04 MGM weird sound on startup sometimes-call me stupid?

[Vankor]

Well, don't call me stupid, but this is a sound I am unfamiliar with. Just got an '04 Grand Marquis and when I start it sometimes, there is a muffled blatty sound that lasts several seconds then winds down. Doesn't always happen, but it's semi-frequent. Even if the car has only been shut off for like 10 minutes or so. Almost sounds like a semi in the distance driving down the freeway decelerating. Sounds odd I know but in my abstract mind it's the best way to describe it.

Other than that having me wondering/concerned what it is, I'm loving the car. I'm losing power from my (modified) 400 horse G8 but I don't care about that anymore. Fuel milage in the Merc seems a bit better than the Pontiac. The leather feels more like leather (even if it's not) than the stiff crocodile testicle hide in the G8.

[tjc78]

I would guess its the air-suspension pump.

[DriverSideImpact98]

Yeah. Its the air compressor. It can be kinda loud sometimes. After its been sitting for a few hours try just turning the key to the on position (engine off). The pump will turn on... Watch the backend of the car... it will rise up a little bit.

The leather is actually leather... however 2003 was the last year the leather was really nice and soft.

[Vankor]

Thanks for the info guys. Helps relieve me. Last thing I want to do is get into a car and have something blow or huge expense on my hands. The shocks and stuff I'm doing now (new rack soon) I can handle. Watching a tranny blow on me would not a happy me make.

And that's good to know about the leather, it feels better than the crap in my G8, though the seats in that do have better support, but my GM is still nice and comfy.

[GoodSamaritan]

These things are some of the most comfortable cars on the road today. A buddy of mine, owned quite the classic car collection until a few months back. When he auctioned them, I don't know how much he got, but it was a lot. He has an 03 Grand Marquis he picked up on a whim, probably because he heard me talking about them, and has fallen absolutely in love with it. He talks to me more about that car, more than he ever did about any of his show cars.

[DriverSideImpact98]

Yeah, I talked my dad into getting an 05 GMQ. He loves it.

Vankor, whereabouts in WI are you?

[Vankor]

I'm due east of Milwaukee, in a place formerly known as "Prairieville". Any more hints needed? :P

[DriverSideImpact98]

Wackeeesha?


I'm in the Northshore area...with all the Nancies....

[Vankor]

Yes, Wackysha, or as some folks of an ethnic persuasion say, "Wau-Keesha". I have some friends who live in Helenville, that's about as close as I've gotten to your area, other than long drives out West when I go on vacations.

[DriverSideImpact98]

Idk where Hellenville is. haha I meant the Milwaukee Northshore area. The northern burbs if you will.

[SVT98t]

FYI- ALWAYS turn the Air Ride OFF when putting th car on a lift or jacking up the rear end.
The off switch is in the trunk, on the left hand side.


-ryan s.

[Vankor]

Thanks SVT, I'm taking it bad things will happen? I had the car taken to a shop before I bought it, and they put it on a lift but I don't think they turned the air ride suspension off...

[SVT98t]

Yeah, the pump will continuously run because it's trying to raise the rear axle, but because the car is in the air, the switch will never shut it off. Then the pump burns out. The you have to change the pain in the ass...etc.

-ryan s.