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Ford makes seemingly easy jobs tough
Today I had to troubleshoot the automatic climate control system on our 1996 Grand Marquis as it dies every few months due to something going wrong. The climate control computer was recently replaced for the second time. The first time it was replaced for around $400, got a refurbished one this time for $100 (an easy job thankfully). Also a year ago, the blower motor resistor was replaced (a $220 part aftermarket) for the 3rd time. We have only owned this vehicle about 90k miles (it has 205K now to put this into perspective).
Well I finally decided that I needed to check the resistor to see if it was bad, so I pulled off the connector to the resistor and it was melted. So I decided I would have to remove the resistor . The task seems simple: you have to first move a this thing out of the way which I believe is a vacuum module (two 10mm nuts, yes, this car can't make up its mind as to what it uses), then remove the coolant hoses that go to the heater core (careful as coolant goes everywhere), then two easy to see 8mm screws remove the resistor. What could possibly be difficult about this? The bottom screw on the resistor requires that you use a universal joint to remove it. A wrench won't fit, a ratchet with the socket will not fit, a deep socket, nor will a ratchet with a standard size extension. This regularly would be a minor complaint but the heads on the screws that Ford used are very thin so the socket slips of the screw ever 1/8 of a turn. It took me 15 minutes just to get that screw out, even though I have done it before. Usually when I struggle with something on either of my 190s or our Sprinter I can do it pretty easily the second time, I figure many of these jobs are easier to do if you actually think about it (such as the bottom screw on the distributor on my 190E 2.6), but on here there are no tricks. Also, once you get that screw out, it is very difficult to pull the resistor out. I am pretty sure that resistor was installed in the factory before the engine was put in. So I got the resistor out, and saw that it was a bit melted, too, but none of the components on it looked like they had any damage so I just cleaned off the contacts and cleaned out the melted connector and plugged it up and it worked. I decided while i had the connector out that I would go ahead an replace it as I had a brand new one that came with the resistor when we bought it last year so did that and reinstalled the resistor (no easier to reinstall) and topped off the coolant. Many jobs on this car have been extremely difficult besides this one. I have had to remove the turn signal switch twice (job takes about an hour) as it broke, I took it apart and tried my best to repair it and a few months later it broke again (its very poorly designed) so I bought a replacement from Amazon that said it was Motorcraft and it wasn't and when I finally got it in, it was also broken. The air filter is difficult to replace also, the whole airbox has to be removed. The headlight adjustment knobs can only be adjusted with a 5/32nds box end wrench. I know our Mercedes are not perfect with making all jobs easy (thank god I haven't had the need to replace anything in the dash in my 190D, yet), but from my experience, general maintenance jobs are generally not difficult. Its nice to have a well engineered car to work on, plus I have generally found that parts cost about the same between them and the Mercury. We are actually going to pick up an 06 Grand Marquis in the next few days. Might seem like a bad idea but really overall, they are very reliable (the only real issues we have had pertain to what I have said) and the 06 is much more refined than the 96. It actually has steering feel, comfortable seats, and a transmission that doesn't take 5 seconds to shift.
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Current: 1975 450SEL, 83 300D, 88 Yugo GVX, 90 300D OM603 swap, 91 F150 4.6 4v swap, 93 190E Sportline LE 3.0L M104 swap, 93 190E Sportline LE Megasquirt, 03 Sprinter, 06 E500 4Matic wagon. |
#2
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I had to do the heater core in my '86 Town Car once. Fun.
The Panther platform got rack and pinion steering about '03 or so. I haven't driven one so equipped but I imagine it's a large improvement over the old setup.
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Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar. 83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles 08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 22,xxx miles 88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress. |
#3
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My practical modification tips for your new '06 MGM< Panther..i
I love the Panthers. I have owned 40 of them, an '81 and '88 Crown Vic, and two '09 Grand Marquises.
Cheapest cars to own and maintain, dollar per mile, I have ever had in 47 years of buying cars. Here's my last one, a Toreador Red '09 --- I highly advise you upgrade it a little bit - like I did to my red one -- 1. Grab front and rear Merc Marauder sway bars and some good HD shocks. 2. Install a cat-back Police Interceptor type dual exhaust 3. Install a full size matching spare tire oin a matfching reburbished rim and mount it on the shelf above the trunk space, where your donut spare is now, as seen on the Police Interceptor models 4. A set of 4 factory Grand Marquis mudflaps do wonders in keeping the car clean in winter snow rain and slush conditions. 5. If your '06 is a low spec one, you can knock out the black cardboard inserts (SEEN BELOW) and buy and install the higher level factory fog lights right in there, and I installed as lit toggle swotch on the left dashboard just below the3 headlight knob. 6. for about $75 you can buy a wonderful metal dead pedal, so you can cruise for miles and miles and have something to comfortably rest your left foot on and not to have it dangle in the air. This I think is a must, The guy who fabricates them lives and works in Florida and is reputable. The dead pedal is specifically engineered for this Mercury Grand Marquis model and works perfectly and is made of tough steel, and works perfectly for i9ts intended purpose. 7. A 35% window tint works and looks well on these, and is legal in most places. Yes they are BIG! (by today's standards. But they are perfect for American highways) and I even decided to riff on that idea with these stickers sold by and fpr the Mini Coopers! They and the Crown Victorias were built at STAP (The St Thomas Assembly plant) just across the bridge from Detroit into Canada. The STAP has been disassembled. Even the sign has been taken down. End of an era... Here is the VERY last one ever made. It was built on January 4th, 2011. There was not even a celebration. I think the very last one should have been put into the Ford museum and preserved. But no: It was unceremoniously shipped to Saudi Arabia to begin service in a rental fleet. It was an end without dignity.
