coolant temperature FORD CROWN VICTORIA 1998 2.G Owners Manual

Engine oil pressure (if equipped)
Illuminates when the oil pressure
falls below the normal range. Stop
the vehicle as soon as safely
possible and switch off the engine
immediately. Check the oil level and
add oil if needed. Refer toEngine oilin theMaintenance and Care
chapter.
This lamp also illuminates when the ignition is turned to ON and the
engine is off.
Engine coolant temperature
Illuminates when the engine coolant
temperature is high. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible,
switch off the engine and let it cool.
Never remove the coolant
recovery cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Refer toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and carechapter. If light
stays on or continues to turn on after the vehicle warms up, have your
vehicle serviced.
This light also illuminates briefly when the ignition key is turned to ON.
Air suspension (if equipped)
This light tells you if the air
suspension needs repair or if the air
suspension switch is OFF. For
information on the air suspension
system, refer to theDriving
chapter.
AIR
SUSP
Instrumentation
10

Trip odometer
Registers the kilometers (miles) of
individual journeys. To reset,
depress the control.
Refer to electronic message center for Trip A and Trip B features on the
optional instrument cluster.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates the temperature of the engine coolant. At normal operating
temperature, the needle remains within the normal area (the area
between the ªHº and ªCº). If it enters the red section, the engine is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off the
ignition and let it cool. Refer toEngine coolantin theMaintenance
and carechapter.
Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the engine is
running or hot.
²Standard instrument cluster
0000
2030405060 70
80
90
100
110
120
10
20 406080100120
140
160
180MPHkm/h
000000
TEMPH
C
Instrumentation
15

²Optional instrument cluster
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the
coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the
gauge indication will not be accurate.
Battery voltage gauge (if equipped)
This gauge shows the battery
voltage when the ignition is in the
ON position. If the pointer moves
and stays outside the normal
operating range (as indicated), have
the vehicle's electrical system
checked as soon as possible.
Engine oil pressure gauge (if equipped)
This shows the engine oil pressure
in the system. Sufficient pressure
exists as long as the needle remains
in the normal range (the area
between the ªHº and ªLº).
If the gauge indicates low pressure,
stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible and switch off the engine
immediately. Check the oil level.
Add oil if needed (refer to
Checking and adding engine oilin theMaintenance and care
N
O
R
M
H
C
VOLTSH
L
OILH
L
Instrumentation
16

STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Turn the key to 5 (START)
without pressing the accelerator
pedal and release as soon as the
engine starts. The key will return
to 4 (ON).
2. If the temperature is above 12É C (10É F) and the engine does not
start within five seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait ten
seconds and try again.
3. If the temperature is below -12ÉC (10ÉF) and the engine does not
start in fifteen seconds on the first try, turn the key OFF and wait ten
seconds and try again. If the engine does not start in two attempts,
depress the accelerator and start the engine while holding the
accelerator down to the floor. Release the accelerator when the engine
starts.
4. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake and release the parking
brake.
Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster and allows the heater-defroster
system to respond quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly
recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -23ÉC
(-10ÉF) or below.
For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting
the vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not harm
the engine, so the heater can be plugged in the night before starting the
vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
3
2
1
5
4
Starting
81

The Traction Controlysystem will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces. The system is a driver aid
which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow and ice
covered roads.
During Traction Controlyoperation you may hear an electric motor type
of sound coming from the engine compartment and the engine will not
ªrev-upº when you push further on the accelerator. This is normal
system behavior.
If you should become stuck in snow or ice or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching the Traction Controlysystem off. This may allow
excess wheel spin to ªdigº the vehicle out and enable a successful
ªrockingº maneuver.
If the Traction Controlysystem is cycled excessively, the brake portion
of the system will shut down to prevent the rear brakes from
overheating. A limited Traction Controlyfunction using only engine
torque reduction will still control wheels from over-spinning. When the
rear brakes have cooled down, the system will again function normally.
Anti-lock braking is not affected by this condition and will function
normally during the cool down period.
If the engine coolant temperature is below þ23ÉC (þ10ÉF) the engine
torque reduction portion of the Traction Controlysystem isNOTactive.
The system will operate normally when the engine coolant warms up.
The traction control indicator
flashes during a Traction Controly
system event.
If the traction control indicator
comes on and stays lit, either:
²the Traction Controlysystem
requires service, or
²the customer has disabled the
system using the traction control switch.
The Traction Controlysystem will be on every time you turn the ignition
key from OFF to ON until you deactivate the system using the traction
control switch in the glove compartment.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.
TRAC
CNTL
Driving
86

For vehicles with green coolant,not all coolant recycling processes
produce coolant which meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44±A, and use
of such coolant may harm engine and cooling system components.
For vehicles with orange coolant,no recycling process has been
approved at this time and use of such coolant may harm engine and
cooling system components.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community's regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling system can hold, refer
toRefill capacitiesin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if you have
to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per month.
Severe winter climate
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than ±36ÉC [±34ÉF]), it may
be necessary to increase the coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to
the chart on the coolant container to ensure the coolant concentration in
your vehicle is such that the coolant will not freeze at the temperature
level in which you drive during winter months. Never increase the engine
coolant concentration above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in non-extreme climates.
Maintenance and care
118

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

²thesymbol will begin to flash.
²if your vehicle is equipped with digital gauges, the gauge bars will
flash and a tone will sound continuously for thirty seconds.
²the engine will completely shut down, causing steering and braking
effort to increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to a service facility.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to a
service facility as soon as possible.
Maintenance and care
120

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the ªService Guideº for the
service interval schedules. If adding
fluid is necessary, use only
MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
121

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