1997 Lincoln Mark vii problems
The Continental Mark VII, later changed to Lincoln Mark VII, is a rear wheel drive luxury coupe that was produced by Lincoln. Introduced in August 1983 for the 1984 model year, the Continental Mark VII shared its Ford Fox platform with the Ford Thunderbird, Mercury Cougar, and Lincoln Continental. The Fox platform was originally introduced for the 1978 Ford Fairmont and Mercury Zephyr. The same platform was also utilized as the base for the 1982–1987 Lincoln Continental sedan, the Mark VII's four-door companion. Like its predecessor the Continental Mark VI, the Mark VII was manufactured at the Wixom Assembly Plant in Wixom, Michigan through 1992. It was replaced by the Lincoln Mark VIII in 1993.
The Mark VII held a lengthy standard equipment list, including an onboard trip computer / message center and digital instruments (on all except the LSC models after 1985). Mark VII's also came with full air suspension at all four wheels. The 1985 LSC was the first American vehicle with electronic 4-channel anti-lock brakes (6 months before the Corvette). Mark VII also had the distinction of being the first American vehicle since 1939 with composite headlights and it was the first of the Continental Mark models to have exposed headlights since the 1960 Continental Mark V.
Continental Mark VII (1984–1985)
The Continental Mark VII was introduced in August 1983 for the 1984 model year. It was available in a base trim level, Designer Edition (Bill Blass Edition and Versace Edition). A new sport-oriented upper trim level was introduced with this generation, called the LSC (Luxury Sports Coupe). Alongside the standard 140 hp 5.0L V8 shared with the Ford Mustang is a 114 hp 2.4L turbocharged diesel inline-6 obtained from BMW to offer a more fuel efficient engine offering; all Mark VIIs came with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
To back its image as a technically advanced car for the 1980s, the Mark VII was equipped with a long list of standard equipment. A fully digital dashboard featured an onboard trip computer and message center; automatic climate control was also standard. Other standard features included four-wheel air suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, power seats, an AM/FM stereo, and power windows, locks, and mirrors. All Mark VIIs featured a power deck-lid release (through an interior mounted button) and electric pull-down, in which the trunk lid was partially lowered by hand, and then automatically pulled down about an inch by a motor mounted inside the trunk latch. All models were now installed with Ford's Keyless Entry System, and an automatic dimming high-beam module. This worked via a sensor located adjacent to the rear-view mirror, and sensitivity could be adjusted by a dial located on the dashboard.
The Mark VII was the first modern American manufactured vehicle to be equipped with a replaceable bulb headlamp system. Ford had petitioned NHTSA for a rule change permitting replaceable bulb headlamp systems, which was enacted in the summer of 1983 in time for the introduction of the Mark VII. 1985 was the last year for the Mark Series to include the "Continental" name as its nomenclature. The dealer-installed GTC performance option package is introduced (see below). As they have largely been replaced by cassette tapes, the 8-track tape player option is discontinued. An in-car telephone is added to the options list for $2,995 ($8,784 in 2023 dollars ).
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Common 1997 Lincoln Mark vii problems
The Lincoln Mark VII, produced from 1984 to 1992, is known for its luxury features and advanced technologies. However, some common problems have been reported by owners of this car.
One of the most common issues with the Lincoln Mark VII is compressor failure due to air leaks from air suspension struts and the drier. This problem is caused by the air suspension system, which is prone to leaks and failures. The compressor is responsible for maintaining the correct ride height and ride quality, so when it fails, the car can become difficult to drive.
Another common problem with the Lincoln Mark VII is issues with the EGR system, particularly in high dust areas. The EGR system is responsible for reducing emissions by re-circulating exhaust gases back into the engine. However, in high dust areas, the system can become clogged with dust and debris, causing it to fail.
The Lincoln Mark VII is also known for having problems with the headlights, particularly in the base cars
. The headlights on these cars are notoriously dim, with the low beams being barely brighter than a TV screen and the high beams being almost as useless as a candle in a hurricane. This problem is caused by the old halogen bulbs getting too hot and peeling the reflective coating off from the innards.
In addition to these common problems, the Lincoln Mark VII also has some unique issues with its interior. The HVAC buttons are known to crack, the window motors can go bad, and the ashtray door can fly open at high speeds
. The 97 through 98 cars also have a problem with the blend door arm breaking, which causes it to get stuck on AC or heat and requires the removal of the dash to fix
Finally, the Lincoln Mark VII's doors are massive and heavy, which can make them difficult to handle and prone to slamming on people's legs
. The outer door handles also have a habit of breaking off in people's hands, which can be a major inconvenience.
