2004 Ford Cvpi problems
The Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (colloquially referred to as the CVPI, P71, or P7B) is a four-door, body-on-frame sedan that was manufactured by Ford from 1992 to 2011. It is the police car version of the Ford Crown Victoria and was the first vehicle to use the Ford Police Interceptor name.
From 1997 to 2013, the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor was the most widely used automobile in law enforcement fleets in North America, namely the United States, Canada and Mexico. It was also used for this purpose on a more limited scale in other regions, such as Europe and the Middle East.
History
After the discontinuation of the Chevrolet Caprice, the Ford Motor Company held a near-monopoly on the market for police vehicles in the United States and Canada for over a decade. The conventional rear-wheel drive, V8 power, and body-on-frame construction were considered advantageous for police use. The body-on-frame construction allowed inexpensive repairs after collisions without the need to straighten the chassis. Rear-wheel drive was deemed better for hard maneuvers and more robust than the front-wheel-drive competition for rough driving over curbs and other obstacles in the urban environment.
Although CVPIs were not sold directly to the general public by the manufacturer, they were widely available in North America as used vehicles after being decommissioned. The cars were in demand by taxi companies and others who wanted a safe, durable, and/or inexpensive car, and those who needed a car with a large back seat.
The CVPI came equipped with many heavy-duty parts, such as a revised transmission, and a 186 kW (253 PS; 249 hp) engine. Used versions are normally stripped of any police decals, equipment, police radios, and emergency lights before being sold or auctioned to the public.
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Common 2004 Ford Cvpi problems
The 2004 Ford Crown Victoria, a popular choice for law enforcement and taxi fleets, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners.
- Heater Mode Switch and Vacuum Hoses: The heater mode switch, which controls the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) functions, can sometimes fail or become disconnected. When the switch is turned, there should be an audible vacuum noise inside the dash area. If there is no noise, it could be due to a disconnected or faulty vacuum hose. Check for any disconnected vacuum lines, and replace any broken hoses.
- Spark Plugs Popping Out: The spark plugs in the Crown Victoria tend to pop out of the engine due to debris from fuel and heat during combustion collecting on the spark plug's threads. This can loosen the plug and cause it to pull out the aluminum from the head of the engine. Fixing this issue requires honing out the threads in the cylinder, re-tapping the engine cylinder, installing a threaded insert, reinstalling the spark plug, and torqueing it to manufacturers' specifications.
- PCV System and IAC Solenoid Issues: The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system can become clogged, leading to erratic running engine and high RPMs at idle. The IAC (Idle Air Control) solenoid can also clog, causing similar issues. If the idle does not lower to 550 RPMs or stall out the vehicle, check the PCV valve for damage or clogging. If the idle did lower to 550 or the engine stalled out, replace the IAC control solenoid.
These common problems with the 2004 Ford Crown Victoria can lead to costly repairs and downtime. It's essential for owners to regularly maintain their vehicles and address any issues promptly to ensure their safety and reliability on the road.
What was the worst year for the Ford Crown Victoria?
The worst year for Crown Victoria in terms of reliability was arguably 2008. This model year was marked by a number of common problems that plagued owners, including transmission troubles, blown head gaskets, and failures of the fuel pump.
How many miles will a Crown Vic last?
Anything can happen at any age or mileage, but generally speaking, the 4.6 OHC modular engine as installed in most Crown Vics, Grand Marquis, and Town Cars are good for a minimum of 300K miles with an oil change every 6K miles.
What is the mileage on a 2004 Ford Crown Vic?
Based on data from 35 vehicles, 2,180 fuel-ups and 560,329 miles of driving, the 2004 Ford Crown Victoria gets a combined Avg MPG of 17.79 with a 0.20 MPG margin of error.
What is the recall on the 2004 Ford Crown Victoria?
2004 Ford Crown Victoria Recalls
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured October 3, 2001, to August 2, 2005. The affected vehicles have a lighting control module (LCM) that may fail, resulting in a loss of headlights.
Is 2004 Ford Crown Victoria a good car?
Yes. They have one of the best long term reliability records in the industry. They are roomy, comfortable, with decent engines. There is a good reason they have seen decades of use by various government agencies, the Crown Vic is one tough workhorse of a car.
