1988 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 1988 Lincoln Continental problems
The 1988 Lincoln Continental is known to have several common problems that may affect its reliability and performance. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on complaints from owners of this car:
- Rough Idle and Engine Stalling: Some 1988 Lincoln Continental owners have reported problems with rough idling and engine stalling. This issue is often related to the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, which can fail and cause the engine to stall.
- Dome Light Malfunction: Some 1988 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 activate the EGR system even in error and cause the engine to stall.
- Power Steering Problems: Some 1988 Lincoln Continental owners have complained about issues regarding their power steering system. Their power steering suddenly cuts out while they’re driving, and in most cases, returns to normal after restarting the engine. Replacing faulty steering components usually fixes the issue.
- A/C Heater Issues: Some 1988 Lincoln Continental owners have complained that their A/C and heater system started to malfunction at around 170,000 miles. This problem can be caused by several factors, including a damaged impeller in the water pump, which can reduce coolant circulation and lead to engine overheating.
- 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 solved the issue on most affected Lincoln Continentals.
- Transmission Issues: Transmission-related problems are common across several Lincoln Continental model years. Some 2000 Lincoln Continental owners have complained that they had to replace their transmission after around 55,000 miles. Several drivers also reported that their transmission had leaks, which required mechanics to remove the transmission and replace faulty seals.
In summary, the 1988 Lincoln Continental is known to have several common problems, including sagging suspension, rough idle and engine stalling, dome light malfunction, power steering problems, A/C heater issues, PCV grommet vacuum leaks, and transmission issues. These problems can affect the car's reliability and performance, and it is essential to address them promptly to ensure the car's longevity and safety.
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 most sought after Lincoln Continental?
Fourth Generation Lincoln Continental (1961-1969)
The fourth generation Lincoln Continental is the one everybody imagines when they think about this model. It's the one responsible for making the Lincoln Continental one of the premier luxury vehicles in America.
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 are some facts about the Lincoln Continental?
Longer than a Ford Excursion, the 1958–1960 Continentals are the longest sedans ever produced by Ford without 5-mph bumpers. The 1958 Continental Mark III convertible is the longest convertible ever mass-produced in the United States, with the sole exception of the rare 1934–1937 Cadillac V16 convertibles.
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).
1988 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:
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Lincoln Continental vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1988 Lincoln Continental
The NHTSA has received 153 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Lincoln Continental. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1988 Lincoln Continental vehicles.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-15
- VIN: 1LNBM9843Y8
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION ONLY OPERATE IN REVERSE, ALL FORWARD GEAR SARE INOPERATIVE. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-15
- VIN: 1LNBM9843Y8
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT WILL NOT COME ON UNTIL CONSUMER PUSHES ON THROTTLE SWITCH. DEALER CONTACTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-15
- VIN: 1LNBM9843Y8
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ONGOING PROBLEM WITH ENGINE STALLING WHILE IN REVERSE OR INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT MULTIPLE SPEED. DEALER CONTACTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-16
- VIN: 1LNBM984XJY
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, ALMOST ALL LINCOLN'S WITH THIS AIR SUSPENSION HAS EXPERIENCED COSTLY REPAIRS.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-14
- VIN: 1LNBM81F7JY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE HAD AN IGNITION PROBLEM THAT CAUSED VEHICLE TO STALL, DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION MODULE, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT SINCE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF IGNITION PROBLEM.*JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-14
