damn lcm [Archive] - MercuryMarauder.net Forums

scolazz

10-23-2011, 06:59 AM

So my LCM is on the fritz. Shocking, I know. Only went out once, fine since then. But Im supposed to be taking a long road trip this week, so wanted to do the relay mod before I left.

HOW THE HELL DO YOU GET THIS THING OUT OF THE GODDAMN CAR?

I've been trying for a friggin hour now. I can get it loose, I just cant get it OUT of the bracket it sits on. I've broken the plastic clip that hold it in (no biggie, there are two screws holding it down too). I've broken the stupid plastic molding that goes up under the dash (have to use tape to put that back I guess).

I've given up, and am going to have to take it to a mechanic to get this fixed, which is going to SUCK money wise.

Anyone have some GOOD detailed instructions on how to get this out? All the instructions I can find are 'remove LCM', not much help.

Sorry for the tone, I'm frustrated from having spend an hour in my drivers well just breaking moulding and not actually DOING anything productive.

Marauder Rick

10-23-2011, 07:19 AM

after removing the screws that are under the lcmpush it toward the front of the car as far as you can. There are two nuts (i forgot the socket size) just to the side of it that hold up the bracket it is mounted on. Once that bracket falls it should be a breeze. BTW Unless you've ripped that plastic piece in half, it goes back up with plastic push pins. Also, have you removed the panel and metal piece under the column? This may make things easier room wise.(it did for me)

scolazz

10-23-2011, 07:22 AM

the plastic piece is fine, the push pins are what broke.

I did what you said - got the LCM off the screws, pushed it to the front, but it just wont go far enough. I did not remove the cables from it however, as this is my only car, and if I cant get them back on I'm screwed.

I saw the metal bracket it sits on, and the two larger nuts holding it there. I loosened them up, but the bracket didnt move a hair, so I figured its bolted somewhere else I cant see. If its not, I'll just take the two nuts off and remove the bracket, that should help a ton?

Marauder Rick

10-23-2011, 07:31 AM

Ozark Marauder

10-23-2011, 07:32 AM

I used these instructions from fastblackmerc and had no problems:

How to remove the LCM from a Marauder, Crown Vic or Grand Marquis.

The LCM is about the size of a brick and is located just to the right of the steering column, in front of the gas pedal.

There are 3 electrical connectors on the LCM.

Remove the bottom two connectors by depressing the tabs and pulling on the connectors.

Remove the 2 mounting screws with a 7mm nut driver or socket.

Push the LCM towards the gas pedal while rotating it up towards the roof. Once it’s free of the bracket, pull the back of the LCM down towards the floor.

You should now be able to release the last electrical connector.

Just reverse the steps for reinstallation.

Marauder Rick

10-23-2011, 07:32 AM

the ones under the lcm bracket did nothing for me either, u gotta get the other two.

scolazz

10-23-2011, 07:33 AM

are you referring to the nuts under the bracket? If so, i am referring to the two that the lcm are hiding. There are two nuts to the side of the lcm that you cannot see until you push the lcm back far.

aha, did not see those. I'll calm down a bit here and go try again :)

Ozark - Thanks for the additional info. I'll give it one more go here before I bail on it.

Thanks!

scolazz

10-23-2011, 07:44 AM

aha, did not see those. I'll calm down a bit here and go try again :)

Ozark - Thanks for the additional info. I'll give it one more go here before I bail on it.

Thanks!

we'll Im giving up I guess. Got the two lower electrical connectors off, pushed the LCM all the way forward, but it just won't come out, not enough room. Cant get the larger connector off, and I cant get to the two bolts holding the bracket up either.

I'm no mechanic, and if I go much farther, there is a significant chance that I'm going to get to a place where I can't get the car back together. I'll have to find a way to pay someone to just replace the module, this is obviously over me.

SC Cheesehead

10-23-2011, 07:48 AM

we'll Im giving up I guess. Got the two lower electrical connectors off, pushed the LCM all the way forward, but it just won't come out, not enough room. Cant get the larger connector off, and I cant get to the two bolts holding the bracket up either.

I'm no mechanic, and if I go much farther, there is a significant chance that I'm going to get to a place where I can't get the car back together. I'll have to find a way to pay someone to just replace the module, this is obviously over me.

You do know that a new replacement LCM is like $600, don't you? Replacing the relay is way less. (Like less than $50).

It's a tight fit, but it does come out of there, believe me. PM fastblackmec, he can prolly walk you through it.

scolazz

10-23-2011, 07:52 AM

You do know that a new replacement LCM is like $600, don't you? Replacing the relay is way less. (Like less than $50).

It's a tight fit, but it does come out of there, believe me. PM fastblackmec, he can prolly walk you through it.

