checking oil LINCOLN TOWN CAR 1999 Owners Manual

ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
²If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
MAX MIN
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144

²If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the MIN-MAX range.
²Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the MIN and MAX ranges, add only
certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil
filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark on the dipstick.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification mark.
Ford oil specification is WSS-M2C153-G.
Use SAE 5W-30 motor oil certified for gasoline engines by the American
Petroleum Institute.
Maintenance and care
145

Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your warranty.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, startup
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval schedules:
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only brake fluids certified to
meet Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
DOT 3 fluid is recommended. However, if DOT 3 is not available, DOT 4
fluid can be used.
Brake fluid is toxic.
MAX
Maintenance and care
146

Coolant ...............................147,149
checking and adding ..............148
refill capacities .................149,181
specifications ...................182,184
Customer Assistance ................187
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................194
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................188
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............193
Getting roadside assistance ...187
Getting the service
you need .................................189
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................198
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................190
Defrost
rear window ..............................52
Dipstick
engine oil .................................144
Doors
door ajar warning .....................10
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................122
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................135
Emission control system ..........169
Engine ........................................184
check engine/
service engine soon light ...........6
coolant .....................................147
idle speed control ...................154
lubrication
specifications ...................182,184
refill capacities ........................181
service points ..........................143
starting after a collision .........123
Engine block heater .................107
Engine oil ..................................144checking and adding .......144,145
dipstick ....................................144
filter, specifications .........145,181
recommendations ...................145
refill capacities .................144,181
specifications .....144,145,182,184
Exhaust fumes ..........................108
Fail safe cooling ........................150
Floor mats ...................................69
Fluid capacities .........................181
Fuel ............................................161
calculating fuel economy .......165
cap ...........................................163
capacity ...................................181
choosing the right fuel ...........163
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................168
detergent in fuel .....................165
filling your vehicle
with fuel ....................161,163,166
filter, specifications .........165,181
fuel filler door override ............66
fuel filler door release ..............65
fuel pump shut-off switch .....123
gauge .........................................13
improving fuel economy ........165
octane rating ....................164,184
quality ......................................164
running out of fuel .................165
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................161
Fuses ...................................124,125
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............163
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................165
Gauges .........................................12
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................14
fuel gauge ..................................13
odometer ...................................13
speedometer .............................13
Index
201