Lincoln Town Car: Security Alarm Going Off Randomly
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Date: 2020-08-05
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Comments and reviews: 10
Rodney
The random security alarm on my 2003 Lincoln was caused by a different issue, but this video was very helpful when I started the initial trouble shooting process. In my case, a small leak in the air suspension was draining the battery while the car was parked more than usual due to the Covid lockdown. This issue was not initially apparent, as the car started fine with no indication of a depleted battery. I tested the battery anyway, and surprisingly, the battery was good but not fully charged. This low-charged battery issue apparently caused the driver-door switch to show ajar when the air-suspension engaged on the parked vehicle and weakened the battery below a certain threshold. My interior lights would also come on and fail to shut off while the vehicle door was closed. This was because the activated door-ajar sensor told the vehicle that the door was still open. After trying the WD 40 trick (quoted often on the Internet and Youtube) on the door latch mechanism, there was no improvement. But after charging the battery to 100%, the issue was resolved successfully. Also, if you do take the door panel off, the plastic retaining clips will break very easily, and they are (unfortunately) built into the main door panel and near impossible to repair once broken.
I believe this weakened-battery issue is the cause of many random security alarms in the Lincoln Town cars equipped with air suspension. It certainly explains late-night alarms after the air pressure has depleted in the suspension. The auto repair shops can't find this issue because the air suspension leaks too slowly to initiate the problem while the vehicle is in their shop. I am making this comment in order to help others, as so many have helped me in the past. I appreciate this video and all of the great folks that are trying to help us save a few dollars whenever possible. All the best!
reply
The random security alarm on my 2003 Lincoln was caused by a different issue, but this video was very helpful when I started the initial trouble shooting process. In my case, a small leak in the air suspension was draining the battery while the car was parked more than usual due to the Covid lockdown. This issue was not initially apparent, as the car started fine with no indication of a depleted battery. I tested the battery anyway, and surprisingly, the battery was good but not fully charged. This low-charged battery issue apparently caused the driver-door switch to show ajar when the air-suspension engaged on the parked vehicle and weakened the battery below a certain threshold. My interior lights would also come on and fail to shut off while the vehicle door was closed. This was because the activated door-ajar sensor told the vehicle that the door was still open. After trying the WD 40 trick (quoted often on the Internet and Youtube) on the door latch mechanism, there was no improvement. But after charging the battery to 100%, the issue was resolved successfully. Also, if you do take the door panel off, the plastic retaining clips will break very easily, and they are (unfortunately) built into the main door panel and near impossible to repair once broken.
I believe this weakened-battery issue is the cause of many random security alarms in the Lincoln Town cars equipped with air suspension. It certainly explains late-night alarms after the air pressure has depleted in the suspension. The auto repair shops can't find this issue because the air suspension leaks too slowly to initiate the problem while the vehicle is in their shop. I am making this comment in order to help others, as so many have helped me in the past. I appreciate this video and all of the great folks that are trying to help us save a few dollars whenever possible. All the best!
reply
newjerseybt
I had a similar problem on my 2 week old brand new 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. Random horn sounding. The third time I brought it back for the same complaint I talked directly to Chrysler HQ. Chrysler called me back in about two minutes on my cell phone and told me the mechanics were presently working on it. I said bullsh! t, I told them I was presently sitting in another vehicle and was staring at my truck which was parked 100 yards down the road in the dealers used car lot. Needless to say they fixed it immediately by replacing the horn ring assembly and airbag which was attached to it. (according to them. Never went back to that dealer again needless to say. They went out of business soon after.
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I had a similar problem on my 2 week old brand new 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. Random horn sounding. The third time I brought it back for the same complaint I talked directly to Chrysler HQ. Chrysler called me back in about two minutes on my cell phone and told me the mechanics were presently working on it. I said bullsh! t, I told them I was presently sitting in another vehicle and was staring at my truck which was parked 100 yards down the road in the dealers used car lot. Needless to say they fixed it immediately by replacing the horn ring assembly and airbag which was attached to it. (according to them. Never went back to that dealer again needless to say. They went out of business soon after.
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ehsnils
If I remember right - some later Subarus has a door switch that has two contacts, and one operates the dome light and the other operates the lamps in the door that illuminates the ground from the underside of the door. The beauty here is that the dome light can turn off but the floor lights in the door stays on forever draining the battery and burning out the bulbs eventually. Something to look for if you have a Subie with some strange current leak.
