Top 10 1996 Lincoln Town Car Questions & Answers

I had this same problem on a 1995 Lincoln Towncar -- thought I might have to replace the Signal Switch - then it was suggested to check the ground for this wiring. However I was told to check the HAZARD SWITCH. The Hazard Switch was not On or Off it was stuck in the middle. Simply pushing it up and down correct the problem. I was also told that maybe a little WD40 on the HAZARD SWITCH might help.

This is an easy try me first fix. It worked for me and cost 0.

The heater and a/c blend door actuator motor is located behind the center of the dash just below the windshield. The steering column must be detached and lowered and the dash must be removed to access the blend door motor.

I had experienced the same problem with my 93 TC. I'll try to make it short. Replace the Idle Control Valve. Cost me $50 at AutoZone. It has a electronic plunger that has a rubber o ring on the end of it. It separates two air chambers inside the valve. When the rubber gets old and the plunger is suppose to cut off the air coming in from one chamber to the other, the air gets sucked between the chambers across the old rubber causing the humming noise. That is also why the engines revs up and down and wont idle right. It is located between the firewall and the back of the motor just to the left (drivers side) of the throttle control assembly. When you look up on the internet on how to replace it, it will tell you to remove all the housing surrounding the wiper blade control arms and assembly so that you can access it. If you take your time, just remove some of the hoses and wires connected around it and you can access it without removing all that ****. Only has two screws to it that point up and can be reached with a ratchet and extension. Car runs great now and finally got rid of that noise.

engine crank thrusts worn and crank moved back enough to not engage ,with a manual the clutch would push it forewards.or the flex plate on the back of the torque converter damaged and broke in teh centre where bolts to the crank

theft protection rsets itself. I have never seen a PCM go bad. Some just need a reflash which costs much, much less. You can get a used PCM if you really think you need one, at car-part.com. Page with asterisk is lowest price.

here's some info on antitheft. What's your red light doing on the dash when you turn on the key or try to start the car?

The passive anti-theft system (PATS) also contains the following components:

• Theft indicator.
• Encoded ignition key.
• Passive anti-theft transceiver module.
• Hybrid electronic cluster (HEC).
• Powertrain control module.
• J1850 communication network.
• Lighting control module (LCM).

The passive anti-theft system (PATS) uses radio frequency identification technology to deter a driveaway theft. Passive means that it does not require any activity from the user. This system is known as SecuriLock® in North America, Safeguard® in the U.K., and PATS in Continental Europe. This information can be found in customer literature such as the Owner's Manual.
PATS uses a specially encoded ignition key. Each encoded ignition key contains a permanently installed electronic device called a transponder. Each transponder contains a unique electronic identification code out of over 72 million billion combinations.
Each encoded ignition key must be programmed into a vehicle's hybrid electronic cluster (HEC) before it can be used to start the engine. There are special diagnostic service procedures outlined in the workshop manual that must be performed if the encoded ignition keys need to be replaced.
The encoded key is larger than a traditional ignition key. The key does not require batteries and should last the life of the vehicle.
The transceiver module communicates with the encoded ignition key. This module is located behind the steering column shroud, and contains an antenna connected to a small electronic module. During each vehicle start sequence, the transceiver module reads the encoded ignition key identification code and sends the data to the HEC.
The control functions are contained in the HEC. This module performs all of the PATS functions, such as receiving the identification code from the encoded ignition key and controlling engine enable. The HEC initiates the key interrogation sequence when the vehicle ignition switch is turned to RUN or START.
PATS uses the powertrain control module (PCM) to enable or disable the engine. The HEC communicates with PCM over the J1850 network in order to enable engine operation. The HEC and the PCM use sophisticated messages in order to prevent a theft. The HEC communicates with the lighting control module (LCM), which controls the theft indicator.The HEC and the PCM share security data when first installed together that makes them a matched pair. After this security data sharing, these modules will not function in other vehicles. The shared PCM ID is remembered even if the battery is disconnected. The HEC also stores the vehicle's key identification code even if the battery is disconnected. There are special diagnostic workshop procedures outlined in this service manual that may be performed if either the HEC or the PCM needs replacement.
All elements of PATS must be functional before the engine is allowed to start. If any of the components are not working properly, the vehicle will not start.
PATS uses a visual theft indicator. This indicator will prove out for three seconds when the ignition switch is turned to RUN or START under normal operation. If there is a PATS problem, this indictor will either flash rapidly or glow steadily (more than three seconds) when the ignition switch is turned to RUN or START. PATS also "blips" the theft indicator every two seconds at ignition OFF to act as a visual theft deterrent.
PATS differs from the perimeter anti-theft system in that PATS enables and disables the engine from starting. If equipped, the perimeter anti-theft system protects the perimeter of the vehicle (doors, hood, and trunk) and sounds an alarm.

If this is a 96 LINCOLN TownCar, then "techbuster" is way off. The 96 didn't have a solenoid on the fender. The starter is located under the passenger side of the engine just ahead of the transmission. It has three bolts holding it on. Remember to disconnect the battery first. The lower starter bolt can be accessed easily, but the other two could be quit difficult. They can be best removed with a very long extension inserted past the passenger side motor mount. The single ignition wire and the starter cable can be removed after the starter is tilted forward to remove it. The starter can then be tested as can the solenoid to determine which is the problem.

this car has rear air bags.(instead of coil springs perched on top of the rear end)the air suspension switch needs to be shut off whenever either or both rear wheels will be hanging free(ie. changing a rear tire or putting the car on a lift where the lift is not a "drive-on"ramp type lift.there is a height sensor near the rear end and what sometimes happens if someone "jacks up" the rear of the car without turning the air suspension switch OFF the air bags can be damaged and might need to be replaced.FIRST check all the fuses and make sure the switch is turned ON and start the car and let it run.with the hood open you should hear an air compressor running near the air filter box.if its not running sometimes ther will be a "schrader valve "similar to a tire valve on the comressor.try putting air in with an air hose like you would with a tire.if that does not work there should be a connector(probably in the trunk near the air bag switch) that you can get CODES out of with a scan tool .the code(s) will point you in the right direction as to what went bad(most likely the air bags) the air bags are like BIG RUBBER BALLOONS/BLADDERS that can get pinholes over time and leak or even blow out.hope this helps you.

Here's a diagram for the info hou need...

If it's too small to read, here's a link to the diagram...
http://autorepair.about.com/library/firing_orders/bl-fo-6118.htm

The button on the gauge cluster. If you press it to bring up KM/MPH. Toggle to that screen and and then hold the button in until it changes. Should just take a minute.

There is a safety switch that is made when the shift lever is in Park. When there is play in the lever it won't make the switch. Follow the linkage of the lever to where you find the switch. There will be a way to adjust the play out of it.