Lightning Struck my Mark VIII

C

Chad

Registered
While I was driving down the interstate last June, lightning struck my car. It destroyed computers, wiring, the battery, some ABS parts and more. I just got the car back on Nov 27th but now it's making a HORRIBLE grinding noise in the first couple of gears.

When I accelerate it seems to be the worst. I think it sounds like it's coming from up front. If I shift into Neutral the noise stops. If I get up to 3rd gear it stops.
The mechanic at the shop said it sounded like the orbital gears and that there was pretty much no way the lightning could have caused such a problem.

It wasn't doing this before I took it to the shop after the lightning but it's not drivable at this point. Basically I have a Mark VIII in my driveway that has just had tons of work done to it to repair the lightning damage but I still can't drive it. Help.

Chad
1993 Green/Mocha Mark VIII
http://aviary.info - Parrot Resources
 
RE: Lightning Struck my Mark VIII

Lightning does some very strange things as it's seeking it's path to the ground.

now I dont have specific evidence to support this theory BUT..

Check this out.

Your U-joints and other such items including the orbital gears may HAVE been damaged by lightning strike.

Each of the spaces between the gears and bearings could have been "pitted or scarred" as the lightning WELDED along it's way in search of the "ground".

The only way to "tell" would be to start taking things apart.

I wouldn't put much faith in a mechanic that says.."quote"
there's NO way LIGHTNING did that.

Lightning is a very strange, and unpredictable force.

it even suprises the "Lightning experts" from time to time, so it's doubtful and very unlikely some "mechanic" is going to be able to tell you "anything" about Lightning.

More than likely the mechanic just has his "mind made up" and with most mechanics, when that happens.. it's POINTLESS to try and change their mind.

Unless he can "prove" otherwise, then he's got no "ground" to stand on {pun intended}
 
RE: Lightning Struck my Mark VIII

Well I'm going to try calling the insurance company to see what they say. They've already spent $10K fixing a $5K car.

Here's the original story I posted on my website about this:
There was quite an impressive display of thunder and lightning this morning as a formidable thunderstorm swept through the area. Our power was out for some time and during all of the commotion, I had to get ready to go to work.

It was an uneventful trip until about 5:15 am. I was startled to say the least when my ears were assaulted by one of the loudest cracks and booms of thunder I'd ever heard. Part of the whole effect though, and perhaps the more important effect was the bright white flash. My whole world turned into a loud white flash.

As soon as the light faded, my car started honking at random, the driver's side power seat went all the way down and reclined into the back seat and of course, my car stopped running and I coasted to the shoulder on the side of the road.

Not good. Car won't start. I did manage to get it to stop playing random settings on my dirver's side chair by removing and replacing the power from the battery but that didn't do anything to bring back my computer monitor that usually tells me my MPG, time, temp and such. It's just showing lines and dashes.
Click to expand...

Chad
1993 Green/Mocha Mark VIII
http://aviary.info - Parrot Resources
 
RE: Lightning Struck my Mark VIII

That is the wildest story I've heard! :eek:

I cannot say I ever ran across anything of the sorts, except I know of a crane struck by lightning(in all my years around drill rigs - never a drill rig struck by lightning) and a couple cranes that came in contact with hi-voltage power lines.

Tommy's account says it all - unpredictable. Places you thought for sure to be damaged were unscathed, while others not thought to be in the critical path were literally welded. Sounds to me like your transmission suffered welding/arcing of parts - definitely not good. Kudos to your insurance company for not calling it totaled, but you gotta wonder.
 
RE: Lightning Struck my Mark VIII

I just got off the phone with them. I didn't even have to give them my claim number (Geico) and they knew my car. haha.. I think someone's getting some additional training over my case at Geico. So anyway, they said I need to take it to the shop and have them tear the tranny apart to see what caused the problem and if it was lightning, they'll take care of it but if not, I have to take care of it. Makes perfect sense to me but my issue is, it wasn't doing any of this before the strike. Though knowing the Mark, I'm not shocked that it's having a tranny issue.

I'm not taking it back to Mid-States Ford because I don't want them to mess with my car again. They broke a couple of things in my car when they were replacing parts so I would rather they stay clear of my car now. I'll probably have to take it to a Tranny shop and come up with some cash to pay for it. Maybe I should start up a Save the Mark fund or something. :p I didn't get to drive my Mark all summer and now I may not drive it the rest of the year. I won't give up on it though. - Oh, and the good news is, I did get new front air assemblies a new dryer and air pump and a brand new climate control (my old one was fried by the strike but it's buttons were also cracked as is the norm for the Gen 1 climate control).


