1998 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 1998 Lincoln Mark vii problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII, several common problems have been highlighted:
- Air Suspension Issues: Owners have reported problems with the air suspension system, where the bags can crack, leading to the car sitting lower. This can be addressed by installing a Strutmasters spring conversion kit or replacing the suspension with parts from a different model. However, the computer may continue to display air suspension failure warnings, even after the fix.
- Traction Control: The Lincoln Mark VIII, based on the Ford Thunderbird MN12 chassis, faced traction issues. The traction controller operates at slow speeds, making it easy to lose traction and kick the rear end out. This can affect the car's handling and stability, especially in challenging road conditions.
- Headlight Problems: The base model of the 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII had issues with its headlights. The halogen bulbs could cause the reflective coating inside the lights to peel off, resulting in poor visibility. Owners have resorted to baking the headlights to fix this issue, which can be a tedious process.
- Transmission Concerns: The 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII is equipped with a 4R70W transmission that can experience problems like the 1-2 accumulator spring breaking, leading to harsh shifting. Additionally, heat-related issues are common with these transmissions, necessitating the installation of a transmission cooler and the use of Mercon 5 fluid for better performance and longevity.
- Interior Component Failures: Various interior components of the Lincoln Mark VIII are prone to issues. Owners have reported problems with HVAC buttons cracking, window motors failing, and the ashtray door opening unexpectedly. The blend door arm breaking in the 97-98 models can cause the HVAC system to malfunction, requiring a complex dash removal for repair.
These common problems reported by owners of the 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII highlight some of the challenges faced by drivers of this model. Addressing these issues promptly and with the appropriate solutions can help maintain the performance and reliability of this classic vehicle.
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.
How much is a 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII?
$38/Month* *Estimated payments based on Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price of $2,234 at 3.19% APR for 60 months with $500 down for well-qualified buyers. For illustrative purposes only and not an offer/commitment to provide credit or financing.
How many 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII were made?
Production figures of entire Mark VIII Series:
| Year Model | Number Built | Percentage up or down from previous year |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 20,782 | -26% |
| 1996 | 13,625 | -34% |
| 1997 | 16,805 | +23% |
| 1998 | 14,357 | -14.5% |
1998 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:
- Visibility problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Lincoln Mark vii vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Lincoln Mark vii complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Lincoln Mark vii.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-02
- VIN: FULL FILL
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED WHEN DRIVING E AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WOULD COME ON, AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF. DEALER NOTIFIED.*JB
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-21
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 1997/98 LINCOLN & FORD VEHICLE A/C/HEAT BLEND DOOR FAILURES THAT CAUSE FOGGING OF WINDSHIELDS IN COLD OR DAMP WEATHER
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-29
- VIN: 3GECCW80HFF
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT AND DIE WITHOUT WARNING AT LOW SPEEDS, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. DEALER HAS REPLACED WIRING, FUEL PUMP, IGNITION, AND COMPUTER SEVERAL TIMES, AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT PROBLEM.*AK POSSIBLE ENGINE PROBLEMS. *SLC
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-24
- VIN: 1LNFM92VXWY
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
- Summary: THIS REPORT IS IN ACCORDANCE OF MY OWNER'S MANUAL THAT SUGGESTS I REPORT ANY SAFETY ISSUE TO THE NHSTA. UPON PURCHASING THE CAR WE REPORTED TO THE DEALER THAT, AMONGST OTHER PROBLEMS, THE REAR VIEW MIRROR VIBRATED AT HIGHWAY SPEED TO SUCH A DEGREE THAT WE COULD NOT MAKE OUT WHAT WAS BEHIND US WITHOUT GRABBING THE MIRROR TO STEADY IT (IN FACT, ON ONE OCCASSION I HAD TO GRAB THE MIRROR TO SEE THAT THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME FLASHING ITS LIGHTS WAS AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE TRYING TO PASS ME )WE RETURNED THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR, THE DEALER ASSUMED IT WAS THE MIRROR, AND REPLACED THE MIRROR 3 TIMES. THEY ALSO SUGGESTED I PRY SOMETHING UNDER THE MIRROR TO STOP THE VIBRATION. EVENTUALLY THE DEALER DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS THE GOODYEAR TIRES, AS PREVIOUS YEARS EQUIPTED WITH MICHELINS DIDNT HAVE THAT PROBLEM, AND THAT THEY NOW HAD OTHER CARS COMING IN WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. GOODYEAR GRACIOUSLY REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES WITH A DIFFERENT MODEL TIRE. THE PROBLEM, THOUGH MINIMIZED SLIGHTLY, STILL EXISTED (PLEASE NOTE TIRES WERE BALANCED, AND WHEELS ALIGNED, AND TIRES RE-BALANCED )WE RETURNED THE CAR FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN, ONLY TO TOLD NOW THAT IT WAS NORMAL OPERATION. ON VACATION IN ARIZONA I WAS SITTING IN THE BACK SEAT AND NOTICED THAT AT 70MPH (THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 75) THAT A ROARING NOISE FILLED THE REAR OF THE CABIN, AND THE CAR BEGAN TO VIBRATE.UPON OUR RETURN WE RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND AGAIN WE WERE TOLD IT WAS OPERATING PROPERLY. THE PROBLEM GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE, TO THE POINT THE CAR WOULD SHAKE SO HARD, WHILE PASSING A TRUCK, MY WIFE WAS AFRAID SHE WOULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR, AFTER THIS EXPERIENCE WE ONCE AGAIN BROUGHT IN THE CAR. THIS TIME THEY ADMITTED THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THEY REPLACED THE DRIVESHAFT ON MAY 17TH, 1999, THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP SINCE THEN WAITING ON PARTS TO RE-BUILD THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL, WHICH THEY ASSUME IS THE PROBLEM, AS FORD (LINCOLN)COULD GIVE THEM NO IDEA OF WHAT THE PROBLEM MIGHT BE. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1LNFM92VXWY
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: TO FOLLOW UP ON MY PREVIOUS SUBMISSION I FELT IT IMPORTANT TO MENTION THE FOLLOWING: 1) WE ARE BEGINNING "LEMON LAW" PROCEEDINGS ON THIS AUTOMOBILE 2) THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME "THEY WERE HAVING A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE MIRRORS" ON THIS CAR. 3)I WAS TOLD BY A 3RD PARTY THERE HAS BEEN AT LEAST ONE LEMON LAW BUY BACK ON THIS CAR, FOR THIS REASON. PLEASE TAKE THIS ISSUE SERIOUSLY, AS IT IS MORE THAN JUST A "SHAKEY REAR VIEW MIRROR" THAT I REPORTED TO YOU SEVERAL MONTHS AGO. THANK YOU. RICHARD HANSMEYER. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Lincoln Mark vii problems:
The TRUTH on Why i Sold My 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII...Nothing but ...
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Mar 25, 2018 ... 1998 Lincoln viii has a problem with a momentary engine stall. It has happened while idling in the driveway,driving down - Answered by a ...
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Jan 9, 2022 ... ... 22K views · 5:01. Go to channel · Raving Reviewer. Known problems of the 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII. JC316•7.2K views · 12:15. Go to channel ...
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