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If I remember right - some later Subarus has a door switch that has two contacts, and one operates the dome light and the other operates the lamps in the door that illuminates the ground from the underside of the door. The beauty here is that the dome light can turn off but the floor lights in the door stays on forever draining the battery and burning out the bulbs eventually. Something to look for if you have a Subie with some strange current leak.
reply
Steve
Hi, I don't wish to be irritating but wanted to ask a diagnostic related question. I have a Chrysler 300 v6 diesel in at the moment with a parasitic drain. I have traced it with my thermal camera to the speedo head. It is generating 26 degrees Celsius when switched off. It still does the same with a speedo out of a doner car. I don't have a wiring diagram and don't know which feeds should be live. Has anyone come across this before?
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Hi, I don't wish to be irritating but wanted to ask a diagnostic related question. I have a Chrysler 300 v6 diesel in at the moment with a parasitic drain. I have traced it with my thermal camera to the speedo head. It is generating 26 degrees Celsius when switched off. It still does the same with a speedo out of a doner car. I don't have a wiring diagram and don't know which feeds should be live. Has anyone come across this before?
reply
Franois
Man you are one of the best mechanic, 4 star, ( nobody gets 5 stars lol)
I watched you video on the 3 valves ford when you had to remove the broken plugs.
I was wondering that since the porcelain is broken and the electrode is removed, what prevent the porcelain part left in the tube to be blown out if you start the engine and rev it
just an idea, maybe worthless.
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Man you are one of the best mechanic, 4 star, ( nobody gets 5 stars lol)
I watched you video on the 3 valves ford when you had to remove the broken plugs.
I was wondering that since the porcelain is broken and the electrode is removed, what prevent the porcelain part left in the tube to be blown out if you start the engine and rev it
just an idea, maybe worthless.
reply
Terry
Excellent video, always factual & to the point. If I were to replace that switch, how do you remove it? the wiring connector doesn't want to disconnect from it, & I'm not seeing an easy way to remove it from the mount? do I just need to remove the one screw & see the obvious on the under side? Keep up the great work sir!
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Excellent video, always factual & to the point. If I were to replace that switch, how do you remove it? the wiring connector doesn't want to disconnect from it, & I'm not seeing an easy way to remove it from the mount? do I just need to remove the one screw & see the obvious on the under side? Keep up the great work sir!
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Richard
Hi Eric: your videos are great! I'm wondering if the 3. 0l V6 engine in my 1998 Honda Accord is an interference or non interference engine. It has a timing belt and has been replaced once at 122, 000 Km and now has 282, 000 Km on it. I wish I could have it done at your shop. Thanks!
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Hi Eric: your videos are great! I'm wondering if the 3. 0l V6 engine in my 1998 Honda Accord is an interference or non interference engine. It has a timing belt and has been replaced once at 122, 000 Km and now has 282, 000 Km on it. I wish I could have it done at your shop. Thanks!
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Chris
My car does this too. I have to have my keys next to me all the time. It goes off when the temperature drops or raises as it causes things to shift when it swells or shrinks. I haven't checked which sensor it is yet. Other than this problem I love the car.
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My car does this too. I have to have my keys next to me all the time. It goes off when the temperature drops or raises as it causes things to shift when it swells or shrinks. I haven't checked which sensor it is yet. Other than this problem I love the car.
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FrugalPrepper's
I've been leaving the PT Cruiser Unlocked, with the Keys in it, and the title signed on the dash, and no one here will steal it. I may have to bring it to Avoca! I need to get rid of it and get something way more reliable like a 1980's Yugo.
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I've been leaving the PT Cruiser Unlocked, with the Keys in it, and the title signed on the dash, and no one here will steal it. I may have to bring it to Avoca! I need to get rid of it and get something way more reliable like a 1980's Yugo.
reply
Nick
Hey Mr. O, have you thought of doing a review on your Earthquake XT 20v Cordless impact that you have been using for a while now? I had been shopping around for a good one and was just curious as to how that one had been treating you. Love the vids!
reply
Hey Mr. O, have you thought of doing a review on your Earthquake XT 20v Cordless impact that you have been using for a while now? I had been shopping around for a good one and was just curious as to how that one had been treating you. Love the vids!
reply
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