$511 from my local dealer. I can find them for $220 online, but have to wait for shipping.

At this point, two hours of my life (and I haven't even begun the electrical part, or getting the sucker back in there and hoping I didnt screw up the soldering) is gone. Point of diminishing returns. I'm going to try a few more times, but that sucker just isn't coming out. I cant reach the nuts to the side of the LCM, but I just found an extension that may help.

Also, it looks like rain, and is cold outside so if this doesn't wrap up soon, I'll have to pack it in anyways.

SC Cheesehead

10-23-2011, 07:55 AM

$511 from my local dealer. I can find them for $220 online, but have to wait for shipping.

At this point, two hours of my life (and I haven't even begun the electrical part, or getting the sucker back in there and hoping I didnt screw up the soldering) is gone. Point of diminishing returns. I'm going to try a few more times, but that sucker just isn't coming out. I cant reach the nuts to the side of the LCM, but I just found an extension that may help.

Also, it looks like rain, and is cold outside so if this doesn't wrap up soon, I'll have to pack it in anyways.

Another thought: If you're a big guy like me, you prolly can't fit under the dash real well to access the LCM. I ended up removing my driver's seat, and the crawling in from the back side and laying out, that made a big difference for me.

FastMerc

10-23-2011, 07:55 AM

I have not had the issue yet hope not to,but some pics of the area could help?

SC Cheesehead

10-23-2011, 07:56 AM

I have not had the issue yet hope not to,but some pics of the area could help?

Mark, PM fastblackmerc, I think he's got pics he can provide.

scolazz

10-23-2011, 07:56 AM

success!

What a HUGE PITA. Loosening the bolts to the side of the bracket was key - thanks for the tip.

Wish me luck soldering :)

EDIT: how does one OPEN the lcm? LOL

fastblackmerc

10-23-2011, 08:00 AM

PM me if you need help......

Ozark Marauder

10-23-2011, 08:06 AM

Fastblackmerc,

I suggested to the admin that your removal instructions (posted above) be posted as a sticky in the DIY section. they worked great for me.....

scolazz

10-23-2011, 08:20 AM

Mr. Man

10-23-2011, 08:25 AM

fastblackmerc

thanks for the offer. I have a friend coming over shortly who is pretty confident in his soldering skills. I'll let him have a go at it :) Worst case, I tow my car to my mechanic tomorrow and pay through the nose, right? :)

Of course, I have to get this all back together somehow, too, lol
I guess your MM is your DD. If not send your old LCM to FBM and he'll either fix it or send you one that he has already fixed. Total down time might be a week 10 days. PM him for price details and his address. :)

fastblackmerc

10-23-2011, 08:25 AM

fastblackmerc

thanks for the offer. I have a friend coming over shortly who is pretty confident in his soldering skills. I'll let him have a go at it :) Worst case, I tow my car to my mechanic tomorrow and pay through the nose, right? :)

Of course, I have to get this all back together somehow, too, lol

How about this...

I offer 2 options to fix your LCM.

1 - You send me PayPal payment for $250.00. I send you a fixed and tested LCM. When I get your old LCM back, I refund you $200.00 via PayPal. You'll have the LCM in 2 days.

2 - You send me your LCM and $50.00, I repair & test it, sending it back the same day I receive it.

scolazz

10-23-2011, 08:35 AM

How about this...

I offer 2 options to fix your LCM.

1 - You send me PayPal payment for $250.00. I send you a fixed and tested LCM. When I get your old LCM back, I refund you $200.00 via PayPal. You'll have the LCM in 2 days.

2 - You send me your LCM and $50.00, I repair & test it, sending it back the same day I receive it.

Sounds good, thanks for the offer. If my buddy doesn't think he can do it, or we chicken out, I'll drop you a PM.

Funny thing is, I'm going to be in the NC triangle area on Wednesday night or Thursday, assuming I can get my MM working before then :)

fastblackmerc

10-23-2011, 08:45 AM

Sounds good, thanks for the offer. If my buddy doesn't think he can do it, or we chicken out, I'll drop you a PM.

Funny thing is, I'm going to be in the NC triangle area on Wednesday night or Thursday, assuming I can get my MM working before then :)

If you can't get it fixed, put the LCM back in. You can use your hi beams if you need lights. I should be home all of this week so you can stop by and I'll replace your LCM for you (I can do them in 15 minutes or less).

If the LCM is not connected you won't have any lights except the brake lights and maybe the foglights.

On a side note.... Ford was not required to recall the LCM to fix the problem because the NTSB said you still had use of the hi beams so you could still drive the car......

scolazz

10-23-2011, 08:56 AM

If you can't get it fixed, put the LCM back in. You can use your hi beams if you need lights. I should be home all of this week so you can stop by and I'll replace your LCM for you (I can do them in 15 minutes or less).

