Police Fleet Forum / VEHICLES / Ford Crown Victoria

brake lights

boardman — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:47:35 GMT

I am having a problem with 2004 CVPI w/cruise control, the brake lights intermittently do not work in the rear however the third brake light works normally. Power comes out of the switch, then I believe it goes through the turn signal switch then lighting control module. I traced the power towards the drivers side rear channel where the harness runs and found no power to the green with red strip wire. Why is the third brake light working and not the others in the rear? I did play musical parts with a known good LCM, turn signal switch and even a brake light switch. I ran out of time Friday at work and now I am going to be thinking about it all weekend, I have to be over looking something, maybe something with the cruise..?. Help...

2008 CVPI and Whelen 295HFS Siren - AM/FM Radio Interrupt

rkorb — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:21:08 GMT

Has anyone had any similar incidents when using a 2008 CVPI and a Whelen 295HFS Siren with the park kill wiring interfaced?

We have been installing these in vehicles for years and this is my first experience when hooking the siren up and and interfacing with the park kill ground wire that the siren when in use - shuts of the AM/FM radio. Even if there is a CD playing - it shuts all the audio off in the vehicle.

If I disable the park-kill wire the AM/FM radio operates normally. I've verified with Ford I am using the correct - Park to Ground wire and Whelen says it is not an expected operation of the siren in that vehicle. I've tried 2 or 3 other sirens with the same result.

Anyone have any ideas?

Rob Korb
Emergency Vehicle Specialists
443.497.6021
http://www.emergencyvehiclespecialists.com

Paint

SFPD — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 07:32:03 GMT

I have a 2003 C/Vic with 36,000 miles. Anyone having issues with the black paint on hood not sticking? This car recently got involved in a crash with impact to right side fender and hood. I noticed that I was able to peel off the black paint with primer totally off the metal. I know they had problems earlier with the white not sticking towards the rear window pillars. Just curious.

Bent Wheels

boardman — Wed, 21 May 2008 07:13:43 GMT

Is anyone noticing the 17" wheels (2007-08) seem to bend easier that previous model year wheels. I know the roads are bad with potholes and sometimes my guys drive like they are in Hazard County.

Maybe it is just me, I get a lot of complaints about vibration and it seems like every time I change tires the wheels are bent badly along the bead area. ??

Decontamination of police vehicles

SFPD — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:30:13 GMT

Anyone out there currently have in place a method of decontaminating the interior of a police vehicle where a prisoner had lice, MRSA, Staph, TB, bed bugs? We have a machine and product which sovled the problem in 15 minutes with no delay down time for vehicles being placed out of service. Our CALOSHA and Dept.of Public Health do not like this product and is fast to stop helping the officers. I don't see them trying to be proactive as we were looking for a solution for this problem on behalf of the officers.

TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM

Admin — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:02:57 GMT

ORIGINAL POLICE FLEET FORUM POST
Posted by boardman

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I just got my 08's in, does anybody know if you mix the 17" wheels from 06-07 and install them on a 08 will it fault the TPM system?
Example: When a 2008 needs tires replaced and I bring it into the shop grabbing 4 already mounted & balanced 17" Goodyears off the shelf and installing them, and lets say only 2 wheels have sensors in them. Will the TPM light come on?
I know there is a recalibration tool Ford sells that I have to purchase.
I guess my question would be, does all 4 sensor wheels have to stay on the 2008? Thanks for any help... --Mike

06 CVPI Front Suspension Squeak

JNielsen — Sun, 11 May 2008 00:08:58 GMT

I drive an '06 CVPI with only 30,000 miles. Supervisors's vehicle and thus the low miles. Since it was nearly new we have a loud squeak that sounds like it is coming from the front suspension. It does not always squeak but when it does it sounds like old coil bed springs. Squeaks when you hit any bump in the road and you can induce it by turning the steering wheel from side to side when driving 15 MPH. Dealer replaced the front sway bar bushings and the squeak returned after a couple of shifts. Seems worst in damp weather. I think lubrication might be a solution. Anyone experienced the same? Any suggestions?