- VIN: 1LNBM81F7JY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE HAD AN IGNITION PROBLEM THAT CAUSED VEHICLE TO STALL, DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION MODULE, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT SINCE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF IGNITION PROBLEM.*JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: RECALL 88V101000; AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE DOES NOT MEET FORD'S PULL OUT LOAD SPECIFICATIONS FOR SWIVEL TUBE PORTION OF CABLE, WHICH COULD ALLOW THE SWIVELTUBE TO SEPARATE FROM SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY. PLEASE PROVIE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NYLON SHIELD WIRING HARNESS LOCATED IN ENGINE COMPERTMENT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO HEAT AND MELTING OF NYLON MATERIAL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURATHER INFORMATION.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1LNBM9846JY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I CONTACTED FORD ON 01/30/01 IN REFERENCE TO NHTSA'S RECALL #88V118000. EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEMS THAT MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING ARE IDENTICAL TO THOSE MENTIONED ON YOUR SITE, FORD SAID MY VIN WAS NOT AFFECTED. I EXPLIANED TO THEM THAT MY PROBLEMS WERE IDENTICAL AND I WANTED THE DEALER TO REPAIR THE DEFICIENCIES. FORD REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE PROBLEMS ARE AS FOLLOWS; BRAKE WARNING LIGHT,,NO BRAKE PRESSURE,,TURN SIGNALS INOPERATIVE, AUTO CLIMATE CONTROL AND FAN INOPERATIVE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISITANCE, JEFF CRANE.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FNBM9747JY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN TURNING OFF IGNITION CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. PROBLEM MIGHT BE LINKED TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN STEERING WHEEL WHICH CAUSED A FIRE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-17
- VIN: 1LNBM9848JY
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: SUBFRAME BUSHINGS FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 93V-106, CONSUMER RQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. NLM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-17
- VIN: 1LNBM9848JY
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: SUBFRAME BUSHINGS FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 93V-106, CONSUMER RQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1LNBM9843JY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE WILL NOT RESTART AFTER MAKING A LONG TRIP. BATTERY HAD ENOUGH POWER. VEHICLE WILL ACTUALLY HAVE TO COOL OFF BEFORE VEHICLE CAN RESTART, USUALLY WAITING ABOUT 7 HOURS. CONSUMER HAS BEEN TO NUMEROUS REPAIR SHOPS, AND DEALERS, BUT NO ONE COULD DETERMINE THE CAUSE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: RECALL REPAIR 91V-134 OF THE BRAKE ROTORS WAS NOT REPAIRED IN A TIMELY MANNER DUE TO LACK OF PARTS. NLM
STEERING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-25
- VIN: 1LNBM974XJY
- Components: STEERING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE MOUNTS BETWEEN THE BODY AND SUBFRAME BELIEVED TO BE CALLED THE BODY INSULATORS WHICH HOLD THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION IN PLACE FAILED DUE TO ERROSION. THE MOUNTING BOLTS PULLED THROUGH THE RETAINIG WASHER AND THE RUBBER MOUNT ALLOWING THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION TO FALL ONTO THE GROUND. BOTH REAR MOUNTS FAILED AND IN THE PROCESS DISCONNECTED THE STEERING LINKAGE AT THE SLIP JOINT UNDER THE DASH WHICH ALLOWS FOR THE TILT STEERING. THIS STEERING JOINT COMPLETLY SEPARATED BECAUSE OF THE DISTANCE ALLOWED TO TRAVEL FROM THE ASSEMBLY FALLING. ALL STEERING WAS LOSS AND THERE WAS NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICAL AVAILABLE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY RISK!!!! PEOPLE WILL BE HURT IF NOT KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM ESPECIALLY IF INCOUNTERED AT HIGH SPEEDS OR TRAFFIC. LINCOLN HAS BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM AND I HAVE FOUND PREVIOUS RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT ONLY IN HIGH ERROSION STATES, MI, CT IL ECT..... I BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM IS LARGER THAN ONCE THOUGHT DUE TO THE WAY THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED. THE WASHERS USED ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO RUST BECAUSE OF THE CONTOURS AND GAUGE OF THE METAL USED. IT HAS NOTHING TO DUE TO THE AREA THAT A CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN. THE FACT THERE ARE NO SAFETY CATCHES UNDER THE CAR IS SIMPLY WRONG. UNDER THE PREVIOUS RECALLS IT IS STATED THAT THE STEERING MAY BECOME HARD TO CONTROL WHEN THE MOUNTS FAIL. THE STEERING IS NOT HARD TO CONTROL BUT IS IMPOSSIBLE, IT IS NO LONGER CONNECTED. THE DIRECTION YOU ARE TRAVELING AT THE TIME OF FAILURE IS THE DIRECTION YOU CONTINUE TO FOLLOW UNTIL STOPPED OR REDIRECTED BY THE FORCES OF NATURE. THE PROBLEM IS APPARENT IN THE MERCURY SABLE, FORD TAURUS AS WELL AS THE LINCOLN CONTINENTIAL. PLEASE REEXAMINE THIS PROBLEM BEFORE PEOPLE DIE, I CANT BEGIN TO EXPLAIN HOW LUCKY I AND FAMILY WERE. THANKYOU, RC
