LINCOLN TOWN CAR 1999 Owners Manual
Page 171 of 208
Do not remove lamp bulbs unless they will be replaced immediately. If a
bulb is removed for an extended period of time, contaminants may enter
the lamp housings and affect performance.
Replacing headlamp bulbs
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep out of
children's reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base and do
not touch the glass. The oil from your hand could cause the bulb to
break the next time the headlamps are operated.
To remove the headlamp bulb:
1. Make sure headlamp switch is in OFF position.
2. Open the hood.
3. Twist the plastic knobs and remove the protective cover from the back
of the headlamps. Lift the cover and pull towards the windshield.
Maintenance and care
171
Page 172 of 208
4. Remove headlamp by taking the
retainer pins out. Pull headlamp
forward to access bulb connector.
5. Release clip and disconnect the
electrical connector from the bulb.
6. Remove the bulb retaining ring by
rotating it counterclockwise (when
viewed from the rear) to free it
from the bulb socket, and slide the
ring off the plastic base. Keep the
ring to retain the new bulb.
7. Without turning, remove the old
bulb from the lamp assembly by gently pulling it straight back out of the
lamp assembly.
To install the new bulb:
1. Insert the glass end of the new
bulb into the lamp assembly. Turn
the bulb left or right to align the
grooves in the plastic base with the
tabs in the lamp assembly. When the
grooves are aligned, push the bulb
into the lamp assembly until the
plastic base contacts the rear of the lamp assembly.
2. Install the bulb retaining ring over the plastic base until it contacts the
rear of the socket by rotating it clockwise until you feel a ªstop.º
3. Connect the electrical connector into the rear of the plastic base until
it snaps, locking it into position.
Maintenance and care
172
Page 173 of 208
4. Turn the headlamps on and make sure they work properly. If the
headlamp was correctly aligned before you changed the bulb, you should
not need to align it again.
5. Carefully insert the headlamp assembly into the vehicle making sure
the retainer pins are inserted into the proper holes and into the guides.
6. Install protective cover on vehicle locking it in place with knobs.
Replacing front parking lamp/turn signal bulbs
1. Make sure the headlamp control is in the OFF position.
2. Open the hood.
3. Twist the plastic knobs and remove the protective cover from the back
of the headlamps. Lift the cover and pull towards the windshield.
4. Remove headlamp by taking the
retainer pins out. Pull headlamp
forward to access bulb connector.
5. Disconnect the electrical
connector from the bulb socket.
6. Rotate the bulb socket
counterclockwise about
1¤4turn and
remove from lamp assembly.
7. Carefully pull the bulb straight
out of socket and push in the new
bulb.
8. To complete installation, follow the removal procedure in reverse
order.
High-mount brakelamp bulbs
For bulb replacement, see a dealer or qualified technician.
Maintenance and care
173
Page 174 of 208
Replacing tail lamp/backup bulbs
For bulb replacement, see a dealer or qualified technician.
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs
For bulb replacement, see a dealer or qualified technician.
Replacing the interior bulbs
Check the operation of the following interior bulbs frequently:
²interior overhead lamp
²map lamp
Using the right bulbs
Function Trade Number
Tail lamp, brakelamp, turn lamp 3157K
Backup lamp 3156K
Side marker lamp (front) 194
Park, turn lamp (front) 3157NAK
Headlamp 9007
Cornering lamp 3156K
License plate lamp 168
High-mount brakelamp 912
Luggage compartment lamp 212-2
Map lamp 578
Visor vanity lamp 168
Door courtesy lamp 904
Glove compartment 194
To replace all instrument panel lights - see your dealer.
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
Your vehicle is equipped with a Vehicle Headlamp Aim Device (VHAD)
on each headlamp. Each headlamp may be properly aimed in the vertical
(up/down) and the horizontal (left/right) directions using your VHAD
system. The headlamps on your vehicle are properly aimed at the
assembly plant.
Maintenance and care
174
Page 175 of 208
A bubble (vertical indicator) that is not centered between the two red
lines does not necessarily indicate out-of-aim headlamps. If your vehicle
is not positioned on a level surface, the slope will be included in the
vertical indication. Therefore, vertical and horizontal headlamp
adjustment should be performed only when the beam direction appears
to be incorrect.
You will need one 4 mm wrench or socket to make the adjustments.
If the vehicle has been in an accident, the vehicle's front structure
should be properly aligned before aiming the headlamps.
Horizontal aim adjustment
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. With the hood open, remove the
protective cover, then locate the
horizontal indicator and the
adjusting screw at the rear of the
headlamp assembly.
3.Usea4mmwrench or socket to
turn the horizontal adjusting screw
until the ª0º mark on the yellow dial
lines up with the reference mark on
the marker (as shown) when viewed
directly from above.
