2003 Lincoln LS - Replaced Transmission

[LS-jsf]

Hello everyone. This is my first post, so be easy on me if I make a mistake. We recently drove to a Southern California dealer and bought a 2003 LS Sport V8 with 48k miles on it for $4650. The car was a one owner, previously owned by an elderly couple. (in their 80's) The salesman told us that about the previous owners and we later found a insurance card in the owners manual and talked to them via phone, so the sales guy did tell the truth. The dealer we bought it from is a used car lot that's in the middle of about 10 new car dealers all owned by the same company and this is where they sell their trade-ins. I had read all about the transmission issues with the first gen LS (2000-2002) and I was under the silly impression that the 2nd gens (2003-2006) did not have the same problems, but was I wrong. We bought the car the Friday before Labor Day weekend and on the day before Thanksgiving we were getting our car back from our Las Vegas trans shop with a new re-manufactured trans installed for $2860. We had only put on 2368 miles before it went out. :Bang Luckily it happened on the way to the trans shop as we were going to get a fluid/service done on it that day. I noticed something not right the day before and on the way to the shop it pretty much took a crap. I saw the pan come off, and it was a mess. I'm guessing it had never been serviced by the color of the fluid, unless that was caused by what had happened that day. I guess my question is has anyone ever bought a transmission from ETE Reman? Their main place is in Wisconsin, but they have distribution warehouses around the country. It comes with a 3 year, unlimited mile warranty. The owner of the shop told me ETE Reman has their own engineers and they re-make them the way Lincoln should have in the first place. http://www.etereman.com/ It seems to be running fine so far. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

Oh, one other thing. Since getting the car back the heater/air seems to work fine and then at times not. (will just blow warm air) Could this have been caused in any way after having a transmission put in somehow? Just wondering.

 

[grizzlyls]

Welcome to the club. Funny our stories are so similar. I bought my 2001 from a little old ladies son in Glendale CA (where I live). Sorry you had problems with the tranny, but knowing that run to Vegas (lived there pre 2008) I bet it cooked the tranny if something wasnt quite right.

That said, I did look at ETE when I got my car with hard shifts. I felt they were one of the more seemingly reliable ones out there. Fortunately I found a local shop that was a saver - you can look at my old posts for info. Anyhow mine was just a valve body rebuild and solenoid replace, got by for about 1 grand. You have a three year warranty now, thats for sure, so I would monitor it and not hesitate to go see that shop again. Would also do a fluid service at no more than 50k, or right before the end of the 3 years. If it all looks good, then you should have at least that much more time on that tranny.

This tranny model was also in several other ford vehicles, so it is a well known unit. I would think ETE would use the upgrade replacement parts that are available, so I would agree with that opinion that is better than Original.

As far as your heat issue. Look around, you are going to see that everyone says refresh all plastic in the radiator system. Then talk here about what is going on. With you living in Vegas, and if you want to make that California run, its a must. There is a couple thread that detail it here with pics.

Again, Welcome!

 

[cammerfe]

Anything I said would just be a repeat of what griz said above.

KS

 

[LS-jsf]

Thanks for the welcome! Here is a photo of when the pan came off. Before the pan came off, he ordered a part that he thought was going to solve the problem as he was familiar with these transmissions, in Mustangs and some other cars as you mentioned. I think it was a solenoid, can't recall now now for sure. Don't know if the photo shows it well, but it was full of metal shavings. And the color looked bad also. I also have a 98 Mark VIII Collector Edition with 145k miles and about a week after getting the LS back, I took the Mark VIII in for a trans service after appox 30k miles and it looked nice and red, much different than the color that came out of the LS.

As far as the heater/air, I had read in here before about the plastic, but it isn't low on anti-freeze and I don't see any leaks anywhere. If there is a problem with any of the plastic, wouldn't it have to be leaking in order for that to be the problem? Thanks for the input.

 

[joegr]

...As far as the heater/air, I had read in here before about the plastic, but it isn't low on anti-freeze and I don't see any leaks anywhere. If there is a problem with any of the plastic, wouldn't it have to be leaking in order for that to be the problem? Thanks for the input.

It's really tiny cracks. You won't usually see liquid coolant. Instead, look for white or orange or whatever color powder like stains. It can take a long time for enough to go out to be able to tell a drop in the level. Also, the bigger problem is that air gets in.

 

[grizzlyls]

Oh and btw, your price on the tranny job hurts I know, but thats not bad. When shops were trying to rip me off here in Cali, it was over 3 grand. That pan is so burnt and busted I wonder if it got towed improperly sometime before you got it. Cant see a 50k mile car being that bad.

