1978 Lincoln Town car problems
The Lincoln Town Car is a model line of full-size luxury sedans that was marketed by the Lincoln division of the American automaker Ford Motor Company. Deriving its name from a limousine body style, Lincoln marketed the Town Car from 1981 to 2011, with the nameplate previously serving as the flagship trim of the Lincoln Continental. Produced across three generations for thirty model years, the Town Car was marketed directly against luxury sedans from Cadillac and Chrysler.
Marketed nearly exclusively as a four-door sedan (a two-door sedan was offered for 1981 only), many examples of the Town Car were used for fleet and livery (limousine) service. From 1983 to its 2011 discontinuation, the Town Car was the longest car produced by Ford worldwide, becoming the longest mass-production car sold in North America from 1997 to 2011. While not a direct successor of the Town Car, the Lincoln MKS would become the longest American sedan until 2016 (overtaken by the Cadillac CT6).
From 1980 until 2007, the Lincoln Town Car was assembled in Wixom, Michigan, (Wixom Assembly) alongside the Lincoln Continental, LS, and Mark VI, VII, and VIII. After Wixom's closure, Town Car production moved to Southwold, Ontario, (St. Thomas Assembly) alongside the similar Ford Crown Victoria and the Mercury Grand Marquis. The final Lincoln Town Car was produced on August 29, 2011.
Within the Lincoln model line, the Town Car was not directly replaced; the nameplate was used from 2012 to 2019 to denote livery/limousine/hearse variants of the Lincoln MKT. For 2017, the revived Continental replaced the MKS, closely matching the Town Car in wheelbase and width.
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Common 1978 Lincoln Town car problems
The Lincoln Town Car, a luxury sedan produced by the Ford Motor Company, has been known for its reliability and high aesthetic value. However, like any vehicle, it is not immune to common problems. One of the most frequently reported issues with the Lincoln Town Car is air leaks. These leaks can occur in various parts of the car, including the doors, windows, and sunroof. They can be caused by worn-out seals or damaged weather stripping, which can lead to decreased cabin insulation and increased noise levels. In some cases, air leaks can also affect the car's heating and cooling system, making it harder to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the vehicle.
Another common problem with the Lincoln Town Car is coolant leaks. These leaks can occur in different parts of the car's cooling system, such as the radiator, water pump, or hoses. Coolant leaks can lead to overheating, which can cause serious damage to the engine if not addressed promptly. Symptoms of coolant leaks include a sweet smell coming from the engine compartment, a low coolant level, and the temperature gauge reading higher than normal.
Blown-out spark plugs are also a common issue with the Lincoln Town Car. Spark plugs are essential for the engine's ignition system, and if they fail, the car may experience performance issues, such as difficulty starting, misfiring, or stalling. Spark plugs can become worn out or fouled due to various reasons, including poor fuel quality, incorrect ignition timing, or lack of maintenance. Regularly checking and replacing spark plugs can help prevent these issues and ensure optimal engine performance.
Vehicle control issues are another problem reported by some Lincoln Town Car owners. These issues can range from unexpected jerking or acceleration to complete brake failure. In some cases, these problems can be caused by faulty components, such as the fuel filter, throttle position sensor, or catalytic converter. However, they can also be the result of more complex transmission, exhaust, or engine issues. If you notice any signs of vehicle control problems with your Lincoln Town Car, it is essential to consult a mechanic immediately to avoid accidents and ensure your safety on the road.
In summary, the Lincoln Town Car is a reliable and valuable luxury sedan, but like any vehicle, it can experience common problems. Air leaks, coolant leaks, blown-out spark plugs, and vehicle control issues are some of the most frequently reported issues with the Lincoln Town Car. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues can help ensure the longevity and reliability of your vehicle.
Is Lincoln Town Car a reliable vehicle?
Lincoln Town Car Reliability Rating Breakdown. The Lincoln Town Car Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 2nd out of 30 for luxury fullsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $635 which means it has average ownership costs.
Is a 1978 Lincoln Continental Mark VA good car?
The 1978 Mark V Lincoln was a great car, quite reliable but got very poor fuel economy.
What year is the best Lincoln Town Car?
Lincoln Town Cars built between 1990 -1997 were the best cars ever made as far as the above rating criteria are concerned. Even after 25+ years, the cars hold up very well mechanically, in appearance, and features. My favorite is the 1997 model as it is the most modern car of this range.
How long do Lincoln Town Car engines last?
With proper maintenance, it can last over 250,000 miles with little to no problems. Air leaks, coolant leaks, blown-out spark plugs, and vehicle control issues are some of the most commonly reported problems with the Lincoln Town Car.
Are Lincoln Town cars reliable?
The Lincoln Town Car is an extremely reliable vehicle, ranking 2nd out of 30 cars in its class, according to RepairPal. With proper maintenance, it can last over 250,000 miles with little to no problems.
Is Lincoln Town Car a safe car?
The Town Car boasts a record Five-Star federal safety rating in five categories for four years in a row (2003-06).
Is a 1978 Lincoln Continental Mark VA good car?
The 1978 Mark V Lincoln was a great car, quite reliable but got very poor fuel economy.
What year is the best Lincoln Town Car?
Lincoln Town Cars built between 1990 -1997 were the best cars ever made as far as the above rating criteria are concerned. Even after 25+ years, the cars hold up very well mechanically, in appearance, and features. My favorite is the 1997 model as it is the most modern car of this range.
1978 Lincoln Town car car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lincoln Town car problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1978 Lincoln Town car vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1978 Lincoln Town car complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1978 Lincoln Town car.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-03
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND APPLYING BRAKES THERE IS A VERY LOUD/SQEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKE PADS. CONSUMER HAD THE PADS REPLACED, BUT THE NOISE WAS STILL THERE. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1978 Lincoln Town car problems:
1978 Lincoln Continental Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Dec 19, 2016 ... Faults: Carburetor. Several starters. Brake Hydro-boost. Radiator. Power steering high pressure line. General items like brakes, ...
Q&A: 1999 Lincoln Town Car Cartier Parasitic Draw | JustAnswer
Jul 14, 2017 ... Whatever one has a high amount of amperage will indicate a problem on that circuit. Common problems to cause drain is alternator, radio, ac ...
Why are there so many electrical problems with the 2002 Lincoln ...
Aug 31, 2018 ... The ignition coils on a 2001 Lincoln Town Car are a very simple 2 wire/pin design, so there's not too many things that can cause them to fail.
Lincoln Town Car Questions - Idle problem - CarGurus
Nov 10, 2017 ... throttle position solenoid is a common problem on town cars to cause this problem ... Engine Idle Problem 1989 Lincoln Town Car 1 Answer. Hello.
Is the 1978 Lincoln Continental Mark V as reliable as the 80s Town ...
Feb 20, 2020 ... The Lincoln Town Car is known to run well beyond 1/2 million miles if properly maintained; the trick to buying a used one is look for its ...
Other years of Lincoln Town car
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