Over the weekend I had to have the truck towed when it wouldn't start. I had already removed the battery and had it load tested, cleaned and reinstalled the cables. And it started right up- once! After that it refused to start again and I had a relay under the dash buzzing even when the key was out. So I was convinced it was something more complicated and I had the truck towed to a garage- that installed a new battery!
I hated paying for it since it was a repair I could have easily accomplished on my own but it tricked me. Bummer.
Today I took the Lincoln to work and immediately heard a brake dragging on a rotor. It sounded like metal to metal grinding and sure enough, when I got to the 4th wheel, I found the damage on the right rear rotor. Somehow, Ford decided that these cars didn't need the squealer feature to let a person know before the damage was done. So tonight I replaced the brake pads and one rotor and got the special tool returned before Autozone closed. My knees are sore from all the kneeling but I got the job done.
What can go wrong now?
Showing posts with label Lincoln. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lincoln. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
24.8 MPG-
That's the average on the dash display on the Lincoln tonight after 2 trips to Salt Lake last night and tonight. It was actually 25.2 MPG when we got off the highway last night but a little lower tonight, I suppose due to the around town running I did today.
With the cruise control set to 75 MPH, the instant mileage ranged from 26 to 34 MPG depending upon the inclination of the road.
Beats the truck by twice and the ride is so much smoother!
With the cruise control set to 75 MPH, the instant mileage ranged from 26 to 34 MPG depending upon the inclination of the road.
Beats the truck by twice and the ride is so much smoother!
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Fixes for the Lincoln, Part Deux
Well I've had the Mark VIII for an entire week now and I hope I am nearly done spending money on it- though it being a 15 year old car, there is little hope of that! But it did require more repairs and cash outlays this weekend.
It was making an exhaust rumbling noise, that seemed to get louder each day and it seemed to be coming from the front of the car. So Saturday I took the car into the muffler shop and they quickly diagnosed a rust hole in the top of one of the catalytic converters. And since having an exhaust leak just under the floorboards is a first class opportunity for carbon monoxide poisoning, repairing the hole couldn't wait.
That bill was over $300...
I did receive the new Halogen Infrared Radiating headlight bulbs that I ordered and got them installed on Saturday. I also repaired a broken mount piece on the headlight that tipped up and down so now that headlight is secure and pointing the right direction. So far I haven't had a chance to drive behind the new lights but I am hoping for greatly improved visibility behind my new lights.
I also ordered a replacement mast last week and today I installed that and got the power antenna working. I had to remove the antenna from the car to remove the broken bit of the drive gear but after that I had it working just perfect.
I also took the car to Pep Boys to have the failed and corroded negative battery cable replaced today. It might seem like that could have been a driveway project but after I got the cable home, and then discovered where the cable bolted to the engine block- way under there, buried and hard to reach. Paying Pep Boys was a very smart thing because even on the lift the job required a great deal of dexerity and head scratching that I never could have managed in the driveway.
So, to recap- new catalytic converter, expensive but neccesary. New battery cable because the old one would have failed very soon. New headlights and repairs so I can see in the dark and a new antenna so it goes up and down like it is supposed to.
Another day still to come? I found an upholsterer who can repair my damaged driver's seat!
It was making an exhaust rumbling noise, that seemed to get louder each day and it seemed to be coming from the front of the car. So Saturday I took the car into the muffler shop and they quickly diagnosed a rust hole in the top of one of the catalytic converters. And since having an exhaust leak just under the floorboards is a first class opportunity for carbon monoxide poisoning, repairing the hole couldn't wait.
That bill was over $300...
I did receive the new Halogen Infrared Radiating headlight bulbs that I ordered and got them installed on Saturday. I also repaired a broken mount piece on the headlight that tipped up and down so now that headlight is secure and pointing the right direction. So far I haven't had a chance to drive behind the new lights but I am hoping for greatly improved visibility behind my new lights.
I also ordered a replacement mast last week and today I installed that and got the power antenna working. I had to remove the antenna from the car to remove the broken bit of the drive gear but after that I had it working just perfect.
I also took the car to Pep Boys to have the failed and corroded negative battery cable replaced today. It might seem like that could have been a driveway project but after I got the cable home, and then discovered where the cable bolted to the engine block- way under there, buried and hard to reach. Paying Pep Boys was a very smart thing because even on the lift the job required a great deal of dexerity and head scratching that I never could have managed in the driveway.
So, to recap- new catalytic converter, expensive but neccesary. New battery cable because the old one would have failed very soon. New headlights and repairs so I can see in the dark and a new antenna so it goes up and down like it is supposed to.
Another day still to come? I found an upholsterer who can repair my damaged driver's seat!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Fixes for the Lincoln-
As you might suppose with a 15 year old car, there are a few things that need my attention before I'm completely happy with it. The driver side leather seat cover is pretty damaged on the bolster and the BSU has directed me to find a seat cover to improve the seat's appearance. So there's that.
She has also directed that I purchase a replacement wood trim kit for the interior as the one that is in there is seperating and doesn't look wonderful. She wants it replaced so I suppose I'll have to do that over the upcoming weeks.
And finally for now, the headlights really are the weakest link in this model car. I have to fix the one that tips but it has been too cold outside to tear anything apart. And some different bulbs, perhaps even a HID conversion might be in order to get enough brightness out in front to satisfy me. Lousy headlights have always been one of my biggest gripes and this Lincoln really takes the gold medal for lousy in my experience. So as soon as I get some time and weather I will be working on them.
Oh yeah, it seems to have an exhaust leak somewhere up front that will need attention to as soon as I can get it into the muffler shop.
She has also directed that I purchase a replacement wood trim kit for the interior as the one that is in there is seperating and doesn't look wonderful. She wants it replaced so I suppose I'll have to do that over the upcoming weeks.
And finally for now, the headlights really are the weakest link in this model car. I have to fix the one that tips but it has been too cold outside to tear anything apart. And some different bulbs, perhaps even a HID conversion might be in order to get enough brightness out in front to satisfy me. Lousy headlights have always been one of my biggest gripes and this Lincoln really takes the gold medal for lousy in my experience. So as soon as I get some time and weather I will be working on them.
Oh yeah, it seems to have an exhaust leak somewhere up front that will need attention to as soon as I can get it into the muffler shop.
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