Maintenance schedule for high-mileage 06 Towncar (138k plus miles)?

[TcLincoln2007]

Hi again,

The 06 Towncar I recently bought (138k miles) did not come with the original maintenance schedule/service guide, but I think I can get one on ebay. I'm not sure up to what mileage of scheduled listed maintenance will be in this original guide, but I wonder what the recommendation is for maintenance beyond the mileage for the last scheduled service in the original guide.

I remember reading somewhere that after one reaches the mileage of the final scheduled service in the manual, one simply flips back to the beginning and follows scheduled service as if beginning again at 0 miles. But I really don't know...

I also see that kbb has some kind of online service guide for each vehicle at certain mileage intervals, like the one in the following link--but I don't know if it matches the original service guide...

https://www.kbb.com/lincoln/town-car/2006/maintenance-schedules/?mileage=138000

Any ideas about the recommended maintenance service schedule with specific to-do items after the last scheduled maintenance (the highest mileage scheduled service) in the original service guide?

Thanks!

 

[bbf2530]

Hi again,

The 06 Towncar I recently bought (138k miles) did not come with the original maintenance schedule/service guide, but I think I can get one on ebay. I'm not sure up to what mileage of scheduled listed maintenance will be in this original guide, but I wonder what the recommendation is for maintenance beyond the mileage for the last scheduled service in the original guide.

I remember reading somewhere that after one reaches the mileage of the final scheduled service in the manual, one simply flips back to the beginning and follows scheduled service as if beginning again at 0 miles. But I really don't know... Any ideas about guide for recommended maintenance/service after the last scheduled maintenance (the highest mileage scheduled service) in the original service guide?

Thanks!

Hi TcL No need to buy one on eBay. You can download the Maintenance Schedule, Owners Manual etc. here: https://www.lincoln.com/support/vehicle/Town Car/2006/owner-manuals/

Concerning what to do if/when we reach the top mileage limit in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide: Yes, you can essentially start over at the beginning. I'm guessing the 2006 Town Car had a 5,000 mile OCI (Oil Change Interval) for "Normal" service? So you can use that yard stick along with the required maintenance for other fluids, components etc.
As an FYI...the Scheduled Maintenance Guide covers up to 150,000 miles.

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

 

[TcLincoln2007]

Thanks very much!

 

[Action]

Depending on the info I can get from the previous owner, I assume nothing has been done and start from zero anyway.
Part of that process is replacing all fluids - engine oil, transmission oil, coolant and brake fluid
Then filters, oil, air & fuel. Cabin if so equipped
Rotate tires and inspect brakes

I make judgement calls on spark plugs and do remove and inspect. Typically I take pics of the plugs and compare to years later when the replaced one has know replacement mileage

Lastly on a ride with over 100,000 miles (and every 100,000 mile interval) I replace all O2 sensors. The old ones may still be working and not failed. However like spark plugs that still work, O2 sensors wear out and do not work as well when then have 100,000 miles of wear.

Cleaning, waxing and treating all rubber, vinyl, plastic and leather is right in there.

Then I start at zero mileage because I rarely trust any previous owner to have maintained a vehicle to the standard shown in the maintenance schedule. The exception is oil and oil filter changes. I think everyone does this and thinks they are done at that point.

Action

______________________________

 

[TcLincoln2007]

Thanks again! I remember your pointing out the 02 sensors before. I'm still waiting for a full mileage increase assessment after replacing the Fuel Rail Pressure sensor. But right now, it seems like I'm getting about 3-4 more miles per gallon, just by changing that! I was getting about 14 mpg city, and now I'm getting about 18mpg city--and the idle is smoother. But I rarely go above 45 mph, and I'm also very light on the gas, accelerating slowly, because that seemed to save fuel. Next, I want to replace the fuel filter and the fuel vapor separator hose.

>>If I am getting 18+ mpg city, would you still say to replace the 02 sensors, given the mileage on the car?

Thanks!

 

[Action]

I would replace the O2 sensors every 100,000 miles regardless of the current fuel economy.
You don't replace the spark plugs based on fuel economy, do you?

The job of the oxygen sensor is to give feedback to the PCM on combustion burn went. The job is to do it fractions of a crankcase rotation. When the data of the O2 sensor is slowed down because it is worn, the PCM is making decisions based on old data. Just like a worn spark plug replacement should be done before failure. And they are cheap! Typically for less than $20 to $25 each from on the web. The question becomes why wouldn't you replace them?

