LS Maintenance

[Observer]

How straightforward is LS maintenance? Especially oil changes?

I prefer to change my own oil, but I'm not sure about locations of things on my new-to-me LS, like the drain plug and oil filter.

BTW, I'm 25 and love the car. I was also informed that I'm way below the average age of a Lincoln buyer. I thought that was rather strange for the LSs in particular.

[Lscman]

The easist solution to maintenance questions is to purchase a Ford/Helms Factory Shop Manual for about $100. They can be bought on-line or thru the dealer (see owner's manual for phone# & address). This is what the mechanic at the dealer uses. This manual leaves nothing to the imagination. Everything is decribed in incredible detail.

[351CJ]

You didn't say if you have a V-8 or V-8, but the oil filter & drain plug are real easy to get to.

On the V-8 the filter is up front, almost at the back edge of the radiator. Hit is horizontal and you can qither use a band wrench or one of the cap wrenches with a socket.

The drain plug is at the rear of the pan.

LS LS is pretty low, so you will need to jack it or put it on ramps. I made some ramps cut from a 4 x 10 piece of wood and it gives pleanty of room to get to the filter & drain plug.

If you decide to use the complementary service you can go to any Lincoln dealer, Ford dealers are not allowed to do it for "Free".

Complementary maintanance is at 5K intervals, so if you drive low miles they won't do anything until you reach 5K, 10K etc. no mater how long the time is.

The cabin filter is pretty easy to get to. The air filter is not bad by you have to remove the platic cover plate over the radiator and figure out how to snake the air-box cover off as it is pretty tight.

[Observer]

I made sure I got the V8.

I'm also accustomed to jacking my vehicle up for an oil change...I've always had to, thusfar.

Thanks for the info. Looks like I'll be able to use your info to do the change this weekend. I'd take it to the dealer, but I bought this car used, so I'm almost positive that the complimentary service doesn't extend to me.

[Lscman]

I'm almost positive it does. I was offered the free service on my Mark VII...bought as-is with 80K miles.

[351CJ]

'00 LS's did not come with complementary maintanence.

'01 - 03 LS's come with 3 year 36,000 mile scheduled maintanence at 5K intervals. If you bought a used one with less than 36K I believe that it does transfer to you.

[TXLSV8]

Observer-

I'm 26 and own an LS V8. I agree that the majority of the LS owners are much older, but hell its a smooth riding car with descent power. I came from a Z28 and a Transam, both with the LS1 motor. Its a nice change to be in a car that is smooth as glass at 100mph on the freeway when you don't realize that you are going that fast. What state are you in?