 

[LS-jsf]

I have no idea how it got that bad, we only had it for about 2,300 miles before it went out on us. Not a nice way to start our LS journey. Here is my Mark VIII with 145k miles on it when the pan was dropped for a service a couple weeks after the LS problem. Quite a difference.

That pan is so burnt and busted I wonder if it got towed improperly sometime before you got it. Cant see a 50k mile car being that bad.

 

[grizzlyls]

I am sure it was on borrowed time for that 2300 miles, you just didnt know it. My pan looked like your Mark VIII did when my tech serviced it, 101k ish miles.

 

[LS-jsf]

Thank you joegr

It's really tiny cracks. You won't usually see liquid coolant. Instead, look for white or orange or whatever color powder like stains. It can take a long time for enough to go out to be able to tell a drop in the level. Also, the bigger problem is that air gets in.

We just drove it normal, haven't even used the manual/auto (or whatever it's called) shifter yet. Guess it was just ready to go unfortunately for us.

I am sure it was on borrowed time for that 2300 miles, you just didnt know it. My pan looked like your Mark VIII did when my tech serviced it, 101k ish miles.

 

[RigsLS]

... haven't even used the manual/auto (or whatever it's called) shifter yet ...

SST - select shift transmission

 

[Rancor Keeper]

... he was familiar with these transmissions, in Mustangs and some other cars as you mentioned.

"Starting in 2005, Mustangs® came equipped with the 5R55S transmission. Fully computerized, with five speeds and a compact one piece design, this transmission has proven to be a tough little unit."

That's a quote from a vendor on one of my Mustang forums. Some guys in the '05-'09s make over 400fhp before upgrading their trannys. Why it's such a dog in the LS is beyond me.

 

[04_Sport_LS]

LS-jsf,,, and ANYONE purchasing a used car:

First... the insurance card could have been a plant. You may have been talking to someone that worked within one of the MANY, (as you said), dealer lots on the same car strip... owned by the same proprietor. Despite this... you may have legal recompense through you local DA office, (if the dealer isn't willing to settle directly). Most states have a mandatory 30 day warranty on a vehicle,,, whether the car lot tells you or not. If your problems happened within 30 days of purchase... you may be able to get the selller to cover your tranny expenses. Again... check your state laws!!!!!!!

Second... If REALLY interested in a vehicle,,, have the dealer pull BOTH a Carfax... and AUTOCHECK. If they don't want to do that,,, MOVE ON... because they are probably trying to hide something. Also,,, the milage seems very low for the problems and wear evident in the tranny pan. There is a government website that can do a title search to see if the odometer has been rolled back. I did this yeares ago on a Ford Ranger that had 111,000 on the odometer. For the $7 or so I paid... I got a full title history. While everything wasn't "balck and white",,, I could tell that the Ranger most likely had 311,000 miles on it. The website is: nmvtis.gov

If you can prove the LS that you were sold... suffered from an odometer rollback,,, you have the dealer that sold you the car... by someplace anatomically,,, that they don't want to be. It's not hard to have the person doing the trade in, (previous owener of your LS), to be told to leave the title blank... and that the dealer will fill in the "proper" information. At that point,,, all the dealer has to do... is find a junkyard vehicle that has an instrument cluster with a low milage reading on the odometer.

Third... As good as Carfax and Autocheck can be,,, there is a third internet site that does better. Google "Free Vehicle History Report". It allows you to search by VIN, (Vehicle Identification Number)... found here:

https://www.vehiclehistory.com/vehicle/land.php

In the end... you get a 14 page report that shows ANY issues with the vehicle,,, along with "quirks" and maintenance areas. I did this a few months back on a 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. It checked out through Carfax, Autocheck... and Free vehicle history report. It also had some random paper in the glove box,,, that led me to the previous owner. I was suspect,,, but the free report records lined up with what the guy told me,,, and I didn't suggest answers for him to tell me. The Sprt Trac was "clean" and.... after close to an hour test drive,,, I could tell it had no problems. I ended up walking away from it... simply because the dealer "knew" what they had,,, and wasn't going to budge on the price... even though it was over market value.

I may be out of touch nowadays,,, as to what the LS is worth. But considering what you paid... for what you got,,, the price seems like a "steal". Probably why you bought it,,, and I wouldn't blame you for grabbing it. However,,, looking at this from the "outside looking in"... something seems a bit "fishy". I suggest you take the time to loook at all methods I have mentioned. Even though it may now be over 30 days... you still have rcords of when you bought the LS,,, and when the tranny was replaced. If you can find a misleading problem ANYWHERE with in the records on this LS... you may still be able to recover your money. I don't care if the vehicle was a 2003!!! With only 48K on the odometer... the tranny pan shouldn't have looked like that when removed!!! Again... something is "fishy"!!!

