Anyone have any experience with these guys?

[grizzlyls]

The 'lsc' LS I just bought has the standard 100k tranny issues, and in looking to solve them the dealer is a little outrageous (cost) stating that flashing the PCM could make it fail costing me another 1600 bucks. Yea like thats gonna fly. Anyhoo, found this:

http://www.fs1inc.com/ford-lincoln-...783037&ppcsu=xhg7f5djqenopihsgalfeht&year=134

and they seem real solid. Hardly worth the time/risk to reflash (@ $130 an hour base in CA).

 

[joegr]

You do realize that if you do this (replace your PCM), you will still need your dealer to "marry" the new PCM to the PATS and your keys before you will be able to start the engine. I imagine there charge to do this would be about the same as the FLASH charge.
Anyway, I'm not sure what "standard 100K" issue you are having, but I doubt that flashing the PCM will correct it. There are places (maybe it is just the one?) that will check and repair your PCM as needed if it is the problem. In that case you would not need the remarry procedure since it would be your own PCM going back in. Also, of course, there is no such thing as an LSC LS.

 

[grizzlyls]

Thanks for the response. Its the delayed reverse with a jolt when finally goes in, hard shifts (mine fortunately are not that hard). Anyway, this forum and others indicate its the tranny solenoid block to be replaced, which also indicate you should flash the pcm too. On top of the wrong tranny fluid from factory. Fortunately the original owner was meticulous in keeping all service receipts/records so I know the tranny never had any specific service to it in 15 years (2001).

Didn't think about the key thing, but the dealer said there is a chance that if they flash the PCM it could break and then be 1600 bucks. So was thinking this route instead of chance, and also seeing if my local AAMCO which has great reviews would be cheaper (they dont flash but could replace the pcm).

Note: On the LSC - I am aware of that, and I am working to put the full story together to be posted as fact here. So far though Ford Research in Detroit has stated that they didn't build the car as an LSC, but my VIN was built as a 'Special Edition' so I am waiting on a couple of other sources like Marti Auto (Ford suggested them) and a long time Lincoln Dealer to give more clues about my papers, etc.

 

[joegr]

There are several "special additions" out there. My 04 is one of them. In it's case, it was just a particular combination of options, and nothing really special at all.
A 2001 should not have had the bad fluid.
Yes, it does sound like you need a solenoid body (and a fluid exchange). Why don't you do that and see how it goes? There is no particular reason to reflash the PCM. If you really must, I'm sure you do better to get a custom tune.

 

[FDR]

Post pictures of your LSC, maybe take some measurements, and we'll tell you exactly what it is... I'm gonna put 5 on Premium Sport, 5 on Wings West LSC kit on a Sport, and all of my pocket coins on 0

 

[grizzlyls]

Thanks again guys. Guess I misinterpreted so many posts about flashing the pcm - even my tranny guy is saying to avoid that. Guess the internet can give to much info (read TSB's mostly beyond this forum). But if you feel my year and tranny doesnt warrant it outright, ok. Anyhoo, should know today what it really needs.

As far pics, was waiting 'til I had all the answers, to match the window stickers and such. As well as time, lol. Been taking it in everywhere for full fluid exchanges etc. Its like the 'provenance' thing when you watch Pawn Stars, or that PBS auction show... I have the items, just need the full back story. A hint though, it is the Wings West full body kit, and I have a shout out to them even to get facts about where that kit originated.

 

[FDR]

There may have been a dealer that installed the WW LSC kit on new LSes and (wrongly) marketed them as LS-C models. My Ford dealer paints the top half of Explorers and Expeditions and gives them custom leather, then handwrites "Range Rover package" and addendum sticker. Then there are used car dealers that eat that crap up and try to twist the customer's arm for this ultra rare model. Just a few months ago we had someone who was very adamant that he had an LSC SS. We said no. He took it as us calling his grandpa a liar. I'd lean towards it being an LSE, but it's a 2001?

I'm not trying to be a dick and I'm not calling you a liar, just trying to offer what is probably the quickest way to figure it out.

 

[grizzlyls]

Lol, as far as I know, SS is a Chevy (blech) nomiker. The LSE situation it isnt, because my first lincoln was a genuine 2002 LSE. Another thread I mentioned me having many conversations with my salesman over the years of service and when I bought it and I believe I recall him mentioning the LSC - in some form that my LSE version 'replaced it'. But that was over ten years ago - memory and all that. He is the one I mentioned reaching out to. Bottom line is I have all the original documents for this car privately bought from original owner so there is no 'bull' to it. I just need to take all the pieces and gleen facts beyond what is present, then I will place the whole grand story up in here.

 

[LS4me]

NO LSC LS ever left the factory. Just like NO carriage topped LS ever left the factory. "Special Edition" just means it wasn't a base model. Just like the sport shocks are labeled special suspension and they insist on calling the front shocks struts. No LS ever left the factory with struts or an air-suspension (you'll find that too!).

 

[FDR]

Some salesmen will make chit up. Some have no information other than what they read off the sticker. Some even go as far as to brag about how much BS they can feed a customer and watch how happy they are. Some spew whatever gossip they heard, like "the Bronco is already being built" [back in 2013]. Obviously, there are some that honestly enjoy the job, know their product, and do want to make you happy. But take it from someone who works at a dealer: a salesman's word is worthless

 

[LS4me]

Some salesmen will make chit up. Some have no information other than what they read off the sticker. Some even go as far as to brag about how much BS they can feed a customer and watch how happy they are. Some spew whatever gossip they heard, like "the Bronco is already being built" [back in 2013]. Obviously, there are some that honestly enjoy the job, know their product, and do want to make you happy. But take it from someone who works at a dealer: a salesman's word is worthless

A couple of my favorites are the "Limited Edition" and "# of 500" plaques they stick on the dash.