In conclusion, while the Lincoln Mark VII is a luxury car with many advanced features, it is not without its problems. Compressor failure, issues with the EGR system, dim headlights, and interior problems are all common issues reported by owners of this car. However, with proper maintenance and care, these issues can be minimized or prevented altogether.
How much is a Lincoln Mark 7 worth?
More about the Lincoln Mark VII
There are 2 used Lincoln Mark VII vehicles for sale near you, with an average cost of $10,973. Prices for a used Lincoln Mark VII range from a high of $11,995 to a low of $9,950. Remember that mileage and condition can affect price.
What motor is in a 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII?
4.6 L V81997 Lincoln Mark VIII / Engine
What engine is in the Lincoln Mark VII?
Powertrain. The engine choices were a 5.0 L V8 and rare (approximately 2,300 made) 2.4 L I6 diesel. The diesel was a BMW design with a turbocharger and only available in 1984 and 1985. At least one diesel Mark VII was reportedly equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Are Lincoln Mark VIII rare?
We also get a photo showing the Collector's Edition badge, identifying it as number 424. According to Markviii.org, 1,386 were built all total so it's indeed a rare machine.
How much is a Lincoln Mark 7 worth?
More about the Lincoln Mark VII
There are 2 used Lincoln Mark VII vehicles for sale near you, with an average cost of $10,973. Prices for a used Lincoln Mark VII range from a high of $11,995 to a low of $9,950. Remember that mileage and condition can affect price.
What engine is in the Lincoln Mark VII?
Powertrain. The engine choices were a 5.0 L V8 and rare (approximately 2,300 made) 2.4 L I6 diesel. The diesel was a BMW design with a turbocharger and only available in 1984 and 1985. At least one diesel Mark VII was reportedly equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Is the Lincoln Mark VII a fox body?
As well. And the March 7 is the ultimate fox-body it came with four-wheel disc brakes. The Mustang only had drum brakes. They came with ABS. The Mustang didn't this car also came equipped with a
Are Lincoln Mark VIII rare?
We also get a photo showing the Collector's Edition badge, identifying it as number 424. According to Markviii.org, 1,386 were built all total so it's indeed a rare machine.
1997 Lincoln Mark vii car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lincoln Mark vii problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Lincoln Mark vii vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Lincoln Mark vii complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Lincoln Mark vii.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-15
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: AIR RIDE SUSPENSION IS TOO LOW TO THE TIRES WHEN DRIVIN VEHICLE. TS...*AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-11
- VIN: 1LNLM92V6VY
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH VEHICLE LOST ALL STEERING CAPABILITY. STEERING WHEEL BEGAN LOST, AND WAS ABLE TO SPIN AROUND IN A COMPLETE CIRCLE. SOMEHOW, DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP VEHICLE SAEELY. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Lincoln Mark vii problems:
Why shouldn't I buy a 1996 LINCOLN MARK VIII? — Car Forums at ...
May 24, 2002 ... I'm thinking about buying a used 1995/1996 Lincoln Mark VIII. What is the common problems with this vehicle and what should I be looking for
DTE warning alarm constant ??? - Lincolns OnLine Message Forum
Nov 10, 2013 ... So how do I stop the buzzer? 2005 Hot Rod Power Tour Long Hauler 98 Lincoln Mark VIII LSC Ivory Pearlescent Metallic 97 Lincoln Mark VIII Ivory ...
Lincoln Mark VIII Problems and Complaints - 18 Issues
Top Lincoln Mark VIII Problems · Compressor Failure Due to Air Leaks From Air Suspension Struts and Drier · Problems With EGR System are Common in High Dust Areas.
97 Mark VIII Stalling and I have no idea why?!?!? - Lincolns OnLine ...
Aug 26, 2016 ... Oh yeah, Battery (no corrosion) and alternator are fine also. 02 Lincoln TC Signature series (0-268K) 03 Lincoln TC Cartier L (135K-171K) 05 ...
Common Lincoln Mark VIII Problems: 1998 & 1997 Q&A
Aug 15, 2011 ... If it is shifting hard only from 1st to 2nd the most likely cause is the 1/2 shift accumulator.Most likely one of the springs have broken.
Other years of Lincoln Mark vii
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