 

[LS-jsf]

While there is some good information you've added, unfortunately it probably won't do much in our case. The last owner who's name was on the insurance card, I looked them up on Google to try and locate them. Short version is they actually were very upstanding citizens in their area, previous business owners that had been there for decades, etc. The owner was 87 years old based on my google search, and he was very open with me about the car. Without getting into more, as far as them being a plant, it would be highly unlikely.

As far as the 30 day period, it was about 60 days later when the tranny went, about 2,300 miles later. I did look at the CarFax before buying it and things checked out on it as well.

After looking around for quite a while for a low mileage V8 LS, watching a few of the major internet used car sites, CarGurus, Cars.com, Autotrader, etc., yes the $4650 price for that mileage was good, that was one of the reasons we picked it up. Now after adding the $2860 for the re-manufactured tranny it puts it at $7510, which is in the price range of what most were asking for this mileage LS. So now we have a low mileage LS with supposedly a better than factory tranny with a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty for about $7500. Am I pissed that I had to spend much more than planned on the car, yep. But I will check more into some of the things you mention here and if anything else pops up, I'll add it here. I know there are POS people everywhere, and only wish I could alter the results, but I have a feeling this doesn't have the actual POS factor.

Why the pan looked like that, I'm not sure. It's very doubtful the fluid was ever changed in those 13 or so previous years. I imagine it was on it's way out when we got it and after a couple of trips between LV & LA and some city driving, and with the known issues that Lincoln never corrected, well, I don't have the answer for sure I guess. Thank you for taking the time to add to this 04_Sport_LS as it for sure will help someone out.

 

[04_Sport_LS]

As to why your tranny pan looked like that,,, maybe... :

I'm sure I'll be corrected if I am wrong... but IIRC there was an issue with early 2004 and ealier transmissions having issues,,, because of the compounds used/not used in the transmission fluid at the time. Ford had a TSB, (technical service bulletin), which called for putting in the additive in
if customers brought their vehicle in for other service,,, or complained about transmission issues. IIRC,,, the additive was some sort of "friction modifier".

From my understanding... some time in 2004,,, the factory transmision fluid was re-designed with the additive incuded.

When I found out about this,,, I had my local dealer check the service history of my LS... and found out the additive was put in the transmission early in its service history.

Being that there is a difference between a TSB,,, and a recall. Many people may have not found out about the issue.

If the people that traded in the LS you now own,,, without finding out about the issue... and the dealer that sold you the vehicle didn't know about the issue,,, then unfortunately you suffered the consequences. Possible that the trans was beyond repair when the vehicle was traded in.

Just my .02c

 

[LS4me]

As to why your tranny pan looked like that,,, maybe... :

I'm sure I'll be corrected if I am wrong... but IIRC there was an issue with early 2004 and ealier transmissions having issues,,, because of the compounds used/not used in the transmission fluid at the time. Ford had a TSB, (technical service bulletin), which called for putting in the additive in
if customers brought their vehicle in for other service,,, or complained about transmission issues. IIRC,,, the additive was some sort of "friction modifier".

From my understanding... some time in 2004,,, the factory transmision fluid was re-designed with the additive incuded.

When I found out about this,,, I had my local dealer check the service history of my LS... and found out the additive was put in the transmission early in its service history.

Being that there is a difference between a TSB,,, and a recall. Many people may have not found out about the issue.

If the people that traded in the LS you now own,,, without finding out about the issue... and the dealer that sold you the vehicle didn't know about the issue,,, then unfortunately you suffered the consequences. Possible that the trans was beyond repair when the vehicle was traded in.

Just my .02c

IIRC that was for the 2003...

 

[joegr]

IIRC that was for the 2003...

It certainly applied to my 2004. It helped a little, but it was too late. I ended up having to replace the solenoid assembly. I don't think (but don't know) that it could lead to the sort of failure that he had.

 

[RigsLS]

Going forward, let's say for example a trans somewhere gets a 'complete' fluid chance, the additive is then not needed.

2003 or 2004 could then simply get complete fresh ATF and be done with it ???

TSB for additive was only used to add to the existing trans fluid at the time ???

 

[joegr]

Going forward, let's say for example a trans somewhere gets a 'complete' fluid chance, the additive is then not needed.

2003 or 2004 could then simply get complete fresh ATF and be done with it ???

TSB for additive was only used to add to the existing trans fluid at the time ???

I believe that the answers to all those are "yes." My understanding is that there was an issue with the fluid used by the factory.

 

[LS-jsf]

I found these bulletins below. Anyone know what that additive was that Ford/Lincoln was adding?