How reliable are Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor?
For decades, this ride has been synonymous with power and reliability. Within police work, the Crown Victoria has served as the definitive police car in many parts of the United States. Today, you're still likely to find this car being used as a reliable commuter or as a budget-friendly first car for teenagers.
What engine is in a CVPI?
4.6 L 2V SOHC V8
Comparison with standard Crown Victoria. Both cars use the same 4.6 L 2V SOHC V8 (both Flex Fuel starting in 2008), Ford modular engine, and Ford four-speed automatic transmission.
How long do Crown Vic engines last?
Anything can happen at any age or mileage, but generally speaking, the 4.6 OHC modular engine as installed in most Crown Vics, Grand Marquis, and Town Cars are good for a minimum of 300K miles with an oil change every 6K miles.
2004 Ford Cvpi car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Cvpi problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Wheels problems
- Electrical system problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Steering problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2004 Ford Cvpi vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2004 Ford Cvpi complaints
The NHTSA has received 17 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Ford Cvpi.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-15
- VIN: 2FAHP71W34X
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE HEADLAMPS ON THIS VEHICLE SHUT OFF AFTER LIGHTS HAVE BEEN TURNED ON FOR ABOUT 25 SECONDS AND WILL NOT COME BACK ON, OCCASIONALLY THEY WILL STAY ON AND THEN WILL SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. I'VE HAD THIS PROBLEM LOOKED AT BY SEVERAL SHOPS AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE LCM MODULE IS FAULTY AND THAT IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS PART IS VERY EXPENSIVE, AND THE FACT THAT FORD DOES NOT WANT TO ADDRESS THIS SHOWS THEIR LACK OF CONCERN FOR PUBLIC SAFETY. THIS ISSUE IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT FORD DOES NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM AS IT APPEARS TO BE WIDESPREAD.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-03-03
- VIN: 2FAHP71W24X
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE HEADLIGHTS TURN OFF WHEN IN USE, INTERMITTENTLY. THIS HAPPENS EVEN THOUGH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS ON. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. THIS PROBLEM DEVELOPED AT ABOUT 106,000 MILES. IT WAS TEMPORARILY CORRECTED BY HAVING THE RELAYS IN THE FORD LCM (LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE) REPLACED WITH A NEW HEADLIGHT RELAY, NEC PART NUMBER "NEC EQ1-11111S". *TR
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-01
- VIN: 2FAHP71W94X
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: LINGERING PROBLEM WITH 2004 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR WHEELS WITH SUSPECTED CRACKS. MEETS ALL SYMPTOMOLOGY. FORD REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-23
- VIN: 2FAHP71W44X
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: I OWN A 2004 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. IT HAS THE WELL KNOWN LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. THE HEADLIGHTS GO OFF FOR NO REASON WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. FORD NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND REPLACE THESE MODULES UNDER A RECALL. THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. BUT OF COURSE, JUST LIKE FORD DOESN'T THINK THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THEIR GAS TANK DESIGN (EXPLODING CROWN VICS), THEY PROBABLY WILL NOT FIX THE HEADLIGHT ISSUE EITHER. *TR
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-03-27
- VIN: 2FAHP71W64X
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD CVPI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEELS CRACKED IN THE RIM NEAR THE WELD LINE, WHICH CONNECTS THE RIM TO THE DISK. HE HAD TO PLACE AIR IN HIS TIRES WEEKLY BECAUSE THE FAILURE CAUSED THE TIRES TO DEFLATE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER REGISTERED TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V079000 (WHEELS) AND FORD RECALL NUMBER 07S48 WERE REFERENCED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-23
- VIN: 2FAHP71W84X
