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According to the websites Edmunds and Auto Recalls for Consumers, owners of the 2003 Lincoln Navigator have reported problems with the vehicles gearshift knob. These reports deal primarily with the cosmetics of this luxury SUV and nothing with the operation of the Navigators transmission. However, when the gearshift knob does break off or become loose, it can affect the way the operator shifts gears.

Gear Shift Knob Sticks Button

One of the main complaints about the gearshift knob on the 2003 Lincoln Navigator came from Edmunds. This report concerned the knob preventing the driver from pushing the shifting button to engage the gears. The report goes on to state that the driver had to remove the shift knob to engage the shift button and shift the gears. This problem centered on the seal that surrounds the button becoming loose or unglued, in turn preventing the driver from engaging the shift button. The only correction for this problem involved replacing the gearshift sealant or gasket surrounding the shift button.

Gear Shift Knob Loose

The gearshift knob on the 2003 Lincoln Navigator may come loose or come off the gearshift, according to reports from Edmunds. The manufacturer tightens the knob to a certain torque specification and places a lock-tight fluid on it to prevent it from coming loose or coming off. The knob may loosen or come off during normal driving conditions if the manufacturer has failed to torque it down or it has cracked during tightening. In this case, the dealer must replace or retighten the gearshift knob.

Transmission Control Indicator

The transmission control indicator on the dashboard of the 2003 Lincoln Navigator can remain illuminated even in the absence of a transmission problem, according to Edmunds, which attributes the problem to the gearshift control knob causing the shift button to stick and thus causing the warning indicator to remain illuminated. The seal on the gear shift knob can prevent the shift button from returning to the stop position after the driver presses it to engage the gears. In this case, the dealer must replace the seal and seat the gearshift knob correctly to prevent the shift button from sticking.

Lincoln vehicles have a self-leveling suspension system that uses air pressure to ensure each corner of the vehicle sits in the proper position. When an air line -- another component of a Lincoln air suspension system -- becomes damaged, You must remove and replace it to keep the suspension working correctly. The air line connections used by Lincoln employ a quick-release system that uses a ring and a brass fitting to secure the air line to the shocks, solenoid and pump providing air for the system.

Instructions

1

Move the Lincoln to a hard, level work surface. Set the parking brake. Open the trunk, and locate the air suspension switch. Turn the switch to the "Off" position.

2

Set one wheel chock in front of each of the vehicles front tires. Set a floor jack at an approved lifting point at the back of the vehicle. Pump the floor jack to raise the rear tires of the Lincoln off the ground. Place one jack stand under the frames, directly in front of each rear tire. Lift and support the front of the vehicle.

3

Clean the connecting point between an air line and another component of the air suspension system by wiping around the air line with a clean rag.

4

Push the red or orange collar -- sitting at the point the air line meets the suspension component -- toward the connection. Pull the air line away from the connection. Repeat the process to disconnect the other end of the air line from the suspension.

Replacing the Exhaust-Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve on a 1999 Lincoln Town Car 4.6-liter engine will give the car greater fuel mileage and allow it to run more smoothly. The EGR recycles unburned fuel from the exhaust gasses back into the engine. A bad EGR can stop a car altogether, as it is part of the exhaust output and the engines vacuum intake system. Replacing the E.G.R. valve should take no longer than two hours if you have never done this type of work before. The tools and materials for this project are available at an auto parts store.

Instructions

1

Open the hood. Locate and remove the vacuum hose from the top of the EGR valve. The EGR. valve looks like a miniature flying saucer and is located on the top drivers side of the engine.

2

Remove the small electrical harness from the EGR. valve with your hand. Thoroughly saturate all of the connections to the EGR. with rust penetrant or WD-40. Let it stand for five minutes.

3

Remove the EGR mounting bolts using a 3/8-inch drive ratchet and socket.

4

Free the EGR. valve from the EGR tube, using two open-end wrenches. The EGR tube is the protrusion from the bottom of the valve. Hold the EGR. tube completely still during this step so as not to fracture or break the tube. The tube extends all the way to the catalytic converter; you cannot buy it separately from the converter. Spin the E.G.R. counterclockwise to remove it.

5

Install the new EGR, reversing the steps to remove it. Install the EGR tube connection first. Install the EGR mounting bolts and tighten them between 30 to 50 foot-pounds of torque.

6

Reinstall the small vacuum tube. Snap the electrical connector onto the new EGR valve.