check engine FORD CROWN VICTORIA 1997 1.G Owner's Guide

228 [MC20200( GV)12/95]If you must check the power steering fluid when
it is cold, make sure that the fluid reaches the
MIN mark on the reservoir.
%
*
[MC21300( ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[MC21400( ALL)03/96]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transmission, since
your vehicle does not use up transmission fluid.
Refer to theMaintenance Schedulebooklet for
replacement intervals. However, if the
transmission is not working properly Ð for
instance, the transmission may slip or shift
slowly, or you may notice some sign of fluid
leakage Ð the fluid level should be checked.
%*
[MC21500( ALL)01/96]
Checking the Automatic Transmission
Fluid
*
[MC21600( ALL)01/96]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid
level at normal operating temperature
150ÊF-170ÊF (66ÊC-77ÊC),after approximately 20
miles (30 km) of driving. However, if necessary,
you can check the fluid level without having to
drive 20 miles (30 km) to obtain a normal
operating temperature if outside temperatures
are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
[MC21700( ALL)12/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the
engine and, while fully applying the brake
pedal, move the transmission shift selector
through all of the gear ranges allowing sufficient
time for each position to engage.Securely latch
the transmission shift selector in the P (Park)
position, fully set the parking brake and leave
the engine running.
[MC21800( GV)12/95]
NOTE: Your vehicle should not be driven if
the fluid level is below the bottom
hole on the dipstick.
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Update:Thu Jun 20 11:05:52 1996

231 %
*
[MC23600( ALL)01/96]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[MC23700( ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that
used lead-acid batteries be returned to an
authorized recycling facility for disposal.
*
[MC23800( ALL)01/96]
one inch art:0000983-A
Battery recycling symbol
%*
[MC24000( BCGV)12/95]
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically
controlled by a computer, some control
conditions are maintained by power from the
battery. If you ever disconnect the battery or
install a new battery, you must allow the
computer to ªrelearnº its idle conditions before
your vehicle will drive properly. To let the
engine do this, put the gearshift in P (Park), turn
off all the accessories, and start the vehicle. Let
the engine idle for at least one minute. (Engine
must be warm in order to ªlearn.º) Also, allow
approximately 10 miles (16 km) of stop and go
traffic for your vehicle's engine to completely
ªrelearnº its idle.
%
*
[MC24300( ALL)02/96]
Wiper Blades
*
[MC24400( ALL)01/96]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice
a year. Also check them whenever they seem
less effective than usual. Substances such as tree
sap and some hot wax treatments used by
commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness
of wiper blades.
*
[MC24500( ALL)01/96]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both
the windshield and the wiper blades. Use
undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do
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244
*
[MC35500( ALL)01/96]
q
Heavy loads
*
[MC35600( ALL)01/96]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
*
[MC35700( ALL)12/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[MC35800( ALL)12/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you
should also perform a few simple maintenance
routines. This extra effort will save you
additional money and contribute to the driving
efficiency of your vehicle.
*
[MC35900( ALL)12/95]
The following procedures require only a tire
gauge, a rag, an oil can spout and windshield
washer fluid.
*
[MC36000( ALL)12/95]
q
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
*
[MC36100( ALL)12/95]
q
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and
headlights
*
[MC36200( ALL)12/95]
q
Check windshield washer fluid
*
[MC36300( ALL)12/95]
q
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[MC36400( ALL)12/95]
q
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
%
*
[MC36500( ALL)01/96]
Emission Control System
*
[MC36600( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter which enables your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requirements.
*
[MC36700( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes into
the passenger compartment. Under
extreme conditions excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the fuel
system, the interior floor covering, or
other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
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Update:Thu Jun 20 11:05:52 1996

246
*
[MC37600( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[MC37700( ALL)01/96]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss
of oil pressure, the charge warning light, the
check engine light, or the temperature warning
light. These sometimes indicate that the emission
system is not working properly.
*
[MC37800( ALL)01/96]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[MC37900( ALL)01/96]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or
supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device
or prevent it from working. In some of the
United States and in Canada, vehicle owners
may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
*
[MC38000( ALL)08/95]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you
service your vehicle. If the metal collector
contacts any of your vehicle's plastic trim or
bumper parts they could melt or deform.
*
[MC38100( ALL)01/96]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate
properly. See your dealer if the engine runs on
for more than five seconds after you shut it off
or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
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Update:Thu Jun 20 11:05:52 1996

247 %
*
[MC38200( ALL)01/96]
Information about your vehicle's emission
control system is on the Vehicle Emission
Control Information decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement
and gives some tune-up specifications.
%*
[MC38300( ALL)03/96]
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
*
[MC38400( ALL)05/96]
In some localities it may become a legal
requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) II system. If the
vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has
just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to
a not ready for I/M testing condition. To
prepare for I/M testing, the law specifies that
additional city and highway driving is necessary
to complete the check of the OBD II system.
*
[MC38601( ALL)05/96]
The driving modes required to reach the ready
condition consist of a minimum of 30 minutes of
city and highway driving as described below:
*
[MC38701( ALL)05/96]
q
At least twenty minutes driving in stop and
go, city type traffic with at least four idle
periods.
*
[MC38801( ALL)05/96]
q
At least ten minutes of driving on an
expressway or highway.
[MC38901( ALL)04/96]
Before completing the above driving modes, the
engine must be warmed up and at operating
temperature. Once started, the vehicle must not
be turned off during these driving modes.
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Update:Thu Jun 20 11:05:52 1996

