noises

Long time, first time poster
I have the 2002 LS V6 automatic with 25,000 miles, and have a noise in the front end. I am not a car person, so I apologize for my lack of technical description. The noise is a rattle of sorts, coming from the front end. I want to say that it is a transmission problem, but shifting fine. The noise is most apparent after I turn a corner and then accellerate. The noise has become more noticable and with more frequency. The noise is now heard at any speed, while increasing speed. I do not think that it is an exhaust issue, but thinking either a transmission or failed sparkplug(s). I am going to take the car to the dealer, as it is under warranty, and want like to have some possible predetermined issues to provide.

Also, I have a chirp squeek in the rear right end, and is evident when I hit a bump at low speeds. I am thinking that it is a shock absorber issue, could that be right?

I have owned the car for less than six months and am growing less than satisfied with my first Ford product. I was T-boned by an old coot in Florida, and lost my Chevy truck. I hope I get some positive advice about this car from the LS enthusiasts, b/c I am really thinking about going back to the Chevy truck. Thanks, Texas Transplant

Is it normal for the LS to have a tremendous ammt. of road noise, notably at 55plus mph. The tires are fairly new, and even tread. Perhaps, the tires may be just inferior, Continental. Any advice on the road noise from tires?

The original Continental tires are known to become very noisy as they wear. At 25,000 miles, it is probably time to start considering a new set. Michelins are worth the extra money, btw. I got about 35,000 miles out of my original tires.


Your chassis noise is hard to diagnose over the 'net. I would guess the rear to be a stabilizer bar bushing. The front could be anything, up to and including the tires.
Since you are under warranty, they will take care of anything except the tires or brake pads. Make sure you use a reputable LINCOLN (or Lincoln/Mercury, or Ford/Lincoln/Mercury) dealership. Ford-only dealerships don't know crap about the LS. We've heard the story a hundred times. The LS is the most complicated vehicle Ford makes, other than the GT... Talk to Lincoln owners in your area (even in the mall parking lot!!) and find out who likes their dealerships. Finding a good one is half the battle.
Once you go, make sure the service manager or a service tech. goes for ride with YOU driving. Make sure they understand your concerns and acknowledge the noises you hear.


Good luck!

Chris. Proud owner of a 1969 Chevy C-10 short bed AND a 2000 Lincoln LS ;)

I appreciate the advice, and wish I had posted earlier. I made an appointment at a Ford only dealership, as the all inclusive dealers are far from me. I have always owned older cars, and never went to the dealer for service. I really dislike the idea of going, but no choice with the warranty.

I am not sure if I am going to keep this car, but if I do, would like feedback on getting the extended warranty. The manuf. warranty has about 3 months left on it. Are there different types of extended warranty packages, and if so, which is best? Also, lets say I have a problem today, and then the warranty is over, and then the same problem reoccurs. Will the same issue be covered out of warranty?

I really appreciate the info.

I hear you on going to the deaelrship for service! I do EVERYTHING on my old vehicles, but the wife's 96 and my '00 go to the "doctor's office". I'll change oil and brakes or other easy-to-diagnose stuff, but most of the crap on these cars are too hard to diagnose and even harder to change out.

Anyway, you might get lucky with teh Ford guys, but if they can't seem to fix it, take it to a Lincoln place. I've also heard that Jaguar dealerships do a good job on the LS, since the S-Type and the LS are nearly twins.

Statistically, all extended warrantys are a bad investment for the vehicle owner. If they weren't the dealers wouldn't sell them...

If you've got the willy's about keepign the car w/o a warranty, ante up for a genuine Ford ESP (Extended Service Plan) to ensure everyone plays nice. There are various levels of coverage from bumper-to-bumper, zero deductible to powertrain-only, $1000 deductible. Also several terms fro mileage and time limits. I elected to buy a 7 yr/ 100k mile zero deductible powertrain-only ESP and paid something like $1000 amortized over the life of the loan.

I did the same thing for my wife's car. Bought the 100k powertrain coverage, but I never used it.

In the Lincoln's case, it was a good decision, as I had a window tint shop trash my tranny at 55,000 miles and then deny knowledge. With no recourse, I was glad to have the ESP.

I appreciate the advice Gorman, and you were absolutely correct about the Ford dealership. I had the Customer rep. get in the car, and let him hear the noise that is occuring, and he did hear it. I got a call from the same Customer rep. at 3:00 that day, and he said that the service tech. could not only not find a problem, but could not hear the noise either. Can not say for sure if the outcome would have been different at the Lincoln dealer, but you were right about the Ford dealer. I have never owned a Ford vehicle, and dare say this is the last. I think the LS is a very sharp looking car, but just do not feel that it will be a very reliable auto for me in the future. If I don't get blasted by hurricane Wilma, then I will buy a Toyota this weekend. Again, I appreciate the advice, and hope you have better luck with your LS.