New Owner of a 93 Mark VIII

[davidm]

Just bought a 93 with 79,000 miles, local car with records. Paid $2000 for it from a large Chevy Stealership that was going to wholesale it out.
On the car lot after about 3-4 days the rear end was down. After driving it for a few days it is staying level. I hear what I think is the compressor for a short time when starting or at engine stop, no messages either.
On the other hand when I turn the radio off and on it makes the same sound for 10-12 seconds, maybe I am missing something ( the antenna does not retract or move at all).
Is there a self test on the air system, and does the antenna motor still run without it moving?

Thanks\DavidM

 

[Scorpio1118_2000]

Welcome to the club, the info center will only tell if its not working. being that its a 93 you should look into replacing your air ride with new stuff, if you do the work yourself it should around $500. The compressor will turn on and off while you are driving to keep her level and low at 55mph and up, but when you stop it comes back on to reinflate the bags. I hope this helps and welcome once again.

 

[turborich]

If the antenna is broken the motor will still run when you turn the radio on or off for 10 seconds or so. If the antenna is there still then you just need a new nylon piece with the antenna atached to it. It's very simple to install and can be bought at a lincoln dealership for around $75 bucks, or ebay for around $15 bucks. It will come with detailed instructions.

Good luck!

 

[ford nut]

Ah a new mark owner do some searchs and you will find all the answers you need.
Alot of members like eddie http://www.americanairsuspension.com/
ditto on the att
And if your headlights suck just get ones from max at five star check the vendor section.
Sounds like you paid a good price...post some pictures !

 

[billcu]

There is an air ride self test that you can run. It's explained here:

http://www.markviii.org/psjs_faqs/04051030.shtml

I helped come up with the part about using a simple incandescent test light to run it. If you're very careful you can just use a peice of wire.

 

[davidm]

Had the rear bags replaced and installed the T-Bird shocks with the updated mounts, finally rides like a Mark should. Found a 3 man Ford repair shop that will install your own parts, and has Lincoln experience.
I have the antenna kit on its way from the Ebay store. My original radio powers up ok, but the speakers are intermittent. I am going to check and spray the connectors on the back of radio and amp and see if it helps.
One other slight issue is a wind noise at hiway speeds, from drivers door window. Found a newer upper weatherstrip from a small town Ford dealership 50 miles away. They said its been in stock since 1997. Will see if that fixes it.
Its a great car, enjoy driving it.

David M

 

[mespock]

Go also to Eddie's site for all of the air ride solutions.. he's got a very good page for trouble shooting.

In most cased your rear bags are leaking. Dealers know it and like to hide it then screw the buyer. They like to say well it's down now but they pump up and stay up while driving.

All you are doing is killing your compressor that's constantly pumping up the bags.

Start the car let the bags pump up. Go into the trunk on the left there is a little door. Turn off the air ride switch. If the car stays up you bags should not have any leaks. If they go down even if it takes a few days your bags are leaking. With the air ride off the rest of the system is not working so it eliminates all the other components.

If they go down contact Eddie at the above listed site. He's the best and will help you with solving your troubles. Eddie is the most honest and the most supportive of the air ride people. He's a trained Ford Air Ride Tech now working on his own to solve the air ride issues. He'll be the guy answering the phone.

 

[Go Fast Get Tickets]

E-mail Max at parts@fivestarford.com for the antenna. Got mine for $45. Do not get the eBay junk, I went through 2 in 6 months. Pony up and get the real deal.