If the LCM is not connected you won't have any lights except the brake lights and maybe the foglights.

On a side note.... Ford was not required to recall the LCM to fix the problem because the NTSB said you still had use of the hi beams so you could still drive the car......

Yeah, I read about the NTSB thing. Im kinda annoyed with them right now :)

If I cant get it back together, I'm screwed - I'd be coming from MA, so highbeams only probably arent a good idea. If I have problems, I'll just have you ship me one, and go that route if we can.

Nothing is ever easy, and I *always* seem to get hit by all the 'common' problems with my cars. My luck

fastblackmerc

10-23-2011, 09:46 AM

Yeah, I read about the NTSB thing. Im kinda annoyed with them right now :)

If I cant get it back together, I'm screwed - I'd be coming from MA, so highbeams only probably arent a good idea. If I have problems, I'll just have you ship me one, and go that route if we can.

Nothing is ever easy, and I *always* seem to get hit by all the 'common' problems with my cars. My luck

I'd drive with the hi beams on if you have to.

scolazz

10-23-2011, 10:58 AM

OK, I'm confused

Using the instructions here: http://www.crownvic.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1159835&page=1

though, else where I'm reading that 30 and 86 are swapped in the pic, though it may or may not matter? Any definitive answer?

Thanks!

fastblackmerc

10-23-2011, 11:00 AM

scolazz

10-23-2011, 11:01 AM

yes = yellow, white, black, blue and red

fastblackmerc

10-23-2011, 11:03 AM

yes = yellow, white, black, blue and red

OK, this is how I connect mine.

87 = yellow

30 = white

86 = blue

85 = black

87a = red

scolazz

10-23-2011, 11:19 AM

cant get the old relay unsoldered from the board. Any tips?

fastblackmerc

10-23-2011, 11:33 AM

cant get the old relay unsoldered from the board. Any tips?

I use a solder vacuum.

Resolder the pins (the flux or rosin gets them clean) then I use the solder vac, it's a soldering iron with a hollow tip and a bulb at applies a slight vacuum when you release it.

Then you'll have to clean out the holes without damaging the traces. Only then can you insert the wires and resolder.

scolazz

10-23-2011, 12:22 PM

got it all wired up, finishing last one now. I'll let you know how it works...

scolazz

10-23-2011, 12:39 PM

Success! (I think). Got it all wired up, put back in the car, and everything light-related seems to work. Headlights/highbeams/turn signals/4ways/brakes all work fine.

Im assuming that means I'm good to go?

Thanks a HUGE TON to the board here today, couldn't have done it without you guys. Next time though, I'm paying someone :)

Cant get the plastic piece that has the light in it back into place, that may not be going back in here shortly :)

fastblackmerc

10-23-2011, 01:35 PM

scolazz

10-23-2011, 04:37 PM

Just a followup - seems to be working fine. All lights are working, the automatic on at night functions work, etc. I'm assuming this means I did the repair correctly?

I filed a complaint with the NHTSA, not that it will do any good. fastblackmerc is right - they closed their previous investigation due to 'not enough complaints/warranty repairs' being reported :

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/defect/results.cfm?action_number=PE08 066&SearchType=QuickSearch&summary=true

frankly, that's bull***** for an issue such as this, and is just lazy on their part, and negligent on Fords. But we're just the little guy, so nothing we can really do about it. Hopefully this issue is behind me now.

Marauder Rick

10-23-2011, 05:03 PM

success!

What a HUGE PITA. Loosening the bolts to the side of the bracket was key - thanks for the tip.

Wish me luck soldering :)

EDIT: how does one OPEN the lcm? LOL
Glad i could help. Good job on the repair. When mine went, it was FBM to the rescue.

scolazz

10-23-2011, 05:06 PM

Glad i could help. Good job on the repair. When mine went, it was FBM to the rescue.

Yeah, I was a little stressed out this morning, so I apologize if I was a little short in myemails :) I knew the MM needed some love when I bought it - shocks need replacement, tires, that kind of thing. This was wholly unexpected, and I'm taking a trip up and down the east coast this week, so the timing couldn't have been worse.

Hopefully it's fixed now - it only failed twice in quick succession Friday night, worked fine all day Saturday and Saturday night. I knew if I put it off though, it'd happen again at 4am while driving through no-where Virginia though :)

FastMerc

10-24-2011, 05:06 PM

Mark, PM fastblackmerc, I think he's got pics he can provide.
While on the subject I have a gift certificate for a shop in the Carolinas,for this repair.If any one wants it for a couple bucks.Free LCM repair.Im not going to drive all the way down there for this,lol

fastblackmerc

10-24-2011, 05:08 PM

While on the subject I have a gift certificate for a shop in the Carolinas,for this repair.If any one wants it for a couple bucks.Free LCM repair.Im not going to drive all the way down there for this,lol

No need to drive, send me your LCM and I'll repair it. All you need to do is pay shipping, about $8.00, one way.

