Need some info for Dealer Serivce visit

[grzellmer]

I have a couple items that need fixing/installation on my MM and I wanted to run this past everyone to get some input

1) Headlights (Both) fill with condensation when cold or when it rains. Discussion here is that replacement parts need to be ordered. When I explained the problem to the service manager his reply was "We'll take a look". This makes me wary that I'll come back to find clear silicon sealant around the edges or some other hack repair. Comments?

2) Check Engine light just came on yesterday. For others that have had this occur, do you remember what the code/fix was. I'd like to get some confirmation that they actually looked at the code, rather than just clear it.

3) Poll on spoiler install. I have now owned my shiny new spoiler for 4 months and, at first, was reluctant to install it myself. Considering a couple of the recent posts here - what is the consensus. Do it myself, or let the kid with his name stenciled on his shirt drill holes in my car?

Thanks for the comments in advance.

[prchrman]

1. Have them replaced, period.
2. Tell them up front they are to inform you of the problem and that they have to make a entry into your service book and sign it for problem and what fixed the issue.
3. If you are half way mechanical install yourself or have mechanical friend help you. You will take care of your stuff better than anyone, trust me.

[RF Overlord]

Originally posted by grzellmer

3) Do it myself, or let the kid with his name stenciled on his shirt drill holes in my car?


Under no cirçumstances allow the yard monkey to install it...it's a simple job, only takes about an hour, and that's if you work slowly and are meticulous. The hardest part is working up the nerve to drill holes in your own trunk lid! Just follow the "Universal Sign Language" instruction sheet, and you'll be fine.

Grasshopper reported that his developed a gap in the middle when it sat in the sun, because the dealer never installed 2 of the 4 bolts... :rolleyes:

[Macon Marauder]

Originally posted by grzellmer
I have a couple items that need fixing/installation on my MM and I wanted to run this past everyone to get some input

1) Headlights (Both)

2) Check Engine light just came on yesterday.

3) Poll on spoiler install.

1) I'd politely push for replacement. Discuss it up front before they take your MM 'round back.
2) I got a CEL a few months ago. A friend read / reset the code for me but it came back almost right away. It was lean on both sides. Dealer replaced O2 sensor. Any other symptoms? Mine was running pretty ragged when cold.
3) I'd definitely install the spoiler myself. But I've done that sorta stuff before and am very comfortable with it. And I'm one of those guys that gets very NERVOUS when anybody else wrenches one of my rides.

[frdwrnch]

There is a service message that was released last week stating that the water in headlights was "under investigation". That may indicate an improved part in the works. I'd make the dealer document it and wait for the better part. If the moisture level is high enough that it would potentially cause the bulb to blow then get it fixed now and later. But it may save you some time and aggravation.
As for the engine light, it could be anything but common causes are gas cap loose, chafing wire harness or an engine skip usually caused by a coil or plug boot. Should not be serious. Must get that code in order to have a diagnostic path. Good luck.

[CRUZTAKER]

Originally posted by prchrman
1. Have them replaced, period.
2. Tell them up front they are to inform you of the problem and that they have to make a entry into your service book and sign it for problem and what fixed the issue.
3. If you are half way mechanical install yourself or have mechanical friend help you. You will take care of your stuff better than anyone, trust me.

1. Ditto, no exceptions
2. Ditto
3. No Comment...mine is fubar

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by frdwrnch
There is a service message that was released last week stating that the water in headlights was "under investigation". That may indicate an improved part in the works. I'd make the dealer document it and wait for the better part. If the moisture level is high enough that it would potentially cause the bulb to blow then get it fixed now and later.

I hope the fix isn't drill a drain hole...

[jefferson-mo]

Hey grz.................I fixed my own headlight while I had it out changing the bulbs(I figure I'll get 'em replaced under warranty after they've been bug-blasted a couple of years).......what I found was that the front of the headlight(clear part) wasn't even sealed all the way around to the back part so I just siliconed it carefully(funny huh?) and it's perfect now...........

On your check lite, they WILL fix it 'cause if they don't it'll come back on, you'll go back and then it's a "re-check" on the tech and he doesn't want that..............

As far as the spoiler, what RF said. Just get someone to help and take your time.........................

:banana2:

[JohnnyB]

Headlights - I had the same problem with the fogging. Get the moulding replaced under warranty.

Check engine - have them hook up the car to the code scanner

Spoiler - do it yourself

good luck

[2003_MM_FYRE49]

Hi grzellmer,

If you do the spoiler yourself, make sure you put a piece of plastic on your trunk floor to catch all the drill filings. If you don't you'll be vacumming your trunk for months, trust me I know from experience. As for the install it is a piece of cake.

Tim

[grzellmer]

Update

1) Spoiler is now installed. (Saved $100, looks like I owe a round.)

2) Think I'll wait on the headlights. See if they come up with a better solution. (Besides, they don't get enough water in them yet to use as a fish tank.)

3) Will make the appointment for the CEL.

Thanks

Gary

[RF Overlord]

Originally posted by grzellmer
Update

1) Spoiler is now installed. (Saved $100, looks like I owe a round.)

Good on ya, mate! (I drink boilermakers...)

:beer:

[Merc-O-matic]

I had the same problem with the headlights on my 1997
Mercury Grand Marquis.....water/fogging inside after rain
or washing the car. The whole headlight unit must be
replaced....that is the only way to fix it. PERIOD. and they
will under your warranty.