1988 Lincoln Mark problems
The Continental Mark series (later Lincoln Mark series) is a series of personal luxury cars that was produced by Ford Motor Company. The nomenclature came into use with the Continental Mark II for 1956, which was a successor to the Lincoln Continental of 1939–1948. Following the discontinuation of the Mark II, Ford continued the use of the Mark series on Continental-branded vehicles from 1958 to 1960.
Following a hiatus, Lincoln-Mercury relaunched the Continental Mark series during 1968. This new model was branded as the Continental Mark III in order to suggest continuity with the flagship 1956–1957 Continental Mark II rather than the less-successful 1958–1960 models. The reborn Mark series went on to produce six successive generations through the 1998 model year.
Serving as the flagship vehicle of Ford Motor Company for its entire production, the Mark series beginning with the Mark III continued the use of Continental branding, similar to how the Continental nameplate was positioned above Lincoln before its discontinuation in July 1956 (and distinct from the 1961 and onward Lincoln Continental). All Continental Mark series models were marketed and serviced by Lincoln-Mercury.
In line with both the 1940s Lincoln Continental and the Continental Mark II, most versions of the Mark series were produced as two-door coupes (personal cars); at various times through its production, multiple body styles were simultaneously offered. With the exception of the nearly hand-built Continental Mark II, the model line has shared chassis underpinnings with other Ford or Lincoln-Mercury vehicles.
Derived from the original Lincoln Continental, the continental tire trunklid design feature was adopted by each generation (in various forms) from the Continental Mark II to the final Lincoln Mark VIII. The Lincoln four-point star emblem is a design feature that was introduced by the Continental Mark II.
To eliminate the branding confusion, the Mark series dropped Continental branding and adopted the Lincoln name from the 1986 model year onward. After the 1998 model year, Lincoln ended the Mark series with the Mark VIII, as the division shifted away from personal luxury cars to concentrate on four-door sedans and SUVs. From 2007 to 2020, Lincoln used a visually-similar "MK" prefix for many of its models, which includes the MKC, MKS, MKT, MKX and MKZ; the nomenclature was phased out in favor of conventional names.
From 1958 to 1998, Mark series vehicles were produced alongside Lincolns by Wixom Assembly at Wixom, Michigan.
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Common 1988 Lincoln Mark problems
The Lincoln Mark VII and Mark VIII, produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s, are known for several common problems based on complaints from owners.
- Fuel Pump and Filter Problems: Owners have reported issues with the fuel pump and filter, which can cause acceleration problems and stalling. The fuel pump may not deliver sufficient pressure, leading to poor performance and stalling. Replacing the fuel filter is often recommended as a preventive measure.
- Vacuum Hose Disconnection: Another common problem is disconnected vacuum hoses, specifically those connected to the MAP sensor behind the intake on the firewall. This can result in acceleration issues and poor engine performance.
- Spark Plug Wire Crossing: In some cases, two spark plug wires may be accidentally crossed, causing misses and poor acceleration. This is an easy mistake to make during maintenance or repairs and can lead to significant performance issues.
- Fuel Delivery and Tune-Up Issues: Problems with fuel delivery and tune-ups can also cause misses and poor acceleration. Checking fuel pressure and ensuring proper timing are essential for optimal performance.
- Transmission Shifting Problems: The transmission in these models can also cause issues, particularly if the car has been sitting for an extended period. Adding transmission additives and driving the car gently can help address these problems.
- Electrical Problems: Some owners have reported electrical issues, which can manifest as various problems, including starting issues, intermittent electrical failures, and dashboard malfunctions.
These common problems can significantly impact the driving experience and overall satisfaction with the Lincoln Mark VII and Mark VIII. Regular maintenance and addressing issues promptly can help ensure a more reliable and enjoyable ownership experience.
What size engine is in the 1988 Lincoln Mark VII?
Lincoln Continental Mark VII
| Continental Mark VII Lincoln Mark VII | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4,942 cc (302 cu in) Windsor V8 2,443 cc (149 cu in) BMW M21 TD I6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed AOD automatic 4-speed ZF automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 108.5 in (2,756 mm) |
What year did they stop making the Lincoln Mark?
As of current production, the model line is the final generation of the Mark series and Lincoln has not introduced a direct successor to the model line ever since its 1998 discontinuation.
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 much horsepower does a 1985 Lincoln Mark VII have?
For the 1985 model year, 18,355 Mark VIIs of all trim levels were produced. That was also the first year that the Anti-Lock Braking System was added to the car's power four-wheel disc brakes. ABS was standard on the Designer Series and LSC, optional on the base Mark VII. The non-LSC 302 V-8 produced 140 horsepower.
What size engine is in the 1988 Lincoln Mark VII?
Lincoln Continental Mark VII
| Continental Mark VII Lincoln Mark VII | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4,942 cc (302 cu in) Windsor V8 2,443 cc (149 cu in) BMW M21 TD I6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed AOD automatic 4-speed ZF automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 108.5 in (2,756 mm) |
Are Lincoln pickup trucks reliable?
Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems. The average Lincoln score is 6.19 while the Mark LT comes in at 1.6.
What year did they stop making the Lincoln Mark?
As of current production, the model line is the final generation of the Mark series and Lincoln has not introduced a direct successor to the model line ever since its 1998 discontinuation.
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.
1988 Lincoln Mark car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lincoln Mark problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Tires problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Equipment problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Lincoln Mark vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Lincoln Mark complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Lincoln Mark.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-15
- VIN: 1LNBM93E9JY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM A INDIVIDUAL. IT IS A USED CAR DEALER IN MAYFIELD KY. THE ABS BRAKE STAYS ON, NOW. I ONLY HAVE FRONT BRAKE'S. SOMETIMES THE BRAKES WORK, I GUESS.THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR WITH GOOD BRAKES.SOMETIMES WITH TOO GOOD OF BRAKE'S. AFTER I DRIVE IT AWHILE,THE BRAKES PEDAL WILL FELL LIKE IT HAS NO BRAKES. SOMEONE TOLD ME THAT THE BRAKE PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE WAS THE PROBLEM.I CAN'T EVEN FIND IT! MY DASHLIGHTS WENT OUT.THEY ONLY WORK WHEN I OPEN THE DOOR.THEN WHEN I TURN THE KEY,THEY GO OUT. I HAVE TO TURN ON THE FLOOR/DEFROST TO KEEP THE WINDOWS FROM FOGGING UP. THE MESSAGE CENTER DOES NOT EVEN WORK.I HAD FORD HOOK IT UP TO A DIAGNOSIS TEST, THAT COSTE $65.00. THEY WANTED ME TO TEST IT FOR THE CIRCUIT THEY FOUND FUTHER. THEY WANTED $56.00 AN HOUR.THE BRAKES ARE THE MAIN CONCERN.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-31
- VIN: 1LNBM93E4JY
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TWO BRIDGESTONE TIRES FAILED WITHIN FOUR DAYS. BOTH WERE ON THE INSIDE REAR DUAL OF A RV. BOTH WERE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND PROPERLY INFLATED. BOTH TIRE TREADS PEELED OFF DURING A LONG TRIP IN SOCAL WHEN TEMPS WERE IN THE HI 90'S /LOW 100'S. *AK (DOT NUMBER: HFL502 TIRESIZE: 7.50R16)
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-31
- VIN: 1LNBM93E4JY
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TWO BRIDGESTONE TIRES FAILED WITHIN FOUR DAYS. BOTH WERE ON THE INSIDE REAR DUAL OF A RV. BOTH WERE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND PROPERLY INFLATED. BOTH TIRE TREADS PEELED OFF DURING A LONG TRIP IN SOCAL WHEN TEMPS WERE IN THE HI 90'S /LOW 100'S. *AK( DOT NUMBER: HFL502 TIRE SIZE: 7.50R16 )
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-31
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNBM93E4JY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH THAT CONTROLS CURRENT TO BRAKE MOTOR PUMP RELAY OVERHEATED CAUSING WIRE AND SWITCH DAMAGE. NOTE: THIS IGNITION SWITCH WAS NOTED IN NHTSA 96V071000 AND 88V118000 BUT NOT CALLED OUT FOR MARK 7 LSC. THIS IS THE SAME SWITCH. LEASE UPDATE YOUR RECALL FOR ALL IDENTICAL SWITCHES REGARDLESS OF MAKE-MODEL OR YEAR.*AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-01
- VIN: 1LNBM92E1TY
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: AIR BAGS OF AIR SUSPENSION FAILED. *DH
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-13
- VIN: 1LNBM92E2JY
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TIE ROD END SEPERATED, RESULTING IN WHEEL SPLITING. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Lincoln Mark problems:
Any known issues with the Lincoln Mark VII? | Cadillac Owners Forum
May 12, 2010 ... I know some of the older Lincolns had suspension issues, as in the air shocks/bags. How about the Mark VIIs? I found one today while I was ...
Lincoln Mark VII Questions - Stalling when stopped or driving slow ...
Aug 30, 2015 ... Best Answer. its funny I had a lincoln lsc 5.0 HO mark 7 and this is a common problem what I would point at first is the ...
Lincoln Mark VII Problems and Complaints - 15 Issues
Problem with your Lincoln Mark VII? Our list of 15 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your Lincoln Mark VII.
1988 Mark VII=Electrical probs - Lincolns OnLine Message Forum
May 8, 2005 ... 1988 Mark VII Electrical problem-battery dies overnight. ... NOT PERFECTION!" 1984(2)|1985|1986|1988|1990 Lincoln Mark VIIs ... any ideas of common ...
Thinking About Buying A Mark VIII | GM Inside News Forum
Sep 26, 2006 ... Fortunately, Lincoln managed to make the VIII's air ride more reliable.. I've only ever seen one driving around with an obvious problem (the ...
Other years of Lincoln Mark
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