Engine
4.6L 8-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 348 of 348 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 277 of 348 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Lighting
217 complaint records2 crash reports
"LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE HAD BAD SOLDER JOINT. LIGHTING CUT OFF IN MIDDLE OF THE DESERT AT 65+ MPH. I PAID 300+ FOR A NEW LCM...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse lighting parts in the directory →
Steering
67 complaint records4 crash reports
"VERY HARD TO TURN STEERING WHEEL. VEHICLE HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR THE LAST 2 MONTHS AS ITS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH MY CHILDREN. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Electrical system
40 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"LCM (LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE) RECALL FROM 2015. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN MARCH OF 2016 AND THE DEALER FAILED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE RECALL BEFORE I PURCHASED THE CAR...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE15028 opened Aug 2015 | closed Jan 2016 | Exterior Lighting | Loss of headlights - led to recall 15V861000 The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation concerning the loss of headlights in model year (MY) 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles. |
| DP15002 opened Apr 2015 | closed Aug 2015 | Exterior Lighting | Loss of headlamp/exterior lighting In a letter dated October 2, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) was initially petitioned by the North Carolina Consumers Council, Inc. |
| PE14021 opened Jul 2014 | closed Nov 2014 | Steering | Steering Column Shaft Obstruction On July 7, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation based on five complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents ofinterference between dislodged exhaust manifold heat shields and the lower steering shaft/knuckle, including one... |
| PE08066 opened Nov 2008 | closed Mar 2009 | Exterior Lighting | LOSS OF HEADLIGHT FUNCTION THE AGENCY HAS CLOSED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON ITS REVIEW OF COMPLAINT REPORTS, FIELD AND TECHNICAL DATA PROVIDED BY FORD AND COMPLAINANT INTERVIEWS. |
| DP05005 opened Sep 2005 | closed Jan 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15V861000 | Exterior Lighting | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured October 3, 2001, to August 2, 2005. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015610 2015-12-21 | Electrical | 14,714 | On certain vehicles, a defect in the Lighting Control Module could cause the headlight high and low beams to become inoperative without warning, causing the headlights to revert to reduced-voltage daytime running light function. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB 19-2026 Feb 2019 | Structure | Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. | |
| SSM 46085 Sep 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. | |
| ASI-45182 Jun 2015 | Electrical System | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| CSP-14-N-01 Apr 2014 | Exterior Lighting | FORD: THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE HAS EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO A POSSIBLE CRACK ON SOLDER JOINT THAT CONNECTS RELAY TO CIRCUIT BOARD. MODEL 2003-2005 CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS. *PE | |
| CSP-14N01 Apr 2014 | Equipment | FORD: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. INFORMATION REGARDING THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE, FOR SOME VEHICLES, TO 15 YEARS OR 250,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. MODEL 2003-2005 VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS. *PE |
Show 43 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07212 Oct 2007 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE | |
| 06216 Jan 2006 | Power Train | LIMITED SLIP AXLE CHATTER, SHUDDER, BINDING SENSATION, OR VIBRATION DURING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS. *TT | |
| 041601 Nov 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING. *TT | |
| 042421 Jun 2005 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT | |
| 0531 Feb 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MAF DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE TIP - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH EGR SYSTEM MODULE (ESM). *TT | |
| 0523 Feb 2005 | Electrical System | DELAYED REVERSE ENGAGEMENT. *EH | |
| 0524 Feb 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | IDLE VIBRATION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SINGLE EXHAUST. *EH | |
| 18426 Feb 2005 | Equipment | AM FM AND CELLULAR PHONE RECEPTION INTERFERENCE . *EH | |
