Mark VIII Frequently Asked Questions General     List of Categories




  • I am considering the purchase of a Mark VIII. What should I look for?

    As always, having a trusted mechanic go over the vehicle is a good idea, especially one familiar with the Mark VIII. This is a rare bear, though, so you may look for these Mark VIII specific trouble spots. Leaking suspension. Check the vehicle after it's been sitting overnight. Is one corner or one end of the car completely down on the suspension? Transmission shudder. On light acceleration, does the transmission 'shudder', as though you were driving over 'rumble strips' when shifting from 3rd to 4th gear? If so, this may indicate a failing torque converter (worst case scenario) or transmission fluid breakdown. Brake vibration. The rotors are susceptible to warping, so this may be a 'bargaining chip'. Driveshaft vibration. Try taking the car on a smooth road and run it up to 75-80 mph. If there is vibration, this may also be a 'bargaining chip'. Read below in Transmission for more information. Startup rattle. The secondary cam tensioners are a known trouble spot. They will often rattle on the first few seconds after sitting overnight. Yet another 'bargaining chip' If you have chrome wheels, look under the center cap for bubbling in the chrome finish. This seems to affect the cars exposed to salted winter roads. Check the rear swaybar, some members have reported cracked swaybars, due to corrosion in the hollow bar.

  • What's the differences between the First Generation (93-96) and Second Generation (97-98) models?

    The exterior was treated to a 'makeover' in 97, with a new 'power dome' hood, different grille, front and rear fenders, trunklid, lighting improvements by way of HID's on all models, neon taillight, LED turn signals and puddle lamps in the side mirrors. The message center controls more other functions, such as the side view mirrors pointing down when in reverse. The steering wheel now has tilt/telescope functions, and is tied to the Seating Presets on the door (which appeared first on the 94 model). The lumbar support became mechanical, instead of an inflatible system. The intake tube is different, the 'beauty cover' over the engine was removed, and the interior was redone. The 2nd Gen cars also feature coil-on-plug type ignition, and the retractable rear radio mast was replaced with one in the rear glass. Traction control went from an optional low-speed (under 35 mph) system to a standard all-speed system. The JBL stereo with CD player became standard on the 2nd Gen cars, the optional cellular (analog and non-upgradeable to digital) phone was integrated with the stereo and the message center. Heated seats were an option, and there was a passive anti-theft system with coded keys added. A digital odometer replaced the analog one, and the PRNDL indicator moved to the dash as well.

  • What's the differences between a LSC model and a Base model?

    The LSC edition had perforated leather seats, true dual exhaust, slightly lower gearing, badging, and on the 95-96 models, included the HID upgrade. Some chrome trim was also painted body color on the 2nd Gen cars, such as the grille. Suspension tuning (anti-roll bars, and possibly shock valving) was firmer on the LSC models as well. The LSC models were rated by Ford at 290 HP versus 280 HP for the base model, and have a 3.27 vs. 3.07 rear end gear. The speed limiting function of the powertrain module kicks in at what many people think is 124 mph, versus 130 mph on the Base model. This is probably due to a function to keep the driveshaft below a certain rotational speed.

  • What interior changes were made to the Mark VIII in it's production run?

    Sometime during the 94 model year, the center console changed from flat black to a woodgrain finish. In 95-96, the dash was remodelled, to house a double DIN, instead of the single DIN opening. In 1996, a rear center armrest was added. The 1997-98 models received some interior finish changes, compared to the First Generation cars, including more wood trim, chrome highlights, etc.

  • Was there ever a Mark VIII convertible produced by Ford?

    No, but there was a run of a convertibles made by Coachworks Limited. Pictures of one can be seen here: Mark VIII Convertible

  • What do all these acronyms mean?

    ABS -anti-lock braking system COP -coil on plug DIS -distributorless ignition system DOHC -dual over head cam(camshaft)...c'mon now DPFE -differential pressure feedback EGR(see EGR above) DTC -diagnostic test code/diagnostic trouble code EATC -electronic air temperature control EEC-IV electronic engine control-version 4 EEC-V electronic engine control-version 5 EGR -exhaust gas recirculation EPC -electronic pressure control(transmission part) GVWR -gross vehicle weight rating(usefull for tranny cooler purchase) HID -high intensity discharge(headlights) IACV -intake air control valve IAT -intake air temperature ICM -ignition control module IMRC -intake manifold runner control IRS -independant rear suspension KOEO -key on/engine off(for diagnostic testing) KOER -key on/engine running(for diagnostic testing) LCM -lighting control module MAF - mass air flow MAP -manifold absolute pressure MLPS- Manual lever position sensor(neutral safety switch) OBD-I on-board diagnostic -verion 1 OBD-II on-board diagnostic -version 2 O2 -oxygen(O2 sensor-oxygen sensor) OSS -output shaft speed sensor(transmission part) OWC -one way clutch(transmission part) PCM -powertrain control module(see ECU/ECM) PCV -positive crankcase ventilation SS 1/2 -shift solenoid 1-or-shift solenoid 2 TB -throttle body TCC -torque converter clutch solenoid(transmission part) TSB -technical service bulletin VCRM -variable control relay module VSS -vehicle speed sensor(transmission part) WOT -wide open throttle (Thanks BlackIceLSC)

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