Segment:
Personal luxury coupe / Personal luxury car
Competitors:
Chevrolet Lumina Euro, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, Buick Regal, Chrysler LeBaron Coupe, Dodge Daytona, Pontiac Grand Prix.
Platform Innovation:
First Ford car in North America to utilize the rear-wheel-drive MN12 platform, featuring independent rear suspension for improved handling.
Performance Variants:
Offered with a range of engines, including the potent 5.0L V8 and the supercharged 3.8L V6 (Super Coupe).
Design Focus:
Emphasis on European styling cues, aerodynamic design, and a driver-focused cockpit.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed procedures for 3.8L V6 (naturally aspirated and supercharged) and 5.0L V8 engines, including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and overhaul.
Fuel System:
Diagnosis and repair of fuel injection, fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, and evaporative emissions system.
Ignition System:
Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), ignition timing, and electronic control modules.
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair for the AOD (Automatic Overdrive) transmission, including torque converter, valve body, clutch packs, and band adjustments.
Transmission Manual:
If equipped, coverage for the T-5 manual transmission, including clutch, gear linkage, and internal components.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive axle, driveshaft, U-joints, and axle shaft service.
Suspension Front:
MacPherson strut system, ball joints, control arms, bushings, springs, and shock absorbers.
Suspension Rear:
Independent rear suspension (IRS) system, including differential, control arms, trailing arms, springs, and shock absorbers.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, and tie rod ends.
Brakes Front:
Disc brake system, including calipers, rotors, pads, and hydraulic lines.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting, starting and charging system, battery service.
Body And Interior:
Door panels, seats, dashboard, exterior trim, glass, seals, and body panel alignment.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, control panel, and refrigerant service.
Emissions Control:
Catalytic converter, O2 sensors, EGR system, and vacuum routing.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures, and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Rear Brakes:
Disc brake system (typical for IRS models), including calipers, rotors, pads, and hydraulic lines.
Preventative Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, brake inspections, tire rotations.
Repair And Rebuild:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures, suspension component replacement, brake system overhauls, electrical component repair.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues.
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing parts like water pumps, alternators, starters, fuel injectors, and suspension arms.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Includes specifications, tolerances, and diagnostic strategies.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (check manual for specific engine type).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (check manual for specific recommendation).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
V6: 100,000 miles (Irridium plugs). V8: 30,000 miles (standard).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual for exact specification based on climate).
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent with ethylene glycol base.
Power Steering Pump:
Can develop leaks or noise over time, especially with higher mileage.
Supercharger Couplings:
On Super Coupe models, the supercharger drive couplings can wear out, causing a loss of boost.
Irs Bushings:
The independent rear suspension bushings can degrade, leading to noise and imprecise handling.
Window Regulators:
Power window regulators can become weak or fail.
Headliner Sagging:
Common issue on many vehicles of this era, the adhesive fails and the headliner material sags.