The Lincoln Dealership Thinks I am an........

[lincolnls8]

Idiot!!!! But it is nice to have this website to help me out. 351CJ, would you happen to know the name of the dealership you took your car too? Or would you know what the TSB is on the PCM update. Took mine in today and after it stayed there for two hours, I picked the car up. I looked at the invoice and they did nothing to the car. Invoice stated "Customer requests update on PCM-car has no updates and has the most recent software available". I believe this to be bull since I read 351CJ's post which states cars built before 12/00 need an update. Mine was built in 3/00. Still have the delayed shift problem but don't know about crank problem yet. I am sure that it is not fixed either. Any help would be appreciated.

[351CJ]

Here is the TSB info. My thanks for the LS Owners Club site for having it easy to retrieve. If you havn't checked the site out you should. llsoc.com

01/12/01: TSB# 01-01-05 Delayed Engagement


The TSB to install the 2001 calibration in the 2000 cars has been sent to the dealers. The TSB number is 01-01-05.

Here's the text:
Transmission - 5R55N - Delayed Reverse Or Drive Engagements - Harsh Upshifts Or Downshifts - Erratic Upshifts - Delayed Downshifts Near 20 MPH - Vehicles With 3.9L Engine Built Before 9/27/2000 Or With 3.0L Engine Built Before 10/17/2000


If your car was built after that date you have the very latest. Some early 2001 cars built before the date listed have all of the changes except for a fix for a delayed downshift near 20 MPH. That's why they are included here.

[351CJ]

One more thought, I've heard that there have been problems with some of the dealers getting the new software. Software distribution has apparently changed from CD to DVD or a new download system called WDS ??
Although problems with either could keep your dealer from getting the new software they should be aware of the TSB.

[LS1BMW0]

Thanks for the plug and the compliment, 351CJ!

Here's the skinny on both issues.

1. In addition to the reflash either you or the dealer should go through the adaptive learning routine that Mark Kovalsky, The Transmission God (TTG), also known as the supervisor of car calibration for Ford, as we call him on LLSOC, has advised us to do.
Here's the procedure. It is important to make sure the car is warmed up completely otherwise the transmission won't learn.
====================
1. Warm the car up. Drive at least 10 miles of city type driving, more if it is very cold where you are.

2. Shift from park or neutral to reverse. Wait 5 seconds and repeat. Do this 5 times.

3. Shift from drive to reverse, wait 5 seconds, and shift back to drive. Wait 5 seconds and repeat. Do this 5 times.

That will force the adaptive learing routine to run and learn the pressures your transmission needs to make the engagements as fast as they can be. If this does not make the engagements as quick as you like, take it to the dealer. They can diagnose it further.
======================
On dealers and how they get the updates. There is a new system called WDS, I believe it stands for Wireless Dealer System. This is supposed to download nightly, the latest updates to the models for service. The TSB 01-01-05 is a very large file, over 1 meg, compared to others that they download. So it doesn't download automatically. The dealer has to go out and request it. My dealer had some problems downloading it and had to contact the WDS support guy who was able to put it on their system.

Please note that not all models need to have this update applied. If you have a late build car try the adaptive learning routine first. If it still seems like it is shifting slowly talk to your dealer senior service tech. or service manager, not the service writer.

Brian

[lincolnls8]

Thanks,
I had hoped that this update would fix the extended crank time that occurs with my car from time to time. I had noted that someone had this update which corrected both the crank problem and his delayed shift. I don't plan on going back to that dealer anymore. Thanks for your help and I also like your site!!

[351CJ]

Wish I could take credit for the really good llsoc site, but it belongs to someone else. A software jock that goes under the handle of ls1bmw0 on Edmunds Forum did it.

Good luck getting your long crank fixed. Early LS's had that problem, which was supposedly fixed in the DEC 1999 software update. Since your LS was made after DEC 12, 1999 you shouldn't be having that problem. My made in Jan 00 build LS initially seemed to occasionally have a long crank time, but after a feew months of driving it either it got better or I'm just used to it. I think that the latest LEV emissions that the LS meets has to do with the longer crank times and the very high speed initial idle.

[lincolnls8]

I know what you mean. I have gotten use to the gear selection delay. But I have concerns about my wife or someone else in the car not knowing it and having a wreck. I noticed on the nhtsa.gov site that there have been complaints of wrecks due to this problem. Just hope they fix it before someone gets hurt. I will eventually get a dealer that will take the time to fix the car. Don't plan on ever going back where it was bought. I also noticed complaints of the Firehawk tires on the LS' coming apart. Not good to know that one!!!!

[LS1BMW0]

351CJ, that software jock would be me! Wish I could say that I was a software jock but the LLSOC site is a learn-as-I-go thing. Glad people like it though! If anyone is interested we are planning the next LS MANIA event, tentatively scheduled for Memphis in July.

Brian Gowing
Founder
Lincoln LS Owners Club(LLSOC)
www.llsoc.com (http://www.llsoc.com)
brian.gowing@llsoc.com

[351CJ]

That's wierd, when I made my last post the post by ls1bmw0 about training your trannie was not there, which is why I thought lincolns8 was replying to me. Maybe you (brian) were editing your post at the time I was reading the replies.

Sure would like to make the event in Memphis, but it's a bit of a haul for me. don't know if I will be able to spare 2 days each way driving + the event.

[ezaircon4jc]

Hi, Brian!
I've noticed that if I use any brand of gas other than Chevron, I have to crank from 2-3 seconds. On Chevron I hardly notice the starter turn, she just fires right up!

[Lscman]

ez,
It could be that "clean" fuel they use in SD. Try some Tijuana stuff.