🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Lincoln

Model:

LS

Year:

2002

Platform:

DEW98 (Jaguar S-Type platform)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Lincoln LS was positioned as a sport luxury sedan, designed to compete with European and Japanese premium sedans in the entry-level luxury segment.

Competitors:

Key competitors included the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus ES, and Infiniti I30/M.

Key Features:

Rear-wheel drive platform, available V6 and V8 engines, sophisticated chassis tuning, and a focus on premium materials and amenities.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Driver and Passenger Safety (Seat Belts, SRS, Child Protection), Instruments and Controls (Indicators, Gauges, Information Display, Dashboard, Steering Column), Features (Climate Control, Audio, Steering Wheel, Security, Cruise Control), Before Driving (Fuel, Vehicle Break-in, Cargo Loading), Driving (Engine and Transmission Operation), Maintenance (Minder, Fluid Checking, Minor Services, Vehicle Storage), Taking Care of the Unexpected (Flat Tire, Dead Battery, Overheating, Fuses), Technical Information (Vehicle Specifications, Tires, Emissions Controls), Warranty and Customer Relations

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 150-250 pages (typical for owner's manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Booklet

📖 Manual Coverage

Electrical System:

Covers dashboard indicators, warning lights, information display, and basic control operations.

Powertrain Controls:

Details engine operation, transmission engagement, and driving modes.

Comfort Features:

Explains climate control operation, audio system features, steering wheel controls, and cruise control functionality.

Passive Safety:

Covers seat belt usage, SRS airbag system (placement, warnings, and limitations), and child restraint system installation (LATCH).

Pre Drive Checks:

Includes guidance on fuel filling, vehicle break-in procedures, and proper cargo loading.

Basic Maintenance:

Details fluid level checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure monitoring, and recommendations for minor services. Includes information on the Maintenance Minder system.

Emergency Procedures:

Provides instructions for dealing with a flat tire (changing and operation of emergency spare), jump-starting a dead battery, addressing overheating, and replacing fuses.

Technical Depth:

Owner-level information for daily operation, basic maintenance, and emergency procedures. Does not cover in-depth diagnostics or component-level repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Physical printed document

Print Quality:

Standard automotive manual print quality, typically black and white with some color diagrams.

Binding Type:

Stapled or Perfect Bound

Paper Type:

Durable paper stock suitable for glove compartment storage.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

3.0L DOHC V6 (AJ-V6)

Displacement:

2967 cc (181 cubic inches)

Horsepower:

210 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque:

201 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Engine Type:

3.9L DOHC V8 (AJ-V8)

Displacement:

3934 cc (240 cubic inches)

Horsepower:

252 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

276 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, 91 octane recommended for optimal performance, especially for V8)

Engine Code V6:

AJ-V6

Engine Code V8:

AJ-V8

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type V6:

5-Speed Automatic (5R55N)

Transmission Type V8:

5-Speed Automatic (5R55N)

Transmission Features:

SelectShift (manual shifting capability)

Transmission Fluid:

Mercon V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

192.1 inches (4879 mm)

Width:

71.5 inches (1816 mm)

Height:

55.8 inches (1417 mm)

Wheelbase:

114.5 inches (2908 mm)

Curb Weight V6:

Approx. 3700-3800 lbs (1680-1725 kg)

Curb Weight V8:

Approx. 3850-3950 lbs (1745-1790 kg)

Trunk Capacity:

12.5 cubic feet (354 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not specifically rated for 2002, but generally considered good for its class and era.

IIHS Offset Front:

Good (for 2002 model)

Braking System:

Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Traction Control:

Traction Assist (standard on V8, optional on V6)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags.

Seat Belts:

Three-point active-lap and shoulder belts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional premium audio systems, often from Alpine or JBL, with CD player and cassette. Steering wheel mounted audio controls.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control with steering wheel buttons.

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control.

Keyless Entry:

Standard keyless entry system with remote.

Information Display:

Digital information display in the instrument cluster showing fuel economy, range, and warning messages.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or as indicated by the Maintenance Minder system (typically using synthetic oil).

Tire Rotation:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.

Cabin Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 15,000-20,000 miles.

Spark Plugs:

V6: 100,000 miles (Long-life iridium); V8: 100,000 miles (Long-life iridium).

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API Certified)

Coolant:

Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid

Power Steering Fluid:

Mercon ATF or specified power steering fluid

Ignition Coils:

Early models (including 2002) were prone to ignition coil failure, leading to misfires and rough running.

Thermostat Housing:

Plastic thermostat housings can crack or leak over time, leading to coolant loss.

Timing Chain Tensioners:

The AJ-V8 engine, particularly in earlier iterations, had issues with plastic timing chain tensioners degrading, leading to rattling noises and potential engine damage if not addressed.

Driveline Vibrations:

Some owners reported driveline vibrations, which could be related to driveshaft balance or universal joints.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Lincoln, Ford's luxury division, has a long history dating back to 1917, known for upscale vehicles and comfort-oriented luxury.

Model Introduction:

The Lincoln LS was introduced for the 2000 model year as a rear-wheel-drive competitor in the sport luxury sedan market.

Platform Sharing:

Based on Ford's 'DEW98' platform, which was also used for the Jaguar S-Type and later the Ford Thunderbird.

Production Period:

2000-2006

Manufacturing Location:

Wixom, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver:

Named to Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2000.

Jd Power:

Received initial positive ratings for performance and luxury in its early years, though long-term reliability perceptions varied.