Diagnose Common Issues with the 1st Generation Ford Crown Victoria

Both generations of the Ford Crown Victoria are popular fleet vehicles and daily drivers. As popular as it is, the 1st gen Crown Vic does have some common problems. Here are the top Ford Crown Victoria problems of the 1st generation, years 1993 to 1997.

Fix your 1st gen Ford Crown Vic problems yourself with quality auto parts at 1aauto.com

Most Common Ford Crown Vic Problems – 1st Generation 1993-97

1. Ignition System Problems

Symptoms of Ignition System Problems

The spark plugs can pop out of the engine cylinder
Engine misfire code

Causes of Ignition System Problems

When the spark plug pops out of the cylinder, it can pull aluminum out of the engine. If there is a sound similar to a loud exhaust leak, it’s because combustion gases are escaping the cylinder through the loose spark plug.

Heat can also work into the spark plug wires’ boot and cause rumbling issues.

How to Fix Common Crown Vic Ignition System Problems

Fixing these issues requires honing out the engine cylinder, retapping the cylinder, adding a HeliCoil specifically made for the spark plug, and torque the spark plug to the manufacturer’s specification.

Replace the spark plug wires if needed. We also recommend replacing the spark plugs at the same time.

If this issue happens while driving, pull over and stop driving. Otherwise, gasoline will fill up in the cylinder and leak out. The cylinder will dry out, which can cause more damage.

2. MAF Sensor Failure from Crown Vic

Area of MAF sensor that can clog — MAF sensor meter that can clog

Symptoms of a Bad MAF Sensor

Issues starting
Check engine light for code P0171
Engine running too lean or too rich
Erratic idling

Causes of MAF Sensor Failure

The MAF sensor meters the amount of air entering the engine, and it tends to malfunction on the 1993 to 1997 Ford Crown Vic. If the sensor is broken, it will give an incorrect reading. Sometimes debris clogs the sensor, and sometimes the sensor fails.

How to Fix a Bad MAF Sensor

Inspect the MAF sensor. If there are no issues with the electrical connector or wiring, try cleaning the MAF sensor with a MAF sensor cleaner or replace the MAF sensor.

Read here for more detail on how to inspect a MAF sensor

3. Ford Crown Vic EGR Problems

Symptoms of EGR Problems

On the 1993 to 1995 Ford Crown Vic check engine light for code 332
On the 1996 to 1997 Ford Crown Victoria check engine light for code P0401 and P0402

Causes of EGR Problems

The EGR pressure sensor tends to fail on the 1st gen 1993 to 1997 Ford Crown Vic

How to Fix EGR Problems

Clean carbon build-up from the exhaust on the sensor. Check for power and ground. If the issue remains, check the EGR for carbon and clean it. If this does not fix it, replace the EGR, or before replacing check the intake leading to the EGR and clean it if necessary.

4. Crown Vic Transmission Slipping Problems

Symptoms of Transmission Problems on the 1993 to 1997 Ford Crown Victoria

Rough shifting
Transmission slipping
Transmission feels like it’s not shifting with high revs

Causes of Common Crown Vic Transmission Problems

The 4R70W transmission tends to slip on the 1st gen Ford Crown Vic. Sometimes the MAF sensor causes transmission problems. Transmission problems can also happen if the transmission service is not up to date or if it’s overheated from too much revving.

How to Fix Transmission Issues

Check the MAF sensor
Service the transmission. Replace the seal/gasket on the pan, transmission filter, and replace the transmission fluid with manufacturer-specified fluid.
If the transmission well past the service date, it will likely need to be rebuilt and replaced.

5. Binding Steering Shaft on Crown Vic

Symptoms of a Bad Steering Shaft

Steering is intermittently loose and hard

Causes of a Bad Steering Shaft

The u-joints on the 1st gen 1993 to 1997 Ford Crown Vic on the steering shaft freeze and bind, which can make steering difficult.

How to Fix a Bad Steering Shaft

Steps for Inspecting a Steering Shaft

Lock the Steering Wheel
To check the steering shaft, put the steering wheel in the locked position with the key removed
Remove the Center Shaft
Remove the center shaft from the steering shaft
Test the U-Joints
Test the u-joints for tightness and looseness by turning them to see if the joint is bound. If the joint is bound, the entire shaft needs to be replaced on the 1st gen Ford Crown Victoria

Read more about how to diagnose a bad steering shaft

Replace Parts to Fix Your Own 1st Gen Ford Crown Vic Problems

Learn how to replace parts like the wheel hubs, brakes, and window regulators on the 1st gen 1993 to 1998 Ford Crown Vic with step-by-step instructions in 1A Auto’s how-to videos.

Common Crown Vic Problems – 1993 to 1997