Hissing shifter

[lembeck]

I have an 88 TC about 56K miles and the shifter is starting to hiss, like an air leak, i think this is a common problem since my last car, which was as 87 TC 200K miles hissed for as long as i had it, well until it caught fire and burned.

does anyone know what this is, where it's coming from, and/or how to fix it.

thanks in advance.

sam

[john4788]

Originally Posted by lembeck

I have an 88 TC about 56K miles and the shifter is starting to hiss, like an air leak, i think this is a common problem since my last car, which was as 87 TC 200K miles hissed for as long as i had it, well until it caught fire and burned.

does anyone know what this is, where it's coming from, and/or how to fix it.

thanks in advance.

sam

The hissing is a vaccuum leak and I don't think I've been in an older town car that didn't have it. I don't believe you are in any danger of a fire from that. If the fire in your 87 TC started in the steering column it was most likely from a shorted ignition switch. Those are known bad in those year model cars. It costs about $15 for a new switch and if you're mechanically inclined it won't cost you anything to replace it. If your 88 TC still has the original switch or you don't know if it's been replaced, I highly suggest you replace it. I almost lost my 88 TC to that switch. When I replaced mine the center of the switch had burn marks and was caved in on the sides from the heat. It's a bit of a task to get the screws loose that hold it since you have to score the screws with a chisel to be able to use a flat screw driver to get them out. Once it's out, it's just a matter of plugging in and putting the switch back on the column. Takes about 30 minutes. Good luck!

[Hizhonor]

The hissing you here can be one of two things; first, I'd check the vacuum line that goes to your emergency brake release and second, it could be a loose or disconnected vacuum line from behind the dash where your heater/a/c control is. It's possible a hose came loose from a servo motor below the dash and on the inner fire wall. I'm betting the e-brake. Check it out and let us know how you made out.