| 18383 Jan 2005 | Electrical System | AM/FM AND CELLULAR PHONE RECEPTION INTERFERENCE - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 042407 Jan 2005 | Service Brakes | NUMEROUS ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) WHEEL SPEED SENSOR (WSS) DTCS, SUCH AS C1145, C1155, C1165, C1175, C1296, C1297, C1298, C1299 AND C1222. *TT | |
| 04251 Dec 2004 | Structure | ALUMINUM CORROSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 04189 Dec 2004 | Visibility | REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT | |
| 04247 Dec 2004 | Service Brakes | NUMEROUS ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) WHEEL SPEED SENSOR (WSS) DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS). *TT | |
| 042107 Dec 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 04217 Nov 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 042111 Nov 2004 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMPAND P0460 DTC IN MEMORY. *EH | |
| 18222 Oct 2004 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0460 IN CONTINUOUS MEMORY. OASIS. *TT | |
| 04174 Sep 2004 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TT | |
| 04E12 Sep 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EMISSION RELATED SERVICE ACTION 04E12. VEHICLES SERVICED WITH AN INCORRECT RIGHT HAND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. INSPECT AND REPLACE RIGHT HAND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. ATTACHMENTS I-III AND CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER. *TT | |
| 031404 Aug 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE MISFIRE OR RUNNING - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIPS. TO INCLUDE VARIOUS 2005 MODELS. * AR THIS ARTICLE 04161 SUPERSEDES TSB 03-14-04. | |
| 04155 Aug 2004 | Suspension | SQUEAK OR RUBBING NOISE FROM FRONT SUSPENSION - FRONT SPRING INSULATOR REVISED. *TT | |
| 041514 Aug 2004 | Visibility | REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT | |
| 041515 Aug 2004 | Electrical System | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0442. *TT | |
| 031501 Jul 2004 | Visibility | INOPERATIVE ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER (HEATED BACKLITE) GRID LINES, INTEGRAL ANTENNA CONCERNS. *TT | |
| 17876 Jun 2004 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0442 OR P0456. *TT | |
| 17745 May 2004 | Electrical System | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1233 WITH POSSILE DRIVEABILITY OR NO START CONDITION. *TT | |
| 17809 May 2004 | Electrical System | A NO CRANK/NO START. CONNECTOR C192 OR C146 NOT FULLY CONNECTED. *TT | |
| 17810 May 2004 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHERE THERE IS A LARGE AMOUNT OF METAL OR DEBRIS IN THE PAN. *TT | |
| 17757 Apr 2004 | Exterior Lighting | INTERMITTENT RAPID FLASHING OF THE TURN SIGNALS. *TT | |
| 0421 Feb 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE KNOCK DURING INITIAL COLD START, THE KNOCK WILL CEASE AFTER THE ENGINE IS FULLY WARMED UP. *TT | |
| 13 Feb 2004 | Steering | STEERING GEAR YOKE PLUG LOCK RING TORQUE. ALSO INCLUDING THE 2004 MERCURY MARAUDER. *MR | |
| 17545 Feb 2004 | Suspension | COSMETIC CRACKING OF LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING SLEEVE. *MJ | |
| 17502 Jan 2004 | Visibility | SLOW OR BINDING SIDE DOOR GLASS OPERATION. *TT | |
| 17516 Jan 2004 | Electrical System | INTERMITTENT HORN SELF-ACTIVATION. *TT | |
| 0476 Jan 2004 | Electrical System | NOISE-CLIMATE CONTROL-REGISTER VENT RATTLE WITH A/C BLOWER ON. *MJ | |
| 04145 Jan 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE VIBRATION AT IDLE ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SINGLE EXHAUST. *TT | |
| 03256 Dec 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE-ROMEO BUILT 4.6L 2V-TICK NOISE FROM ENGINE-ENGINES BUILT BEFORE 9/17/2003. *MJ | |
| 03228 Nov 2003 | Equipment | LACK OF AIR CONDITIONER (A/C) COOLING AND RESTRICTED/REDUCED AIR FLOW THROUGH THE A/C VENTS TYPICALLY DURING EXTENDED IDLING CONDITIONS. *TT | |
| 17313 Nov 2003 | Steering | STEERING NIBBLE - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 17295 Oct 2003 | Electrical System | FLICKERING ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY, ELECTRONIC AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL DISPLAY, RADIO DISPLAY, AND/OR OVERHEAD CONSOLE DISPLAY. *TT | |
| 17297 Oct 2003 | Steering | PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (PATS) DO NOT COME WITH A STEERING WHEEL LOCK. *TT | |
| 03181 Sep 2003 | Electrical System | REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 06910 | Power Train | CATALYTIC CONVERTER BRICK RATTLE OR BUZZING NOISE. *TT |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Do a full walk-around with every light on.Condensation inside a lens, a dim side, or a flickering tail light match this vehicle's lighting cluster.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Mercury Grand Marquis →