check transmission fluid FORD CROWN VICTORIA 2001 2.G Owners Manual

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

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide 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.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
187

Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
DON’T ADD
Maintenance and care
188

You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(10ÉC-35ÉC [50ÉF-95ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by
an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 ml (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
DON’T ADD
DON’T ADD
DON’T ADD
Maintenance and care
189

If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement
concerns and/or possible
damage.
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 ªlevel indicatorº.
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.
DON’T ADD
Maintenance and care
190

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................................121
and child safety seats ............123
description ..............................121
disposal ....................................125
driver air bag ..........................123
indicator light ...................10, 125
operation .................................123
passenger air bag ...................123
Air cleaner filter ...............192, 220
Air conditioning ..........................29
automatic temperature
control system ..........................32
Air suspension ...........................142
description ..............................142
warning light .............................13
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................179
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................138±139
Audio system (see Radio) .........38
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................144
fluid, adding ............................187
fluid, checking ........................187
fluid, refill capacities ..............221
fluid, specification ..................224
Auxiliary power point ...........72, 88
Axle
lubricant specifications ..223±224
refill capacities ........................221
traction lok ..............................147B
Battery .......................................190
acid, treating emergencies .....190
charging system
warning light .............................13
jumping a disabled battery ....165
maintenance-free ....................190
replacement, specifications ...220
servicing ..................................190
voltage gauge ............................21
Belt minder ...............................117
Brakes ........................................138
anti-lock ...........................138±139
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........12, 139
brake warning light ..................12
fluid, checking and adding ....178
fluid, refill capacities ..............221
fluid, specifications .........223±224
lubricant specifications ..223±224
pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) ...............................71
shift interlock ..........................143
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....221
Cassette tape player ...................57
CD changer .................................67
Certification Label ....................226
Child safety restraints ..............126
child safety belts ....................126
Child safety seats ......................127
attaching with tether straps ..132
in front seat ............................129
in rear seat ......................129, 131
Index
241

Cleaning your vehicle ...............215
engine compartment ..............217
exterior ............................215±216
exterior lamps .........................217
instrument cluster lens ..........218
instrument panel ....................218
interior .....................................219
mirrors .....................................216
plastic parts ............................216
safety belts ..............................219
washing ....................................215
waxing .....................................215
wheels ......................................216
windows ..................................219
wiper blades ............................217
woodtone trim ........................219
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............29
Clock ..........................42, 49, 56, 66
Compass, electronic ....................83
calibration .................................84
set zone adjustment .................84
Console ........................................88
Controls
power seat .......................105±106
Coolant
checking and adding ..............179
coolant temperature light ........11
refill capacities ................183, 221
specifications ..................223±224
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................75
Customer Assistance ................153
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................235
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................228
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................234Getting roadside assistance ...153
Getting the service
you need .................................228
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................238
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................230
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................234
D
Daytime running lamps (see
Lamps) .........................................27
Defrost
rear window ..............................38
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................187
engine oil .................................175
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........223
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................152
E
Electronic message center .........22
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................165
Emission control system ..........207
Engine ................................224±225
check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................9
cleaning ...................................217
coolant .....................................179
fail-safe coolant ......................184
Index
242

for children .....................125±126
lap belt ....................................115
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................109
warning light and
chime ...................11, 16, 116±117
Safety seats for children ..........127
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................................107
Seats ..........................................103
child safety seats ....................127
cleaning ...................................219
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ....................................95±97
Servicing your vehicle ..............172
Spark plugs,
specifications .............220, 224±225
Special notice ................................3
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................223±224
Speed control ..............................75
Speedometer ...............................18
Starting your vehicle ........134, 136
jump starting ..........................165
Steering
speed sensitive .......................142
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................74
T
Tires ...........................161, 194±196
changing ..........................161±162
checking the pressure ............196
replacing ..................................197rotating ....................................196
snow tires and chains ............198
tire grades ...............................195
treadwear ................................195
Towing .......................................149
recreational towing .................151
trailer towing ..........................149
wrecker ....................................171
Traction control ..................72, 140
off light ......................................14
Traction-lok rear axle ...............147
Transmission .............................143
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................187
fluid, refill capacities ..............221
lubricant specifications ..223±224
Trip odometer .............................20
Trunk .........................................101
remote release ....................86, 92
Turn signal ............................12, 72
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................225
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................227
Vehicle loading ..........................147
Ventilating your vehicle ...........137
W
Warning chimes ...........................16
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................179
Water, Driving through .............152
Index
246