QuestionHi,
I just bought a 2003 town car. It has A "dual electronic automatic temperature control system". When I have only the "auto" button on I will get warm air out of the registers. This is when the outside temperature is 90 and the climate control is set for 70. When I have the "auto" and "a/c" on I will get cold air out of the registers and everything seems to be fine. Is this right? I though if you had the "auto" on the system would automatically cycle he a/c on and off as needed.
Also, when the "high beams" are on should they automatically flash off and back on for the on coming traffic. Mine don't and I can't find anything in the owners manual that talks about it.
Thanks,
Harry
AnswerHI Harry,
Yeah, Ford has had a bunch of trouble with their A/C in a number of models with that dual climate control. It's likely a bad control unit. Only calls for .3 hours to put it in but the part is over 600 samolians! If you just purchased it, then there should be some kind of warranty, I would think. Lincoln factory warranty is 4 years/50,000 miles. You can get your "in service" date from any Ford/Lincoln service or parts guy.
You must have been driving for as long as I Harry! Ford discontinued the auto-dim feature many years ago. I think it was like 1988 when they last equipted our beloved Lincolns with some really cool gadgets like Auto-dim.
Harry,
Sorry, I miss understood what you were asking about the A/C. I was thinking about it and decided to re-read your question. As the defualt setting the Auto button is going to give you vented air from outside. The fan will blow harder as it trys to accomplish 70 degrees without chilled air from the A/C unit. This is like economy mode, whereas you will get better milage not using the A/C compressor. You must call for A/C, then set it on auto to get chilled air. Now there might be a way to set the default setting on the auto switch to turn on the A/C with one touch. I will look into that for you. Other than that your system is working correctly.
BTW, I found this recall you might be interested in:
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
Ford / Crown Victoria 2003
Lincoln / Town Car 2003
MANUFACTURER : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 04V328000 Recall Date : JUL 06, 2004
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 47314
SUMMARY:
Certain police, commercial, and passenger vehicles sold to fleets typically input higher loads into the vehicle chassis overloading the wheel bearings and axles.
CONSEQUENCE:
This could lead to early bearing failure and ultimately to axle shaft fracture. In the event of axle shaft fracture, the vehicle would lose drive function and would coast to a stop. loss of drive function could lead to a crash.
REMEDY:
Dealers will replace the rear wheel bearings, seals,and axle shafts. The Recall began on July 15, 2004. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
NOTES:
FORD RECALL NO. 04S16. Customers can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT ( 1-888-327-4236).