BMW E46 Oxygen Sensor Replacement | BMW 325i (2001-2005), BMW 325Xi (2001-2005), BMW 325Ci (2001-2006), BMW 325ti (2001-2004) | Pelican Parts Technical Article

Old, worn out oxygen sensors can cause poor mileage, low power and a variety of fuel injection problems. Learn to replace them today with our article.

www.pelicanparts.com

How Long Do Oxygen Sensors Last? | AutoShack.com

Your vehicle's oxygen sensors are important, but what are symptoms of a bad sensor, and when do you replace it? We carry sensors for all makes and models.

www.autoshack.com

I can find more links if that is wanted.

Action

 

[TcLincoln2007]

Great analysis and info! Much appreciated!

 

[Ballyhoo]

I have some miles before catching you, 115,000 on my 1998. Aside from the general maintenance and such, at 100,000 I started with the wear parts. Suspension components, coil packs, plugs, o2 sensors, front wheel bearings (re-packed), rear differential fluid, brake fluid and power steering flushes. The things which should, being OEM parts only, last another 100,000. I assume that you did at least three transmission filter/fluid changes with that mileage? If not, a definite add to your list. I do all of my own service, so of course you'd need to formulate a plan of attack to have each done by a dealership/garage as some things get pricey.

______________________________

 

[G-352046]

Thanks, Ballyhoo. Believe it or not, I bought the car with 137 k mikes a few weeks ago. So I’m just trying to fix it up and keep it maintained as best as I can. It actually drives like a new car, though. I’m hoping I got lucky with it..

 

[HighwayStar]

My intervals (taken mainly from a post titled The Proper care and feeding of Panthers with slight adjustments)

Engine Oil: Run only Tier 4 Full Synthetic 5w-20
Interval: 5000 Miles

Engine Oil Filter: Motorcraft, or Wix/Mann. No exceptions.
Interval: 5000 Miles

Engine Coolant: Peak Global Lifetime, change every 4 years.

Engine Air Filter: Motorcraft, or Wix/Mann. No exceptions.
Interval: 15,000 Miles

Fuel Filter: Motorcraft, Wix/Mann, or Racor. No exceptions.
Interval: 30,000 Miles

Transmission Filter: Motorcraft, or Spax-Filtran
Interval: 50,000 Miles

Transmission Fluid: Type-Mercon V: Motorcraft, Valvoline, Mobil 1, or Ams-Oil
Invertal: 50,000 Miles

Power Steering Fluid: Type-Mercon V: Motorcraft, Valvoline, Mobil 1, or Ams-Oil
Interval: 50,000 Miles

Differential Fluid: 75w-90 Synthetic: Motorcraft, Valvoline, or Ams-Oil
Interval: 100,000 Miles

 

[04TC]

I would replace the O2 sensors every 100,000 miles

Is it an easy job? Mine have never been replaced and am considering replacing them myself I already have the sensors

 

[oktowncar]

Is it an easy job? Mine have never been replaced and am considering replacing them myself I already have the sensors

Mine have approx 143,000 miles on them and still going strong.. I'll change mine when the issue appears

______________________________

 

[Action]

Replacing the O2 sensors is a very much do it yourself thing.
Getting under the car is usually the hardest part.

oktowncar - It is difficult to know when you have an issue with O2 sensors. They will only trip the CEL when they stop working. When they are old they still work, but the signal response time is slow. This can show up a cylinder (or several) is too lean or a misfire. This is because the PCM is making fuel injector adjustments based on old data. ​

This issue is not seen on any software monitoring either. Because the software will show that each O2 sensor is working. What isn't seen is the O2 signal is not on pace to actual events. And the actual events are occurring in partial revolutions of the crankshaft.

If the CEL trips for a misfire, coil and plug replacement does nothing and there are no vacuum leaks found, the diagnosis from there become frustrating.

Again I go back to a spark plug analysis which is as close as I can get. Spark plugs are generally NOT replaced because they have failed. The design of scheduled maintenance is to replace before failure. And like spark plugs, when the new O2 sensors (and spark plugs) are replaced, there may be some feeling of better performance. That feeling is not going to be huge. And in the case of the O2 sensors the PCM is getting a little different signal and will adjust to the new normal.

I make it a practice to replace all O2 sensors every 100,000 miles. And I tend to change oil & filter on a shorter interval than recommended. Actually I tend to do all maintenance on shorter intervals than what is shown in the owners manual. My justification is I do it my self. There may be longer life left in the maintenance item I am doing, but it does not cost me more since I do it my self.

And O2 sensor replacement is just not that difficult.
O4TC, you should be able to change those.

Action

 

[dave42]

I had to chuckle a bit when I read the title: 138K is high mileage? Hehe, the latest generation of Town Car's aren't high mileage until they are over 300K.

