1985 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 1985 Lincoln Continental problems
The Lincoln Continental, produced in 1985, is known for its luxurious features and spacious cabin. However, as with any vehicle, it is not immune to certain issues that may arise as the car ages. Based on owner complaints and reports, here are some common problems associated with the 1985 Lincoln Continental:
- Rough Idle and Engine Stalling: The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system in some 2002 Lincoln Continentals, and occasionally in 1990-2001 units, may cause rough idling and engine stalling. The EGR solenoid in these vehicles may fail, leading to these issues.
- Dome Light Malfunction: Some 1999 Lincoln Continental owners have reported that their dome light stays on for no apparent reason. This issue may be due to a triggered door ajar light, which can cause the Lincoln Continental's map light to turn on and off. Spraying a water-displacing spray on the door locks and latches has resolved the issue in some cases.
- Power Steering Problems: Some 1998 Lincoln Continental owners have experienced issues with their power steering system, where the power steering suddenly cuts out while driving. Restarting the engine typically resolves the issue. Replacing faulty steering components usually fixes the problem.
- A/C Heater Issues: Some 1994 Lincoln Continental owners have reported that their A/C and heater system started to malfunction at around 170,000 miles. The A/C system is composed of several components that work together to maintain comfortable temperatures in the cabin. Identifying the specific part causing the malfunction can be challenging.
- PCV Grommet Vacuum Leaks: Several Lincoln Continental vehicles from model years 1995-2002 are prone to PCV grommet vacuum leaks. Damaged molded rubber hose connections may cause the vehicle to run roughly and trigger the check engine light. Replacing the PCV hose typically resolves the issue in most affected Lincoln Continentals.
- Transmission Issues: Transmission-related problems are common across several Lincoln Continental model years. Some 2000 Lincoln Continental owners have reported that they had to replace their transmission after around 55,000 miles. Additionally, transmission leaks have been reported, requiring mechanics to remove the transmission and replace faulty seals. These issues can be costly, with owners spending around $1,200 to address them.
- Air Suspension Failure: The air suspension system in the 1985 Lincoln Continental is known to fail, which can be expensive to repair. A good set of springs and shocks would be a more reliable, cheaper, and easier-to-repair alternative.
- ABS System Issues: The ABS system in the 1985 Lincoln Continental can be troublesome, requiring replacement, which can be costly.
- Fuel Injection System Issues: The fuel injection system in the 1985 Lincoln Continental may experience problems, which can lead to rough idling and stalling.
These issues are not exhaustive, and other problems may arise in the 1985 Lincoln Continental. It is essential to address any issues promptly to prevent further damage and maintain the vehicle's longevity and reliability. Regular maintenance and inspections by a trusted mechanic can help identify and address potential problems before they become more significant issues.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
1985 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:
- Suspension problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Lincoln Continental vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Lincoln Continental complaints
The NHTSA has received 18 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Lincoln Continental.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-13
- VIN: 1LNBQP6FXF4
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: PE 020; WHILE TRAVELING 60MPH ON INTERSTATE AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING RIGHT REAR TIRE SEPARATED. FIRESTONE, P22570R/15. CONSUMER WILL FILL FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-28
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MRBP97F6FY
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: A FAULTY AIR SUSPENSION CONTROL SYSTEM CAUSED FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLE. YH
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-28
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MRBP97F6FY
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: POORLY DESIGNED AIR SUSPENSION MODULE FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE. MODULE WAS RECALLED (85V04), BUT CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-28
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MRBP97F6FY
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: MY LINCOLN CONTINENTAL CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. ALL INDICATIONS ARE THAT THIS WAS CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE AIR SUSPENSION CONTOL MODULE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL (NHTSA 85V04) TO REPLACE THIS PART ON 1985 LINCLON MANUFACTURED FROM 11/84 TO 3/85. WHEN I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER, I WAS ADVISED, ON MORE THAN ONE OCASSION, THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT A PART OF ANY RECALL. HOWEVER, I HAVE SINCE DETERMINED AND FORD'S RESEARCH GROUP HAS CONFIRMED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED ON 3/6/85. THIS INDICATES TO ME THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY FAILED TO RECALL MY VEHICLE IN ERROR. THE FIRE WAS A RESULT OF THIS ERROR. MY CAR IS NOT DRIVEABLE AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE. I AM REQUESTING THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY RECTIFY THIS SITUATION BY EITHER FULLY REPAIRING MY VEHICLE OR BY REIMBURSING ME THE FULL RETAIL MARKET VALUE THAT IT WILL COST TO REPLACE THE VEHICLE (ALONG WITH ANY OTHER EXPENSES I HAVE INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE). THE CAR IS AVAILABLE FOR EXAMINATION AT MY RESIDENCE. PLEASE ADVISE ME AS TO HOW TO PROCEED FROM THIS POINT TO GET A TIMELY RESOLUTION TO MY PROBLEM. THANKS, IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TIMELY REPLY.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-01
- VIN: 1MRBP97F2FY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES: LIGHT INDICATOR FOR POWER BRAKE SYSTEM RELAY REMAINS ON, INDICATING THE BRAKE PUMP IS RUNNING CONTINUOUSLY. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-12
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE BRAKES AND ROLL FOREWARD AND THE OWNERS FOOT WILL STILL BE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE CAUSED FIRE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE FIRE.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-27
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MRBP97F1FY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: VEHICLE FIRE. *SD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FIRE. *DSH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-31
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MRBP97F8FY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SAW SMOKE NEAR IGNITION SWITCH AND VENTS, UNDER THE DASH, VEHICLE COMPLETELY BURNED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-31
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MRBP97F8FY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SAW SMOKE NEAR IGNITION SWITCH AND VENTS, UNDER THE DASH, VEHICLE COMPLETELY BURNED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-17
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MRBP97F5Y7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL SHORT OR SHOCK IN THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
- VIN: 1MRBP97F4FY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ANTILOCK BRAKES FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL. *SD
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-08
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FAILED TWICE. *SKD
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-08
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE FRONT AND REAR SHOCK WHEN CAR IS PARK SHOCK ARE DOWN WHEN DRIVING COME BACK UP. TT
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-08
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE FRONT AND REAR SHOCK WHEN CAR IS PARK SHOCK ARE DOWN WHEN DRIVING COME BACK UP. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS OUT WITH NO WARNING AT ANY GIVEN TIME. TT
1985 Lincoln Continental recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1985 Lincoln Continental.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC
- Summary: UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, CONTACTS IN BRAKE SYSTEM RELAY COULD REMAIN CLOSED, CAUSING THE BRAKE PUMP MOTOR TO RUN CONTINUOUSLY, CAUSING IT TO OVERHEAT AND EVENTUALLY FAIL. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SHOULD THE BRAKE SUPPLY MOTOR FAIL, THE POWER ASSIST TO THE FRONT BRAKES WILL BE LOST, AND AFTER ABOUT 10 TO 15 NORMAL BRAKE STOPS, LOSS OF REAR BRAKE FUNCTION WILL RESULT, CAUSING INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. HOWEVER, THE INSTRUMENT BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE PRIOR TO REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY AND IF WARNING IS NOT HEEDED, AN ACCIDENT MAY OCCUR.
- Remedy: REPLACE PUMP MOTOR RELAYS.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
- Summary: A MALFUNCTION MAY OCCUR IN THE AIR SUSPENSION ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY.
- Consequence: A WIRE TO THE AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR COULD OVERHEAT CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE, PRIMARILY WHEN PARKED AND KEY IS REMOVED.
- Remedy: REPLACE CONTROL MODULE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MODULE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Lincoln Continental problems:
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