1979 Lincoln Continental problems
The Lincoln Continental is a series of mid-sized and full-sized luxury cars produced between 1939 and 2020 by Lincoln, a division of the American automaker Ford Motor Company. The model line was introduced following the construction of a personal vehicle for Edsel Ford, who commissioned a coachbuilt 1939 Lincoln-Zephyr convertible, developed as a vacation vehicle to attract potential Lincoln buyers. In what would give the model line its name, the exterior was given European "continental" styling elements, including a rear-mounted spare tire.
In production for over 55 years across nine different decades, Lincoln has produced ten generations of the Continental. Within the Lincoln model line, the Continental has served several roles ranging from its flagship to its base-trim sedan. From 1961 to 1976, Lincoln sold the Continental as its exclusive model line. The model line has also gone on hiatus three times. From 1949 to 1955, the nameplate was briefly retired. In 1981, the Continental was renamed the Lincoln Town Car to accommodate the 1982 seventh-generation Continental. After 2002, the Continental was retired, largely replaced by the Lincoln MKS in 2009; in 2017, the tenth-generation Continental replaced the MKS.
As part of its entry into full-scale production, the first-generation Continental was the progenitor of an entirely new automotive segment, the personal luxury car. Following World War II, the segment evolved into coupes and convertibles larger than sports cars and grand touring cars with an emphasis on features, styling, and comfort over performance and handling. From 1956 to 1957, the Continental nameplate was the namesake of the short-lived Continental Division, marketing the 1956–1957 Continental Mark II as the worldwide flagship of Ford Motor Company; as a second successor, Ford introduced the Continental Mark series in 1969, produced over six generations to 1998.
Along with the creation of the personal luxury car segment, the Lincoln Continental marked the zenith of several designs in American automotive history. The Continental is the final American vehicle line with a factory-produced V12 engine (1948), the final four-door convertible (1967), and the final model line to undergo downsizing (for the 1980 model year).
American production of the Continental and MKZ, its only two sedans, ended in 2020 thereby making Lincoln a crossover/SUV-only brand in the USA. After it was discontinued in Lincoln's home market, Ford indicated that it planned to move Continental production to China.
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Common 1979 Lincoln Continental problems
The Lincoln Continental, a luxury car produced by Ford's Lincoln division, has been known for certain common problems over the years, including the 1979 model. This article will focus on the issues that have been reported by owners of the 1979 Lincoln Continental, based on the search results provided.
- Fuel System Issues
One of the most common problems reported by 1979 Lincoln Continental owners is related to the fuel system. Users have reported issues such as the engine bogging down and dying, especially during summer driving. These problems could be related to debris in the fuel tank, which can plug the pickup randomly. It is essential to check the fuel tank for any coatings, as well as the condition of the tank itself. If the tank is not clean, it may need to be replaced or thoroughly cleaned to resolve the issue.
- Ignition System Issues
Another common problem reported by 1979 Lincoln Continental owners is related to the ignition system. Users have reported issues such as the engine stalling, which can be caused by a faulty EGR solenoid or debris in the fuel filter and carb bowl. It is essential to check the ignition system, including the EGR solenoid, fuel filter, and carb bowl, to ensure they are functioning correctly.
- Electrical System Issues
The 1979 Lincoln Continental has also been known to have electrical system issues. Users have reported problems with the dome light staying on for no apparent reason, which can be caused by a triggered door ajar light. To resolve this issue, it is recommended to spray a water-displacing spray on the door locks and latches.
- Suspension System Issues
The 1979 Lincoln Continental has been known to have suspension system issues, specifically sagging suspension. This issue can be caused by air suspension struts leaking air or a drier leaking air, which can lead to air suspension compressor failure if not addressed immediately. It is essential to check the suspension system, including the air suspension struts and drier, to ensure they are functioning correctly.
- Heating and Cooling System Issues
The 1979 Lincoln Continental has also been known to have heating and cooling system issues. Users have reported problems with the A/C and heater system, which can be caused by a damaged impeller in the water pump or a faulty EGR solenoid. It is essential to check the heating and cooling system, including the water pump and EGR solenoid, to ensure they are functioning correctly.
