check engine light FORD CROWN VICTORIA 1999 2.G User Guide

What you should know about fail-safe cooling
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The ªfail-safeº distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How fail-safe cooling works
²Standard cluster
²Optional cluster
If the engine begins to overheat:
²the engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the H (hot) area
(if your vehicle is equipped with analog gauges).
²the engine coolant temperature gauge will illuminate all eight bars and
a tone will sound every five seconds for one minute (if your vehicle is
equipped with digital gauges).
²the
symbol will illuminate.
²theCheck Engineindicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
TEMPH
C
N
O
R
M
H
C
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157

Cleaner air
Ford approves the use of gasolines to improve air quality, including
reformulated gasolines that contain oxygenates up to 10% ethanol or
15% MTBE.
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.
Fuel Filter
Your vehicle is equipped with a fuel filter that is mounted on the
underbody.
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the
appropriate intervals for changing the fuel filter.
If you replace the fuel filter, replace it with an authorized
Motorcraft part. The customer warranty may be void for any
damage to the fuel system if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter
is not used.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fillups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1 600 km (1 000
miles) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3 000 km±5 000 km (2 000 miles-3 000 miles).
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in the Refill Capacities
chart in this ªOwner Guide.º The advertised capacity is the amount of
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173

²Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant Specifications.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
2 km/h [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollover/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²Use of fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving over hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of Km/L (MPG) expected on
the vehicle, depending upon the driver's method of operation and
conditions.
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:
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176

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 Scheduled Maintenance Guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide 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.
Illumination of the charging system warning light,Check Engine
indicator 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.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
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.
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177

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 diagnostics 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.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
EXTERIOR BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of the following lamps frequently:
²Headlamps
²Tail lamps
²Brakelamps
²High-mount brakelamp
²Turn signals
²Backup lamps
²License plate lamp
Do not remove lamp bulbs unless they will be replaced immediately. If a
bulb is removed for an extended period of time, contaminants may enter
the lamp housings and affect performance.
Maintenance and care
178

Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........................101
and child safety seats ............102
description ..............................101
disposal ....................................105
indicator light .........................104
passenger air bag ...................103
Air conditioning
automatic temperature
control system ......27,28,29,30,32
Air suspension ...........................122
Anti-theft system ........................87
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive ...................124,125,126
Axle
refill capacities ........................187
Brakes ........................................117
anti-lock ............................117,118
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............118
fluid, checking and adding ....153
shift interlock ..........................123
Break-in period .............................2
CD changer ..................61,63,64,65
Child safety seats
attaching with tether straps ..111
in rear seat .......................108,110
tether anchorage hardware ...111
Cleaning your vehicle ...............182
engine compartment ..............184
exterior .............................183,186
exterior lamps .........................185
interior .....................................186
plastic parts ............................185
washing ....................................183
waxing .....................................183
wheels ......................................184
windows ..................................186
wiper blades ............................185
Clock ............................................33
Compass, electronic ....................76calibration .................................77
set zone adjustment .................77
Controls ........................72,73,74,75
power seat ............................93,94
Coolant ......................................156
checking and adding ..............155
refill capacities ........................156
Customer Assistance
Ford accessories for
your vehicle ..............199,200,201
Ford Extended Service Plan .193
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............198
Getting roadside assistance ...192
Getting the
service you need ....................194
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................203
The Dispute Settlement
Board ..................195,196,197,198
Defrost
rear window ..............................24
Emission control system ..........176
Engine
check engine/
service engine soon light ...........7
coolant .....................................154
idle speed control ...................162
service points ..........................150
starting after a collision .........132
Engine block heater .................115
Engine oil
checking and adding ..............152
dipstick ....................................151
specifications ...................151,152
Exhaust fumes ..........................116
Fail safe cooling .................157,158
Floor mats ...................................81
Fuel
choosing the right fuel ...........171
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................176
Index
205

detergent in fuel .....................173
filling your vehicle
with fuel ...........................169,171
quality ......................................172
running out of fuel .................173
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................169
Fuses ...................................133,134
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ..............173,174,175,176
Gauges ....................................11,12
battery voltage gauge ...............16
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................15
engine oil pressure gauge ........16
fuel gauge ..................................12
odometer ...................................14
speedometer .............................13
trip odometer ............................14
Hazard flashers .........................132
Head restraints ......................91,92
Headlamps
aiming ......................................182
bulb specifications ..................182
high beam ..............................9,23
Heating ........................................25
heating and air
conditioning system ............25,27
Hood ..........................................149
Ignition .......................................189
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................178
Instrument panel ..........................6
cleaning ...................................185
Keyless entry system
keypad .......................................88
programming
entry code .......................88,89,90
Keys
positions of the ignition ...........67
Lamps
autolamp system .......................24daytime running light ...............24
headlamps .................................23
headlamps, flash to pass ..........23
instrument panel, dimming .....23
interior lamps .........................181
replacing bulbs ..178,179,180,181
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................66
Lights, warning and indicator ......6
air bag ..........................................8
air suspension ...........................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .........8,22
brake .......................................8,22
charging system ..........................9
low coolant ..................................9
low fuel ........................................6
oil pressure .................................9
overdrive off ..............................10
safety belt ...................................8
speed control ............................72
traction control active .........10,21
turn signal indicator ...................9
Locks
childproof ..................................81
Lumbar support, seats ...............95
Message center ...........................16
reset button ..............................17
select button .............................17
Mirrors
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................76
side view mirrors (power) .......80
Motorcraft parts ........................173
Octane rating ............................172
Overdrive .....................................68
Parking brake ............................118
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................136
Power door locks ...................80,83
Power steering ...................121,122
fluid, checking and adding ....159
Index
206