Turning the horizontal adjusting
screw in the direction of the arrow
changes the horizontal aim as
shown.
Maintenance and care
175
Page 176 of 208
Vertical aim adjustment
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. With the hood open, remove
protective cover, then locate the
bubble level and the vertical
adjustment screw. The adjustment
screw is located on the outboard
side of the headlamp.
3. The ªUº and ªDº on the bubble
indicate the directional change (up
or down) of the vertical aim.
4.Usea4mmwrench or socket to
turn the vertical adjusting screw
until the bubble is centered between
the two red lines which represents
the ª0º mark position.
5. Install protective cover.
When the horizontal and vertical indicators are set to the ª0º mark, the
headlamp has been properly aimed.
CLEANING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Refer to the Customer Assistance chapter for a list of Ford-approved
cleaners, polishes and waxes.
Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
D U
Maintenance and care
176
Page 177 of 208
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the vehicle on a
regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove and also cause damage to the vehicle.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a car
wash. If you have wax applied to the vehicle at a commercial car wash, it
is recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
Waxing your vehicle
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use cleaning fluid or
alcohol with a clean cloth to remove any bugs and tar before waxing
vehicle. Use tar remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield. If you have wax applied at a
commercial car wash, it is recommended that you clean the wiper blades
and windshield as described inCleaning the wiper blades and
windshield.
Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris may be repaired with
touch-up paint, repair foil or aerosol paint spray from the Ford Car Care
Chemicals line. Observe the application instructions on the products.
Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect remains, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout immediately.
Cleaning the wheels
Wash with the same detergent as the body of your vehicle. Do not use
acid-based or alcohol-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, fuel or strong
detergents. Never use abrasives that will damage the finish of special
wheel surfaces. Use a tar remover to remove grease and tar.
The brushes used in some automatic car washes may damage the finish
on your wheels. Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
Maintenance and care
177
Page 178 of 208
Cleaning the engine
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
²Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The high
pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
²Do not spray with cold water to avoid cracking the engine block or
other engine components.
²Never apply anything to the drive belt (including belt dressing).
²Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
²Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
Cleaning plastic exterior parts
Use vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning. Clean with a tar remover if
necessary. Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
Maintenance and care
178
Page 179 of 208
Cleaning the exterior lamps
Wash with the same detergent as the exterior of your vehicle. Use glass
cleaner or tar remover if necessary.
To avoid scratching the lamps, do not use a dry paper towel, chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Cleaning the wiper blades and windshield
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the wiper blade rubber
element with undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild detergent.
To avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
If the wiper still does not wipe properly, this could be caused by
substances on the windshield such as tree sap and some hot wax
treatments used by commercial car washes. Clean the outside of the
windshield with a non-abrasive cleanser such as the non-abrasive
Bon-Amitpowder. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.Do notuse
abrasive cleansers on glass as they may cause scratches. The windshield
is clean if beads do not form when you rinse it with water. The
windshield and wiper blades should be cleaned on a regular basis, and
blades or rubber elements replaced when worn.
Cleaning seats equipped with side air bags
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Follow the directions that come with
the cleaner. Do not saturate the seat cover with upholstery cleaner.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the seat mounted side air bag. Such products could contaminate
the side air bag system and affect performance of the side air bag in a
collision.
Cleaning the instrument panel
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver
from undesirable windshield reflection.
Maintenance and care
179
Page 180 of 208
Cleaning the interior fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Do not use household or glass cleaners.
These agents can stain and discolor the fabric. Use a mild soap and
water solution if necessary.
Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts
Clean the safety belts with a mild soap solution recommended for
cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the belts, because
these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
Check the safety belt system periodically to make sure there are no
nicks, wear or cuts. If your vehicle has been involved in an accident,
refer to theSafety belt maintenancesection in theSeating and safety
restraintschapter.
Underbody
Flush the complete underside of vehicle frequently. Keep body drain
holes unplugged. Inspect for road damage.
Cleaning leather seats (if equipped)
To clean, simply use a soft cloth dampened with water and a mild soap.
Wipe the leather again with a damp cloth to remove soap residue. Dry
with a soft cloth. For tougher soiling concerns, Ford recommends using
the Deluxe Leather Care Kit F8AZ-19G253±AA, which is available from
your Ford Dealer. This mild cleaner and special pad, cleans the leather
and maintains its natural beauty. Follow the instructions on the cleaner
label. Regular cleaning of your leather upholstery helps maintain its
resiliency and color.
Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions,
solvents or cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl or plastics.
Inside windows
Use glass cleaner for the inside windows if they become fogged.
Cleaning mirrors
Do not clean your mirrors with a dry cloth or abrasive materials. Use a
soft cloth and mild detergent and water. Be careful when removing ice
from outside mirrors because you may damage the reflective surface.
Maintenance and care
180