In conclusion, the 1979 Lincoln Continental has been known to have several common problems, including fuel system issues, ignition system issues, electrical system issues, suspension system issues, and heating and cooling system issues. It is essential to regularly maintain the vehicle and address any issues as soon as they arise to ensure the vehicle remains safe and reliable.
Is the Lincoln Continental a reliable car?
The Lincoln Continental isn't the most reliable luxury car, but it retains above average scores on several ratings. It is, however, one of the safest vehicles to drive, according to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
What year Lincoln Continental is the most desirable?
The most valuable of this era are the first-year, 1961 cars; from there, values of most configurations drop. While sedans and coupes (across all model years) are usually worth within 5–7 percent of each other, the rare and desirable convertibles are worth approximately 250 percent more than their hardtop brethren.
How much did a Lincoln Continental cost in 1979?
In 1979, the Town Car package was a $1,527 option you added to the $12,093 Continental sedan (that's about $6,726 and $53,266 in 2023 dollars).
How many miles will a Lincoln Continental last?
How long do Lincoln Continentals last? Typically, you can expect around 200,000 miles out of a Lincoln Continental. This number might vary depending on the maintenance put into the car and how the person behind the wheel drives it. Many factors are at play when considering the longevity of any vehicle on the market.
Is the Lincoln Continental a reliable car?
The Lincoln Continental isn't the most reliable luxury car, but it retains above average scores on several ratings. It is, however, one of the safest vehicles to drive, according to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Why did they stop making Lincoln Continental?
Lincoln is stopping production of the Continental at the end of this year. The company says the decision is due to declining sales of full-size premium sedans. With the Lincoln MKZ and Conti both heading for the graveyard, that will leave the luxury automaker with an all-SUV lineup for the first time ever.
What year Lincoln Continental is the most desirable?
The most valuable of this era are the first-year, 1961 cars; from there, values of most configurations drop. While sedans and coupes (across all model years) are usually worth within 5–7 percent of each other, the rare and desirable convertibles are worth approximately 250 percent more than their hardtop brethren.
What size engine is in a 1979 Lincoln Continental?
Both the Lincoln Continental sedan and coupe were powered by the 365 bhp, 460 cid V-8 with automatic transmission and all power accessories, including air conditioning in 96 percent of the cars.
1979 Lincoln Continental car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lincoln Continental problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Lincoln Continental vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1979 Lincoln Continental complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1979 Lincoln Continental.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-10
- VIN: 9Y825709491
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: GEAR SHIFT HANDELE BROKE OFF WHILE PULLING OUT OF PARKING SPACE. DEALER / MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED AT THIS TIME. CAN NHTSA HELP OR PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: LEFT VEHICLE RUNNING WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, VEHICLE SLIPPED INTO REVERSE BUT THE SHIFT GEAR WAS STILL IN PARK. CONTACTED DEALER AND MANUFACTURER AND SAID THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. *AK
1979 Lincoln Continental recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1979 Lincoln Continental.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
- Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH BRAKE PUSH-ROD TO BRAKE PEDAL RETAINING PINS WHICH WERE NOT HEAT-TREATED AS SPECIFIED. THIS COULD ALLOW THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE PUSH-ROD.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT BRAKE RETAINING PIN.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS IN WHICH THE PARKING PAWL WAS NOT HEAT-TREATED. DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION, A PARKING PAWL THAT HAS NOT BEEN HEAT-TREATED COULD BECOME DEFORMED OR WORN TO THE POINT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT LOCK IN "PARK". AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL FREE IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT SET THE PARKING BRAKE WHEN PARKING OR LEAVING VEHICLE UNATTENDED.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARKING PAWL WITH ONE THAT HAS BEEN HEAT-TREATED.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1979 Lincoln Continental problems:
1979 Lincoln Continental Reviews - Carsurvey.org
1979 Lincoln Continental Town Car 400 CI V8 from North America. Summary: A beautifully made living room that, oh, happens to have wheels too. Faults:.
1976 Mark IV common problems? - TheLincolnForum.Net
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1979 Mark V Overheating Issues - Lincoln Land
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1979 Continental, CS bogging down and dies - TheLincolnForum.Net
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Q&A: 1979 Lincoln Town Car Specs & Ford Lincoln Continental ...
Jun 7, 2012 ... I am having trouble with my 1979 Lincoln Continental Town Car. It has a problem when you accelerate. There is - Answered by a verified ...
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