1993 Green/Mocha Mark VIII Stats:
Known Road kills: 1 Barred Owl, 5 misc birds
Struck by Lightning: 1 time so far
Damages sustained under my ownership: $10,250.00

http://www.aviary.info - Parrot Resources
 
RE: Lightning Struck my Mark VIII

Well, if nothing else you've definitely got some "unique" bragging rights. I doubt if anyone can top this one. :eek:

Hmm, I think you need a small lightning symbol on the fender, like the "kill markings" on a WWII fighter plane. Good conversation starter. ;)
 
RE: Lightning Struck my Mark VIII

I like the lightning kill sticker... Good idea, I may incorporate that idea into the car. ;) Though, I can't drive unique bragging rights to work each day.

I can't afford to repair this thing right now so if the lightning caused the problems I'll be pleased because then it will fall under the same comprehensive claim I already have and I won't be out the cost of the repairs or another deductable. Problem is, I have to pay someone to check it out first. Someone else mentioned pits/spot welds in the gears as well so I'm hoping the mechanic who listedned to the noise is clueless. Though you know I did drive it twice for about 20 minutes (interstate, 3rd gear) and I don't think it had the problem then.
I had to take it back to the shop and they replaced the climate control and rear defrost button. When I picked it up it was doing this.

1993 Green/Mocha Mark VIII Stats:
Known Road kills: 1 Barred Owl, 5 misc birds
Struck by Lightning: 1 time so far
Damages sustained under my ownership: $10,250.00

http://www.aviary.info - Parrot Resources
 
RE: Lightning Struck my Mark VIII

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
I had to take it back to the shop and they replaced the climate control and rear defrost button. When I picked it up it was doing this.

[/div]

Either it was damaged by the Lightning or it was damaged while in the CARE CONTROL AND CUSTODY of the repair shop.

Care Control and Custody are pretty powerful terms and you should be able to use them to your benefit.

you need to play hard ball with whoever worked on your car.
Tell them like you just told us.

It "wasn't happening" until they replaced the climate control center.
It's their responsibility at this point.
You should NOT have to PAY to Diagnose what damage they did to your car while it was in their CARE CONTROL AND CUSTODY.

Now... GO GET EM!
 
RE: Lightning Struck my Mark VIII

i'm gonna add another "wow".

and yea, the lightning could have easily welded something to something else as it sought ground. a few million volts has a tendency to do unpredictible things. If your insurance adjuster was smart he'd have totaled it from the get-go.
 
RE: Lightning Struck my Mark VIII

Well, keep in mind that after they'd "repaired" everything, I drove it home and I don't think it was making that sound then. I would have noticed I'm sure. The next day the climate control was broken so I returned it to the shop. Still, not making that noise. When I picked it up 2 weeks later the noise was present.

Chad
1993 Green/Mocha Mark VIII Stats:
Known Road kills: 1 Barred Owl, 5 misc birds
Struck by Lightning: 1 time so far
Damages sustained under my ownership: $10,250.00

http://www.aviary.info - Parrot Resources
 
RE: Lightning Struck my Mark VIII

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
The next day the climate control was broken so I returned it to the shop. Still, not making that noise. When I picked it up 2 weeks later the noise was present.
[/div]

Ok, I think your "on to something here".

First it took them TWO WEEKS to replace the climate control module?
That job takes 1 hour.. TOPS.

So, after they repaired your car the Obliglitory TEST DRIVE/RIDE uncoverd that "the mark 8 is a fun car to drive"..

So... your car was probably passed around from person to person like a cheap bottle of whiskey!

More than likely every swinging penis in the shop took a "turn" Riding your "e-ticket" ride.

Two weeks later they decide, well... I guess we should give the guy his car back, because the tranny is starting to make noise

Whala.... Mystery solved.
JOYRIDING in a CUSTOMERS CAR is not something NEW.
When the 03 cobra's first came out you would be AMAZED at some of the HORROR STORIES that surfaces when people "discovered" what a FUN CAR it was.
Probably, your car was subjected to the same type of "CARE".

That folks is the #1 reason I dont leave my car ANYWHERE.
I dont even let the guys changing tires pull my car into the Bays.
I never leave my car un attended at ANY SHOP.

Good luck getting them to admit to ANYTHING, as your probably going to need to secure the assistance of an Attorney.

Sorry to have said this, but from this point forward you've got a VERY UPHILL BATTLE.

You might want to check your rear fender wells for "Caked Rubber".
That MAY give you a "leg to stand on".

