traction control FORD CROWN VICTORIA 2000 2.G Owners Manual

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAir Bag-Front
Air Bag-SideChild Seat
Child Seat Installation
WarningChild Seat Tether
Anchorage
Brake SystemAnti-Lock Brake System
Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum BasedTraction Control
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
Power Windows
Front/RearPower Window Lockout
Introduction
4

SCAN
BASS TREB BAL FADE
SIDE
EJ
REW FF1 - 2TAPE
AMSVOL - PUSH ON
SEEK
TUNE
AM
FMCLK
12 3456
FM1ST
L
NORM A/CVENT
FLOOR
FLR • DEF
DEF
HI
LO
MAX A/C
OUTSIDE TEMP
AUTOMATIC OFFFA
U
TO
HM
OILH
L
RSM
SET
ACC
COAST
Electronic sound system
(pg. 35)
Climate control systems
(pg. 26)
Clock
(pg. 34)Traction control switch*
(pg. 125) Gearshift
with O/D control
(pg. 129)
Instrumentation
7

O/D off
•Standard instrument cluster
•Optional instrument cluster
Illuminates when the Transmission
Control Switch (TCS), refer to
Overdrive controlin theControls
and Featureschapter, has been
pushed turning the transmission
overdrive function OFF. When the
light is on, the transmission does not operate in the overdrive mode,
refer to theDrivingchapter for transmission function and operation.
The light may also flash steadily if a transmission malfunction is
detected. If the light does not come on when the Transmission Control
Switch is depressed or if the light flashes steadily, have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, damage to the transmission could occur.
Traction Controlactive (if equipped)
Flashes when the Traction Control
system begins applying and
releasing the brakes and adjusting
the engine characteristics to limit a
wheelspin condition. It will be lit for a minimum of four seconds or for
the duration of the Traction Controlevent.
If the Traction Controlindicator comes on or stays lit, either:
•the Traction Controlsystem needs service, or
•the customer has disabled the system using the traction control switch
in the glove compartment.
For more information, refer to theDrivingchapter.
Message center indicator lights (if equipped)
Speed control
This light comes on when either the
SET/ACCEL or RESUME controls
are pressed. It turns off when the speed control OFF control is pressed,
the brake is applied or the ignition is turned to the OFF position.
O/D
OFF
CHECK
TRUNK AJAR LTR/100 kmAIR SUSPENSION
OVERDRIVE OFFDOOR
AJAR
LOW
WASHER
FLUID
km
MILES
/GAL
TRAC
CNTL
SPEED CONTROL
Instrumentation
13

TRACTION CONTROL(IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with the optional Traction Control
system. This system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of
your vehicle. It is especially useful on slippery and/or hilly road surfaces.
The system operates by detecting and controlling wheel spin. The system
borrows many of the electronic and mechanical elements already present
in the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Wheel-speed sensors allow excess rear wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Controlportion of the ABS computer. Any excessive wheel
spin is controlled by automatically applying and releasing the rear brakes
in conjunction with engine torque reductions. Engine torque reduction is
realized via the fully electronic spark and fuel injection systems. This
process is very sensitive to driving conditions and very fast acting. The
rear wheels “search” for optimum traction several times a second and
adjustments are made accordingly.
The Traction Controlsystem 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 Controloperation you may hear an electric motor type
of sound coming from the engine compartment and the engine will not
“rev-up” 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 Controlsystem off. This may allow
excess wheel spin to “dig” the vehicle out and enable a successful
“rocking” maneuver.
If the Traction Controlsystem is cycled excessively, the brake portion
of the system will shut down to prevent the rear brakes from
overheating. A limited Traction Controlfunction 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.
The traction control indicator
flashes during a Traction Control
system event.
TRAC
CNTL
Driving
125

If the traction control indicator comes on and stays lit, either:
•the Traction Controlsystem requires service, or
•the customer has disabled the system using the traction control switch
located on the left side of the glove compartment.
The Traction Controlsystem 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.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
•Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
•underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
•high crown in center of road
•high crosswinds
•wheels out of alignment
•loose or worn components in steering linkage
Speed sensitive steering (except police vehicles)
The steering in your vehicle is speed sensitive. At high speeds, steering
assist will decrease to improve steering feel. At lower speeds,
maneuverability will be increased.
If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked by your
dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving
126

Drive
Not shown on the display. Activate by pressing the transmission control
switch on the gearshift lever with the gearshift in the Drive position. The
O/D OFF indicator will illuminate in the instrument cluster. Transmission
operates in gears one through three. Drive provides more engine braking
than Overdrive and is useful when:
•driving with a heavy load.
•towing a trailer up or down steep hills.
•additional engine braking is desired. If towing a trailer, refer to
Driving while you towin theTrailer Towingchapter.
To return to Overdrive mode, press the transmission control switch. The
O/D OFF indicator light will no longer be illuminated.
Each time the vehicle is started, the transmission will automatically
return to normal Overdrive mode.
Every time the vehicle is shut off and restarted, you must press the
transmission control switch to cancel overdrive operation if the Overdrive
mode is not desired.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on
slippery roads or to provide
additional engine braking on
downgrades.
1 (First)
Use 1 (Low) to provide maximum
engine braking on steep
downgrades. Upshifts can be made
by shifting to 2 (Second) or to
Overdrive. Selecting 1 (Low) at
higher speeds causes the transmission to shift to a lower gear, and will
shift to 1 (Low) after vehicle decelerates to the proper speed.
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle.
Driving
130

Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. Those
grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the
tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
Maintenance and care
176

Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle and make it easier for the driver to lose
control and roll over.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle’s original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used as chains may chip
aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Use only SAE Class S chains.
•Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
•The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
Maintenance and care
179

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