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: PURCHASED 2004 CVPI DIRECTLY FROM LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT. TOOK CAR OUT THAT NIGHT, APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES INTO THE DRIVE, THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT. ALL OTHER LIGHTS REMAIN ON INCLUDING ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS EXCLUDING HEADLAMPS. I MANUALLY TURNED THE LIGHTS OFF THEN ON AND THIS DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. IT WAS STILL LIGHT ENOUGH I WAS ABLE TO RETURN HOME, AND UPON USING MY TURNING SIGNAL, THE HEADLIGHTS CAME BACK ON UNEXPLAINABLE. ALL INDICATORS LEAD TO THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE THAT IS CAUSING THE DEFECT. CONDITIONS ARE TOO HAZARDOUS WITH THIS DEFECT AND CREATES A HIGH PUBLIC SAFETY WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR FATALITIES. *TR
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-03-16
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD CVPI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, WHICH STATED THAT THE RIMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ON HIS VEHICLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE RIMS SINCE THE RECALL ONLY PERTAINED TO POLICE VEHICLES. THE CONTACT WANTED TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIM OWNING THE VEHICLE AND THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. THE VIN AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-01
- VIN: 2FAFP71W14X
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS IN THE VEHICLE HAVE BEEN WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. THE HEADLIGHTS TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND MAY ILLUMINATE EITHER 15 MINUTES OR DAYS LATER. SOMETIMES, WHEN THE LIGHT SWITCH IS ACTIVATED A FEW TIMES, THE HEADLIGHTS WILL ILLUMINATE. THROUGH NUMEROUS RESEARCH, THE CONTACT FOUND INVESTIGATIONS, BUT NO RECALLS. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH, THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS, AND THE BRIGHT LIGHTS ON THE DETANGABLES, BUT NOTHING HAS PERMANENTLY REPAIRED THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,000. UPDATED 8/3/09 *CN UPDATED 08/05/09.*JB
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-11-12
- VIN: 2FAFP71W34X
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD CVPI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN NOVEMBER OF 2007 FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V079000 (WHEELS). THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER TO SCHEDULE A REPAIR APPOINTMENT AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL APPLIED ONLY TO ACTIVE POLICE VEHICLES. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE PURCHASE DATE AND DEALER INFORMATION WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
STEERING,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-28
- VIN: 2FAFP71W34X
- Components: STEERING,WHEELS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE MECHANIC AT THE SERVICE STATION INFORMED THE CONTACT OF SAFETY RECALL NUMBER 07S48 REGARDING HIS WHEELS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER USED FOR POLICE PURSUITS, THEREFORE, THE RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO HIS VEHICLE. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN SHAKES INTERMITTENTLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000. UPDATED 01-11-08. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED AIR LEAKED FROM THE TIRES. UPDATED 12/12/07.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-11
- VIN: 2FAHP71W44X
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: POLICE OFFICER ON A TRAFFIC STOP. LEFT REAR TIRE SUDDENLY WENT FLAT WHILE STOPPED. FLAT TIRE CHANGED BY LOCAL SERVICE STATION ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. WHEEL/TIRE TAKEN TO PUBLIC WORKS GARAGE FOR REPAIR. EXAMINATION OF WHEEL/TIRE BY MECHANIC FINDS A CRACK IN STEEL WHEEL. FURTHER EXAMINATION OF WHEEL WITH TIRE REMOVED REVEALS CRACK IS 17" LONG AND APPROXIMATELY 1/8" WIDE ALONG WELD AREA. CRACKED WHEEL IS STILL IN THE POSSESSION OF THE VERNON HILLS PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. *NM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- VIN: 2FAFP71WX4X
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 2004 CROWN VICTORIA TRANSMISSION SLIPS. *TS THE DEALER REPLACED THE REVERSE CLUTCH. THE SECOND TIME THE TRANSMISSION FAILED, IT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2FAFP71W84X
