New Old '89 TC Questions

Hi,
I am new to the Town Car owners family. I had driven a 1989 Mercury Marquis which is somewhat similiar, but this new old Town Car has so much more class. I have a few problems that I would appreciate opinions about.

1. Drivers side rear door lock is stuck locked and will not open by hand to with the power locks thus making the door inoperable. Is this just a actuator motor that is stuck in the lock position?

2. The drivers side rear window does not operate, is the motor probably shot or could this be related to question #1?

3. The power antenna is bent and does not full extend, any tips where to get a new one inexpensively?

4. What is the big service for this, I want to change everything that would be recommended, e.g. fluids, filters, etc. Anyone have a comprehensive list of what is recommended?

Thanks for your assistance! Here are some pictures of my new old baby.

http://d.im.craigslist.org/lr/V7/Osio6sjsGl2lRY4iALFxXGDITglv.jpg

http://d.im.craigslist.org/68/s9/vqqOEeb2N4itJqP1NE3VoXvQ68x7.jpg

Nice car--you should enjoy this beast--mine looks to be same color.

The door sounds mechanical---unfortunately, Ford used plastic clips to connect mechanisms to slip rods inside the door. I bet one of those 50 cent type plastic parts is broke (you will pay much more than that for the part). Anyway, to open the door, (you didnt say whether it could be opened), you will have to remove the rear seat bottom and move the passenger front seat full forward. Then you can remove the door interior panel and access the guts. This will allow you to diagnose the problem and at least open the door. Lincoln was nice here--at least you can get the interior panel off the door with it closed (rear doors). Many cars you cant.

The window deal could be electrical--do you hear any sound when pushing the up down electric lever? If sound exists, then I bet the window gear attached inside the motor is worn out--a common problem--and gear kits are available. The motor itself, if not burned out, is built to last IMHO.

Antennae should be available at salvage yards or internet sites.

Fluids--if you have no history info for this car--all should be changed. I mean ALL--from brake fluid to rear end to power steering, etc..

Good luck.

Treat the car just as you would the Mercury Marquis, it's the same car with a different body and more toys.


Hi,
I am new to the Town Car owners family. I had driven a 1989 Mercury Marquis which is somewhat similiar, but this new old Town Car has so much more class. I have a few problems that I would appreciate opinions about.

1. Drivers side rear door lock is stuck locked and will not open by hand to with the power locks thus making the door inoperable. Is this just a actuator motor that is stuck in the lock position?

2. The drivers side rear window does not operate, is the motor probably shot or could this be related to question #1?

3. The power antenna is bent and does not full extend, any tips where to get a new one inexpensively?

4. What is the big service for this, I want to change everything that would be recommended, e.g. fluids, filters, etc. Anyone have a comprehensive list of what is recommended?

Thanks for your assistance! Here are some pictures of my new old baby.

http://d.im.craigslist.org/lr/V7/Osio6sjsGl2lRY4iALFxXGDITglv.jpg

http://d.im.craigslist.org/68/s9/vqqOEeb2N4itJqP1NE3VoXvQ68x7.jpg

Anyway, to open the door, (you didnt say whether it could be opened)

I am not able to open the door, thanks for the info. Sort of a follow up question, how do I remove the rear seat bottom? Thanks agian.

Push and pull


I am not able to open the door, thanks for the info. Sort of a follow up question, how do I remove the rear seat bottom? Thanks agian.

If I recall,

Position both front seats in forward position. Climb in and position yourself in the front of the rear seat facing the seat. Using a knee and both hands, push rearward on the seat bottom ON ONE SIDE. Once you have maximized your effort in pushing, lift up on the seat there---that will permit the retainer on the seat frame to release from the mount on the floor pan. Repeat on the other side of the car if necessary. Then you can remove the seat from the auto. This is simple, ancient technology and is the same procedure I used on my 1964 Impala 40 years ago! Some seats are bolted onto the floor. When you reinstall it, you will have to reposition the seat belts first as it usually is not easy to dig your hand under the seat to find them afterward. I see you found LOL.

Thanks, I will let you all know if I sort it all out okay!