serious issues 2001 ls

[angelic]

i have a 2001 lincoln ls i am having so many problems. the front rattles like something really loose.the front of my car is making a hard hitting sound and when i go over speed bumps even slow like it might be my car meeting the ground. my air bag, abs,and traction control lights are on constant my spedometer,heated seats,cruise control, and air cond sometimes at different times decide not to work. got the buring smell u discussed in previous thread. i hate this car. is there anyone who can please tell me what maybe wrong and what the damages could range thank you

[CGGorman]

Sounds like a mess. Do you know the history of the car? Theft recovery? Accidents? Flood recovery? Lemon turn-in?


Historically, electrical problems are notoriously difficult to diagnose in the LS, but now that the Mustang, Focus, F150, etc. have begun the same style power and communications protocols, that may be changing.... You need a professional diagnostic from an EXPERIENCED Lincoln (or F/L/M, but not exclusively Ford) dealership. You could have a bad PCM and/or swapped (new or from another car) instrument cluster.

COMMON front rattles are caused by either worn/broken ball joints, worn stabilizer bar bushings, and missing brake-pad tension-springs. Could also be something as simple as loose inner-fender panels or under-car shielding. A broken spring is possible, but doubtful.

Estimating the cost of repairs is nearly impossible w/o a diagnosis. Ball joints will run you about $800 w/labor. Brake pads are about $60 for parts or $125 for a axle with labor. Loose panels can tightened easily for free in your driveway. Electrical could be anything from a loose connector (free, if you find and fix it yourself) to a fried PCM and main harness ($2000, at a guess)...