New Member - My LS

[EpDarks]

Hi guys,

I'd like to apologize in advance for the long winded post.

I am the original owner of a 2000 black/black LS V8 Sport w/ 75k miles. We bought the car in late '99 for ~$40k. The car is loaded. It has been a great car... for the first 60k miles or so. Now everything is hitting the fan so to speak. Let me tell you about some of the problems we're had so far... ANY info would be AWESOME.

Coil packs... replaced one... misfiring again... going to replace all 8.

Rear end is making noise... dealer said it's a hub? They want $1500 for both hubs. Nothing but terrible service from Lincoln. PITA! Can I get away w/ replacing the bearings only?

Cooling fan and pump went bad... $1600 from Lincoln... left a sour taste in my mouth. Now I think the fan only works on the high stage... how can I test this?

Radio display is out... needs replaced?

Advancetrac light flashes when I start the car and eventually the system beeps and the light turns to solid. Dealer wants $1000 for a new computer. Any smaller items to check?

Sway bar bushings are bad in front... DIY possible?

Rear view mirror blew up from the heat... cheap replacement?

Transmission seems to take forever to shift into drive... it didn't used to be this bad. After a search I read the dealer has a flash for this?

Both rear windows fell off track... replaced regulators and no problems anymore.

AC is hot on the drivers side... doing the DCCV...

I can't find a decent mechanic in the Tampa area... suggestions?

I love the car but IMO this is unacceptable for a car that has been BABIED for 75k miles. 40k in 2000 turns into 6k market value in 2008 thanks to Lincolns spotty quality control. I understand this is a luxury car and there are going to be items that need attention, however I can't help but think this car is a lemon. The worst part is I LOVE the car. When everything was perfect it was really ahead of its time. Now I'm losing hope.

I attached a photo of the car.

I know a lot of these items have been covered before... probably all of them. I just wanted to introduce myself and my car.

Cheers,

Dan

 

[jk52781]

Hey man, welcome to LVC.

I see your in Tampa, but also in MN sometimes or I was not sure? Just curious because I am in the St. Paul area.

Unbelievable what these cars went for in 2000 and the price now.

 

[NateRW21]

Good lookin Gen I!!!

Make sure your valve cover gaskets have been changed, otherwise you'll continue to get oil build-up in the plug wells, shorting out your coil on plug units. Best thing you can do is replace all 8 COP units.

Bearing and hug come as a unit. If you were willing, or capable to do the work yourself, it would be SUBSTANTIALLY less... Max at 5-star ford (see ad to the right) will give you great deals on price.

I'm not familiar with the hydraulic cooling fan. Maybe someone else will jump in on this one, or try a search.

Look on Ebay for a used radio and just swap them out; it's the easiest solution.

Advancetrac... Could need new wheel (read:ABS) sensor(s)... otherwise, I don't know...

Swaybar bushings... not too difficult DIY job... order the parts from max.

Rearview... again, hit up ebay or a used parts supplier

Tranny... I personally haven't heard of this problem; but doesn't mean it's not a known issue... see about a reflash and have your tranny flushed at the dealer.

Welcome to LVC!!! Hopefully with some help from us, you can get your beautiful LS back to tip top condition. Keep in mind that a regular ford dealer can do a lot of the work on your vehicle. No need to take it to a lincoln exclusive dealer. The Lincoln dealer in my area, I had horrible experience with; I went to one of the ford dealers and asked about them working on my car should I need it and they said they'd be more than happy... then asked what was so bad at the lincoln dealership; I told them... they said "well, things will be changing there very shortly... we bought that dealership last week". Good news for me, but I've yet to go back.

 

[eastcoastLS]

Your valve cover gasket's may be perfectly fine. I have a 2000 V8 still on the original VCG. When I had all the plugs changed out, by my Uncle, he inspected it all, and said it was good to go. Seems as if the coils fail due to wear and tear or because your VCG's are leaking. Although if you are changing the spark plugs, might as well throw in some new VCG's for preventative measures.

Reprogram of the PCM is a known TSB for the delayed shift from Park to forward and reverse gears.

 

[EpDarks]

Thanks very much for your help guys. A proper welcome to the forum. Really appreciate it. I'll keep everyone updated.