1998 Lincoln Continental Information center

TJPRATT

MEMBER
1998 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

Computer problem
1998 Lincoln Continental Front Wheel Drive Automatic 96500 miles

I am looking at a 98 Continental with 95K miles on it. The car is almost mint condition, it is amazing. I have driven the car twice. The second time I drove it the owner had just washed it. When I got in and closed the drivers door, the message came up DRIVER DOOR AJAR. I opened and closed the door several times before we drove the car. After drving the car about 10 minutes, I stopped and switched drivers with my dad. When my dad got in and closed the door the message finally went away. The owner stated that some water probably got into the electronics when he washed the car. That sounded odd to me and my dad, so we have backed away from buying the car. Could this be water in the electronics or could the computer be going bad. I really like the car and want it but dont want to buy a money pit.

1 Reply

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

I dont think it's a serious problem, in fact here's the cure:

Try this cure, buy a can of brakekleen and a can of spray white lithium grease, spray the latch area, thats the claw in the door where it closes, spray liberally with brakleen, open and close the door 5-6 times, repeat, then spray with the white lube, open and close the door 5-6 times. Reapeat on all doors.
Usually it is the driver's door.