My '00 LS is acting up bigtime!

[Apathy25TX]

Well, I got some issues with my vehicle that I'm trying to get the best starting point to fix 'em.

First, my vehicle is poppin' messages constantly.

1) I have the Check Charging system. I recently replaced my alternator, so I'm thinking I'm going to have the shop look into the Voltage Regulator. My question to you all would be... if it's not the VR, what other things could it be?

2) My Check Transmission message comes on. I can't help notice that very often it comes in right after the Check Charging system message. Are the two related somehow? For example, does the tranny's sensors, electrical components need a certain voltage to run perfectly? I recently had the oil changed and the filter aswell. So, it wasn't that.

3) This also has to do with the tranny, it's been acting up for a while. I've heard of replacing solenoid packs on the tranny. I'm wondering, has anyone had theirs replaced? If so, what was the tranny doing before you replaced them? And secondly, did it fix the problem?

4) Yup, there's more. My Trunk Ajar message is always coming on. It's getting rather annoying now. Is there a sensor or module I can replace to take care of this? I've joked around with my nephews saying that I'm going to stick a piece of tape on my RESET button to keep it down constantly. *LOL*

5) I'm also interested in running a new exhaust system for my car. I would like to replace the catalytic converters on it as a preventive measure. Any good recommendations? Also, if you could give me a rough estimate on cost. Labor down in south texas is relatively cheap. So, my main concern would be the cost of the actual system.

6) Another question would be... I've seen that the CAM position sensor is a culprit to some of the symptoms i'm having. Namely, the car bogs a lot under acceleration and sometimes will turn completely off. How many Cam sensors are there on a V8 and what do they jobber?

7) This is more of maintenance... What can I do keep my engine peppy? I saw a post about cleaning the EGR. How is that done on a '00 V8 LS. Also, I would like the clean the MAF sensor ( or replace it ) as well as the O2 sensors. I'm also looking into having all the coils replaced with that sweet 150 deal from ebay. If you all could guide me with these basic maintenance procedures, I'd be grateful. I'll probably be doing all these before I get into it.

Thanks ahead of time!


Stats:

2000 Lincoln LS V8 Sport with 131K miles.

 

[Apathy25TX]

Wow, I can't believe I haven't gotten a single response.

I know that this request is a rather long winded one and I have been searching and checking out the forums. I'm just looking for some feedback from folks that have gone though any of these problems to see which is my best point of attack.

If I had to place any emphasis on anything, I would say that the Check Transmission and the solenoid question are the two I would like some feedback on.

 

[rickztahone]

i can help you with #4. i had that and it was due to a faulty meeting of the trunk lid sensor and the one where it presses it in. i just put in a screw there with a washer and it took the message away. then i just covered it with some vinyl since my trunk is wrapped with it

 

[02LincLS]

the following is pure speculation, but since it seems your getting a unusual high number of errors, it could be that one of your coils could be bad, and interference is causing your message center to display bad data. If your car has mediocre to poor wide open throttle acceleration, without any of the errors seeming to be true, this is probably the case. I think a lot of people on here blame it on a specific coil location... number 4 i think?? So, go with the coils first, I bet your other "problems" will disappear.

Unless your draining a battery, your charging system should be fine. I dont think its related in any way to the transmission error aside from what I mentioned above. If the transmission seems to be fine, it probably is. Same thing for your trunk.

Exhaust really isnt worth it on these cars unless you have a power adder. If you just want sound, get some mufflers. Converters are expensive since they contain platinum (i think) so don't replace it unless you really have to. If you have low miles and generally let the car get good and warmed up all the time you use it, it should be fine for a long time. People around here actually are stealing them for this purpose. Good luck getting mine, I'm lowered- you cant get a jack under the car

I'm not sure if this MAF sensor is different, but on my T-Bird, I gently wiped it with a acetone soaked Q-tip, using only the weight of the Q-tip. Remember that this sensor is supposed to be able to clean itself off but sometimes oil type air filters give them a little more than they can handle. It will take a computer reset, or some normal driving time for the car to adjust. Just be gentle though, its delicate!

 

[Apathy25TX]

Thanks for your responses fellas!

I've taken care of the MAF sensor cleaning and the fuel injector / throttle cleaned up. The car is running a lil' better, but it still has it's main issues. I'm definately going the 8 coil route and do the whole set while I'm at it. Can't beat that 150 dll. deal on ebay.

As for the Trunk ajar problem, the cover for the trunk lip on the bottom has come off and i'm thinking that is what's causing this problem. I'm probably gonna go the route you mentioned or maybe just velcro the switch to the carpet on the trunk lid. Sounds like an easier fix.

As for the cats & exhaust... I namely wanted the sound. But I figured since I can get a system done for cheap down here in south texas, I'd probably get the whole thing done. A shop here did my friend's mustang with 2.25" tubing, two flowmaster for 290.00.

 

[97stscaddy]

#1 The voltage regulator is internal to the alternator so if that has been replaced and you still get the message you should suspect the wiring for the alternator. You should always have the system tested before throwing parts at it though. Most auto parts stores will do an alt./battery test for free.

#2 & 3 The shift solenoid pack could very well be on the fritz. Has the car ever stuck in 3rd gear while you were driving?

#4 replace the switch

#5 talk to your local exhaust shop for an estimate, if you want sound you might consider using high flow cats.

#6 Sounds more like bad COPs (Coil On Plug)

#7 take it off and spray it out with brake/carb cleaner. It also helps to use an intake system cleaner every now and then like Seafoam.
CRC I believe makes a special spray cleaner for MAF sensors. Comes in a gray can, works pretty well, costs about 4 bucks.

One last tip, A recent string of threads has come up about the timing chains on the 2000 model v8s. The tensioners for the secondary chains can crack and will fall apart causing them to get jammed in the chain and break it. Which then creates the possibility of crashing pistons into valves on the side that broke. Add that to your list of things to check/fix before you go roaring around town with your new exhaust system.

 

[Apathy25TX]

hello sts..

1) The shop replaced my alternator. So they should be able to replace it since they got a lifetime warranty on it. I'm thinking perhaps they probably just re-wired the mofo and charged me an alternator. Anyhow, they'll have to deal with it now and I'll be damned if I'll pay for labor.

2&3) Negative on the being stuck on 3rd gear. Do you know if the tranny only has 1 solenoid pack or are there several?

4) I'm going to velcro the switch down to the trunk lid carpet. That should take care of that momentarily.

5) Definately will consider. Do you know of any good high flow cats? What do they typically run?

6) I'm hoping to get a set of 8 on ebay this upcoming week. woohoo!

7) I did the seafoam thing on Sunday and the MAF sensor thing with CRC cleaner on Monday. The can ran about 6 bucks & change.

I'll definately take a look into that tensioner issue since my car makes a whirrrr sound when I start it up in the morning.

Thanks!