The Ford Crown Victoria is a popular daily driver and fleet vehicle used by law enforcement, taxi companies, and the like. Of course, a large number of owners offers a large opportunity for reported problems. These are the top 5 problems owners have reported to experience on the 2nd gen Ford Crown Victoria, years 1998 to 2012.

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Top 5 Ford Crown Victoria Problems: 2nd Generation (1998 to 2012)

1. Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure

Symptoms of a MAF Sensor

Engine running too lean or too rich
Erratic idle
Less engine power
Problems when starting

The mass air flow (MAF) sensor meters the amount of air being drawn into the engine for the computer to help adjust the air/fuel ratio. A bad MAF sensor will get an incorrect barometric reading, which can cause the computer to misadjust the air/fuel ratio for optimal engine performance.

Sometimes dirt and debris collect on the meter inside the sensor and negatively affect its ability to perform. Sometimes this dirt is drawn from a dirty engine air filter. The sensor could also be worn from age, or there could be a problem with the electrical connector and its wires.

How to Fix MAF Sensors

Steps for Inspecting the MAF Sensor

Inspect the MAF Sensor Meter
Remove and inspect the MAF sensor meter for debris
Check the Engine Air Filter
Inspect the engine air filter for dirt and replace it if necessary
Check the Wiring for Melting or Tears
Look at the electrical wiring for melting or tears. Check the electrical connector’s connection and the terminals for discoloration.
Clean the MAF Sensor
Try cleaning the MAF sensor with MAF sensor cleaner, reset the check engine light, and see if the issue is fixed.
Replace the MAF Sensor
If this doesn’t fix it, replace the MAF sensor. Find quality MAF sensors for the 1998 to 2012 Crown Victoria at 1aauto.com

2. Loose Spark Plugs

Mechanic’s Tip: If the spark plug pops out while driving, pull over and stop driving. Otherwise the fuel injector will pour gasoline into the cylinder with no spark for combustion. The gas will fill up and exit the cylinder. This will dry out the inside of the cylinder where oil should be, causing internal parts like the piston and cylinder to wear against each other, creating more engine problems.

Symptoms of Loose Spark Plugs

Loud drilling noise from the engine
Rough idle and steering wheel is shaking
Acceleration problems

What Causes Loose Spark Plugs on the 1998 to 2012 Ford Crown Vic

The spark plugs tend to pop out of the engine. This will also pull the aluminum out of the head of the engine. Debris from fuel and heat during combustion can collect on the spark plug’s threads, which eventually loosens the plug.

How to Fix Loose Spark Plugs

Fixing loose spark plugs requires honing out the threads in the cylinder, re-tapping the engine cylinder, installing a threaded insert, reinstalling the spark plug, and torqueing it to manufacturers’ specifications.

3. Idle Air Control (IAC) Solenoid Failure

Symptoms of IAC Solenoid Problems

High RPMs at idle
Erratic running engine

Causes of IAC Solenoid Problems

Sometimes the IAC solenoid clogs in the 1998 to 2012 Ford Crown Victoria. The PCV system can also not function properly and clog.

How to Fix IAC Solenoid Problems on the 2nd Gen Ford Crown Vic

Mechanic pointing to a PCV valve on the 2nd gen Ford Crown Vic

Find the IAC solenoid behind the air intake. Unplug the IAC. If the idle does not lower to 550 RPMs or stall out the vehicle, check the PCV valve for damage or clogging. If the idle did lower to 550 or the engine stalled out, replace the IAC control solenoid.

4. Intake Manifold Leaks

Symptoms of an Intake Manifold

Ticking noise when the engine is cold
Smell of exhaust fumes

Causes of a Bad Intake Manifold

Ford Crown Vic Intake Manifold with aluminum crossover tube available at 1aauto.com

The original entire intake manifold on the Crown Vic, including the crossover tube, was plastic. This caused exhaust leaks. The intake manifold was upgraded with an aluminum crossover tube.

How to Fix a Bad Intake Manifold

If the intake manifold is leaking, it needs to be replaced. We recommend upgrading to the intake manifold with the aluminum crossover tube if you have a manifold made entirely of plastic.

If you notice a coolant leak at the back of the engine, coolant likely deteriorated part of the manifold’s gasket and is now leaking.

5. Heater Mode Switch Causing Vent Problems

Symptoms of a Bad Heater Mode Switch

Heater mode switch is not working and no audible vacuum noise from the vents when the switch is turned

Causes of Vent Problems on the 1998 to 2012 Ford Crown Victoria

Mechanic pointing to the heater selector switch on the HVAC controls

The heater mode switch is the heater selector switch that controls A/C functions on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) controls. When the switch is turned, there should be an audible vacuum noise inside the dash area. Sometimes no noise can happen from a disconnected or faulty vacuum hose.

How to Fix a Bad Heater Mode Switch

Check for any disconnected vacuum lines. Check the hoses for tearing, looseness, or corrosion, and replace any broken hoses.

Replace 2nd Gen Ford Crown Vic Parts Yourself

Replace parts like the brakes, wheel hubs, alternator, intake manifold, and more in the 1998 to 2012 Ford Crown Vic yourself with step-by-step instructions in 1A Auto’s how-to videos for many years, makes, and models

2nd Generation Ford Crown Victoria Years

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Summary

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Common Ford Crown Victoria Problems - 2nd Gen (1998-2012) - 1A Auto

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These are the top 5 Ford Crown Victoria problems for the 2nd generation, years 1998 to 2012.

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1A Auto Team

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1A Auto

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Common Ford Crown Victoria Problems: 2nd Generation (1998 to 2012)