Lincoln Aviator Maintenance and Repair

976 messages,  Last post on May 10, 2013 at 6:43 PM

You are in the Lincoln Aviator Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lincoln Aviator, Auto Body, Engine, Suspension, SUV

    
 
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#951 of 976 rear of my aviator by alwayzsmh

Mar 13, 2012 (8:54 pm)

As soon as u hit a bump the whole back end of the car loses control. It kind of swirves to left and right. I was wondering if anyone else is having this problem. I have had this car for only 2 1/2 years.
Also my glass tailgate will not close it almost like u have to slam shut. I purchased the extended warranty but it doesn't cover the tailgate or suspension if that's the problem. Any suggestions?????

#952 of 976 Injector Service Wash/Flush experience? Cyl 8 prob by ginnysmom

Apr 05, 2012 (10:36 am)

This is my first time post so please bare with me. I am at the sole owner of a 2004 Aviator, V-8, 4.6L, with 116,000 miles. To save time I won't list the various repairs/maintenance that have been performed over the past 8 years; I will stick to my current dilemma. My area is Dallas, Texas.
 
After my check engine light came on Mon, 4/2, I went to Auto Zone for help with the diagnosis code. It showed P0308 and P0316 (was told that 316 always goes w/308.) I took it to a local, reputable auto service repair center that had serviced my car for a CLY #3 misfire Oct, 2011. At that time they replaced one ignition coil and replaced all the spark plugs. Their recommendation was to replace the the remaining coils, which I did. They also replaced all the spark plugs since they were under warranty.
 
BUT, THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I realize the coils were probably going to have to replaced eventually, so I'm okay with doing that. They suggest having an Injector Service Wash/Flush before making the decision to replace the injector (which I'm assuming is #8.) They don't have the equipment for this type of service and I'm probably going to have to do it at the dealership. After researching this service I understand it could be beneficial. (Also, let me state a mechanic friend of mine suggested Goo- something. We put it in the gas tank with about a 1/4 tank and I drove the highway for 45 miles, but no change.)
 
MY QUESTIONS:
1) Do I go to the expense of the Injector wash/flush of $145 (which means I have to go to the dealership which I really don't want to do!) or should I skip the step and go ahead and have the injector replaced? Should I replace them all while they're in there?
2) If I go to a dealer, any recommendations in the Dallas area? preferably closer to downtown.
 
My car is in great shape and I'd like to keep it for another year or so if possible. Thanks much everyone!

#953 of 976 Re: Injector Service Wash/Flush experience? Cyl 8 prob [ginnysmom] by akirby

Apr 05, 2012 (2:25 pm)

Replying to: ginnysmom (Apr 05, 2012 10:36 am)
The new COP on cylinder 8 could be bad but first see if the replaced all of the boots - cylinder 8 tends to run hotter and can damage the boot. If the boot wasn't replaced then that's a likely culprit based on what I saw on google. And they're cheap. If it's not the boot then try swapping the COPs around and see if the problem stays on cylinder 8. If it does then just change the injector. I wouldn't bother with a flush. It's either the plug, the boot or the COP (or an internal problem with cylinder 8 - a compression test would verify).

#954 of 976 Re: rear of my aviator [alwayzsmh] by terry645

Apr 05, 2012 (5:08 pm)

Replying to: alwayzsmh (Mar 13, 2012 8:54 pm)
Sounds like a broken hinge which we get the whole tailgate out of alignment. I had this happen. Replaced the hinge...about 10 minutes. All OK

#955 of 976 Re: Injector Service Wash/Flush experience? Cyl 8 prob [ginnysmom] by bostoncigar

Apr 07, 2012 (10:27 am)

Replying to: ginnysmom (Apr 05, 2012 10:36 am)
Welcome to a $5500 engine rebuild. If you look for posts of mine and others several years ago (3 cars ago for me), you will find a TSB on this vehicle that requires an engine rebuild. Cylinders 7&8 go bad because of the split valve cover (bad design) on this high performance engine. My Aviator (bought new) was 2k out of warranty (52k miles) and I had to fight Ford all the way up to Bill Ford's office to get them to pick up 2/3rds of the cost of the engine rebuild. This is a known problem. Take the truck to a LM dealer. They know. Unless you purchased an extended warranty.. you are screwed. I doubt your Aviator is worth $5500 at this point. BTW, the dealer replaced my coils and such before they "discovered" the need for the engine rebuild which you will HAVE to do!
 
