdvanceTrac will be getting different readings front and rear, which will be telling them that they need to take action.

Actually, I just remembered....I had larger tires on the back, but I recently had them replaced (bout 3 months) and the shop put the same as on the front. I dont think it has much to do with the wheels though because it just started to happen a few days ago....I have had these rims for almost a year with no issues. Is this something I can just kind of ignore, or do I need to get this checked out soon?

 

[SoonerLS]

Personally, I wouldn't ignore a fault that involves a system as critical as the brakes.

 

[ToddG]

Is this something I can just kind of ignore, or do I need to get this checked out soon?

Sounds to me like a wheel sensor went bad. Whether it was the large rims that caused this is anyone's guess, but I'd get it fixed ASAP. If you're getting the ABS/Check AdvanceTrac light on the dash, that means the system is shut down, which can be a serious safety hazard.

 

[LincolnTech38]

there are problems with the front abs sensor and housings getting moisture n them, Usually requires the sensor be replaced and vent holes drilled in the housing to let moisture out, there is a TSB on it. But that may not be whats wrong with your car.

Have it checked out.

Jay

 

[Frogman]

Put your OEM wheels on, and drive it around like that for a while. If the condition persists, then take it to the dealer.

I wouldn't take it to the dealer in it's current wheel configuration. I don't know about the LS crowd, but FORD has been denying Powerstroke warranties for as little as aftermarked intakes. Granted, it's up to the Service Advisor and/or the tech. If he's having a bad day, he can get the warranty voiding process started. Once your cars' VIN gets flagged in OASIS, you're pretty much screwed.

 

[galantz28x]

Put your OEM wheels on, and drive it around like that for a while. If the condition persists, then take it to the dealer.

I wouldn't take it to the dealer in it's current wheel configuration. I don't know about the LS crowd, but FORD has been denying Powerstroke warranties for as little as aftermarked intakes. Granted, it's up to the Service Advisor and/or the tech. If he's having a bad day, he can get the warranty voiding process started. Once your cars' VIN gets flagged in OASIS, you're pretty much screwed.

Thank you for the warning....it looks like I have no other choice but to put the factory wheels back on.