charging FORD CROWN VICTORIA 1998 2.G Owners Manual

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (If equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the engine
is off. If the light does not illuminate
momentarily at start up, remains on
or continues to flash, the ABS needs
to be serviced. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is
disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning
light also remains illuminated with parking brake released.
Turn signal
Illuminates when the left or right
turn signal or the hazard lights are
turned on. If one or both of the
indicators stay on continuously or
flash faster, check for a burned-out
turn signal bulb. Refer toExterior bulbsin theMaintenance and care
chapter.
High beams
Illuminates when the high beam
headlamps are turned on.
Charging system
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned to the ON position and the
engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.
ABS
Instrumentation
9

BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the ªService Guideº for the service
interval schedules.
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
mineral or 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.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
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 terminals 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 quantity of grease to the
top of each battery terminal to help prevent corrosion.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
Maintenance and care
124

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

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