1998 Lincoln Mark VIII LSC review from North America

Cooling Fan Module (Variable Load Control Module) broke June 2007 at 14,000 miles (yes, 14,000 miles, coming up on its 5th oil change). Part Obsoleted by Ford. Spent June-September searching for the part. Found it 3000 miles away in Massachusetts. Without this part, your radiator fan won't work, causing overheating. Your air conditioning may not work either as it is also controlled by this module. I'm in a state of shock that many parts for this car are Obsolete, its only a 9 year old car!

This car was put on our pedestal since the day we bought it almost 10 years ago. It's been stored in a California garage, under a car cover. Incredibly, it still has the "new car" smell in it, and has 14,000 miles on it.

Its performance and handling is incredible considering the tuna boat that it is. We leased a '95 LSC and was so happy with the car (not the dealer) that we got the '98 when we discovered they were discontinuing the Mark VIII. The thought never occurred to me that they would discontinue parts and support for it too!

Its comfort and styling is unsurpassed. I love this car and it looks better today than the day I picked it up from the dealer.

I am despondent on the fact that parts are not available from Ford. In my 4 month search for my Cooling Fan Module (variable load control module) I learned that the 97-98 Mark VIII (Generation 2 - different than the 93-96 Marks) are non-existent in junk yards to get parts. If in an accident, I learned that insurance companies consider 2 broken headlights, broken grille and bent hood a "total loss". Headlights are also Obsolete and are a required safety item in California. Insurance will give you a "salvage title" if you keep your car. Then you can search for you own headlights, or sell parts off the car. Its frustrating waiting for a donor car, then being lucky enough to actually get possession of the part.

Instead of enjoying the beautiful car that it is; I find myself nervous at what's going to break next, and how long will it take to find it? Do I keep it? Do I sell it while its working? Do I sell it when it breaks again? I'm not having fun anymore.