149 LINCOLN TOWN CAR 1998 Owners Manual

BATTERY
Your vehicle may be equipped with
a Superstart maintenance-free
battery. If the original equipment
battery needs replacing, it may be
replaced with a low-maintenance
battery. The low-maintenance
battery normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service. However, for severe usage
or in high temperature climates,
check your battery electrolyte
level, at least every 24 months or
40,000 km (24,000 miles). Keep
the electrolyte in each cell up to
the ªlevelº indicator. Do not overfill
the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the
battery is low, you can add plain
tap water to the battery, as long as
you do not use hard water (water
with a high alkali content). If
possible, however, try to only fill
the battery cells with distilled
water. If the battery needs water
often, have the charging system
checked.
For longer, trouble-free operation,
keep the top of the battery clean
and dry. Also, make certain the
battery cables are always tightly
fastened to the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the
battery or terminals, remove the
cables from the terminal(s) and
clean with a wire brush. You can
neutralize the acid with a solution
of baking soda and water. Reinstall
the cables when you are done
cleaning them, and apply a small
Maintenance and care
149

Aiming headlamps ....................169
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................76
and child safety seats ..............78
description ................................77
disposal ......................................81
indicator light ...........................80
passenger air bag .....................79
Air suspension
description ..............................102
Anti-lock brake system
(ABS)#$description
Battery .......................................149
Brake fluid
checking and adding ..............138
Brakes ..........................................96
anti-lock .....................................96
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .............................97
fluid, checking and adding ....138
traction control .........................99
Brake-shift interlock .................103
Break-in period .............................2
Bulbs, replacing ........................166
headlamps ...............................167
specifications ..........................171
Changing a tire .........................122
Child safety seats ........................84
Childproof locks ..........................51
Chime
headlamps on ............................13
Cleaning your vehicle ...............172
engine compartment ..............173
fabric ........................................175
instrument panel ....................175
plastic parts ............................174
safety belts ..............................176
tail lamps .................................175
washing ....................................172
waxing .....................................172
wheels ......................................173
windows ..................................178Climate control system
automatic temperature
control ..............26,27,28,29,32,33
Clock ............................................34
Compass, electronic
calibration .................................19
set zone adjustment .................18
Controls .......................................52
Daytime running light system ...25
Defrost
rear window ..............................34
Emission control system ..........163
Engine
service points ..........................134
Engine block heater ...................93
Engine coolant
checking and adding ..............140
disposal ....................................142
refill capacities ........................142
Engine oil ...........................135,137
changing oil and oil filter .......137
checking and adding .......135,136
Exhaust fumes ............................94
Fail safe cooling ........................143
Floor mats ...................................53
Fuel
calculating fuel economy .......162
improving fuel economy ........113
octane rating ...........................161
quality ......................................161
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................158
Fuel gauge ...................................14
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......114
Fuse panels
instrument panel ....................117
power distribution box ...........120
Fuses ...................................115,116
Gauges, Mechanical ....................14
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................15
Hazard flashers .........................114
Index
186