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-01
- VIN: 1LNBM9846JY
- Components: SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: FUEL LINE FROM GAS TANK TO ENGINE IS LEAKING AT RIGHT DOOR PILLAR UNDRBODY. INSPECTION REVEALS THE GAS LINE TO BE PLASTIC OF SOME TYPE, AND THE LEAK IS AT THE JUNCTION OF WHERE 2 LENGHTS OF FUEL LINE ARE JOINED TOGETHER AT THE FACTORY. IMMINENT FIRE HAZARD. HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE ON MECURY SABLES AND FORD TAURUS' SECOND PROBLEM, REAR SWAY BAR, REAR SWAY BAR IS ATTACHED TO THE BODY, BUT THE 2 SUSPENSION LINKS THAT ATTACH TO THE ENDS OF THE SWAY BAR ARE BROKEN OR RUSTED. VEHICLE HANDLES DIFFENTLY WHILE MANUEVERING, FEEL THIS TO BE MAJOR CONCERN AS WELL . *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1LNDM9745JY
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER IN REFERENCE TO RECALL NHTSA 98V323000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 98S36/ REAR SUBFRAME. DEALER CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, WHEN DRIVING AND MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT SUBFRAME BROKE. MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AGAIN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNBM9842JY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: R/R BRAKE ENGAGES OR REMAINS ENGAGED SPORADICALLY CAUSING EXTREME OVERHEATING AND A FIRE (ONE OCCASION). DEALER UNABLE TO CORRECT PROBLEM ON THE TWO OCCASIONS IT WAS TOWED IN. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-20
- VIN: 1LNBM9844JY
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: REAR AIR SHOCKS FAILED. YH
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-05
- Crash: 1
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: WHEEL FELL OFF CAUSING VEHICLE DAMAGE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *MJS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1LNBM9842JY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN TRAVELING AND UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO MAKE A NORMAL STOP, THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD,RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS INSPECTED AND REPAIRED THE VEHICLE, AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-11
- VIN: 1LNBM9845JY
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. TOOK BACK TO BE USED. DEALER REPLACED ALTERNATOR. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, LATER. TOOK VEHICLE BACK & WAS INFORMED THAT ENGINE HEAD GASKETS HAD BLOWN. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-24
- VIN: 1LNBM9842JY
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY FELL OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, AND EXTENSIVE VEHICLE DAMAGE PRIOR TO RECAL NOTICE 98536. *YC
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1LNBM9842JY
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: A/C COMPRESSOR FAILED. *YC
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1LNBM9842JY
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: A/C COMPRESSOR FAILED. *YC
1988 Lincoln Continental recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 9 recalls for different components of the 1988 Lincoln Continental.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGNIA, AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR LOWER SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT CAN EXPERIENCE STRESS CORROSION CRACKING IF SUBJECTED TO LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALTS. THIS CAN RESULT IN FRACTURE AND LOSS OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENT. DETACHMENT OF THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ALLOWS THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.
- Consequence: IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TAURUS AND SABLES BUILT FROM 10-14-85 THROUGH 8-19-88, AND LINCOLN CONTINENTALS BUILT FROM 11-4-87 THROUGH 9-30-88 (EXCEPT 1989 - 1991 2.5L TAURUS AND 1989 - 1992 SHO). THE AFFECTED CARS WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, AND WISCONSIN. THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, MAY BECOME DETACHED DUE TO CORROSION OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT RETAINING PLATE. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.
