02 Lincoln with misfiring issues and fuel data computer error
02EastCoastLS
09-12-2008, 07:36 PM
I bought my 2002 in May of this year. One week after I had it the check engine light came on and the error code for a misfire in cylinder 4. I took it back to the dealership (no warranty) and they replaced an oil contaminated cylinder coil and also replaced leaking left and right valve cover gaskets. Two weeks after that the check engine light came on again, this time the code was for a misfire in cylinder 2, the dealership then replaced faulty cylinder 2 coil assembly. A few weeks after that the air bag light came on and stays on, I never took it back to the dealership because I figured it wasn't really a major issue. Today after I filled up my gas tank (only run Premium in my car) a few miles down the road when I come to a stop I notice that the car is bouncing slightly. On my way home from work the check engine light starts to flash, fuel gauge drops down to empty and the computer screen on the dash says Fuel Data Computer Error. I stop at AutoZone and have them pull the codes, they tell me that one of the error codes is for a misfire in cylinder 3 and the other code is for a problem in the fuel sending unit. I have no clue what to do, the dealership fixed the first 2 problems at no cost since I had the car less than month at that point. Now I am at the four month point and I am pretty sure they don't give a sh*t anymore and will charge me out the behind. Any pointers or help will be greatly appreciated. I am a single mother and kick myself in the behind everyday for buying a v8 piece of crap with no warranty but at the time it seemed like a good deal and a nice vehicle.
danielsatur
09-13-2008, 08:09 AM
These cars are a High Maintenace + Service type cars for a busy mother with children.
You got to sell/Trade,this car befor it breaks you.
I'am not sure how the lemon law works on used cars from a Dealership,but give them hell and
maybe they will cut you a deal for a used Honda or a Towncar.
If you got a clean DMV + FICA,its worth thinking of a new car just for the insurance or
warrenty.
CAUTION-
Some Dealerships are resetting codes prior to resale,and than after you buy it,drive
100 miles (Computer drive cycle) it will throw a code and than charge you for a service job.
Example - P0420/P0430 Low catalyst on banks 1 & 2;Reset codes
Theres no indication of fault for the new customer,buy,drive 100 miles,and than Check eng Light comes on! '' OH Shoot''
Lincoln service would charge you 2K for some new catalytic converters.
GOOD HUSSLE!
I'am sorry ,but I'am trying to keep it real!
MCGIVER
You got to sell/Trade,this car befor it breaks you.
I'am not sure how the lemon law works on used cars from a Dealership,but give them hell and
maybe they will cut you a deal for a used Honda or a Towncar.
If you got a clean DMV + FICA,its worth thinking of a new car just for the insurance or
warrenty.
CAUTION-
Some Dealerships are resetting codes prior to resale,and than after you buy it,drive
100 miles (Computer drive cycle) it will throw a code and than charge you for a service job.
Example - P0420/P0430 Low catalyst on banks 1 & 2;Reset codes
Theres no indication of fault for the new customer,buy,drive 100 miles,and than Check eng Light comes on! '' OH Shoot''
Lincoln service would charge you 2K for some new catalytic converters.
GOOD HUSSLE!
I'am sorry ,but I'am trying to keep it real!
MCGIVER
shorod
09-13-2008, 10:40 AM
Welcome to the forum!
It's certain there are lemons in every bunch. My wife has a 2002 V6 LS and it's been a great car for her. It's had a few minor problems but nothing that was atypical for a car of that age. I later purchased a 2004 LS V8 because I enjoyed my wife's LS so much. My 2004 had an annoying vibration that the dealer and even a Lincoln field service rep could not figure out. However, I've never read of any other LS owner from any model year experiencing similar issues.
Yes, coils on the 2000-2002 model year is a known issue, usually due to leaking valve cover gaskets. It's commonly suggested that if the valve cover gaskets are leaking, all coils should be replaced at the time the gaskets are replaced. It would be hard to expect the car lot to do that on their dime though, especially if you bought the car as-is. You can purchase new coils at O'Reilly Auto Parts for much less than the dealer charges and they really are not too bad to replace for a DIY'er.
Solenoid packs in the transmission are known issues with multiple years and there is a TSB out there for that issue.
I've never heard about the fuel sending units failing on these cars, so I'm not sure what to suggest to you for that other than you probably will need to replace the fuel pump to remedy that. Any chance you could get the precise code and post it here, something in the form of P0123. That would help us to provide you diagnostic steps and/or get you prepared for what it would cost to fix it.
As Mcgiver suggested, it may be in your best interest to sell the car. If you got a good price on it, you may be able to cut your losses getting rid of it before too many more problems show up. Or, you could be at that threshhold where you'll fix these two issues and you'll have no further issues. It's really hard to say. How many miles are on the car?
Around here, LS don't seem to sit on lots too long, and I see a lot of them on the road. They have attractive styling, good performance (when running properly) and a high fun-to-drive factor. Maybe people go off these qualities and don't necessarily research the areas to check for unfortunately, or have the potential purchases professionally checked over prior to purchase. That can be money well spent!
As for the SRS/Airbag light, when you first turn the key to the run position, the airbag light should flash out a a code. Use the "Search this forum" feature to search for the code number. It could be as simple a loose connection under your driver's seat.
-Rod
It's certain there are lemons in every bunch. My wife has a 2002 V6 LS and it's been a great car for her. It's had a few minor problems but nothing that was atypical for a car of that age. I later purchased a 2004 LS V8 because I enjoyed my wife's LS so much. My 2004 had an annoying vibration that the dealer and even a Lincoln field service rep could not figure out. However, I've never read of any other LS owner from any model year experiencing similar issues.
Yes, coils on the 2000-2002 model year is a known issue, usually due to leaking valve cover gaskets. It's commonly suggested that if the valve cover gaskets are leaking, all coils should be replaced at the time the gaskets are replaced. It would be hard to expect the car lot to do that on their dime though, especially if you bought the car as-is. You can purchase new coils at O'Reilly Auto Parts for much less than the dealer charges and they really are not too bad to replace for a DIY'er.
Solenoid packs in the transmission are known issues with multiple years and there is a TSB out there for that issue.
I've never heard about the fuel sending units failing on these cars, so I'm not sure what to suggest to you for that other than you probably will need to replace the fuel pump to remedy that. Any chance you could get the precise code and post it here, something in the form of P0123. That would help us to provide you diagnostic steps and/or get you prepared for what it would cost to fix it.
As Mcgiver suggested, it may be in your best interest to sell the car. If you got a good price on it, you may be able to cut your losses getting rid of it before too many more problems show up. Or, you could be at that threshhold where you'll fix these two issues and you'll have no further issues. It's really hard to say. How many miles are on the car?
Around here, LS don't seem to sit on lots too long, and I see a lot of them on the road. They have attractive styling, good performance (when running properly) and a high fun-to-drive factor. Maybe people go off these qualities and don't necessarily research the areas to check for unfortunately, or have the potential purchases professionally checked over prior to purchase. That can be money well spent!
As for the SRS/Airbag light, when you first turn the key to the run position, the airbag light should flash out a a code. Use the "Search this forum" feature to search for the code number. It could be as simple a loose connection under your driver's seat.
-Rod
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