Lt Jim Nielsen, Moorhead PD, Moorhead MN

Fuel gauge / float issue 08's

boardman — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 05:06:57 GMT

Anyone having problems with the fuel gauge and low fuel light on when the tank is full? My officers are telling at the end of shift they fill up the car and park it. The next shift comes on and gets into the car, starts it and the low fuel light is on and gauge is empty. Seems to reset itself after driving it for 50-75 miles. I can see if it was just one car and maybe the float was rubbing on something in the tank causing it to stick, but it has happened on all 6 of my 2008's. And its not ever time, maybe once every 10 fill ups. ??

R/axle seals

acopmech — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:44:46 GMT

Is anybody else having a lot of rear axle seals leaking & bad bearings on the 8.8 axles?

We are constantly changing them, especially after the car was put through a pursuit driving school ! Anyone come up with a fix?

Batteries

pakrz — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 05:50:33 GMT

I didn't see a "Battery" section so I figured I'd post this in the Crown Vic area since it's related to that vehicle.

We are currently having problems with battery life in our Crown Vics. Our squads are equipped with a radio, MDC, radar and MobileVision camera systems. All of these obviously draw power when the car isn't running. We have Battery Savers in each car that monitors the battery life and cuts the power to the car accessories when the power gets too low.

When an officer is at the PD for whatever reason and shuts the car off, the battery only lasts for about 30 minutes to an hour. The Battery Saver then kicks in and kills the power to the accessories. Officers then have to restart/reboot the MDC, retest the radar and get everything going again. This process is frustrating to the patrol staff.

We currently have a master power switch that all of the accessories are wired into. One solution is to flip the switch off, killing all of the power. Again, this frustrates officers because they then have to take care of the MDC and radar each time. Furthermore, our Mobile Vision units wirelessly download data to our server when the cars are in the parking lot. This requires Mobile Vision to have power.

Leaving the cars running in the parking lot is not an option with our command staff.

I'm looking for any and all suggestions on how to remedy the problem. Is the only solution to purchase new batteries every six months? Would it be wise to look into purchasing a "Pulse Charger." How about solar panels?

Thanks for any help you can off.

Fords commitment to the police vehicle market

Panther Engineer — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:58:30 GMT

I feel Ford is waiting to long to provide some look in to the future after the CVPI. I know that things are changing in the auto industry daily, but I feel that it would be appropriate to at least say "we are working on something". Everyday more and more agencies are looking to other manufacturers since they do not want to wait until the end. Please Mr. Gratson tell us something!!!!

If you do not say anything we all think that you have nothing and look for options from other automobile manufacturers.

Fast idle setup for '05 CVPI

Car53WhereRU — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:13:19 GMT

First allow me to say hello to everyone here. I was not able to attend PFE this year due to budgets but hope to be back next year. I am a DS with a small County Sheriff's Office and responsible for up-fitting our vehicles. Our K-9 unit is a 2005 CVPI and the Deputy that it is assigned to has asked me to install a "fast idle" set up on it. I have not been able to find a commercial add on unit but read somewhere that it had been done "in house" by a department. Has anyone done this and if so would you please share your secret. Thanks for any input....Car53

What will you buy after the CVPI is gone after 2010?

FireEMSPolice — Sun, 04 May 2008 20:13:37 GMT

It seems like the writing is on the wall for the Crown Victoria, Police Interceptor, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car. All are "panther" platform cars and Ford will kill them all off after the 2010 model year. It bothers me that Ford is willing to throw in the towel on their best fleet vehicles and a great law enforcement sedan, and hand the market over to the likes of GM and Dodge.

What will you buy for your law enforcement sedan after the CVPI is gone?

2006 Ford Crown Victoria Dashboard Problem

LT601 — Fri, 23 May 2008 13:10:32 GMT

We are experiencing a problem with our 2006 Crown Victorias where all the dash lights come on and at the same time the speedo, tach, odmeter all shut down. It has been to the dealership several times and they can't figure it out. Also, when this occurs the power steering acts up on the vehicle for about 30 seconds.