SC Cheesehead

10-24-2011, 07:00 PM

No need to drive, send me your LCM and I'll repair it. All you need to do is pay shipping,about $8.00, one way.

This WILL fix the LCM problem, GUARANTEED. (Ask me how know...)

fastblackmerc

10-24-2011, 07:33 PM

I've lost count of the ones I've fixed.....

FastMerc

10-25-2011, 04:51 PM

No need to drive, send me your LCM and I'll repair it. All you need to do is pay shipping,about $8.00, one way.
OK that straights it out,I dont know but what does the LCM do?

SC Cheesehead

10-25-2011, 05:38 PM

OK that straights it out,I dont know but what does the LCM do?

It controls various lighting functions within your vehicle, and one of the OEM relays it it fails, leaving you without headlights.

TAKEDOWN

10-25-2011, 10:12 PM

Disregard!

fastblackmerc

10-26-2011, 02:41 AM

OK that straights it out,I dont know but what does the LCM do?

The LCM controls the interior lights, instrument panel lighting, all external lights except the brake lights, turn signals.

The problem with the headlight relay inside the LCM is it's too small for the load it needs to constantly carry. The more you use the headlights the quicker the relay contacts will burn out.

Replacing the relay with the same one, they are about $2.00, will just buy you time since it will burnout again.

The solution it to replace the internal undersized relay with a 30/40 amp external relay. That relay should outlast the car! In fact, I give a "lifetime of the car" warranty on any LCM reworked by me.

a_d_a_m

10-26-2011, 10:10 AM

I just pulled the LCM out of my Marquis and it will be going out tomorrow (or Friday) to be repaired.

One thing I can say - it is much EASIER to get it out than it is to put it back in. I know this because I pulled the LCM from my Marauder to put in my Marquis, so I had a daily driver! I think I invented some new cuss words along the way (though it still only took ~10 minutes).

burt ragio

10-26-2011, 11:15 AM

fastblackmerc

10-26-2011, 11:22 AM

Jim your one stand up guy. You make life pleasent for the uncomfortable.

Thanks!

I try.....

PonyUP

10-26-2011, 12:15 PM

Jim your one stand up guy. You make life pleasent for the uncomfortable.

+1,000,000, Jim is great and what he saves us all in the EATC and LCM repair versus what the dealers charge is nearly $1000 for each combined occurrence. Jim's the best :D

guspech750

10-26-2011, 01:45 PM

Jimbo fixed mine!!

---
- Sent from my iPhone
Eaton Swap + 4.10's = Wreeeeeeeeeedom!!

SC Cheesehead

10-26-2011, 01:46 PM

Jimbo fixed mine!!

---
- Sent from my iPhone
Eaton Swap + 4.10's = Wreeeeeeeeeedom!!

He's doing THAT now, too??!!! :eek:

FastMerc

10-26-2011, 07:01 PM

The LCM controls the interior lights, instrument panel lighting, all external lights except the brake lights, turn signals.

The problem with the headlight relay inside the LCM is it's too small for the load it needs to constantly carry. The more you use the headlights the quicker the relay contacts will burn out.

Replacing the relay with the same one, they are about $2.00, will just buy you time since it will burnout again.

The solution it to replace the internal undersized relay with a 30/40 amp external relay. That relay should outlast the car! In fact, I give a "lifetime of the car" warranty on any LCM reworked by me.
Oh so a substandard part was used! I got it light control modual,duh! :D

fastblackmerc

10-26-2011, 07:45 PM

Oh so a substandard part was used! I got it light control modual,duh! :D

Don't think it was a substandard part. The part was built to Ford's specs... the specs were wrong or most likely Ford wanted the cheapest part (LCM) that met their specs.

a_d_a_m

10-26-2011, 09:34 PM

The LCM says MOTOROLA on the box. That is the problem.

Signed,
Someone with a crappy Motorola phone who also happens to work on a multimillion dollar Motorola radio system that never seems to work

RF Overlord

10-27-2011, 04:52 AM

Signed,
Someone with a crappy Motorola phone who also happens to work on a multimillion dollar Motorola radio system that never seems to workI hear that...we use a lot of very expensive Moto equipment in my work and I'll say this: They should have stuck to just making police radios.

World-class junk.

a_d_a_m

10-27-2011, 05:08 PM

I'll say this: They should have stuck to just making police radios. They can't even do that anymore.

I'm a daily user of them. We just upgraded recently and have more problems with the 'new' system than we ever did with the old one.