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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ... 1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold) 2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp 1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k 2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold) Last edited by Jim B.; 12-22-2013 at 08:56 PM. |
#4
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On my '86 I kept the cats and deleted the muffler and resonator. The result was a great exhaust note but not too loud. I also did CVPI shocks. Those along with good tires run at around 36 psi got me fairly decent handling. It was the cheapest car in terms of cents per mile that I had, but it would be hard to duplicate that feat with today's gas prices. Mine averaged 18 mpg. The 302 was less efficient than the 4.6 that replaced it, the aerodynamics of the '86 were "box", and I drive like Ayrton Senna chasing Alain Prost on the penultimate lap at Suzuka.
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Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar. 83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles 08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 22,xxx miles 88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress. |
#5
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I always had an affinity for the Panthers - they're cheap enough so I may have to pick one up; mostly to use as a commuter in the summer months as the ACC on my SDL is finicky.
How's the climate control on these?
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"Time's never wasted when you're wasted all the time" |
#6
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When properly sorted, the AC will freeze you out and the heat will bake you. Some people have trouble with the ACC, but fixes exist. Crownvic.net is a great resource. It's like this site, only for Panthers.
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Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar. 83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles 08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 22,xxx miles 88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress. |
#7
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Quote:
Pretty intuitive, just select your desired level and dial for dollars! They are notoriously reliable, and I never had a problem, not once.
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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ... 1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold) 2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp 1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k 2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold) |
#8
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Unless I switch jobs and don't commute as much as I currently do, I think a Police Interceptor will be my next DD. I just love the body on frame concept and the sleek styling.
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"Time's never wasted when you're wasted all the time" |
#9
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They are tough too! Check out this '85 MGM JUMPING!
Quote:
I loved the BOX Vics and MGMs. (model year 1979-1991) My '88. I drove it real hard too, on San Francisco hills and streets. Watch this car, get rear ended seconds after this movie shot. ( hit by a '72 Torino @ 0:42) It's a then-new 1985 (last year of the no 3rd brake light) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOK9QW21VPo The jumping shot is amazing. (@ about 3:50) The stunt driver, it is said, almost broke his back...
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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ... 1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold) 2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp 1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k 2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold) Last edited by Jim B.; 12-22-2013 at 09:37 PM. |
#10
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I think this guy in the comments said it right:
"Let's see some Hyundais or Mitsus handle that. Back when cars were tanks, not roller skates." --Senor Spode
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"Time's never wasted when you're wasted all the time" |
#11
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The "keepers" of the P71 police interceptors would be the SAP ("Street appearance package) ones. Here's one example. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Crown-Victoria-Street-Appea-/191011583381?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2c792d7595&item=191011583381 They have ALL the CVPI equipment, that you will enjoy, BUT are painted in civilian colors at the factory, and usually issued to Inspectors, Detectives, Captains, watch commanders, postal inspectors, the FBI, U.S. Marshalls, and the Police Interceptor badge is removed from them, but they almost always see NO pursuit or bruising patrol or chase use or too much time on the engine idle meter. Some of them are even "take home" units that means they usually only even had one driver. Sometimes even local water, or other municipal departments get them. They command a premium, obviously, because of their rarity and better condition, but definitely are worth the trouble to seek out. These days, since they are no longer made, the agencies tend to keep them for longer, so it would be harder to find one under 140,000 miles or so. The CHP does sell them now and then, with other Patrol interceptors, in sealed bid auctions. On auction day, the bids are opened. Highest one gets it. You will be competing with lots of taxicab company bids though. Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, Marauder, and Towncar is also an excellent resource to look for and find them. I understand that the North Carolina highway patrol units are among the best, and cleanest ones available to the public, if you can live with a decommissioned patrol car though. On ebay, there is pretty reputable Nor Cal seller called "in-pursuit" that is a retired cop that sells the best ones he can find and clean up and recondition, at times he even puts up a nice SAP unit. I haven't looked for a couple of years though.
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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ... 1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold) 2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp 1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k 2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold) Last edited by Jim B.; 12-22-2013 at 10:16 PM. |
#12
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welcome to newer cars. try working on some of the mid 2000s era cars. just to replace that climate control unit would require programming. change a window switch? thats gotta be programmed too before it will work.
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have no worries.....President Obama swears "If you like your gun, you can keep it |
#13
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had a '96 Vic myself..
And I don't miss it one bit.
After the second heater core went, and the third began leaking, I knew it was time. They hang the heater core on a string and build the rest of the car around it. So when yours goes, be prepared to yank the front seats and dash just to get to it. One of the worst designs I've ever seen. It was a happy day when I C4C'ed it at 170K, never looked back. The seats were mediocre, lousy brakes (I know they upgraded them in '98), peeling clearcoat, overall a quite forgettable car.
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Nate Stanley (Currently Benzless) 1985 F-250 6.9l 170K 2009 SCION XB 36.5K 2003 LS430 78K 2012 Kubota B 2320 |
#14
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Quote:
__________________
Current: 1975 450SEL, 83 300D, 88 Yugo GVX, 90 300D OM603 swap, 91 F150 4.6 4v swap, 93 190E Sportline LE 3.0L M104 swap, 93 190E Sportline LE Megasquirt, 03 Sprinter, 06 E500 4Matic wagon. |
#15
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I have driven the 06 before, it was our grandmother's but has been sitting for several months since her passing. It handles a hell of a lot better than the 96 and has less body roll but a better ride (and better seats to add to that).
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Current: 1975 450SEL, 83 300D, 88 Yugo GVX, 90 300D OM603 swap, 91 F150 4.6 4v swap, 93 190E Sportline LE 3.0L M104 swap, 93 190E Sportline LE Megasquirt, 03 Sprinter, 06 E500 4Matic wagon. |
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