New Crown Vic side airbags

SFPD — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:10:28 GMT

For thoise who could not attend Police Fleet Expo in Milwaukee, I asked this question to the new Ford guy - (M. Blackmers replacement) since the 09 will come standard with the side airbags deploying from the seats, my department is constantly repairing the torn seat material caused by the holsters and gear rubbing through. With OEM airbag and stitching, are we allowed to put seat covers or have our fabric guy redo the seat? He responded back to me in two days after conferring with engineers which stated "we don't recommend it" so if you have torn seats in the new 09 expect to buy a new replacement seat with airbags. FYI

Engine Hour Meter

FireEMSPolice — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 20:44:38 GMT

Does anyone have any use for that engine hour meter on the CVPI?

2006 Crown Victoria Transmission Slip

LT601 — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 06:27:06 GMT

We are experiencing a transmission slip at 18 mph that generally happens while turning. Ford has replaced the transmission (12,000) and as of late cleaned out the valve body. The vehicle only has 36,000 miles and Ford can't figure it out. Anyone experiencing the same problem or have any suggestions?

Anything To Change With The 2009 P/I ?

Ulver — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:20:17 GMT

Just curious... I was thinking of buying a new P/I, if 2009 models had any major improvement, namely more horsepower.

Otherwise, I might see who is sitting on some low-mile '08's at the end of the year.;)

I thought a couple models back, there were rumors, of a major upgrade for the '09's.

Thanks & stay safe...:D

Driver's seat floor bracket

SFPD — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:58:06 GMT

Anyone having driver's seat floor brackets breaking? I have six 2003 coming in frequently for repairs.

Horn ring interface wiring

Admin — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:18:44 GMT

ORIGINAL POLICE FLEET FORUM POST
Posted by MasterBlasterInstallWhiz

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To make a long story short, we generally order the horn/siren wiring prep package, no problems till 2007 when Ford decided to cancel this option, yet we were charged for it, got a refund.... finally.

Talked with Ford reps @ PFE 2007, they stated that the option was being discontinued and would not be on the order sheet for 2008.

We needed to replace a wrecked car, found a new 2008 that will be delivered in 2 weeks, and guess what option it has..... yep, horn/siren interface wiring prep.

Anybody else have these things pop up with their orders?

TIA
MBIW
_________________
If you think you don't like it now..... just wait till you drive it.

2006-2007 CVPI Cooling Fans

Admin — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:11:02 GMT

ORIGINAL POLICE FLEET FORUM POST
Posted by eburnson

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I have 15 model year 2006 CVPI in my fleet. Each one has been in the shop for overheating/cooling fan failure. Some are now out of warranty and returning for the same thing. I have 14 model year 2007 CVPI and guess what??? I sent two of them to the shop today with the same problem. Is anyone else experiencing OEM cooling fan failure on late model CVPI?? I know there is a Ford service bulletin on the issue, but I am pushing for a total recall!! Please let me know.

2005 CV Transmissions

Admin — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:06:17 GMT

ORIGINAL POLICE FLEET FORUM POST
Posted by jims664

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Is anyone else having transmission failures with their '05 CVIs. We've had 2 failures out of the 3 we have at 70,000 miles.

08 Ford Taurus - Formerly the Ford 500

Admin — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:13:00 GMT

ORIGINAL POLICE FLEET FORUM POST
Posted by ckamai

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Just added 3 of these to my fleet for Investigations/Admin use. Finding great difficulty in locating aftermarket equipment to upfit these vehicles. Primarily interested in replacing center console so siren controller/mobile radio can be easily mounted. Does anyone have any recommendations/suggestions?
_________________
Chief Charles T.C. Kamai
Kodiak Police Department
217 Lower Mill Bay Road
Kodiak, AK 99615
907.486.8000 Voice
907.486.8026 Fax
ckamai@city.kodiak.ak.us

Heater Core

boardman — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:26:30 GMT

Why is the heater core continuously going bad in the same 02 C.V. w/80,000 miles

I installed additional grounds and I flushed the cooling system. It still only lasted a couple month before it fogs the windows and smells inside the car.

