The Lincoln Town Car, alongside the Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis, underwent significant re-engineering for the 2003 model year. A key modification involved the Lincoln Town Car’s airbag system, implemented after initial crash tests revealed potential for head injuries. This article explores the modifications made to the 2003 Lincoln Town Car, specifically focusing on the improved airbag deployment characteristics.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted offset frontal crash tests on the 2003 Lincoln Town Car. In the initial test, high acceleration was recorded as the test dummy’s head rebounded off the B-pillar, suggesting a risk of head injury. This prompted Lincoln to modify the airbag system for models produced after May 2003. The vehicle identification number (VIN) located on the driver’s side doorjamb will indicate the vehicle’s production date.
Following the airbag modification, the IIHS conducted a second crash test. The results showed significant improvement, with all head injury measures rated low, earning the modified Lincoln Town Car a “Good” rating in the overall evaluation. The modified airbag deployment system effectively reduced the risk of head injuries in a frontal offset collision.
2003 Lincoln Town Car Crash Test Results and Modifications
The table below summarizes the IIHS crash test ratings for the 2003 Lincoln Town Car after the airbag modification:
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | G |
| Structure and Safety Cage | G |
| Driver Injury Measures: | |
| Head/Neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Leg/Foot, Left | A |
| Leg/Foot, Right | G |
| Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics | A |
The driver’s seat exhibited some tilting towards the door during rebound in both tests. Despite this, the driver’s survival space was well-maintained. Forces on the lower left leg remained high in both tests, indicating a potential for injury.
The initial crash test revealed a significant issue: the dummy’s head impacted the B-pillar during rebound, resulting in high head acceleration. This is visualized in the image below where red greasepaint marks the point of impact.
High forces on the lower left leg, potentially leading to injury, were observed in both tests.
Technical Measurements and Intrusion Data
Detailed measurements from the second crash test provide further insight into the 2003 Lincoln Town Car’s performance. These measurements include occupant compartment intrusion and driver injury measures, offering a comprehensive understanding of the vehicle’s safety characteristics. Data like footwell intrusion, brake pedal displacement, and steering column movement quantify the degree of deformation within the cabin during impact.
Conclusion
The 2003 Lincoln Town Car’s airbag modification demonstrates a commitment to enhancing passenger safety. By addressing the initial concerns regarding head injuries, Lincoln improved the vehicle’s crashworthiness in frontal offset collisions. The detailed crash test data and subsequent modifications highlight the importance of continuous improvement in automotive safety design.
