A failure/fatigue crack developed in the composite intake manifold, causing loss of engine coolant, steaming/covering vehicle windshield, obscuring vision, also on windshields of other following vehicles. This is a defect/failure known to ford motor company, and a no charge service bulletin # 01m02 has been issued on certian other vehicles, the service propgram provides additional coverage for the intake manifold. This should apply to all vehicles with this defective part, not just selected vehicles. The failure of this part while operating at highway speeds presents a safety hazard to the driver and other following vehicles. It can also result in overheating & complete engine failure. Ford has extended a no charge coverage on this part for the selected vehicles for seven years and no milage limitation, and is is also extented automatically to subsequent owners. This should be extended to owners of all vehicles woth this defective part. Ford motor company coustomer service has rejected / denied/ refused any calaim for refund when contacted by telephone. They have not replied to two request by mail. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
1997 Lincoln Town Car fuel system complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 17 of 17, newest first, as owners wrote them.
While driving at 25 MPH, vehicle commenced to overheat and leaked coolant. Tow truck arrived and informed consumer that problem was a cracked intake manifold. Dealer and manufacturer were notified, and unwilling to assist in this matter. *ak
An extremely strong mildew odor is coming from the air conditioning unit, causing passengers to become ill. Dealer states odor is due to coil which is too tight around air conditioner, preventing water to escape, and causing mildew odor. *ak emergency brake shoes were replaced. Brakes squeal, dealer has replaced front brake pads, resurfaced rotors, lubed caliper slides, replaced rear brake pads, machined rear rotors, however brakes still squeal. Both rear wheels were covered with gear lube. Drivers shoulder belt would not retract at times, dealer replaced seat belt. Noise and thimping felt in steering when making turns, dealer lubed stops. Left front window inoperable, dealer replaced window regulater. Front roof welt loose and broken, dealer replaced. Front door pull trim missing. Blend doors inoperable, will not blow air through defrost vent. Ash tray will not close. Ac/heater emits a musty/moldy odor, the odor not only permeates the passenger, but is also in the trunk,there is no condensation being released by the AC, many things along with the moisture purge module have been replaced and problem still persists, system has been sanitized several times, AC max button does not work. Motor goes on 45 minutes after vehicle is turned off, this blows through the front defroster and steams up the front windshield. Door handle is inoperable. Vinyl trim at top of console is loose. Engine stalled at stops when cold, dealer replaced maf and fuel pump.
Intake manifold is made of plastic and ford recalled the police cars and replaced them early on in 1997 according to service personnel at ford dealership, also as soon as I can get the information on my dad's lincoln town a 97 also, his intake failed on his one week after mine, his had 80,000+ miles. This is not supposed to happen to an integral part of the engine as this. He had his replaced at the dealership and I saved a $125.00 by having mine replaced at my local garage. His costs was around $550. It was replaced with another plastic intake and the ford parts personnel said it was a stronger one. My bet is, that it will not hold up to the intense heat and vibration any better. This is a very poor use of plastic, everyone knows any kind of plastic degrades under heat and becomes brittle over time. I suspect there are many failures out there or soon will be, especially since ford called the police cars back in and changed them out. They would incur the most mileage and show the problems the quickest,just by their normal use. I realize that the police use crown victorias but they had the same 4.6 engine and intake setup. Like I have written, I will follow up with my dad's information as soon as I can get him to retreive it, he lives in w.v and has talked to the corporate headquarters and the local dealership there, but still had to pay for it himself. Please let me know if there is anything that will be done and if there are other failures of this type out there. Thanks in advance.
While driving vehicle stalled out at least 3-4 times a week. Has taken vehicle to dealership & mechanic placed vehicle on diagnostic machine. No code came up. Mechanic did replace fuel filter/ idler/ neck in fuel tank & a canister. But, problem still exists.
Intake manifold failed. Mjs
Lower control arm broke, dropping vehicle to the ground, and consumer lost power steering. Also, while applying the brakes, brakes failed due to a broken brake line. *ak consumer stated carburetor is stuck causing engine to race at high RPM, intake manifold failed causing engine damage.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1997 Lincoln Town Car?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history