Good Luck and BE SURE AND KEEP US POSTED.

P.S. What shop was it that kept your car for two weeks to complete a 1 hour job?
Maybe your misfortune can keep someone else from going thru the same ordeal.

Take care..
 
RE: Lightning Struck my Mark VIII

The shop was Midstates Ford in Waukee, IA. Actually it was almost a month, not 2 weeks.
In all they have had my car since about Aug 1. Fixing this or that... in their free time evidently. Even if it's somehow determined that it was their fault that the tranny is screwed up or that the lightning did it, Midstates will never touch any car I own, again.

What I Posted on the "other" forum:
Ok, I went out and drove it around the block a few times. It seems the noise gets worse as the car warms up and the best way to describe it is if you grabbed a packet of catsup and pinched it in the middle then squeeze the catsup from one end you get a squirting sound. That's what it sounds like exactly except it's much louder. It doesn't make the noise as much in second gear and it doesn't make it at all if I shift into neutral while I hear it. It also stops in third gear. I know it's hard as hell to diagnose via a web forum but you guys are it for me, you have more knowledge about these cars than anyone I know. More than the damn ford people that's for sure.


Chad
1993 Green/Mocha Mark VIII Stats:
Known Road kills: 1 Barred Owl, 5 misc birds
Struck by Lightning: 1 time so far
Damages sustained under my ownership: $10,250.00

http://www.aviary.info - Parrot Resources
 
RE: Lightning Struck my Mark VIII

catsup sound...HMMMM
never heard that one.

But.. Could it be a high frequency BZZZZZZZZZZZ?

Because it's been known that some Mark VIII tranny's will BUZZZ in the valve body, I believe it's been traced back to improper torque in the bolts holding the valve body to the bottom of the tranny.

My car does this after being driven very VERY hard, and if I sit for extended periods with the car IN GEAR, with foot on the brake.
It has done it since I purchased the car with 68,000 miles and yesterday it did it again at 312,000 miles.
BUT.. by no means am I saying "it's OK".

To anyone else reading..

Does this sound like Valve Body Buzz? to you?
 
RE: Lightning Struck my Mark VIII

Well the sound is sporadic. When I first heard it I thought it sounded like something was rubbing on my tire, maybe something metal like a tin can or something.

I bought a junked Mark VIII that some kid wrecked and never bothered to pick up. It's shot pretty good, all four tires are off the rims, the bumpers are loose, some body damage in the front pass and rear driver sections. The air bags are deployed, the headlights are hanging by wires.

BUT, it has a tranny. I'm hoping it's good. I'll start selling parts off of it shortly but right now I want to figure out how to get the tranny off. ;) I'm no mechanic so it will take me awhile. Anyone have a write-up on how to completely remove a transmission? Bought the car for dirt so even if I just sell the seats on ebay I will pay for the tranny.

Chad
1993 Green/Mocha Mark VIII Stats:
Known Road kills: 1 Barred Owl, 5 misc birds
Struck by Lightning: 1 time so far
Damages sustained under my ownership: $10,250.00

http://www.aviary.info - Parrot Resources
 
RE: Lightning Struck my Mark VIII

Go by your local Auto Parts Store and pick up the Haynes Auto Repair Manual for the 93-96 Mark VIII. I don't remember the number, but I know they published one...I ALMOST bought one before I found a manufacturers CD manual on ebay. And BTW, that's another option. You are going to need a manual for other repairs as well...might as well get it now.


Bud Pytko
'97 LSC Silver Frost
'92 F250 Banks TurboDiesel Bimini Blue
http://myfilelocker.comcast.net/charlespytko/Lincoln/BudPytko97LSC.JPG
 
RE: Lightning Struck my Mark VIII

drop the exhaust, drop the gas tank (4 bolts), remove the driveshaft (4 bolts at the rear then slide it out), remove the starter, remove the aluminum plate at the front of the trans, rotate the engine and remove the 4 t/c bolts, remove the shift cable and wiring harnesses, undo all the bellhousing bolts (the two at the top are the toughest, a long extension with a universal works best), remove the bolts on the crossmember, and lower the trans. Oh, you need to put a jack under the trans before you finish removing the bell housing bolts.
 
RE: Lightning Struck my Mark VIII

Thanks Sleeper!!! One question.. "rotate the engine" ?

Chad
1993 Green/Mocha Mark VIII Stats:
Known Road kills: 1 Barred Owl, 5 misc birds
Struck by Lightning: 1 time so far
Damages sustained under my ownership: $10,250.00

http://www.aviary.info - Parrot Resources
 
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