I rewarded Ford by walking from the brand after 5 Fords in a row and now am a happy (if not bored) owner of my second Lexus which by the way I thought and now can emphatically state is the least expensive car to own on the road. They have such a high resale value (unlike Lincoln Mercury) that my trade in allowed me to buy a new Lexus for only 10K after 3 years).
 
I loved by Aviator even with all the problems. My Lexus is boring but it is totally reliable. I do 20K miles per year!

#956 of 976 Re: Injector Service Wash/Flush experience? Cyl 8 prob [ginnysmom] by usedtolikecar

Apr 14, 2012 (9:11 am)

Replying to: ginnysmom (Apr 05, 2012 10:36 am)
Oh boy! My 2003 Aviator has the check engine light on and the code is for catalytic converter. I've replaced all the coils multiple times. Hasn't been inspected in a while because of the check engine light. Worried about having to replace the catalytic converter and what it will cost. Also live in North Dallas. 2003 Kitty Hawk w/ 111,000 miles. Car is beautiful and comfy but totally unreliable, had the rear window problem, cd player doesn't work and coil problems like most of you. WILL NEVER BUY A FORD OR LINCOLN MERCURY AGAIN!

#957 of 976 Re: Injector Service Wash/Flush experience? Cyl 8 prob [bostoncigar] by ginnysmom

Apr 17, 2012 (1:55 pm)

Replying to: bostoncigar (Apr 07, 2012 10:27 am)
TO BOSTON CIGAR: First, thanks for the very informative reply. You have saved me time and a lot of emotional grief. I was really beating myself up about agreeing to the recommended coil replacements, fuel system cleaning, etc. that were done prior to this "bombshell" diagnosis.
 
Park Cities Ford in Dallas, TX, found "compression loss on bank 2, cylinder 8 has 11% loss." They did not recommend the engine rebuild with the high mileage I have.
 
Sounds like I'm in the market for a new car. What kind of Lexus do you own? I was thinking about a Toyota Four Runner, too.
 
Thanks you again!

#958 of 976 Need Opinions Regarding Next Step for my 2004 Aviator by ginnysmom

Apr 18, 2012 (10:43 am)

This is GINNY'S MOM again (ref msg #952 or 955)
 
Before I venture out into the auto sales world, I thought I'd double and triple check that I've checked out every possible solution. Before a major surgery a second opinion should always be sought. So, you all are my second opinion...
 
Below is the dealership's diagnosis on my 2004 Aviator with 116,200 miles. It has new coils, plugs, and had a fuel system flush.
 
"Customer states check engine light is on
Cylinder 8 losing compression.
Verify concern. Time for EEC Diagnosis
PERFORM KOEO/KOER SELF TEST AND FOUND DTC PO0308 AND P0316.
Time to perform power balance and verify misfire. TIME TO PERFORM RELATIVE
 
COMPRESSION TEST AND FOUND COMPRESSION LOSS ON BANK 2,
CYLINDER 8 HAS 11% LOSS, CUSTOMER DECLINED REPAIR."
 
He said the computerized compression test tests the injectors, spark plugs, and coils. Then they did a manual compression test to confirm the cylinder 8 compression loss.
 
Thoughts?

#959 of 976 Re: AC blows warm air and eng. light flashes [la2004] by la2004

Apr 18, 2012 (12:58 pm)

Replying to: la2004 (Nov 09, 2011 8:41 am)
Hello,
Did you have any luck finding out what your problem was, my 2004 is doing the very same thing. Ford Dealer is clueless

#960 of 976 Best car I ever owned by terry645

Apr 18, 2012 (12:59 pm)

I bought my Aviator new in '04. Over the years I've come to this site for guidance with various issues that came up...it has been most helpful...thanks to everyone.
The Aviator seems to take a real whipping on this site and I have no doubt that most of it is deserved. My Aviator now has 171K miles on it and I drive it everyday. I've had the usuall minor issues that come with every vehicle, but have not had one problem that even approaches the things I see on this site. I guess all Aviators are not made equally.
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