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CATALYTIC CONVERTER FIRE(S) THREE OCCURRED ON THIS 2004 FORD CROWN VICTORIA THE FIRST ONE OCCURRED SEPT. 3,2005 AND THE 2ND FIRE OCCURRED ON APRIL 24,2006, AND THE 3RD FIRE ON MAY 1,2006. PARK AVENUE FORD IN TENAFLY NJ IS THE DEALERSHIP THAT SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AFTER THE FIRST FIRE. CAR WAS BROUGHT BACK TO THEM AFTER EACH OF THE 3 FIRES. THE FLOOR PAN BECAME SO HOT THAT THE FLOOR MATS AND SEAT BOTTOMS AND FLOOR INSULATION IGNITED AND STARTED BURNING. THE DEALERSHIP NEVER EVEN REPLACED THE SCORCHED FLOOR INSULATION . NOW THE WIRES FOR ALL THE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT SUCH AS HEADLIGHTS, ROOF MOUNTED FLASHING LOTS, IN CAR COMPUTER AND SIREN IS COMPLETELY MELTED TO THE FLOOR. PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN BY POLICE AND GIVEN TO GOVERNMENT INSURANCE MANAGER FOR THIS CITY'S POLICE FORCE. OFFICERS HAD TO JUMP OUT OF BURNING CAR EACH TIME THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WOULD GLOW CHERRY RED AND START FLOOR MATS/INSULATION CHARRING AND BURNING. WHEN CAR WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP SECURED AFTER THE 2ND FIRE, THE LIGHTS AND SIREN STARTED ON THEIR OWN PROMPTING THE POLICE IN TENAFLY NJ TO RESPOND AND NO ONE WAS ABLE TO SHUT THEM OFF BY THE NORMAL SWITCHES. FUSES HAD TO BE YANKED AND BATTERY CABLE TAKEN OFF. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-01
- VIN: 2FAFP71WX4X
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTORS STALLING AND LACKING POWER. VEHICLES BECOME STUCK IN TRAFFIC OR FAILURE DURING CRIMINAL PURSUIT. FUEL PUMPS ARE BEING REPLACED ACROSS THE COUNTRY FOR PLUGGED FUEL PUMP PICKUP SOCK/FILTER. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY DEALER THAT THIS IS GOING ON ALL OVER THE COUNTRY, WE HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH IT FOR ABOUT 9 MONTHS WITH 10 OUT OF 66 VEHICLES SO FAR. LOWEST MILEAGE WAS 27K AND THIS WAS THE HIGHEST. *JB
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-25
- VIN: 2FAFP71W74X
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: THE CAR WAS FOUND IN THE LOT WITH A FLAT RT FR TIRE. UPON INSPECTION, THE WHEEL WAS FOUND TO BE CRACKED. CRACK EXTENDED ALONG WELD AND THEN DEVIATED OFF THE WELD INTO THE AREA NORMALY COVERED BY THE TIRE'S BEAD. "AA" WHEEL STAMPING. *NM
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-10-17
- VIN: 2FAFP71W74X
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: SLOW AIR LOSS NOTICED ON LEFT FRONT WHEEL. UPON INSPECTION THE WHEEL WAS CRACKED. CF WHEEL STAMPING.*AK
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-01
- VIN: 2FAFP71W34X
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: RT FRT WHEEL LOSES AIR WHILE PARKED. THE WHEEL WAS CHECKED AND FOUND TO BE CRACKED. WHEEL REPLACED.
2004 Ford Cvpi recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2004 Ford Cvpi.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: ON CERTAIN POLICE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH STEEL WHEELS, SOME OF THE WHEELS MAY DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE RIM NEAR THE WELD LINE THAT CONNECTS THE RIM TO THE DISK.
- Consequence: THE CRACKS CAN ULTIMATELY RESULT IN RAPID AIR LOSS FROM THE TIRE AND COULD AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FOUR ROAD WHEELS AND SPARE WHEEL BASED ON THE WHEEL PART NUMBER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2007. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-343-5338.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
- Summary: ON CERTAIN POLICE INTERCEPTORS (CVPI) AND COMMERCIAL HEAVY DUTY (TAXI) VEHICLES, AT EXTREMELY HIGH OPERATING TEMPERATURES, THE SOUND INSULATING PANEL, LOCATED UNDER THE VEHICLE POSITIONED BETWEEN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND THE UNDERBODY, COULD SAG AND POSSIBLY CONTACT THE SURFACE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.
- Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE INSULATOR MIGHT EXPERIENCE CHARRING OF THE OUTER LAYER, BURNING ODOR, OR SMOKE WHICH MAY ULTIMATELY RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE EXISTING DASH INSULATOR AND INSTALL A REVISED DESIGN INSULATOR PAD FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 3, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2004 Ford Cvpi problems:
Top 5 Problems Ford Crown Victoria Sedan 2nd Gen 1998-2012 ...
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