charging FORD CROWN VICTORIA 2000 2.G Owners Manual

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.
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.
Air suspension (if equipped)
•Standard instrument cluster
•Optional instrument cluster
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON
position. Also illuminates when the
air suspension requires repair, the
air suspension switch is OFF or the
load limit is exceeded. For
information on the air suspension system, refer to theDrivingchapter.
AIR
SUSP
CHECK
TRUNK AJAR LTR/100 kmAIR SUSPENSION
OVERDRIVE OFFDOOR
AJAR
LOW
WASHER
FLUID
km
MILES
/GAL
Instrumentation
12

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 Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the “level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
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.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
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.
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
171

•Have 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 “Check Engine” light, charging system warning light
or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of engine power, 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 “Warranty Guide” 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 diagnostics system. If your “Check Engine/Service Engine
Soon” 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 “Check Engine/Service Engine Soon” light on.
Maintenance and care
188

Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........................106
and child safety seats ............108
description ..............................106
disposal ....................................110
driver air bag ..........................108
indicator light ....................10,110
operation .................................108
passenger air bag ...................108
Air cleaner filter ................173,201
Air conditioning ..........................26
automatic temperature
control system ..........................28
Air suspension ...........................127
description ..............................127
warning light .............................12
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................161
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .......................122,123
Audio system (see Radio) .........35
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................128
fluid, adding ............................168
fluid, checking ........................168
fluid, refill capacities ..............201
fluid, specification ..................204
Axle
lubricant specifications ...202,204
refill capacities ........................201
traction lok ..............................130
Battery .......................................171
acid, treating emergencies .....171
charging system
warning light .............................12
jumping a disabled battery ....148
maintenance-free ....................171
replacement, specifications ...201
servicing ..................................171
voltage gauge ............................19
Belt minder ...............................102Brakes ........................................122
anti-lock ............................122,123
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ..........11,123
brake warning light ..................11
fluid, checking and adding ....160
fluid, refill capacities ..............201
fluid, specifications ..........202,204
lubricant specifications ...202,204
shift interlock ..........................127
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ....201
Cassette tape player ...................50
CD changer .................................59
Certification Label ....................206
Child safety restraints ..............111
child safety belts ....................111
Child safety seats ......................112
attaching with tether straps ..116
in front seat ............................113
in rear seat .......................113,116
Cleaning your vehicle ...............194
engine compartment ..............197
exterior ....................................196
exterior lamps .........................196
instrument panel ....................198
instrument panel lens ............199
interior ..............................199,200
mirrors .....................................196
plastic parts ............................196
safety belts ..............................199
washing ....................................195
waxing .....................................195
wheels ......................................196
windows ..................................199
wiper blades ............................197
woodtone trim ........................199
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............26
Clock ............................................34
Compass, electronic ....................74
calibration .................................75
Index
219

anti-lock brakes (ABS) .....11,123
brake ..........................................11
charging system ........................12
check engine ...............................9
high beam .................................11
low coolant ................................10
low fuel ........................................8
oil pressure ...............................12
overdrive off ..............................13
safety belt .................................10
speed control ............................70
traction control active ..............13
turn signal indicator .................11
Load limits .................................131
GAWR ......................................131
GVWR ......................................131
trailer towing ..........................131
Locks
autolock .....................................81
childproof ..................................79
doors ..........................................78
Lubricant specifications ....202,204
Lug nuts, anti-theft ...................147
Lumbar support, seats ...............96
Message center ...........................20
reset button ..............................20
select button .............................21
Mirrors
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................74
cleaning ...................................196
side view mirrors (power) .......78
Motorcraft parts .................184,201
Octane rating ............................183
Odometer .....................................17
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................157
Overdrive ..............................66,129
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................83
Parking brake ............................123
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....201Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................142
Power door locks ...................78,81
Power steering ..........................126
fluid, checking and adding ....168
fluid, refill capacity ................201
fluid, specifications ..........202,204
Radio ............................................35
Relays .................................139,144
Remote entry system ............80,83
illuminated entry ......................83
locking/unlocking doors ...........80
opening the trunk .....................83
panic alarm ...............................83
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................85
replacing the batteries .............84
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) .........14,96,97,98,99,100
Safety defects, reporting ..........218
Safety restraints ....96,97,98,99,100
belt minder .............................102
cleaning the
safety belts .......................105,199
extension assembly ................101
for adults .........................97,98,99
for children ......................110,111
lap belt ....................................100
warning light
and chime ...............10,14,101,102
Safety seats for children ..........112
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............96
Seats ............................................92
child safety seats ....................112
cleaning ............................199,200
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ....................85,86
Servicing your vehicle ..............154
Spark plugs,
specifications ......................201,204
Special notice ................................3
Index
222