check engine light FORD CROWN VICTORIA 2001 2.G Owners Manual

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Standard instrument cluster
Optional instrument cluster
Low fuel (if equipped)
Illuminates as an early reminder of a
low fuel condition indicated on the
fuel gauge (refer toFuel gaugein
this chapter for more information).
When refueling, after the light
comes on, the amount of fuel that is added will be less than the
advertised capacity since there is fuel still in the tank. The ignition must
be in the ON position for this lamp to illuminate. The lamp will also
illuminate for several seconds after the ignition is turned to the ON
position regardless of the fuel level to ensure your bulb is working.
E
LOW
FUELCHECK
ENGINECHECK
FUEL
CAP
AIR
SUSPOD
OFF
BRAKEAIR
BAG
TEMP OIL VOLTS FUEL
MPH km/h10 203040506070
80
90
10 0
11 0
12 020 406080100
120
140
160
180
200
H H
L C F H
L
< FUEL FILL DOOR TRAC
CNTL
0000000
0
0 0 0
+ –
F
E
/2 1
N
O
R
M
H
Ckm/h
MPH
km SCHECK
ENGINE
TRAC
CNTL
CHECK
FUEL
CAPSPEED CONTROL
P R N D 2 1
CHECK
TRUNK AJAR LTR/100 kmAIR SUSPENSION
OVERDRIVE OFFDOOR
AJAR
LOW
WASHER
FLUID
DISTANCE
TO EMPTY
TRIP
AAVG FUEL
ECONOMY
TRIP
BAVG
SPEED
km
MILES
/GAL
LOW
FUEL
Instrumentation
8

Check engine
Your vehicle is equipped with a
computer that monitors the engine's
emission control system. This
system is commonly known as the
On Board Diagnostics System
(OBD II). This OBD II system protects the environment by ensuring that
your vehicle continues to meet government emission standards. The OBD
II system also assists the service technician in properly servicing your
vehicle.
TheCheck Engineindicator light illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the
engine is started, one of the engine's emission control systems may be
malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern
being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require
towing.
What you should do if the check engine light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause yourCheck Enginelight to
illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely
tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with high quality fuel of the recommended octane and/or properly
installing and securely tightening the gas cap. After three driving cycles
without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, theCheck
Enginelight should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine
startup followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle
service is required.
If theCheck Enginelight remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the
first available opportunity.
CHECK
ENGINE
Instrumentation
9

Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter.
You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Check fuel cap (if equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
to ensure your bulb is working.
When this light turns on, check the
fuel filler cap. Continuing to operate
the vehicle with the check fuel cap light on, can activate theService
Engine Soon/Check Enginewarning light. When the fuel filler cap is
properly re-installed, the light(s) will turn off after a period of normal
driving. This period will vary depending on driving conditions.
It may take a long period of time for the system to detect an
improperly installed fuel filler cap.
For more information, refer toFuel filler capin theMaintenance and
carechapter.
Air bag readiness
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to flash
or remains on, have the system
serviced immediately.
CHECK
FUEL
CAP
AIR
BAG
Instrumentation
10

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)
²Standard instrument cluster
²Optional 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
13

O/D off
²Standard instrument cluster
²Optional 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 ControlYactive (if equipped)
Flashes when the Traction Controly
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 Controlyevent.
If the Traction Controlyindicator comes on or stays lit, either:
²the Traction Controlysystem needs service, or
²the customer has disabled the system using the traction control switch
in the instrument panel.
For more information, refer to theDrivingchapter.
O/D
OFF
CHECK
TRUNK AJAR LTR/100 kmAIR SUSPENSION
OVERDRIVE OFFDOOR
AJAR
LOW
WASHER
FLUID
km
MILES
/GAL
TRAC
CNTL
Instrumentation
14

GAUGES
Standard instrument cluster gauges
Optional instrument cluster gauges
Fuel gauge
Displays approximately how much fuel is in the fuel tank (when the key
is in the ON position). The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle
is in motion. The ignition should be in the OFF position while the vehicle
is being refueled. When the gauge first indicates empty, there is a small
amount of reserve fuel in the tank. When refueling the vehicle from
empty indication, the amount of fuel that can be added will be less than
the advertised capacity due to the reserve fuel.
E
LOW
FUEL TRAC
CNTLCHECK
ENGINECHECK
FUEL
CAP AIR
SUSPOD
OFF
BRAKEAIR
BAG
TEMP OIL VOLTS FUEL
MPH km/h10 203040506070
80
90
10 0
11 0
12 020 406080100
120
140
160
180
200
H H
L C F H
L
< FUEL FILL DOOR
0000000
0
0 0 0
+ –
F
E
/2 1
N
O
R
M
H
Ckm/h
MPH
km SCHECK
ENGINE
TRAC
CNTL
CHECK
FUEL
CAPSPEED CONTROL
P R N D 2 1
CHECK
TRUNK AJAR LTR/100 kmAIR SUSPENSION
OVERDRIVE OFFDOOR
AJAR
LOW
WASHER
FLUID
TRIP
ATRIP
BAVG
SPEED
km
MILES
/GAL
DISTANCE
TO EMPTYAVG FUEL
ECONOMY
Instrumentation
17

3. Make sure the gearshift is in P
(Park).
4. Make sure the parking brake is
set.
5. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without
turning the key to 5 (START).
If there is difficulty in turning the
key, firmly rotate the steering wheel
left and right until the key turns
freely. This condition may occur
when:
²front wheels are turned
²front wheel is against the curb
²steering wheel is turned when getting in or out of the vehicle
Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate or illuminate briefly. If a
light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.
²If the driver's safety belt is fastened, the
light may not illuminate.
HOOD
1
2
34
5
+ –
F
E
/2 1
N
O
R
M
H
Ckm/h
MPH
km SCHECK
ENGINE
TRAC
CNTL
CHECK
FUEL
CAPSPEED CONTROL
P R N D 2 1
CHECK
TRUNK AJAR LTR/100 kmAIR SUSPENSION
OVERDRIVE OFFDOOR
AJAR
LOW
WASHER
FLUID
TRIP
ATRIP
BAVG
SPEED
km
MILES
/GAL
DISTANCE
TO EMPTYAVG FUEL
ECONOMY
Starting
135

BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a ªmetal-to-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's
anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check after you start
the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be
heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS
warning light will come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
Driving
138

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guideto find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, keep loose clothing, jewelry or long hair
away from moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained in the
Batterysection in this chapter.
Maintenance and care
172

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specification . Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling
system components.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and water, which
equates to a freeze point of -36É C (-34É F). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014±R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the ªcold fullº of ªcold fill rangeº level in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in theAdding Engine Coolantsection.
Maintenance and care
179