1983 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 1983 Lincoln Continental problems
The 1983 Lincoln Continental is known for several common problems that owners have reported over the years. These issues can affect the car's performance, safety, and overall longevity. Here are some of the most frequently reported problems based on search results:
- Rough Idle and Engine Stalling: Some owners of the 1983 Lincoln Continental have reported issues with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, which can cause rough idling and engine stalling. This issue is often caused by a failed EGR solenoid, which can be replaced to fix the problem.
- Dome Light Malfunction: Some 1983 Lincoln Continental owners have reported that their dome light stays on for no apparent reason. This issue can be caused by a triggered door ajar light, which can be fixed by spraying a water-displacing spray on the door locks and latches.
- Power Steering Problems: Some 1983 Lincoln Continental owners have reported issues with their power steering system, which can suddenly cut out while driving. This issue is often caused by faulty steering components, which can be replaced to fix the problem.
- A/C Heater Issues: Some 1983 Lincoln Continental owners have reported that their A/C and heater system started to malfunction at around 170,000 miles. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty compressor, condenser, or evaporator. A professional diagnosis is often required to identify and fix the problem.
- PCV Grommet Vacuum Leaks: Several Lincoln Continental vehicles from model years 1995-2002 are prone to PCV grommet vacuum leaks, which can cause the engine to run roughly and trigger the check engine light. Replacing the PCV hose can fix the problem in most cases.
- Transmission Issues: Transmission-related problems are common across several Lincoln Continental model years, including the 1983 version. Some owners have reported having to replace their transmission after around 55,000 miles, while others have reported transmission leaks that require the removal of the transmission and replacement of faulty seals.
- Vehicle Control Issues: Some 1983 Lincoln Continental owners have reported issues with vehicle control, which can cause the car to behave unpredictably. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty sensors, wiring, or computer systems. A professional diagnosis is often required to identify and fix the problem.
In conclusion, the 1983 Lincoln Continental is known for several common problems that can affect its performance, safety, and longevity. If you own a 1983 Lincoln Continental or are considering purchasing one, it's important to be aware of these issues and to have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle for any potential problems. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can help ensure that your Lincoln Continental remains a safe and reliable vehicle for years to come.
What is the best year for a Lincoln Continental?
In terms of overall value for money, the most reliable Lincoln Continental year is the 2017 or 2018 model. According to hotcars.com, either one of these models will be perfect if you want overall dependability and reliability.
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).
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.
What is the rarest Lincoln Continental?
The 1959–1960 Town Car and Limousine are among the rarest Lincoln vehicles ever sold; only 214 examples of the $9,200 (equivalent to $96,200 in 2023) Town Car were produced and only 83 examples of the $10,200 Limousine were produced (equivalent to $106,600 in 2023).
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 is the best year for a Lincoln Continental?
In terms of overall value for money, the most reliable Lincoln Continental year is the 2017 or 2018 model. According to hotcars.com, either one of these models will be perfect if you want overall dependability and reliability.
How long should 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.
What is the rarest Lincoln Continental?
The 1959–1960 Town Car and Limousine are among the rarest Lincoln vehicles ever sold; only 214 examples of the $9,200 (equivalent to $96,200 in 2023) Town Car were produced and only 83 examples of the $10,200 Limousine were produced (equivalent to $106,600 in 2023).
1983 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
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Lincoln Continental vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1983 Lincoln Continental complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Lincoln Continental.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-18
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1983 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR DOES NOT ACCURATELY REFLECT THE SHIFT SELECTOR POSITION. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY AND A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL SELECTOR TUBE RETAINING CLIP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE NOTIFIED THE DEALER IN REFERENCE TO RECALL # 83V017000, POWER TRAIN, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; LEVER AND LINKAGE COLUMN SHIFT, AND A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT SINCE THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED HE WAS INELIGIBLE FOR A FREE REMEDY. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: SCHOOL BUSES NEED SEAT BELTS.
1983 Lincoln Continental recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1983 Lincoln Continental.
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
- Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
- Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: THE PARKING GEAR MAY NOT ENGAGE, EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION. THIS OCCURS IF THE LINKAGE INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION THAT ACTUATES THE PARK GEAR WAS IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. A PIN THAT RETAINS COMPONENTS ON A LINKAGE (ACTUATING) ROD COULD BREAK AND THE LINKAGE MAY NOT ENGAGE THE PARKING GEAR.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARKING PAWL ACTUATING ROD ASSEMBLY.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
- Summary: THE SHIFT INDICATOR MAY NOT ACCURATELY REFLECT THE SHIFT SELECTOR POSITION. SOME VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH TRANSMISSION CONTROL SELECTOR TUBE RETAINING CLIPS THAT MAY NOT BE HARD ENOUGH. THE CLIP MAY LOOSEN OR FALL OFF, AND THE SELECTOR TUBE MAY BECOME DISPLACED.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL SELECTOR TUBE RETAINING CLIP AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1983 Lincoln Continental problems:
Q&A: 1983 Lincoln Continental - Troubleshooting Tips & Expert Advice
Mar 21, 2015 ... The screw needs to be removed from the map as it is the vent port and should be open with nothing attached to it. With the amount of miles you ...
81 Lincoln Mark VI Stalls - Lincolns OnLine Message Forum
May 7, 2014 ... it is not the same as 84+ models though. Different control system in '81. 1986 Lincoln Town Car 1991 Mark VII LSC 1984 Continental Turbo Diesel ...
Dad, I have a 1983 Lincoln Continental, VI, that starts and runs fine ...
May 17, 2015 ... One very common cause on the 1983 for the type of problem you are describing was caused by a failing Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor. In ...
My 83 mark VI stalls under hard acceleration! - Lincolns OnLine ...
May 2, 2006 ... 1986 Lincoln Town Car 1991 Mark VII LSC 1984 ... 1983 Continental 1983 Continental Valentino ... Is it specifically a 1983 engine? Does a 1989 or ...
Lincoln Continental Questions - 1981 Lincoln Mark VI - CarGurus
Mar 17, 2018 ... I bought a 1983 Lincoln continental Mark Vi Without an owners manual. Can anyone tell me where I can find the keyless code to the door? 1983 ...
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