3 Ford heater cores in the last year.

Why is this happening in my high priority K9 car??

Fuel tank straps

cruiserfix — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 04:30:22 GMT

We are finding broken fuel tank straps that have rusted through. It appears that the rubber that Ford installed on the lower mount holds the water and road salt. Just a FYI to check your older cars. We have done several.

Powertrain Malfunction Indicator - 06+ CVPI

FireEMSPolice — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 21:14:26 GMT

Has any one else experienced this problem outlined in the following TSB:

https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/CVPI/pdfs/TSB072206AirBox.pdf

This has happened on a few 06+ CVPI's I have come in contact with. Problem is when I take them to Ford, the PMI light is off and get shrugged off.

I tried following the instructions in the TSB but no luck.

Thanks for the help!

CROWN VIC

AIR 1 — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 07:40:41 GMT

WE HAVE 2006 CV WITH 125000 MILES .WHEN THEY SHIFT TO REVERSE CAR STALLS SOME TIMES. HAS ANY ONE HAD THIS PROPLEM THERE ARE NO DIC

2006/2007 Crown Vic Throttle Body

LballISP — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:10:00 GMT

We have had at least 6 Crown Vics have the accelerator stick in the wide open position causing the driver to have no control over the speed of the vehicle. On each occasion after braking and/or putting the vehicle in neutral the driver successfully slowed the vehicle down. If anyone else have experienced this please advise. Thanks

'07 CVPI Loss of power steering when braking

07CVPI — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 23:01:18 GMT

I drive an 07 CVPI. I have noticed that when braking and turning my power steering seems to decrease. The harder I'm braking the worse the power loss.

I've spoken to other ofcs driving 07's and they also experience this. One said there was a rumor Ford was aware and was considering a possible recall or TSB but I've never heard anything more.

I've never noticed this with my old 99 and the numerous older pool cars I've had the unfortunate experience to drive...

Anyone else getting reports of this?

Inappropriate Trunk Open Chime

Admin — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:18:03 GMT

ORIGINAL POLICE FLEET FORUM POST
Posted by tschewe

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One of our vehicles is giving 2 to 5 chimes similar to that indicating that the trunk is open shortly after starting. The trunk indicator light does not come on with this chime.

The trunk chime/light operates appropriately when tested.

The Ford dealership says that there is nothing wrong with the car, it must be our radio or computer equipment making the sounds.

Anyone else suffering from this?
_________________
Have you ever met anyone that would admit to being less than a better than average driver?

Fuel pump problems in 05 Fords

Admin — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:16:20 GMT

ORIGINAL POLICE FLEET FORUM POST
Posted by Murph

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Has anybody else experienced problems with repeated fuel pumb failures in the 05 models? We replaced numerous pumps and our dealership blamed it on our fuel supplier. Oddly, of all the vehicles in our fleet, the "fuel supply problem" only bothered '05 model. I think there was a service bulletin on this but no recall (or compensation for those of us who replaced numerous fuel pumps).

Ford Expedition Police

Admin — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:08:44 GMT

ORIGINAL POLICE FLEET FORUM POST
Posted by 68mustangjim

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What up with the wheels cracking. Is it happening to all F150/Expedition wheels or only Police?

Siren Park kill

Admin — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:01:03 GMT

ORIGINAL POLICE FLEET FORUM POST
Posted by FOREMAN

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We use Smart sirens for our PD. Just recently, there have been request for info about using the Park kill feature. I'm looking for info on wire color and location of the sense wire in 03-08 CVs. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
_________________
Quality= life or death, The life you save may be yours. Safety over price always.

The views and comments I make on this site are mine, and do not reflect those of my employer.