Bulletin Number: 04B22 Bulletin Date: 05-27-2005 Component: 103000 power train:automatic transmission Summary Improperly formulated transmission fluid that, over time, may cause delayed/harsh reverse engagements. customer satisfaction program 04b22. 5r55s/e & 5r44e transmission fluid additive. *tt supplement #1. *tt supplement #2. *tt supp

Bulletin Number: 5612 Bulletin Date: 04-01-2005 Component: 100000 power train Summary Delayed or harsh reverse engagements - 5r55s transmission - vehicles built prior to 09/23/2004. *tt

Bulletin Number: 42107 Bulletin Date: 12-13-2004 Component: 103100 power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm, pcm) Summary General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures. *tt

Bulletin Number: 4217 Bulletin Date: 11-01-2004 Component: 103100 power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm, pcm) Summary General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures. *tt

Bulletin Number: 17852 Bulletin Date: 06-01-2004 Component: 103000 power train:automatic transmission Summary Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on, e displayed for gear position, harsh shifts, and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0705 and p1702 after powertrain control module (pcm) reprogramming. *tt

Bulletin Number: 3158 Bulletin Date: 08-04-2003 Component: Power train:automatic transmission Summary Vehicles built between 11/18/2002 and 05/17/2003 with the 5r55s transmission may exhibit harsh shifts. *tt

Bulletin Number: 3148 Bulletin Date: 07-21-2003 Component: Power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and lines Summary New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included. *tt

Bulletin Number: 16788 Bulletin Date: 04-01-2003 Component: Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm, pcm) Summary Vehicles with the controller area network (can) may exhibit a powertrain control module (pcm) non-communication event, which could lead to an unnecessary pcm replacement using normal diagnostics. various models including the 2003 super dut

Read more: https://www.autocodes.com/tsb/lincoln/ls/2003.html

As to why your tranny pan looked like that,,, maybe... :
I'm sure I'll be corrected if I am wrong... but IIRC there was an issue with early 2004 and ealier transmissions having issues,,, because of the compounds used/not used in the transmission fluid at the time. Ford had a TSB, (technical service bulletin), which called for putting in the additive in
if customers brought their vehicle in for other service,,, or complained about transmission issues. IIRC,,, the additive was some sort of "friction modifier".

From my understanding... some time in 2004,,, the factory transmision fluid was re-designed with the additive incuded.

When I found out about this,,, I had my local dealer check the service history of my LS... and found out the additive was put in the transmission early in its service history.

Being that there is a difference between a TSB,,, and a recall. Many people may have not found out about the issue.

If the people that traded in the LS you now own,,, without finding out about the issue... and the dealer that sold you the vehicle didn't know about the issue,,, then unfortunately you suffered the consequences. Possible that the trans was beyond repair when the vehicle was traded in.

Just my .02c

 

[joegr]

This may help: http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/forum/showthread.php?80382-2004-Trans-Fluid-Additive

 

[04_Sport_LS]

Quote Joe:

"I believe that the answers to all those are "yes." My understanding is that there was an issue with the fluid used by the factory. "

That was my understanding too... according to what my local dealer said. My 04... was manufactured in 09/03,,, and after having the dealer run an Oasis report,,, found out the additive had been put in years before my purchase of the vehicle.

But yes... any fresh trans fluid change using Mercron V ,,, would already have the additive in it. Don't know about synthetic.

LS-jsf,

Bulletin Number: 04B22 Bulletin Date: 05-27-2005 Component: 103000 power train:automatic transmission Summary Improperly formulated transmission fluid that, over time, may cause delayed/harsh reverse engagements. customer satisfaction program 04b22. 5r55s/e & 5r44e transmission fluid additive. *tt supplement #1. *tt supplement #2. *tt supp


... I think would be the one. I remember something about 2005 on the Oasis report I got. It may take some time to find it,,, but if I do... I'll let you know waht it said.

 

[joegr]

For the record, Mercon V is synthetic.

 

[04_Sport_LS]

^^^ I was gonna say that,,, but figured I be safer not to.

 

[LS-jsf]

I'm a little confused, did all LS's 2000-2006 have transmission problems? I had read that it was the first gen (2000-2002) models that did, but as talked about in this post our second gen 2003 trans went out around 50k miles. The mention of the additive that needed to be added because Lincoln's trans fluid had issues, did the problem stop after the correct fluid was being put in by Lincoln? So at what model year should someone feel somewhat safe (transmission wise) buying a LS? Or is the answer none?

 

[joegr]

2005 and 2006 are safer than the rest. I think that all will eventually wear out the solenoid assembly, and servo bores. Oh, and some springs in the valve body.
It's not a terrible transmission, but it's not a great one either.

Some of the 2003s and 2004s got the bad fluid. If it was changed soon enough, then it was pretty much okay, but some were not attended to before they had symptoms. It's a little late then.