- Consequence: IF ONE OF THE REAR CORNERS DROPS, ONLY MINOR INDICATIONS OF A MALFUNCTION SUCH AS A CLUNKING NOISE OR SLIGHT CHANGE IN STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT ARE NOTICEABLE. HOWEVER, IF BOTH REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME DROP, STEERING BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT, WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: INSTALL A CORROSION-RESISTANT REINFORCING PLATE AND A NEW BOLT ON BOTH REAR SUBFRAME MOUNTS. THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY RECALL 98V-323.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
- Summary: FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED IN AREAS WHERE CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND SODIUM CHLORIDE ARE USED EXTENSIVELY.
- Consequence: SEVERELY CORRODED ROTORS MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE NEARTHE INNER EDGES OF THE BRAKE DISCS RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS,HIGHER THAN NORMAL PEDAL EFFORTS, LOUD GRINDING NOISES, AND MODERATE PULLS WHENTHE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS MAY INCREASE MINIMUMSTOPPING DISTANCES, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH FULL CAST FRONT BRAKE ROTORS.
- Manufacturer: A.H.A. MANUFACTURING LTD.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: PROCESS USED FOR CONNECTING THE GAS LINES WAS SUBSTANDARD.
- Consequence: A GAS LEAK COULD DEVELOP CREATING A FIRE POTENTIAL.
- Remedy: INSTALL STANDARD GAS LINE COMPRESSION FITTINGS.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
- Summary: ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT THAT CONTROLS CURRENT TO BRAKE PUMP MOTOR RELAY, HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONING BLOWER MOTOR, TURN SIGNALS, AND A ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER MAY OVERHEAT DUE TO INABILITY OF IGNITION CIRCUIT WIRING CONNECTIONS TO DISSIPATE HEAT GENERATED BY ELECTRICAL LOADS.
- Consequence: BRAKE PUMP MOTOR WILL NOT OPERATE, SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCINGBRAKING CAPABILITY; BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WILL COME ON.
- Remedy: REPLACE IGNITION SWITCH AND MODIFY SWITCH WIRING.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
- Summary: NYLON SHIELDED WIRING HARNESS, LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO HEAT DAMAGE AND MELTING OF THE NYLON MATERIAL IN 100 DEGREE PLUS WEATHER.
- Consequence: MELTED NYLON SHIELD COULD DRIP ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDAND RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
- Remedy: WRAP WIRING HARNESS WITH HEAT RESISTANT FIBERGLASS TAPE.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
- Summary: TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLES MAY NOT MEET FORDS PULL OUT LOAD SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE SWIVEL TUBE PORTION OF THE CABLE, WHICH COULD ALLOW THE SWIVEL TUBE TO SEPARATE FROM THE SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY.
- Consequence: OPERATOR WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT FROM ONE OF THEDRIVE GEARS INTO PARK POSITION.
- Remedy: REPLACE SHIFT CABLE.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
- Summary: TWO TORSION SPRINGS ATTACHED TO REAR SUSPENSION CONTROL ARMS MAY FRACTURE AND RUB AGAINST A REAR TIRE.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN SUDDEN LOSS OF TIRE INFLATIONPRESSURE WITH POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: INSTALL TORSION SPRING SEATS TO RESTRICT THE SPRINGS FROM CONTACTING THE TIRE IF THEY SHOULD FRACTURE.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER AND RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER INBOARD SEAT BELTS MAY BE IMPROPERLY ANCHORED DUE TO LOOSE NUTS THAT COULD BACK OFF.
- Consequence: BELT ANCHOR COULD DISENGAGE THE STUD; AN UNATTACHED BELTASSEMBLY WOULD NOT WITHSTAND AN IMPACT LOAD.
- Remedy: INBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHORAGES WILL BE CORRECTED TO PREVENT LOOSENING.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Lincoln Continental problems:
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