Questions and Answers
Crown Victoria Stories
Q. Hello Vince, First, here is the car:
1992 Ford Crown Victoria LX
4.6 liter V-8
54,000 miles (not a typo)
Automatic
Fuel Injection
ABS
P/S, Cruise Control
Auto Climate ControlNow the stories:
1) I can't get any heat!! Even when I set the Climate control to 85 degrees still no heat whether it's in AUTO or MANUAL mode. About 6 months ago, I paid $$$ to have the diverter vent replaced. The heat worked for awhile, but not now. Before I go back to the mechanic (whom I trust) about the diverter, I just would like a second opinion.
2) The brakes. I've had the rotors replaced and turned, and new pads installed, the ABS sensors were cleaned, and I still get that wicked pulsating and howling noise, especially when braking down a steep hill. What should I do next?
3) I just started hearing a kind of clicking noise under the right front tire when I make sharp turns (like a u-turn), but it is intermittent. Also, only when making the u-turns, it feels like the tire is out of round (but I know it isn't), or that it is rolling over a rock (but it isn't).
Now that you're done laughing, I would greatly appreciate any help you can provide. Your web site is great.
Thanks...
A. Now why would you think I'd be laughing at your questions? My Grandfather always told me the only stupid question is the one you didn't ask. And from what I see here, you ask some legitimate questions.
1) There was a problem specific to the 1992 Crown Victoria with ATC. I'm not sure it applies to your situation, but it might be worth checking into. The Ford Dealer will be able to reference TSB number 91-16-8 dated 08/07/91 - ATC System - Erratic Operation.
It's possible the ATC control unit itself is bad. When the previous work was done, something might have gotten moved around and it started working again for a while. Try tapping the ATC control and see if it starts working again.
It could also be the Blend Door actuator or the Blend Door itself. Since this system is electrically driven and not vacuum operated, it can be a little more difficult to troubleshoot. But there are only a couple of possibilities so it should be easy to track down.
2) I'm not sure about the "howling" noise, but there's a few things you can do for the pulsation. First the run out on the rotors has to be checked. This is done with a dial indicator. If the run out is more than 0.003" inches, the rotor has to be machined. Now the hub has to be checked also. The hub has to be straight and true or you will get the same pulsation. If it does wobble, then it could be a bent hub or spindle. It can be checked with the dial indicator as well.
If the rotor and hub check out, then you have to look at the front end. The pulsation can be caused by a bad idler arm, pitman arm or tie rod ends.
3) Trying to diagnose a "clicking" noise in this venue is, at best, very difficult. It could be something as simple as a rock stuck in the treads of the tire. But what you describe here and with the pulsation, I think it's more likely a wheel bearing gone bad. I would definitely have that possibility checked out.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
