QuestionFirst let me start by thanking you for the service you provide. I am much impressed by the vast array of knowledge you possess as an expert, and thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
I'm a new owner of a 1989 Lincoln Continental with supposedly 48k on the OD, and I have about 4 concerns that I seek advice on.
First and most annoying is that the anti-theft system was somehow activated. Now if I lock the doors, upon re-entry, the horn sounds repeatedly with the lights flashing until the battery is disconnected and then reconnected. I recieved no remote with the key upon purchase.
Second, the car has quit running twice while ideling for over 6 minutes. When this happens it will not restart for several hours. Now, I just make sure it doesn't idel long and I haven't had a problem in the last 2,000 miles (with winter coming on I would like to let it idol to warm up though). Dirty filter? Faulty Fuel Pump?
Third, the air ride in the rear collapses when the car is shut down, and rises when car is on. Is this a leak in the system? Should I just roll with it this way? It also seems that the compressor is always working to maintain stability of the rear.
Fourth and last, Should you provide a solution for my anti-theft problem, Can you tell me how to obtain the car's keyless entry code under the door handle?
Thank you very very much in advance!
Chris in Kansas.
AnswerThanks for the kind words Chris, hope I can live up to them here.
You can get a key fob from the dealer for around $30. We can reprogram it to you car fairly easily. Though the anti theft should disarm when you unlock the door. You might try unlocking the passenger door to see that this happens. There is a disarm relay that could be causing the problem. It's located next to the keyless entry modual, which is located on the right side of the dash? I really don't have a lot of info on this car. But it looks like it's in the right side kick panel or behind the glove box. It says right hand side of cowl, which would be under the hood. Sorry, I just don't have much here.
I think you have either a vacuum leak or a weak fuel pump. Which is not picnic to repair either. Coin toss on which is harder because the fuel pump is located in the fuel tank. Of course, a vacuum leak could take years to find, so it's about even. :)
Absolutely a leak in the rear air ride system. The pump is on trying to keep up with it. It might be a bad airbag in one of the rear shocks. You will need to inspect the lines for leaks. Let's hope it's not a bag.
Ok, for the easy one, hopefully... In the trunk, on one of the supports for the trunk lid, on the side or bottom of it, there SHOULD be a white sticker with a five digit code. Guess what that is? Yep.
Hey, just found something of interest! A TSB on antitheft issues.
Article No.
92-21-1
October 7, 1992
^ LOCK - TRUNK - BENT CYLINDER TAB FALSELY ACTIVATES ALARM
^ ALARM SYSTEM - ACTIVATED IN ERROR
FORD:
1989-91 THUNDERBIRD
LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1988-91 CONTINENTAL, MARK VII, TOWN CAR
1989-91 COUGAR
ISSUE:
The anti-theft alarm system may be activated in error because of a bent trunk lock switch tab in the lock cylinder.
ACTION:
Install a new trunk lock cylinder by using the following service procedure.
1. Remove the trunk lock cylinder from the rear decklid sheet metal. Refer to the appropriate 1991 Service Manual, Section 44-10, for service details.
2. Examine the tab portion of the anti-theft lock switch to see if it is bent. The switch is part of the trunk lock cylinder. Refer to Figure 1 for an example of a bent tab.
3. If the tab is bent, replace the trunk lock and matching glove box lock. On Mark VII's also replace the console stowage lock. Refer to the Parts Block of this article for the correct service part numbers.
4. If the tab is OK, reinstall the trunk lock cylinder and continue as follows:
a. Check to see that the tab engages with the trunk sheet metal.
b. Check with an ohmmeter that the two terminals on the white connector of the trunk lock cylinder are an "open circuit". (There is no continuity or current between them.)
c. Replace the trunk lock cylinder and matching glove box lock if current exists between the two terminals.
PART INFORMATION
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES:
None
SUPERSEDES:
89-15-2
WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under Bumper To Bumper For 1991 Lincolns, Basic Warranty Coverage For 1989-91 Thunderbird/Cougar and 1988-1990 Lincolns
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
922101A Continental 0.8 Hr.
922101A Thunderbird, Cougar 0.6 Hr.
922101A Town Car, Mark VII 0.5 Hr.
DEALER CODINGBASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
7043507 02
I have a pic of the lock cylinder and what it should look like. I don't know if this is it, but it can't hurt. If you supply me with your email, I will send you the pic.
