1989 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series from North America - Comments

The car had sat for about year, and was senior owned, so as a result it was not TOO badly beaten, but was not taken care of, and I had to replace a lot because it had sat for a long time.

At 84600 miles had to replace exhaust brake lines and belts.

At 84600 miles changed the oil, which was very dirty (it looked like it hadn't been changed in years!)

Through the miles I have put on the car, I have replaced a lot, which I think is mostly due to it sitting, and to the lack of servicing it got.

I replaced an air filter, and fuel filter.

Replaced spark plugs at 88890 miles, which some of them were very carboned, and some were even filed off.

Transmission went at 88890. It wouldn't shift into overdrive (if you have experienced a similar problem, please advise me.) Transmission shifts OK in regular drive, but is now experiencing some late shifting.

Now the check engine light blinks and the car jerks.

Despite the many problems I have experienced with the car, I love it. I would buy another one tomorrow if I had the chance.

I very highly recommend it.

In response to your Overdrive transmission issue, my cousin, a self taught expert on all things automotive to a fault, says that there is a rubber grommet in the shift linkage that wears out and needs to be replaced with a (more durable) one. This is available through Ford, but I believe the trans will still need other work once it has gotten bad enough to not shift into OD. The grommet is preventative. The shuddering may well be the trans also, as it has a torque converter lock-up, and I have experienced that in a number of the 5.0/302 - AOD power trains. Once you get past that, I can't think of a better car...

Yes, the "grommet" you are describing is replaced with a re-engineered part. It is made out of some type of metal to my understanding.

My grandparents bought an '89 Signature Series in '93. I remember going to pick it up with them. It was a very pretty car, it was kind of a taupe/grey color with matching vinyl top and those classic turbine aluminum wheels. I remember riding on country roads in that car and it bounced around like a roller coaster (very fun for a kid). They traded it in 2000 for a '99. Personally I think the '89 was a much more classy car.

OK thanks guys, I really appreciate the help. Could you tell me where this grommet is located?

My friend... look at the 5.0 tech section of grandmarq.net.

Then click on TV cable adjustment. That site is awesome. Good Luck!

I was wondering if anybody could tell me why people who have Crown Victorias/Grand Marquis of the same year or close to the same year don't have these problems with the transmission?

I also have a 1988 Ford F150 and I haven't had any problems at all with the transmission.

-author of review.

Even if you have to get a rebuilt transmission and a new grommet, it's only going to be under a thousand dollars. Well worth it to keep a gem like this on the road. They're not making any more good cars folks. Maintenance is more important than ever.