261 %
*
[CS04500( ALL)01/96]
Engine
*
[CS04600( ALL)01/96]
q
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle
until it reaches normal operating temperature.
*
[CS04700( ALL)01/96]
q
With your foot on the brake, shift through all
the gears while the engine is running.
%*
[CS04800( ALL)01/96]
Fuel system
%*
[CS04900( ALL)01/96]
q
Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel
pump nozzle.
*
[CS05000( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle
storage (60 days or more), fuel may
deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in
the fuel system and may also clog
small orifices.
*
[CS05100( ALL)01/96]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever
actual or expected storage periods exceed 60
days. Follow the instructions on the label. The
vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to
circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
%*
[CS05200( ALL)01/96]
Cooling system
*
[CS05300( ALL)01/96]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[CS05400( ALL)01/96]
Battery
*
[CS05500( ALL)01/96]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[CS05600( ALL)01/96]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
*
[CS05700( ALL)12/95]
q
If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days
without recharging the battery, it may be
advisable to disconnect the battery cables to
ensure battery charge is maintained for quick
starting.
File:12rccsv.ex
Update:Wed Jun 19 10:34:03 1996

298 Index
Car seats for children (see Child
safety seats)............. 143
Cassette tape player (see Electronic sound
system)............ 45,52,58,63
Catalytic converter............ 244
Chains, tires.............. 237
Changing a tire............. 191
Charging system warning light..... 13,26
Childproof locks............. 107
Child safety restraints.......... 142
child safety belts........... 153
child safety seats........... 143
Child safety seats............ 143
and air bags............. 143
automatic locking mode
(retractor).........131, 143, 145
in front seat...........143, 145
in rear outboard seat.......143, 145
in rear seat.............. 143
tether anchorage hardware....... 153
Chime
key in ignition............. 93
safety belt............. 12,24
Circuit breakers
checking and replacing........ 188
see also fuses............. 179
Cleaning your vehicle.......... 253
chrome and aluminum parts...... 254
engine compartment.......... 256
exterior............... 253
exterior lamps............ 254
fabric................ 255
headlamps.............. 254
instrument panel......... 71,254
instrument panel lens......... 255
interior................ 255
interior lamps............. 255
mirrors................ 110
plastic parts............. 254
polishing............... 253
File:rcixv.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 15:30:31 1996

Index 299
Cleaning your vehicle (continued)
rustproofing............. 254
safety belts.............. 254
tail lamps.............. 254
upholstery and interior trim...... 255
washing............... 253
waxing............... 253
wheels................ 256
Climate control system.......... 71
air conditioning.......... 71,74
electronic automatic
temperature control.......... 74
heating.............. 71,74
Clock.................. 90
Clutch
fluid reservoir............ 218
specifications............. 259
Cold engine starting........... 156
Combination lap and shoulder belts . 127, 129
Compact disc radio (see Electronic
sound system)............. 47
Controls
mirrors............... 104
power seat.............. 126
Convenience kit in cargo area...... 193
Coolant (see Engine coolant)....... 221
checking and adding......... 221
drain and flush............ 225
preparing for storage......... 261
refill capacities............ 258
specifications............. 259
temperature gauge......... 17,23
warnings............... 221
Cooling fan............... 210
Crankcase emission filter......... 257
Cupholder(s)............... 90
Customer Assistance Center, Ford (U.S.). . 267
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada..........267, 273
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Update:Tue Jun 11 15:30:31 1996

Index 301
Emergencies, roadside (continued)
fuel................. 241
jump-starting............. 202
towing................ 207
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 163
Emission control system......... 244
catalytic converter.......... 244
emissions warranty......... 4,244
Engine
check engine warning light..... 16,25
does not start..........157, 189
fuel injected engine, starting...... 155
fuel pump shut-off switch....... 189
preparing to start........... 155
refill capacities............ 258
service points............ 213
starting............... 156
starting after a collision........ 189
storing your vehicle.......... 260
Engine block heater........... 158
Engine coolant............. 221
checking and adding......... 221
checking hoses............ 222
disposal............... 210
drain and flush............ 225
preparing for storage......... 261
proper solution............ 210
recovery reservoir........213, 221
refill capacities............ 258
specifications............. 259
temperature gauge......... 17,23
Engine coolant temperature gauge . . . 17, 23
description............. 17,23
electronic............... 23
mechanical............. 17,23
Engine fan............... 210
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Update:Tue Jun 11 15:30:31 1996

302 Index
Engine oil............... 215
changing oil and oil filter....... 217
checking and adding......... 216
dipstick............... 216
disposal...........210, 217, 229
engine oil pressure gauge........ 20
engine oil pressure warning light..... 27
filter, specifications.......... 257
refill capacities............ 258
specifications...........215, 259
synthetic oil............. 215
ªbreak-inº oils............. 6
viscosity............... 215
Entry system
illuminated.............. 108
keyless................ 113
remote................ 118
Exhaust fumes............. 159
Extended Service Plan, Ford........ 4
F
Fan, engine fan, avoiding injury..... 210
Federal Communications Commission.... 68
Flashers, hazard.............. 98
Flashing the lights............. 95
Flat tire................. 191
Floor mats............... 111
Fluid refill capacities........... 258
Ford Customer Assistance Center..... 267
Ford Dispute Settlement Board...... 268
Ford Extended Service Plan........ 4
Ford Motor Company of Canada..... 273
Ford of Canada Customer Assistance
Centre................ 273
Foreign registration........... 274
French owner guides, how to obtain.... 3
Fuel.................. 238
capacity............... 258
choosing the right fuel......... 239
filling your vehicle with fuel...... 238
File:rcixv.ex
Update:Tue Jun 11 15:30:31 1996