Need Some Educated Opinions

[Rollin'Thunder]

I'm looking at a 2002 Lightning with 22,760 miles on it. I see by the service history that there has been an intermittent problem where the engine would turn over but fail to start. After waiting a while it would start. The dealership was unable to duplicate the problem. They let it "hot soak" and it still started normally. They changed the fuel filter. About 5,000 miles later the owner has traded trucks. Don't know if this problem had anything to do with the trade or not. Any ideas? Any help will be appreciated. :help:

[Constable]

I'd see if I could locate the previous owner and just ask him. He's already made the trade, so I would think he'd tell you exaclty why he got rid of it.

Also, check the ALLDATA site and look up the recalls / service messages for that year Lightning. Maybe something therte can shed some light on the problem that plagued the truck. Might be an easy fix and the dealership is just lame.

[BillyGman]

I think that talking to the previous owner would be ideal, IF you can get that opportunity. In the mean time, Logan might be able to shed some light on this since he used to have a Lightning truck himself.

[MICA Racing]

Hopefully you can get in touch with the pervious owner and get his side, and maybe someone here has some experience with this. My gut says fuel delivery, but it could be spark. Without the truck to do some process of elimination, I'm afraid I can't be much help. I could probably only narrow it down anyways, and not pinpoint the problem. I don't have much experience with the complex electronics on modern road cars. If you can't get comfortable with a fix, or that the dealer or Ford will fix it, look further - no sense in buying a headache. Billy and Constable have good points - do as much checking as you can before you get too far in. Good Luck, and I hope you can get it - let us know!

[MENINBLK]

If the truck has a PATS Security system. something as simple as a large medallian hanging from the keychain,
could have interfered with the PATS getting the correct frequency from the ignition key.
Once the PATS is armed, you have to wait until it times out in order to restart the vehicle.
I do not know what the time for the PATS on an SVT Lightning would be
but it could be anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes.

[buckyboy]

This may be a unpopularopinion, but i think the answer is clear, pass it up. Why buy it knowing it has this problem no matter how minor? True you never know what a previously owned vehicle has as far as quirks, but with as many available lightnings i have seen, keep searching. You will find one that has low miles, good history, and a mature owner. Just my opinion...good luck! steve

[Bobby Clobber]

I'd see if I could locate the previous owner and just ask him. He's already made the trade, so I would think he'd tell you exaclty why he got rid of it.

Also, check the ALLDATA site and look up the recalls / service messages for that year Lightning. Maybe something therte can shed some light on the problem that plagued the truck. Might be an easy fix and the dealership is just lame.



How come when I try to access the imbedded link, I'm disallowed or at least it's not available to me?

[MICA Racing]

The site is undergoing service and there are some quirks left for Logan - he has assured me that it will be fixed and said if I asked again, he knows where I live...:D

[427435]

You've come to the right place for opinions. Educated may be another issue!!! :lol: :lol: :)

[Rollin'Thunder]

Thanks Everyone! I couldn't get the previous owners name because of the PRIVACY LAW. Anyway it doesn't make any difference now. I stopped by the dealership this evening and it was sold today. I wish the new owner the best! I'll be looking for something else now. :up: :up: to everyone for your responses! Bill

[Logan]

You're better off anyway...I know where that truck came from and you don't want it. Trust me.

If you really want a Lightning, tune into http://www.talonclub.com

It's the local group of Lightning owners, there's always a deal to be had on a L, and everybody knows what everybody's been up to with their trucks...

[jgc61sr2002]

Rollin - I agree, you are better off without that vehicle. :)