check engine light FORD CROWN VICTORIA 1998 2.G User Guide

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 a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford specifications.
Refer toLubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the windshield
washer fluid.
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
115

How fail-safe cooling works
²Standard cluster
²Optional cluster
If the engine overheats, the engine will automatically switch to
alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled cylinder acts as an air
pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs:
²if your vehicle is equipped with analog gauges, the engine coolant
temperature gauge will move to the H (hot) area
²if your vehicle is equipped with digital gauges, the engine coolant
temperature gauge will illuminate all eight bars and a tone will sound
every five seconds for a minute
²the
symbol will illuminate
²theCheck Engineindicator light will illuminate.
The vehicle will still operate, however:
²the engine power will be limited.
²the air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature:
TEMPH
C
N
O
R
M
H
C
Maintenance and care
119

Running out of fuel
Avoid running out fuel because this situation may have an adverse affect
on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
²You may need to crank the engine several times before the system
starts to pump fuel from the tank to the engine.
²Your ªCheck Engineº light may come on. For more information on the
ªCheck Engineº light, refer to theInstrumentationchapter.
Calculating fuel economy
To accurately calculate your vehicle's fuel economy:
1. Fill the tank completely and record the initial odometer reading.
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in liters
or gallons).
3. After at least three to five fuel tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and
record the current mileage reading.
4. Use one of the following equations to calculate fuel economy.
Liters used x 1004Total kilometers traveled
Total miles traveled4Total gallons used
Keep a record for at least one month. This will provide an accurate
estimate of the vehicle's fuel economy.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only unleaded fuel.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your ªService Guideº performed according to
the specified schedule.
Maintenance and care
134

The scheduled maintenance items listed in the ªService Guideº are
essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its emissions
system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
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.
Lumination of the charging system warning light, ªCheck Engineº light or
the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or loss
of oil pressure, could indicate that the emission control system is not
working properly.
If you smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle, have
the dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do not drive
if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and could kill
you.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, items, sells,
leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not permitted
to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent it from
working. Information about your vehicle's emission 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.
Please consult your ªWarranty Guideº for complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service
Engine Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning Lights
and Chimessection of theInstrumentationchapter. Your vehicle may
not pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light
on.
Maintenance and care
135

Aiming headlamps ....................138
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................68
and child safety seats ..............69
description ................................68
disposal ......................................72
indicator light ...........................71
passenger air bag .....................70
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system ............25,26
Air suspension
description ................................87
Anti-lock brake system
(ABS)description
Battery .......................................124
voltage gauge ............................16
Brake fluid
checking and adding ..............114
Brakes ..........................................83
anti-lock .....................................83
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .............................84
fluid, checking and adding ....114
traction control .........................85
Brake-shift interlock ...................88
Break-in period .............................2
Bulbs, replacing ........................136
headlamps ...............................136
specifications ..........................139
Changing a tire .........................101
Child safety seats ........................73
Childproof locks ..........................48
Chime
headlamps on ............................12
Cleaning your vehicle ...............140
engine compartment .......141,142
exterior ....................................143
headlamps ...............................142
plastic parts ............................142
washing ....................................140
waxing .....................................140wheels ......................................141
windows ..................................144
wiper blades ............................142
Climate control system
automatic temperature
control ...................27,28,29,30,32
Clock ............................................33
Compass, electronic ....................43
calibration .................................45
set zone adjustment .................44
Coolant (see Engine coolant)
temperature gauge ...................15
Defrost
rear window ..............................24
Emission control system ..........134
Engine
service points ..........................111
Engine block heater ...................81
Engine coolant
checking and adding ..............116
disposal ....................................117
refill capacities ........................118
Engine oil ...........................112,113
changing oil and oil filter .......114
checking and adding .......112,113
Exhaust fumes ............................82
Floor mats ...................................48
Fuel
calculating fuel economy .......134
improving fuel economy ..........94
octane rating ...........................133
quality ......................................133
running out of fuel .................134
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................131
Fuel pump shut-off switch .........95
Fuse panels
instrument panel ......................97
power distribution box .............99
Fuses .......................................96,97
Gauges, Mechanical ....................12
fuel gauge ..................................12
Index
152

Hazard flashers ...........................95
Headlamps ...................................23
autolamp system .......................24
daytime running lights .............24
flashing ......................................23
high beam .................................23
Heating ........................................25
High beams
indicator light .............................9
Hood
release lever ............................110
Ignition
positions of the ignition ...........35
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................143
lighting up panel and interior .23
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................50
keypad .......................................55
programming entry code ....56,57
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............11
Lamps
headlamps ...............................136
high-mount brakelamp ...........138
interior lamps .........................139
parking lamps .........................138
tail lamps .................................138
License plate lamps ..................138
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ..........................................8
air suspension ...........................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .........9,22
brake .......................................8,22
charging system ..........................9
check engine ...............................7
fuel reset .....................................6
low coolant ................................10
oil pressure ...............................10
overdrive off ..............................11
safety belt ...................................8
turn signal indicator ...................9Lubricant specifications ...........147
Message center ...........................17
reset button .........................17,18
select button .............................18
Mirrors
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................42
side view mirrors (power) .......47
Motorcraft parts ........................145
Odometer .....................................14
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................51
Parking brake ..............................84
Power door locks ........................47
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding ....121
Radio ............................................33
Refill capacities for fluids ........146
Relays ...................................96,101
Remote entry system .................48
illuminated entry ......................51
locking/unlocking doors ...........49
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................53
replacing the batteries .............52
Reporting safety defects ..........151
Safety restraints
center front lap belt .................65
cleaning the safety belts ........143
extension assembly ..................66
for children ...............................72
warning light and
chime ...............................11,66,67
Safety seats for children
attaching with tether straps ....77
in rear seat ................................77
tether anchorage hardware .....77
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................61
Seats ............................................58
adjusting the seat, manual ..58,59
adjusting the seat, power ...59,61
Index
153