One problem related to gas recirculation valve (egr valve) has been reported for the 1997 Lincoln Town Car. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
*driving in heavy traffic on I-680 in omaha. Below freezing temps. *intake manifold failed. . . Resulting in sprying coolent on windshilds of vehicals *behind me and a large cloud of steam. Resulting in panic braking and close calls. *taken to dealer for part replacement. *recalls for this same part are on the Ford crown victoria's and limo's including Lincoln limo. Not on Lincoln sedans or the Mercury with same problem. * I was very lucky that this did not happen just 2 week prior, where I had my family in the car traveling in s. Dakota at -25 degree temps late in the evening.