 

[wolf_walker]

Yeah, that's not high mileage lol...


I'd replace my 02 sensors but at least one of them is ungodly frozen in place, as are I assume the fastners holding the exhaust manifolds on the
heads, so... Yeah. Luckly the factory ones are still working
at almost 250K. Still knocking down 23mpg at 80mph for an hour this past weekend.

At barely settled in mileage slightly over 100K I'd be looking at all the fluids and filters, belts, observe anything rubber under hood
for age damage (it's the years, not the mileage in a lot of cases), ditto for rubber in the suspension, a good wash wax lube and treat for
the body and weatherstripping (when did you last lube your hood release, hmm?), that sort of thing. It's due plugs if they are original, or you don't know if they are or not. It's overdue for an intake manifold and gaskets but we'll let you learn that lesson the hard way like the rest of us.

 

[81spacetiger]

all good inputs; my only 2 adds:

1. Track your MPG every fill up. This will tell you when the efficiency is going south.
2. Consider changing out your front wheel bearings since you are well past 100K miles. Its not difficult and the cost is low but the improved rolling resistance will show up in your MPG.

How long do you plan to keep the car? If you have a duration in mind, then other investments are worth considering. For me, a lifetime wheel alignment is a worthwhile investment if you are looking at a ~ long haul ownership duration. I get the Firestone lifetime alignment (runs $199.99 now)

______________________________

 

[04TC]

@Action Thanks for the info. I think I will actually try to change them myself when the next oil change is due

 

[TcLincoln2007]

I had to chuckle a bit when I read the title: 138K is high mileage? Hehe, the latest generation of Town Car's aren't high mileage until they are over 300K.

I hope you are right! I want it to last forever! And maybe it will last for my personal forever, because I only drive about 2000 miles a year!

 

[TcLincoln2007]

Replacing the O2 sensors is a very much do it yourself thing.
Getting under the car is usually the hardest part.

oktowncar - It is difficult to know when you have an issue with O2 sensors. They will only trip the CEL when they stop working. When they are old they still work, but the signal response time is slow. This can show up a cylinder (or several) is too lean or a misfire. This is because the PCM is making fuel injector adjustments based on old data. ​

This issue is not seen on any software monitoring either. Because the software will show that each O2 sensor is working. What isn't seen is the O2 signal is not on pace to actual events. And the actual events are occurring in partial revolutions of the crankshaft.

If the CEL trips for a misfire, coil and plug replacement does nothing and there are no vacuum leaks found, the diagnosis from there become frustrating.

Again I go back to a spark plug analysis which is as close as I can get. Spark plugs are generally NOT replaced because they have failed. The design of scheduled maintenance is to replace before failure. And like spark plugs, when the new O2 sensors (and spark plugs) are replaced, there may be some feeling of better performance. That feeling is not going to be huge. And in the case of the O2 sensors the PCM is getting a little different signal and will adjust to the new normal.

I make it a practice to replace all O2 sensors every 100,000 miles. And I tend to change oil & filter on a shorter interval than recommended. Actually I tend to do all maintenance on shorter intervals than what is shown in the owners manual. My justification is I do it my self. There may be longer life left in the maintenance item I am doing, but it does not cost me more since I do it my self.

And O2 sensor replacement is just not that difficult.
O4TC, you should be able to change those.

Action

I really want to change my O2 sensors. I looked at a video, and it seemed to involve a lot of bending ans reaching at odd angles? Is that true? (Not sure I could do that....) Also, do you need to have the car on a lift?

 

[Action]

Coming from the top, not an easy thing for most V8s. Some 4 cylinders and may be sixes that might work. I have done an older Econoline with a 5.8l that had two sensors. My current Navi with a 5.4l. A 2010 Fusion with 2.5l four banger and an old Camry with a 4 cylinder. And my neighbors Tundra with a V8.
Did the Camry from under the hood. There is one and very easy to get to.
The Fusion has a 5 wire sensor in front and a 4 wire in the back. Front came out from under the hood and the back came out after I got the car on a ramp.

I drive V8s for the most part. Typically, that means those sensors are coming out from the underside. Car ramps are usually enough. There are two ahead of the cats and two in the cats. Recommend doing on a cold system. Getting a 6 pointed socket made for the job or a closed end wrench over the top with the pig tail disconnected. Some penetration oil may help. But I have removed all of them dry. And with just a hand wrench.

Turn the sensor in a continuous motion with the wrench set squarely on the sensor and it should break free.

Install the new one with a very very small dab of high temp anti-sieze on the threads only.

Action